Records of the Year 2008

In the name of efficiency and beating the big boys to the punch I present an un-notated year end records list. I may elaborate in the next few days but maybe I'll just let it speak for it's self.

10. Deerhunter - Microcastle
9. Zomby - Where Were You In 92?
8. The Fucked Up - The Chemistry of Common Life
7. High Places - High Places
6. Brownwater - Brownwater EP
5. Air France - No Way Down
4. Harvey Milk - Life... The Best Game In Town
3. Jay Reatard - Matador Singles 08
2. Beach House - Devotion
1. Times New Viking - Stay Awake EP

A Night at Glasslands

Last night I visited Glasslands and to be honest I didn't feel terribly comfy. I almost felt like me and my friends had showed up at someone else's private party. We had a great time but it seemed peculiar that the show (a return home post tour for both performers) wasn't more crowded and rowdy. Call it Wednesday night syndrome. Luckily the newly legit Glasslands has comfy couches and a really great decor. The bands were pretty swell too.

High Places (Glasslands) 91% - The most inventive young band in Brooklyn gets no credit. Well at least no press. I've seen this band, with their totally singular sound, five times this year and every time I find them as special and refreshing as the last. Here's hoping the blogs jump on these guys soon.

Eats Tapes (Glasslands) 83% - This band is a really excellent electronic duo with a Dan Deacon endorsement. Their set (the half I saw at least) was very good and they started with a game, to warm themselves and the crowd up.

High Places Are Back In Town

For months it seemed like you couldn't swing a cat without hitting a show that High Places were playing. I saw them open for Marnie Stern, Dan Deacon, No Age, and others. At this point I am eager to see them just for them!

If you don't know them perhaps it's time to introduce yourself. High Places appear to be one of Todd P's favorite bands. They're a two piece making arty-rhythmic-ambient-pop. I could continue hyphenating which is usually a terrible thing but their sound is seamless and inventive.

The band plays Glasslands in Brooklyn tomorrow night with Eats Tapes. I'm really psyched.


I spotted Mary Pearson (the singer of High Places) rocking out a few feet away from me at the YACHT performance at McCarren the other day. The below photo appeared on Pitchfork yesterday. Which reminds me The Fork Really Loved High Places' EP!