The Stuck-In-Traffic Best Of ‘08 (So Far) MixBy
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In lieu of any overwhelming new releases to review this week, I thought I’d share with you the contents of a mix CD I recently made with some of the best songs that I’ve heard so far in 2008, a mix that helped me stave off insanity while stuck in a seemingly endless traffic jam on my return from a vacation in Myrtle Beach, SC. Check these songs out, and I promise they’ll take the stress out of any interstate hell.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Rivers Cuomo has mastered the art of the single, as this hilarious ode to nonconformity proves.
 Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. A co-ed hooks up with the wrong crowd as Craig Finn and the boys spike the musical punch with, of all things, a harpsichord.
 Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Oberst somehow manages to keep the tale of a dying boy strangely uplifting as a country-rock groove keeps the faith.
 Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. It’s too bad alt-country isn’t all that fashionable these days, because gems like this weeper would then give Edwards the recognition she richly deserves.
 Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. A tongue-in-cheek look at the ups and downs of stardom, this one has an anthemic feel that recalls vintage Bowie.
 Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Jim James and the boys cook up a slow-burner that builds the tension until a cathartic wail from James clears the air.
 Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Tom Petty’s original band made their debut album about thirty years after they expected to, but this song proves it was better late than never.
 Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. The political diatribes get all the ink, but nobody has ever done piano-and-strings better that Mr. Pixar himself.
 Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. An undeniably catchy combination of darting violins and Chris Martin’s wails, it held up despite its ubiquity in iTunes commercials. Pages: 1 2
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COMMENTS (7)
chantix said:
Great choices. Huge fan of “Viva La Vida” and “Pork & Beans”! Adam said:
The only “best” list Randy Newman belongs on is “Best artists to push off a cliff and forget ever exsisted.” Jbev said:
Adam, don’t pull any punches, what do you really think about Randy Newman? Jbev said:
Adam, don’t pull any punches, what do you really think about Randy Newman? jamEs - modsuperstar.ca said:
Both the Weezer and Coldplay tracks you mentioned are already on the “hit scan immediately” list when they come on. Both are probably some of the weaker material both bands have come out with during their careers. Jamie said:
Oberst? Really? DUBNERO said:
“Time to pretend” would be the only song I’d agree with you on. went through all of them but nothing inspiring or original stood out. I’ll be damned if I disagree with your taste in music without putting my favourites down so here goes: 1. Furr - Blitzen Trapper (A great folk story wrapped in a melody of restraint) |
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