If there was an award for label of the year, it would have to go to Jagjaguwar. With already 3 records on our top 15 list (#5, #6, #14), the fourth and final Jagjaguwar release on our list comes in as our third best record of 2008.
Read the full story

So I’m taking two night classes right now: the history of African American feminism, and the study of cross-cultural sex and gender. Both of these classes have completely inspired me to think about the way my family, my environment, and my surroundings have shaped me. It’s also instilled this sense of egalitarianism: I want equality, sure, but I also want fairness and compromise to come too. So what the fuck is my problem in me putting Weezy at the top? I am a shining example that yep, occasionally, pop culture prevails. Sometimes I guess I just wanna pretend rap about candy and having a lotta money. As my good friend Wendy puts it, “It’s not your fault you have so many interests.” –JENZ
Read the full story

For every wanna-be hippie band that 2008 produced, no one even came close to the free love on display in the video for Sigur Ros‘ “Gobbledigook” [Warning: NSFW]
Read the full story

With our top choice of biggest news story of 2008, we decided to take this moment to honor those whose lives helped shape the music we know and love today.
Read the full story

Overly caffeinated enthusiams abounds on Hold On Now, Youngster…, bombarding your eardrums with shout-along chant-tastic choruses, hand claps and a broad range of instrumentation randing from Glockenspiel to violins. Looking back to their previous EP, Sticking Fingers Into Sockets, I described Los Campesinos!‘ sound as if “Bis had babies with Arcade Fire.” That still remains spot on, although I’d add bits of The Go! Team and perhaps even Belle & Sebastian on a ridiculous sugar high. –Chip Adams
Read the full story