We woke up in the morning to the heart-rending news, as I rushed to make Noor’s pediatrician appointment on time, my mind not quite here. Jan 07 ’09, Gaza.

” Beginning of 2009. Best of 2008. ”

01. Elbow - Mirrorball
The Seldom Seen Kid (2008)
02. Jenny Lewis – Pretty Bird
Acid Tongue (2008)
03. THE KILLS – Tape Song
Midnight Boom (Domino, 2008)
04. the Black Keys – Strange Times
Attack & Release (2008)
05. Foals – Big Big Love (Fig. 2)
Antidotes (Sub Pop, 2008)
06. The Gaslight Anthem – Here’s Looking At You, Kid
The ’59 Sound (Side One Dummy, 2008)
07. Deerhunter – Nothing Ever Happened
Microcastle (Kranky, 2008)
08. Okkervil River – On Tour With Zykos
The Stand Ins (Jagjaguwar, 2008)
09. Sigur Rós – Góðan daginn
Með suð í eyrum við spilum end (2008)

note: In the past two years I made end of years & new year pair lists. One to remember the year, another to aim for what next. But I couldn’t build a list that I like this year. I have two that I don’t know what to make of it. So i’ll jsut post what I have. Here is one, base on Hypem 2008 best album group list. Originally I wanted it unemotional, cinematic and as a matter of factly noting what has happen, in detaches but beautiful way. But the list simply wouldn’t give up and voicing itself in strangely sweet almost melancholic melodies. Not somber or sad, beautiful in fact, but very measured. As if anticipating the new year cautiously upon looking back. Largely post-rock texture with tight pop-rock melody sit on top of it. Several singer songwriters from 2007, and of course the usual suspect of art rock. (shoegazers, slow-core, etc) Maybe this is the mood that I want to post? You’d be the judge. Any favorite musical impression you hear in 2008?

see also : Almost Elegant No.4c – 2007, Moka’s Top 10 Albums 2008, Bubbachups top 10 albums 2008,

image: Jil Sander F/W 2008