Hey there! It’s been awhile hasn’t it? Well I figured the perfect time to catch up would be in my favourite post of the year and that is our top 20 albums of the year post. We had a lot of fun doing it last year and we had just as much fun this year. It has been a great year for music. There have been many promising debuts from many extremely talented people along with some incredible albums from some seasoned veterans in the music world. So without further ado, here’s our top 20 albums of the year!

20. Peter Doherty – Grace/Wastelands

Starting us off in the number 20 slot is the infamous Pete Doherty‘s debut solo album, Grace/Wastelands. While Doherty has had his troubles with the law in the past there has been little debate that this man is one hell of a songwriter. His band the Libertines were wildly popular when they were around, as was his other band Babyshambles. Now we get to hear a sort of stripped down version of Doherty that comes as a quite refreshing change from what we have heard in the past. Let’s just hope he can stay out of trouble long enough to give us some more of this stuff.

Pete Doherty – “New Love Grows On Trees”

19. Elvis Perkins in Dearland – Elvis Perkins in Dearland

At number 19 we have Elvis Perkins in Dearland‘s latest, self titled album. His 2007 release, Ash Wednesday was an incredible debut which made you wonder if he would be able to keep it up on his follow up. Well it is safe to say that Perkins hasn’t lost any steam on his latest work. The difference however is that while Ash Wednesday was more or less a solo effort and baring of the soul, this album was created by Perkins along with three other musicians. The results are pretty fantastic however. Perkins also has one of the nicest designs in the Yellow Bird Project catalog. Check it out here.

Elvis Perkins in Dearland – “Shampoo”

18. Chris Garneau – El Radio

Chris Garneau‘s sophomore release, El Radio, shows that while Garneau may have grown as a musician he still knows how to have fun with his music. Songs like “No More Pirates”, “Fireflies”, and “Dirty Night Clowns” lead the way on this truly excellent follow up.

Chris Garneau – “Dirty Night Clown”

17. La Roux – La Roux

Next we have an incredible debut album from UK electro-pop duo La Roux. Led by the lovely and talented Eleanor Jackson on vocals and producer Ben Langmaid this duo has been catapulted into the spotlight in 2009 with their self-titled debut. Take a listen to “Bulletproof” which went to number 1 in the UK.

La Roux – “Bulletproof”

16. Passion Pit – Manners

This one should come as no surprise as Passion Pit has been pretty much all over the place this year. The obsession with Passion Pit started with the release of their debut Chunk of Change EP which provided us with the ultra catchy “Sleepyhead” and continued when they finally came out with their debut album, Manners.

Passion Pit – “Little Secrets”

15. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Here’s another album that should come as no surprise to be on many lists of the top albums of the year. While Phoenix sing in English they are actually a French band from Versailles. The band is made up of Thomas Mars on vocals, Laurent Brancowitz and Christian Mazzalai on guitars, Deck D’Arcy on bass, Robin Coudert on keys and Thomas Hedlund on drums. Together they make some pretty catchy and excitable rock music. Here’s their hit single “Lisztomania” which has not only been conquering charts over in Europe but in North America as well.

Phoenix – “Lisztomania”

14. Little Boots – Hands

While this album hasn’t even technically been released in North America yet, Blackpool, England’s Little Boots is becoming more and more popular by the day. The album was released on June 8th in the UK but wont see the light of day in North America until the new year. It goes without saying that many people in North America have already heard it and love it. This album is a promising start to a career to say the very least. Little Boots is also one of the latest artists to design a t-shirt for YBP. Check it out here.

Little Boots – “Remedy”

13. Lily Allen – It’s Not Me, It’s You

Since this album was released quite early on in the year it’s sort of lost steam popularity wise as the year has progressed. That doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a superb album and by far Allen’s best work to date. To promote the album Allen posted the entire thing from start to finish on her Myspace page for a limited period of time which proved to be a great way to get people excited about the album. Unfortunately, Allen has announced that she will be taking a two year break from making music in the hopes of launching her own record label. Let’s hope it won’t be that long.

Lily Allen – “Not Fair”

12. Regina Spektor – Far

Regina Spektor‘s latest album was released in the summer of 2009 and hasn’t lost steam yet. Spektor has truly proven to be a songwriting machine as this is her 5th full length release in 8 years to go along with a pretty intensive touring schedule. Have a listen to the emotion driven, yet witty “Laughing With” from the album.

Regina Spektor – “Laughing With”

11. Arctic Monkeys – Humbug

Sheffield, England’s Arctic Monkeys are at it again with their latest album, Humbug. But don’t let the album title fool you, this album isn’t a collection of depressing songs that would please Mr. Scrooge himself. Instead this album is a collection of 10 songs (cut down from 24) of the same raw energy and excellent song craft that we have come to know and love from these talented Brits. They aren’t going in any sort of new direction with their music but sometimes that isn’t a bad thing. Here’s a standout track from the album, “Cornerstone”.

Arctic Monkeys – “Cornerstone”

10. Fanfarlo – Reservoir

Next we have the promising debut of another British band that go by the name of Fanfarlo. Well they are technically not all British as lead singer and multi-instrumentalist Simon Balthazar is actually of Swedish decent, but to make things easier let’s just say they are a group of talented musicians who have come together as Fanfarlo and have created one of the best albums of the year, entitled Reservoir.

Fanfarlo – “Harold T. Wilkins”

9. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!

Karen O and her band the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have really gone the extra mile with their latest album, It’s Blitz! Their first two releases were popular enough, but their latest has the band sounding tighter than ever before. The album was produced by Nick Launay (Nick Cave, Arcade Fire), with help from TV On The Radio member and longtime friend of Karen O, Dave Sitek. Here’s the irresistible “Heads Will Roll” from the album.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs – “Heads Will Roll”

8. Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More

At number 8 we have an album that we have been waiting for for quite a long time. That is the debut LP from London, England’s Mumford & Sons. After seeing them live two years ago at Montreal’s Pop Montreal festival opening for their friend Laura Marling, we knew right away that these guys were going to be big. Well after the release of three EPs, they have finally put out their debut LP, entitled Sigh No More. The album is everything we expected and more, with that same raw folk sound that they bring to their exceptional live performances along with a sort of endearing quality that permeates through every song. Have a listen to “The Cave” from the album.

Mumford and Suns – “The Cave”

7. Antony & The Johnsons – Crying Light

Does anyone have any idea what Antony Hegarty means when he sings “Epilepsy is Dancing”? I sure don’t. But isn’t that what makes Antony & The Johnsons so great? I challenge you to find another individual as odd and uniquely talented as pianist and singer Antony Hegarty. Over the years he has provided us with some of the most melancholy, yet utterly beautiful songs around and he continues this trend with grace on his latest LP, The Crying Light.

Antony – “Epilepsy is Dancing”

6. Julian Casablancas – Phrazes for the Young

At number 6 we have lead Strokes member Julian Casablancas‘ debut solo album, Phrazes For The Young. While Casablancas is more or less the last Stroke to release a solo album, it may just be the best of the lot. While there is a definite Strokes sound to a few of the songs on the album, Casablancas delves into some other genres of music that he perhaps hasn’t really had a chance to work with in the past. There’s some electronica, there’s some blues and then there’s some of that good old fashioned grungy rock and roll that Casablancas has perfected over the years.

Julian Casablancas – “11th Dimension”

5. Girls – Album

This album pretty much came out of nowhere this year, to grab a spot as the number 5 album of the year. There isn’t much to go on just looking at the album cover. Okay…the band is called Girls, and the album is called…well, Album. But once you get into it you find a true gem of an album. On the surface you hear some fuzzy, grungy punk rock, led by the awkward vocals of lead singer Christopher Owens, but once you listen on a deeper level you find an overwhelming sense of innocence in the music and lyrics. For example, on “Hellhole Ratrace” Owens sings, “I dont wanna cry my whole life through, yeah I wanna do some laughing too, so come on come on come on come on and laugh with me”. Or on the album’s opening track “Lust For Life” when he sings, “Oh I wish I had a suntan, I wish I had a pizza and a bottle of wine. Oh I wish I had a beach house, then we could make a big fire every night”.

Girls – “Lust For Life”

4. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Up From Below

Remember Ima Robot? Well if you don’t it may be for the best because lead Ima Robot member Alex Ebert’s new band Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros is all you need to hear. Perhaps at one point Ebert woke up and decided I no longer want to make psychotic electro-pop but I’d rather grow a beard and make some epic orchestral folk songs and play those instead. Whatever happened to Ebert we are glad it did because his latest album with his new band, Up From Below, is simply stunning.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – “Home”

3. Röyksopp – Junior

Röyksopp‘s latest album Junior has this Norweigan duo having more fun than they have ever had before. While their previous efforts have been more on the melancholy, emotional side, their latest album is poppy, dancy and just a whole lot of fun. With the help of Lykki Li, Robyn and Karin Dreijer Andersson (The Knife, Fever Ray) they have put together one of the most exciting albums of the year and one guaranteed to elicit repeated listens. Stay tuned for the follow up to this one, aptly titled Senior, which will be released sometime in the new year.

Röyksopp – “Vision One”

2. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion

Ranking in at number 2 is Animal Collective‘s latest album, Merriweather Post Pavilion. This was a tough album to put at number two simply because of how good it is and how worthy it is of the number 1 spot. Perhaps if there was such thing as a tie for best album of the year this would be in it, but since ties are like kissing your sister, we had to make a tough choice, and here it is. With every album Animal Collective put out it seems as if this is as good as it’s going to get. Yet time after time their new releases blow us off of our feet. Here’s the outstanding “My Girls” from the album.

Animal Collective – “My Girls”

1. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest

Surprise Surprise! Our top album of 2009 is Brooklyn, New York’s Grizzly Bear‘s latest LP, Veckatimest. The album is pretty much perfect from the opening bars of “Southern Point” until the very end of the solemn “Foreground”. It must be hard for a band to deliver when it has such high expectations but I think it’s fair to say that this time around Droste and co. have matched and perhaps even exceeded expectations with this one. It also just so happens that Grizzly Bear is one of the latest band’s to design a t-shirt for YBP so be sure to check out their awesome design for a great cause.

Grizzly Bear – “While You Wait for the Others”

So there you have it! Another year is gone and left us with a whole pile of amazing albums. If 2010 is anywhere near as good for music as 2009 was we are all in for a treat. See you in the new year! May it be a prosperous and happy one for all.

If you are one of the many people that enjoy the use of Spotify, please click here to access our Spotify playlist of our top albums of the year.

On October 16th we will finally be able to immerse ourselves in the magical world that Maurice Sendak has created and Spike Jonze has adapted into a feature length film. That’s right, next Friday is the day that Where The Wild Things Are comes out in theaters. You have no doubt by now seen the incredible trailer for the movie, but did you also know that the entire score was written by none other than Yeah Yeah Yeah’s frontwoman Karen O? Along with a few friends from Dearhunter, The Dead Weather and The Raconteurs, Karen O has put together what sounds like the most perfect collection of songs possible for the film. The soundtrack has actually already been released so if you haven’t heard it yet you should really pick it up. Have a listen to this lovely little song from the movie:

Karen O and the Kids – “All Is Love”

-The Middle Distance Runner

Greetings Yellow Birds,

This is your friendly neighbourhood Middle Distance Runner here to tell about something pretty excellent. Baeble Music, which is a site that primarily films concerts and puts them up on the net for everyone to see free of charge, also has a pretty excellent blog. For awhile now, I have been making these weekly mixtapes for them in a series called T.G.I.Mixtape, on which I showcase some of the hottest new tracks in the indie music world as well as some older stuff as well. This week, on the 28th volume in the series I have put together an extra special YBP edition, full of amazing songs by bands that have been involved in The Yellow Bird Project. It doesn’t get any better than this people! We’ve got Stars, Of Montreal, The National, k-os featuring Murray Lightburn from the Dears and much more! So head on over to Baeble to have yourself a listen to some quality tracks by some of our favourite artists.

Click here to listen to the mixtape.

Here is the full track list in case we haven’t already convinced you:

1. Stars – Division (B-Side from In Our Bedroom After The War)

2. Of Montreal – “Alter Eagle” (From ID Engager Single)

3. Uninhabitable Mansions – “Do You Have A Strategy?” (featuring members of CYHSY and Au Revoir Simone)

4. Broken Social Scene – “Needle In The Head”

5. k-os (feat. Murray Lightburn and Emily Haines) – “Uptown Girl”

6. Holly Throsby – “A Heart Divided”

7. Elvis Perkins In Dearland – “Slow Doomsday”

8. The National (feat. St Vincent) – “Sleep All Summer” (Crooked Fingers Cover)

9. King Creosote – “Camels Swapped For Wives”

10. The Tallest Man On Earth – “A Field Of Birds”

Now listen.

In honour of Of Montreal‘s newly designed (and might I say quite fetching) new T-shirt, designed exclusively for the Yellow Bird Project, here is an intimate acoustic performance of “An Eluardian Instance” one of our favourite tracks from their latest album, Skeletal Lamping. The song is performed by lead band member Kevin Barnes on Balcony TV, a music site where artists perform their songs on balconies around the world. Pretty neat idea if you ask me. So here it is, enjoy!

-The Middle Distance Runner

Hey there…long time no see!

I hope your summer is off to a great start and that you have been finding time to enjoy the beautiful weather. And what goes better with nice weather better than sweet sweet music? I know It’s been awhile, but I have returned because I have been discovering so many great bands lately and I really hate keeping great music to myself. So today I would like to introduce you to three lovely new artists that deserve to be known by all.

Anna Ternheim

Firstly, we have a wonderful Swedish singer/songwriter who goes by the name of Anna Ternheim. I can’t really say she’s a new artist because she has been writing songs for over 10 years now, but she’s new to me, and I really can’t get enough of her sweet folky goodness. I always feel sort of bad when I find out about someone new who has been putting out music for years as Anna has, but in this case it’s better late than never. She released two albums in 2008, one called Halfway to Fivepoints and one called Leaving on a Mayday. Here we have a song from each. Prepare to fall in love.

Anna Ternheim – “To Be Gone” (from Halfway to Fivepoints)

Anna Ternheim – “What Have I Done” (from Leaving on a Mayday)

Alessi’s Ark

It’s no secret that here at YBP we are pretty obsessed with English teenage singer/songwriter sensation Laura Marling. Now, there’s no point in comparing but 18 year old Alessi Laurent-Marke (who goes by the name of Alessi’s Ark) is following quite nicely in Miss Marlings footsteps. They are both British, both under the age of 20 and both put together some incredibly beautiful folk ballads. Alessi seems to have a little more flair for the orchestral side of things, making her music more comparable to someone like Joanna Newsom than Marling herself. Here’s a couple of tracks from the youngster’s debut album with the fitting title of Notes From The Treehouse.

Alessi’s Ark – “The Horse”

Alessi’s Ark – “Magic Weather”

Choir Of Young Believers

I am seriously loving this band right now. They call themselves The Choir of Young Believers and they are from Denmark. To me their music kind of sounds like a more dramatic and orchestral Fleet Foxes, although the only reason I compare them to Fleet Foxes is because of lead singer Jannis Noya Makrigiannis’ vocal similarity to Robin Pecknold. Other than that, they have more in common with bands like The Arcade Fire and Loney Dear. Here are two tracks from their debut full length, This Is For The White In Your Eyes.

Choir of Young Believers – “Hollow Talk”

Choir of Young Believers – “Action Reaction”

So what have you guys been listening to lately? We’d love some new music recommendations so please do share!

-The Middle Distance Runner

Well hello there!

Even though the weather over here in New York City isn’t very pretty, there is still a feeling that Summer is imminent. The rain may be falling pretty heavily, yet there seems to be a little bit of warmth pushing through. I couldn’t be more excited to ring in Summer; a time of warm weather, swimming pools, barebcues and other forms of merrymaking. So in celebration of a summer that seems only days away let’s listen to some music! Today we have a tribute to some of my favourite covers. Some old, some new…all lovely. I really could have gone on forever with this list, but I managed to shorten it to just a few of my all time faves. Please enjoy!

“Failsafe” (Written by A.C. Newman in 2007)

The Choir Practice is a group of Canadians who need no more than the vocal chords of their members to create music (must make touring easier). On their debut self titled album, they have a bunch of cool A capella songs, most of which were written by lead member, Coco Culbertson. But I came across this little cover of The New Pornographers’ “Failsafe” that I thought I would share with you.

The New Pornographers – Failsafe (Original Version)

The Choir Practice – Failsafe (Cover)

“Some Things Last A Long Time” (Written by Daniel Johnston in 1990)

People love to cover Daniel Johnston don’t they? I guess his songs leave a lot of room for expansion and interpretation, and that is exactly what Beach House have done on their cover of “Some Things Last A Long Time”. Well at least they covered a song other than “True Love Will Find You in the End”.

Daniel Johnston – Some Things Last A Long Time (Original Version)

Beach House – Some Things Last A Long Time (Cover)

“Turpin Hero” (Traditional Folk Song)

I’m pretty sure Shirley Collins didn’t write this song but her version is the earliest I could find so I will say it is original enough. While the Shirley Collins version is great on its own, listen to these lovely covers done by Colin Meloy of The Decemberists, and The Owl Service.

Shirley Collins – Turpin Hero (1959)

The Owl Service – Turpin Hero (Cover)

Colin Meloy – Turpin Hero (Cover)

“Know Your Onion!” (Written by James Mercer in 2001)

This one is sort of old news, but since it is one of my favourite covers I thought I would include it. I also think it’s kind of funny that of Montreal covered The Shins. I wouldn’t expect to see Kevin Barnes and co. covering The Shins at any of their shows nowadays but it’s cool to think that there was a time when they would have. And since this is an old song, I chose a picture a picture of the band from before their transformation into what they are today.

The Shins – Know Your Onion! (Original Version)

Of Montreal – Know Yours Onion! (Cover)

“Fairytale of New York” (Written by Jem Finer & Shane MacGowan in 1987)

This one is also not that new but it is one of my favourite covers ever. It’s just such an amazing song to begin with but I simply love the Stars version.

The Pogues – Fairytale of New York (Original Version)

Stars – Fairtytale of New York (Cover)

“Half a Person” (Written by Johnny Marr & Morrissey in 1986)

When I was listening to The Welcome Wagon’s debut album for the first time and their version of “Half a Person” came on I thought to myself, “I know I have heard this somewhere before”. It wasn’t until I looked up the title on my Itunes and two songs came up, one by The Smiths that I realized where. And what a beautiful job they do with it indeed.

The Smiths – Half a Person (Original Version)

The Welcome Wagon – Half a Person (Cover)

“26 Miles” (Written by Bruce Belland & Glen Larson in 1958)

This isn’t exactly an amazing cover. But just the fact that Dent May decided to cover this song makes it amazing. I listened to a lot of stuff like this growing up (The Four Preps, The Four Seasons etc), so when I heard this cover on Dent May’s album I just burst out laughing. I really love this guy. Anyone who writes an ode to Michael Chang is okay in my book.

The Four Preps – 26 Miles (Original Version)

Dent May & His Magnificent Ukelele – 26 Miles (Santa Catalina) (Cover)

“What’ll I Do” (Written by Irving Berlin in 1924)

Rufus Wainwright is like the king of the cover. I think I have more covers by him than anyone else. The scales are sort of tipped in his favor considering I have his album comprised entirely of Judy Garland covers. Nevertheless, this cover of “What’ll I Do” is perhaps my favourite. The song was written by Irving Berlin is 1924 and has been covered by many but I thought these two versions were a good representation.

Harry Nillson – What’ll I Do (1973)

Rufus Wainwright (Featuring Kate & Anna McGariggle) – What’ll I Do (Cover)
Well now that you know some of my favourite covers, what are some of yours?

-The Middle Distance Runner

Tweet,

How are you friend? I hope your days of late have been as music filled as mine. Do you ever pretend that your life is a movie and that the music you listen to is the soundtrack? It’s pretty fun, you should try it. You know when your walking somewhere or doing something and the perfect song comes on in your headphones and it makes you smile? Has this ever happened to you or am I just crazy? Either way, there is so much good music out there these days and I hope whatever you are listening to it is making your days just a little bit nicer. Here are some of the bands/artists that I’ve been listening to lately. I hope you like them…

Maia Hirasawa

I found out about Maia Hirasawa on one of my random internet roaming sessions. I don’t know much about her except that she is Swedish-Japanese and that makes some beautiful and catchy songs that I like to listen to. Take a listen:

Maia Hirasawa – Mattis & Maia

Cotton Jones

Cotton Jones is the new project of two former members of the disbanded Page France. The project is pretty much all Michael Nau, but Whitney McGraw also plays a big role in making this band sound as good as it does. If your in the mood for something on the mellow side; something to listen to on a stroll through the park; something to listen to to take the edge off, then Cotton Jones is for you. Their album is called Paranoid Cocoon and it’s out now. Go pick yourself up a copy, you won’t regret it.

Cotton Jones – Gone The Bells

Mirah

Mirah! She has finally come to back to us. It seems like forever since we had new music from her. I have heard her new album, (a)spera, and let me tell you, it is absolutely wonderful. It’s as if she gets better with every album she releases. I love Mirah because she reminds me of the first time I went to France. I listened to her album, You Think It’s Like This But Really It’s Like This every night to put me to sleep. I was in my mid-teens and alone in a foreign land for the first time in my life and Mirah made me feel less alone. She will always have a special place in my heart. Ok, enough of that sappy shit, here’s the music!

Mirah – The Forest

Apes & Androids

Looking for something a little different? I’m completely obsessed with this NYC band. I have no idea where they got their band name but for some reason it seems quite fitting with their style of music. What exactly that style of music is is hard to say. For some reason terms like ‘dance’ or ‘electronica’ just don’t seem to fit. The only way to really know what I’m talking about is to listen to them. And while I’ve never seen them live, I’ve heard their live show is completely insane. So check them out…you’ll be glad you did.

Apes & Androids – Nights of the Week

CocoRosie

I have known about these two sisters for awhile. It took me awhile to get into them but after hearing their newest album, The Adventures Of Ghosthorse & Stillborn, I became thoroughly obsessed. I haven’t been hearing much about them lately but I know they are working on a new album. If you go to their myspace page you can listen to a song from it called “God Has A Voice, She Speaks Through Me”. I must admit it’s pretty special.

CocoRosie – Rainbowarriors

That’s all for this week. What’s been livening up your life lately? The new Andrew Bird CD? How about the new Antony & the Johnsons CD? Or have you just been listening to “Help I’m Alive“, in hungry anticipation for the next Metric album? Whatever it is, just do me a favour and keep on listening.

-The Middle Distance Runner

Hey there, long time no speak!

I know I haven’t been around much lately. It is partly due to applying to grad school and partly due to this new music website I have been working with. The site is called Baeblemusic and what they do is videotape entire concerts from amazing bands that we all know and love, like Dr. Dog, Lykke Li and Au Revoir Simone, and then show them on their site. They also have some interesting editorial content, such as album reviews, show reviews and music news. That’s where I come in. Please stop in and take a look when you have a chance. Now that you know where I’ve been, let’s get to the important stuff…like what I’ve been listening to. Right now I have more new music than I can possibly listen to. Some of it is just okay, but most of it is really really good. In the coming weeks I will be telling you all about this new music. But for now, take a look at my 5 albums of the week.

1. The Macrotones – Wayne Manor

I have been listening to this wonderful debut album by Boston, Massachusetts’ The Macrotones. Their music is all instrumental, and very funky, complete with jazzy horn section and irresistible percussion. This album often reminds me of the soundtrack to a spy movie. There is an inquisitive nature behind each of these songs that keeps the listener on their toes throughout the twists and turns of each song. “Hitchin’ to Bristol” is my favourite song on the album. The horn section just sweeps you off your feet when you would least expect it to. And listen to the insane percussion solo halfway through the song “Clave Fury”. A really interesting band that I definiately think you should check out if you are in the mood for something a little more on the jazzy side.

The Macrotones – Hitchin to Bristol

The Macrotones – Clave Fury

2. Photons – Photons EP

I am absolutely loving this debut EP from San Francisco, California’s Photons. I remember when I heard Tokyo Police Club’s first EP I became completely obsessed with the band. The same sort of relationship is developing with Photons and I. This 6 song EP is the bands first release and I have been listening to it over and over again and I’m still not sick of it, which is a good sign. I can’t wait to hear what will come next from these guys. I have a feeling 2009 will be a good year for the band.

Photons – This Must Be Love

3. Antony & the Johnsons – The Crying Light

As a big Antony fan I have been patiently awaiting this album’s release for a long time now. Has it met my expectations? Well I haven’t gone through it enough times to really know, but I have a feeling I will come to really love this album once I get through it a few more times. For one thing, I’m happy that, while Hercules & Love Affair is a wonderful little project, Antony is back in his element. In my opinion he makes his best music when he is alone with his piano.

Antony & the Johnsons – Epilepsy is Dancing

4. Loney, Dear – Dear John

This guy is my new obsession. What I can’t believe is how long he’s been around without me knowing about him. His latest album, which was released on the 16th, is his 5th album, most of which have been self-released. His last two however were released by Sub Pop and Polyvinyl. I guess it was only a matter of time before he was discovered. I’m still getting to know the album, but so far what I have heard is stellar. “Airport Surroundings” is one of the most addictive songs I have heard in a long time. And if you are going to see Andrew Bird on his upcoming tour, make sure to get there early because Loney, Dear is opening on all of his dates.

Loney, Dear – Airport Surroundings

5. Sweet Mother Logic – Ascension Island EP

Do you love the cello as much as I do? If so you will love Sweet Mother Logic. I’d like to thank Cory K for introducing me to this lovely Montreal quintet. Led by cellists Justin Wright and Jean-Pascal Saint-Cyr, this band melds together many different styles of music to create their own, unique sound. The results are pretty sweet, to say the least.

Sweet Mother Logic – Ascension Island

What’s been on repeat for you lately?

-The Middle Distance Runner

In the second installment of my “Best of 2008″ series, I will be unveiling my top songs of the year. Just to warn you, this is a list of my most listened to songs. It’s not a list of what I think were my favourites throughout the year. Also, I only put one song by each band or artist. If I didn’t do this the list would be almost exclusively Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver. Other than that there aren’t really many surprises except for a few bands here and there where I thought to myself, “wow did I really listen to them that much?” Anyways, without further ado, here are my favourite 20 songs of 2008:

20. Stars – The Night Starts Here

I remember first hearing this song while in London. I was immediately addicted. It quickly became the song of the trip. By the way, have you heard Stars’ new EP called the Sad Robots EP? It was number 3 on my list of the top 5 EPs of 2008. You should really check it out.

19. Laura Marling – Cross Your Fingers

If you don’t know who Laura Marling is yet than you are really missing out on one of the top new artists of the year. She writes some of the most beautiful songs, and she is only 18 years old. Unbelievable talent.

18. Hot Chip – Ready for the Floor

This is my favourite song from Hot Chip’s new album, Made in the Dark. I don’t know if the album as a whole will stand up to their amazing previous album, The Warning, but it is nevertheless pretty damn good.

17. Chairlift – Bruises

This song is just catchy as hell. Every time I see that Itunes ad, the song stays in my head for the rest of the day. The rest of the album isn’t bad either. It’s called Does You Inspire You. Give it a listen.

Chairlift – Bruises

16. Plants & Animals – Bye Bye Bye

This one is by my fellow Montrealers, Plants & Animals. I absolutely love their debut album, Parc Avenue, which was nominated, but didn’t win the Polaris Music Prize. Have you seen their performance on Pitchfork TV’s “Don’t Look Down”? Check it out here.

15. The Hush Sound – Break The Sky

I don’t know if anybody knows about them, but I love them. Catchy tunes, singer with an outstanding voice, what more do you need?

The Hush Sound – Break The Sky

14. Horse Feathers – This is What

I became obsessed with this band for a good 2 months. Haven’t really listened much to them since then, but I still consider this one of my favourite songs of the year.

Horse Feathers – This is What

13. Dr. Dog – The Old Days

How can you not love this song? The whole album is amazing, but this was definitely my favourite and most listened to track on it. Check out this awesome performance:

12. Miniature Tigers – Hot Venom

I recently got into this band. They are really poppy and catchy as hell, and I love every minute of it. This song is a cute little ditty about falling in love….and venom.

Miniature Tigers – Hot Venom

11. Man Man – Top Drawer

How insane is Rabbits Habbits? Without a doubt one of my favourite albums of the year. This song is tied with “Mister Jung Stuffed” for most listened to song on the album. I was lucky enough to see them play live with Yeasayer opening. Yeasayer was just ok. Man Man was INCREDIBLE. One of the best live shows I have ever seen. If you get a chance to see these guys live, please do so. You won’t regret it.

Man Man – Top Drawer

10. Islands – Pieces of You

My favourite song on the new Islands album, Arm’s Way. Love the strings.

Islands – Pieces of You

9. The Dears – Money Babies

This song, along with “Demons” and “Lights Off” are my favourite songs from the new Dears album, MISSILES. I think it actually may be my favourite Dears album to date. Have you heard about the new Dears band members? Pretty talented company.

8. Vampire Weekend – Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

I really could have picked any song from Vampire Weekend’s stellar self-titled debut album, but I think this just might be my fave. Afro-poppy goodness!

7. Tokyo Police Club – Graves

To be honest, I liked Tokyo Police Club more before they released their debut album, Elephant Shell. The album, does have some goodies though. And they’re Canadian, so they get extra points.

6. The Dodos – The Season

This song is just completely ridiculous. I was lucky enough to see the Dodos play it live at Sala Rossa in Montreal a few months ago and it completely blew me away. It is arguably the best single song I have ever seen played live. You can’t really get the same feel from watching a video, but hopefully this will give you an idea:

5. Pete & The Pirates – Bears

Awesome song by some talented Britts called Pete & the Pirates.

Pete & The Pirates – Bears

4. Pinback – How We Breathe

I love Pinback and everything they have ever done. It’s kind of weird how they are a completely different band live, but I still love them. This is the song I have listened to most off of their new album, Autumn of the Seraphs.

Pinback – How We Breathe

3. Born Ruffians – Little Garcon

I don’t know what it is but this song has a certain charm that just grabs me. By far my favourite song on Born Ruffians’ excellent debut LP, Red, Yellow & Blue.

Born Ruffians – Little Garcon

2. Bon Iver – Flume

This song could have easily been my song of the year. I got to see Bon Iver play in Montreal a few months ago and wow what a show. And lucky me, I’m seeing them play again on Thursday, this time in New York City, with the Tallest Man on Earth opening.

1. Fleet Foxes – Mykonos

But of course the best song of the year is by Fleet Foxes. So far they are 2 for 2 in my “Tops of 2008″ lists. Their Sun Giant EP is my EP of the year, and now “Mykonos” wins for song of the year. Will they sweep the board with the best album of the year? Stay tuned to find out.

Now that you know mine…what are your favourite songs of the year?

Until next week…

-The Middle Distance Runner

Well folks, the year is winding down once again. I feel like just a few months ago we were ringing in 2008, but the truth is that another year has passed us by. This will be my first post in a series of posts celebrating “The Best of 2008″. To start off the series, I’d like to talk about my favourite EPs of the year. There have been quite a few EPs released this year to keep us going while we await new full lengths from our favourite artists. Artists such as Andrew Bird, Final Fantasy, The Decemberists, Antony & the Johnsons, Animal Collective and Coldplay have all released EPs this year. Some have been better than others, but they have mostly been solid. So here is my list of the Best EPs of 2008:

5. Animal Collective – Water Curses EP

Starting out the list is Animal Collective’s Water Curses EP. The first two songs on the 4 song EP are amazing and the last two are just so so, but what makes this EP so special is the title track of the EP, “Water Curses”. This song is among my favourite all-time Animal Collective songs. They could have just put out the EP with this being the only song on it and I would still consider it a great success. I may be building this song up too much. You’re probably going to listen to it and be like…”Ok it’s not that good”. So forget what I just said. This EP is terrible. “Water Curses”? Awful, Awful song….

Animal Collective – Water Curses

Animal Collective Myspace

4. Andrew Bird – Soldier On EP

Next we have the brilliant multi-instrumentalist/whistler extraordinaire, who is back with this excellent little EP to tide us over until his next full length album, which will be entitled Noble Beasts and is slated for a January 27th, 2009 release. I have this feeling that nothing Andrew Bird puts his hands on can turn out bad. I have loved pretty much everything I have ever heard from him and this EP is no exception. “The Water Jet Cilice” is pure beauty in song. Check it out.

Andrew Bird – The Water Jet Cilice

Andrew Bird Myspace

3. Stars – Sad Robots EP

I absolutely love this EP. Stars have always brought the drama and this EP is no different. It is comprised of 5 new songs and a new live version of the Stars classic, “Going Going Gone”. I was also lucky enough to be able to see Stars perform some of the songs from this EP live in New York City a few months ago. I am really eager to hear what the next Stars album will sound like. I really hope it goes in the same direction as this excellent EP.

Stars – Undertow

Stars’ Myspace

2. The Decemberists – Always the Bridesmaid (A Singles Series) EPs

This is a series of 3 EP’s of odds and ends that obviously wouldn’t fit on the new album that the Decemberists are working on entitled Hazards of Love, which will be released in March 2009. Colin Meloy has always been a fan of the EP, releasing a number of them before this one, including his Colin Meloy SIngs series, in which he covered songs of Morrissey, Shirley Collins and Sam Cooke on three EPs. This series of EPs is quite spectacular if you ask me. I really like every song on them. My favourites would have to be “A Record Year” off of Volume 3, and the cover of the Velvet Underground’s “I’m Sticking With You” off of Volume 2. Valerie Plame is also a pretty awesome song. You can find that one of the first volume.

The Decemberists – Record Year

The Decemberists Myspace

1. Fleet Foxes – Sun Giant EP

And the winner is….of course! This one’s a shoo-in. Just an amazing EP from start to finish. “Mykonos” is still arguably my favourite Fleet Foxes song period. It looks like Fleet Foxes are going to clean up this year in most of the “Best of 2008″ lists. Check in soon to see if they top the list of best song of the year, or best album of the year.

Fleet Foxes – Sun Giant

Fleet Foxes Myspace

Honorable mention goes to the Another World EP by Antony & the Johnsons, the Plays to Please EP by Final Fantasy, and the No Way Down EP by Air France.

So Fleet Foxes take best EP of the year…what a surprise. These guys are just amazing. I really hope they keep it up on whatever they decide to release next. The next thing I’m working on is my list of the top songs of the year. After that I will reveal my list of the top 20 albums of the year. It’s actually quite fun to look back and see what you really listened to a lot of during the year. You should do it too.

What are your favourite EPs of the year?

Until next week…

-The Middle Distance Runner