Ryan's best of 2008 (or Jacob mostly stole this from me)

Well, here it is. After a semester of being way too busy to write here (and too busy to write in my other blog very much), I present to you my best of 2008 list.

Top five albums/EPs:

5. Electric Arguments by The Fireman

The Fireman is a "band" comprised of Paul McCartney and the producer Youth. Ten years ago, the made the second of two trance/dance albums (I've listened to parts of the first one, and I thought it was pretty awful). However, this album actually features the (highly edited) voice of Paul, and it runs a wide gamut of genres, starting with blues, going into folk/pop styles and ending on a muted bit of psychedelia. Yes, it's uneven, but it's still good and a nice surprise from the end of 2008.
Standout tracks: Nothing Too Much Just Out of Sight; Universal Here, Everlasting Now; Don't Stop Running

4. The Bird and the Bee Sides by Relient k

While much of this EP/double album/whatever it is falls into the "forgettable" category, parts of it also showcase the unique talents of a band that is simultaneously over and underrated. The release indicates the continuing progression of the band from pop/punk towards straight powerpop, but it's still an enjoyable listen. The second half also includes a large helping of B-sides sure to delight fans of RK's older work.
Standout tracks: The Last, The Lost, The Least; The Scene and Herd; Curl Up and Die; The Stenographer

3. Narrow Stairs by Death Cab for Cutie

It's a bit uneven and it's not as good as Plans (but-it's-better-than-Transatlantism-suck-on-that-haters!), but Death Cab managed to make a profoundly different album. The theme on this album is one of indie rockers who finally hit the big time and realized that their nuanced melancholy still hasn't gone away. This is a band searching for meaning in life, places and relationships. While I hope they find meaning in what really counts (John 3:16), they have made a haunting album.
Standout tracks: Bixby Canyon Bridge, Cath, Twin Sized Bed, The Ice is Getting Thinner

2. Keep Color by The Republic Tigers

I didn't like this album that much when I first heard it. While the hooks were pleasant and mellow, the songs kind of flowed together. Repeat listens showed me that this was the point. The Republic Tigers crafted a very cohesive album that sets a relaxed but appreciative mood. Their rock sound is comfortable but in a way that makes you appreciate its artistry, and the production is great. Immerse yourself in this one.
Standout tracks: Buildings and Mountains, Feelin' The Future, The Nerve, The Fight Song

1. Anti-Meridian by Brave Saint Saturn

Five years is a long time to wait, but it was worth it for a new release by Reese Roper's good band. Anti-Meridian is a lot more sci-fi and a lot less "astro rock" than 2003's The Light of Things Hoped For, but it's still a winner. Heavy on the synth and raw guitars, Anti-Meridian is the angriest and most disillusioned that BS2 has ever gotten, with songs lashing out at betrayal, insufferable fans and blind nationalism within the Church. While it's slightly less cohesive than TLOTHF, its production is better and the songwriting is more mature. It ends on a note of love and brokenness, with the possibility that another trilogy could happen. Here's hoping.
Standout tracks: Here Is the News, Mercenary, Starling, When You Burn Too Fast, Fortress of Solitude, Blessed Are the Land Mines

Top five movies (While I can't, in good conscience, put The Spirit here, it is a movie that accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do, and it is simultaneously cornily and cleverly funny while doing so. The critics didn't get the joke, and you should see it):

5. Eagle Eye

While the movie is a bit derivative (think I, Robot meets The Fugitive), the movie does have an engaging if implausible story that makes you care about the characters. Also, this movie convinced me that Shia LeBeouf can, in fact, act.

4. Iron Man

The movie is very clever, and it is carried mostly on the strength of Robert Downey Jr (Gwyneth Paltrow also does a good job). It is kind of an empty word fest at times, but it's a pretty entertaining one.

3. Wall-E

This was good one. This is a beautifully animated movie, and it beautifully portrays how humans have become more isolated even though they live in a "communication" saturated world. It mixes genres, too. The first half is almost a silent film. Funny, different, meaningful. This movie has it all.

2. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

I'm going to get critically snobby right now: if you didn't like the implausibility and weirdness of this movie, then you have no reason to like the other ones. (SPOILER) The aliens are actually a better MacGuffin than the Sankara stones, and the fridge nuking is actually pretty entertaining. (END SPOILER) Shia does ok (minus the 30-second monkey scene, which is even worse than everyone says), Harrison Ford, as always, is freaking Harrison Ford, but the most important thing the movie gets is that it feels just like an old Indy flick.

1. The Dark Knight

What can I say? This movie lived up to the hype. Christopher Nolan did a masterful job, and the comic's themes are alive and well. This movie is engaging, thought-provoking, intense and extremely well-directed and shot. It's an instant classic, and if DC Comics doesn't get increased readership because of it, there is no justice in the world.

Top 10 songs (only one song per artist, and these are not in any particular order)

Kylie From Connecticut - Ben Folds: One of his most moving songs. (Runners up: the DVD version of Cologne and the fake version of B---h Went Nutz [don't listen to the real version, it's dumb and profane for profanity's sake])

Nothing Too Much Just Out of Sight - The Fireman: Paul McCartney succeeds where he failed on Helter Skelter and (miserably) Nod Your Head. Way to finally make a good, grungy, blues song. (Runners up: Don't Stop Running)

The End of the Road - Tyler Burkum: Burkum's laid back album produced several mellow numbers, but this guitar-picker is the best. Good lyrics and ethereal vocals. (Runners up: Everything You Said, Gales of November)

As From Above - Brilliant Geographers: This experimental indie folk band has got a great sound. Check them out at their myspace. (Runner up: Sucker for Your Love)

When You Burn Too Fast - Brave Saint Saturn: The dissonant horns on this song always get me, and Reese's vocals and lyrics are spot-on. (Runners up: Blessed Are the Land Mines, Starling, Here is the News)

Spiralling - Keane: Possibly the most energetic song of the year. The "Woo!" always gets me.

Safe To Land - Jars of Clay: If this song is a taste of this year's album, it can't come soon enough. GAAAHJARSOFCLAYSOGOOD. (Runner up: Closer)

Buildings and Mountains - The Republic Tigers: The harmonies are excellent, and the guitar is perfect. Really, this song has everything in its proper place. (Runners up: The Nerve, The Fight Song)

Twin Sized Bed - Death Cab for Cutie: This jangly number best accomplishes Death Cab's goal of juxtaposing depressing words on vaguely optimistic melodies. This really is a good song. (Runner up: Bixby Canyon Bridge)

The Stenographer - Relient k: I'm relatively certain that Matt Thiessen recorded this song entirely on his own, but there is no official confirmation of this yet. However, it's still a great song, complete with timing changes and Garage Band loopiness. (Runner up: Curl Up and Die)

Top five books I read for the first time this year (these books did not come out this year)

5. Dracula - Bram Stoker: The main draw of this novel is the point of view of the author. The story is told in first person through the letters and journal entries of several different characters. It's classic story remains a winner.

4. Watchmen - Alan Moore: First of all, this book is absolutely not for the faint of heart. It is very R-rated. However, it is also absolutely amazing. It is the best graphic novel that I have read, and I also count it (as well as the next three books on this list) among one of the best books I have read, period. A serious send-up of the superhero mythos and a frightening look at what makes humans tick.

3. Brave New World - Alduous Huxley: So good. This book asks the question, "is it better to be happy or smart?" better than any other book I have read. The words of the Savage are beautiful and thought-provoking.

2. That Hideous Strength - C.S. Lewis: This is probably tied with The Screwtape Letters for my favorite Lewis book. It successfully juxtaposes dystopian literature with that of both the fantasy and sci-fi genres, and the themes of idolatry are impeccable. In fact, read all of Lewis' space trilogy.

1. Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury: If you have ever looked for a book that is a love story about books, look no further. This book contains the most beautiful monologues that I have ever read, and the story is taut and sympathetic. Unquestionably my favorite of the year.

The 10 albums I listened to most in 2008

1. Trampoline - Steel Train (seriously, if you haven't listened to this, drop what you're doing and listen [after you've finished this list, anyway])
2. Stupid Dream - Porcupine Tree
3. Anti-Meridian - Brave Saint Saturn
4. Revolver - The Beatles
5. Give Up - The Postal Service
6. Deadwing - Porcupine Tree
7. Abbey Road - The Beatles
8. Polarity - The Wedding
9. Whatever and Ever Amen - Ben Folds Five
10. Rockin' the Suburbs - Ben Folds

I might steal from Jacob later and come up with a more general "best things" blog, but it's 3:30 a.m. This is what I've got.