Forward Thinking

18 December 2007

I am, of course, going to be utterly predictable and do a Top 20 countdown of this years music (although not as separate posts like last year – boy did that get tedious…). I’m also going to do the obvious and have a Tips for 2008 post as well but I’m going to twist it all around by doing that one first!

I know. I’m crazy. (It’s why you keep on reading)

So, in no particular order…

Adele
I almost didn’t mention her, to be honest, as I’ve never seen a surer thing going into the new year. As I’ve mentioned about a million times already, she’s utterly amazing and deserves all the success that I’m sure she’s going to get.

Pete and the Pirates
Lovely “proper” indie music. While not the most original thing in the world, they make me happy and that’s probably all that matters, isn’t it?

Vampire Weekend
Quite frankly, these guys are already a shoe-in for the top 20 of 2008; their debut album is just stunning. Different, individual and refreshing.

Does it offend you, yeah?
Obviously no one has told DIOYY that new rave is like, totally over man but quite frankly I couldn’t care less; they rock, plain and simple.

Late of the Pier
Not a million miles away from DIOYY, but they’re going of in a really interesting slightly Pink Floyd-esc direction which has me really intrigued. “Heartbeat, Flicker, Line” was one of my favourite tracks of the year so I expect a lot from their forthcoming album.

Foals
Along with Vampire Weekend and Adele these guys are a forgone conclusion. I really like the slightly different direction that they’re moving in with latest single “Balloons” (mmm, horns) and although I think it could lose them so record sales as it’s probably less commercial I think musical it could well be far more interesting then an album of “Hummer”s.

Let’s Wrestle
You’ve got to love the precocious kids, and Let’s Wrestle certainly fit the bill. To be honest I think it still might be a bit early for them, but look for something fun from these guys near the end of next year.

Fanfarlo
Every time I hear a Fanfarlo track come up on shuffle on my iPod a can’t help but smile. Hints of things like Arcade Fire and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, but fun-er-rer.

Cajun Dance Party
I’ve talked about these guys before as well, and they’re one of the most exciting bands I’ve seen this year. In Robbie they have the best new guitarist playing in the UK right now, and I really hope they produce an album that capitalises on it.

Damn Shames
So, these guys are even further back along the path then Let’s Wrestle, and there’s no doubt 2008 isn’t going to be “their year” but it’s going to happen for these guys, baring band split ups and the like. Their current (and only, so far) single is really something special, as is the video (bears! With knives!):

From: Articles

18 December 2007