Comments on: 2008 A Look Back and Thoughts Ahead 2009

By: speakerghost

speakerghost — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:11:13 +0000

bravo, comrade! all the points you’ve made resonate deeply. currently, music is hellbent on the road toward mediocrity, and if nothing is said about it, then nothing will be done about it. your not a snob! it truly takes courage to stand up and call it like you see it, and the way i see it is that something’s gotta give and real soon. let’s hope so!

By: michael

michael — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:48:44 +0000

crabby, yes. senile, i hope the hell not.
I love my iPod as well, but it’s no substitution (I like the t-shirts)
Now it’s out of my system, I have a positive and open outlook for 2009.

By: RayRay

RayRay — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:13:51 +0000

Dang Mike, you’re gettin all senile on me…

I do think we are living in an age with too many idiots who think starting a band is a good idea. From that, we get all kinds of crappy hype bands like Animal Collective & Panda Bear who are doing something so different and weird it’s not even music to me anymore. Everyone wants to jump on board to be the next one crowning them Gods.

On venues – I think it just depends on where you go. I still think Emo’s does it right. Not as many people there talking loudly like fools. I love Mohawk, but it seems to be becoming more of a place to be seen rather than enjoying music.

You know how I feel about listening to recordings the whole way through. I’m an ipod owner and love it, but it is also causing the downfall of popular music.

By: michael

michael — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:06:06 +0000

dave-

I’m sure a lot of folks might agree with you on the 2007 vs 2008. It could be a case of temporary burnout while trying to understand some of the music that seemed to dominate 2008.

Here’s to 2009! It’s gonna be a great one.

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:38:58 +0000

I actually thought 2008 was excellent for new music…certainly much better than 2007 was, in my opinion. I’d agree with several of your highlights (most notably Dead Confederate and Shearwater) and lowlights (most notably the Backyard and the AMH).

Other highlights for me in 2008 included:
- Ghostland Observatory’s CD release show at the AMH, particularly when they brought out the Longhorn Band for a song.
- Tom Waits in Houston
- The vinyl rerelease(s) of A Senile Animal by the Melvins
- The bi-weekly newsletters from San Francisco’s outstanding Aquarius Records (blatant advertising from a satisfied customer)

Disappointments in 2008:
- Widespread Panic’s latest CD just did absolutely nothing for me. Considering how much I’ve enjoyed them over the years, it was shocking how disappointed I was with their release.
- Japan Nite at SXSW. I enjoyed it in 2006, kinda liked it in 2007, but did not appreciate it in 2008.

I’m with you in my interest to see what happens with some of our local talent. I’m always interested in hearing new local bands, so please do continue to post when you hear something new that you like.

My favorite records of 2008:
http://www.last.fm/user/dave-tx/journal/2009/01/05/2dk68r_my_personal_favorites_from_2008

My favorite concerts of 2008:
http://www.last.fm/user/dave-tx/journal/2009/01/05/2dknqk_my_top_concerts_for_2008