2008 has been a great year for music both live and downloaded. My top 11 song list is based on tracks I have repeatedly listened to in ipod mixes or were amazing live performances.

1. MGMT “Time To Pretend” - The flowing, distorted bass synth, wobbly lead and dreamy lyrics makes this genre busting track the classic of the year.
2. Kraak & Smaak “Squeeze Me” - Soulful vocals from Bristol-based Ben Westbeech over an addictive funk break.
3. Cut Copy “Lights & Magic” - DFA’s Tim Goldsworthy produced this album and helped sprinkle his disco synth dust all over this epic track.
4. The Dandy Warhols “Mis Amigos” - the rolling rhythm chugs along under faded steel drums keeping the song super upbeat.
5. Beck “Gamma Ray” - Produced by Danger Mouse, this song features 60’s style go-go beats with Beck’s laid back vocal delivery.
6. Jamie Lidell “Little Bit Of Feel Good” - I think Jamie channeled Otis Redding when writing this modern soul classic.
7. Fleet Foxes “White Winter Hymnal” - Seattle’s Fleet Foxes self-described “baroque harmonic pop” really comes through on this uplifting gem.
8. Common Market “Trouble Is” - This one gives me chills when the double time chorus comes in. Great rhymes over a funky organ track.
9. The Faint “The Geeks Were Right” - Hip moving catchy single keeps The Faint on top of the electro-dance throne.
10. Q-Tip “Won’t Trade” - “I wouldn’t trade it for nothin’ babe” goes the soul sample, with Q-Tip weaving his lyrics around that repeating phrase. The Abstract is back after 9 years with this one!
11. Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head ” Beard Lust” - Seattle electro-poppers bust out this super funny song about facial hair. “Where’d you get that beard? I grew it. How’d ya keep it so clean? I shampoo it.” Keep it classy, NPSH!

Last night I saw an incredible performance by the Faint at the Showbox. They kept the kids bouncing all night with their super tight set. Seattle band Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head opened and definitely uncorked the room for the headliner.

photo by kirko79

With a 600 pound press and a van filled with their woodblock art, Greg and Joseph of Drive-By Press have been printing their art at events across America. Their next stop is at Portland’s The Life, so come by and make your own print or t-shirt. The printing party starts at 6:30pm on Saturday Oct 18th.

For those that are vinyl obsessed like me you’ll flip over this record player. It’s in the shape of a car and drives around the record and plays it through an integrated speaker on the roof. I still can’t figure out if it has the turn ratio to finish a whole record. Both Sound wagon and Vinyl Killers have versions and they are super funny to watch in action.