southern records

Phew! Quite a list this year - Not only was it almost impossible to narrow it down due to the overwhelming amount of great stuff, but we decided to extend our reach and rope in some of artists who have recorded for us this year and get their opinions too...

Happy Holidays, people - see you in 2009!

Lauren Barley (Many Nicknamed Queen Of Promotion)

*HANDS DOWN WINNER - ALBUM OF THE YEAR AWARD*

COFFINS - BURIED DEATH (Southern Lord/20 Buck Spin)

Ok, so not the most obvious choice for album of the year I know but on first listen this album blew me front-ways, side-ways, every which way and has continued to do so on every listen. This is pure old school death metal at its finest complete with shattering riffs, crushing drums and one of the most satisfying "UHH" sounds in the album's opener. Lest we not forget the images of the bloody hungry zombies on the cover. Love it!

*BEST SONG AWARD*

PONTIAK - WHITE HANDS - from SUN ON SUN (Thrill Jockey)

I am so very happy that I was introduced to Carney Brothers and particularly this album. This song cropped up on a mixtape made by a good friend of mine and oh my it is so striking. It is expansive post-rock perfectly fused with psychedelia and happens to contain one of my favourite elements of music - a change of pace throughout. The song begins fast paced and full steam ahead with a Sabbath-esque riff before the cymbals crash and the drum beat slows everything right down. Listening to this is a very cathartic experience and one which I like to repeat.

*MOST SUBLIME FOLLOW UP ALBUM AWARD*

BENOIT PIOULARD - TEMPER (Kranky)

Benoit Pioulard aka Thomas Meluch makes beautiful music which is at times reminiscent of Elliott Smith (only Thomas is much better looking!) This album, like the first, is totally spellbinding. It is rich and warm record that I am completely absorbed by.

*MOST MEANINGFUL ALBUM AWARD*

ASVA - WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW IS FRONTIER (Southern)

This album has such a strong personal meaning to front-man Stuart Dahlquist which is something I really focus on when listening to it. I cannot help but reflect on my own life experiences whilst listening to this record and consequently it is such a purifying experience for me. I adore this album of beautiful doom.

*WHY HAVE I NEVER HEARD THESE GUYS BEFORE? AWARD*

AKIMBO - JERSEY SHORES (Neurot)

On one hand I am ashamed that I have never heard of these guys before listening to this album but on the other hand what an introduction!!! The opening track to this album is quite possibly one of the most powerful opening tracks to any album that I have heard in a long long time and the album never once fails to impress.

*BEST NEWCOMER AWARD*

THE OWL SERVICE - A GARLAND OF SONG (Southern)

There is a gap in my knowledge of the folk genre but thanks to the corking acid folk compilation Gather In The Mushrooms and a lovely traditional folk compilation arranged by no other than Steve Collins from the Owl Service, I am slowly building a great picture. This album fuses elements of acid and traditional folk perfectly and the vocals of Nancy Wallace in particular are remarkable. I listen to this and think of summer fetes and swigging cider (only the classy stuff mind!). This album makes me feel really positive come rain or shine!

*BEST INTERNATIONAL BAND AWARD*

BORIS - SMILE (Southern Lord)

There is no denying how much I love Boris and with each release I am always excited to hear what they will come up with next. From the psychedelic rock on Pink to the more progressive sounds on Flood, who knows what directions their album's will take. Smile was an amalgamation of lots of different musical styles from J-Pop to seventies metal and I love every second!

*BEST REISSUE AWARD*

BURNING WITCH - CRIPPLED LUCIFER (Southern Lord)

At times there is nothing I love more than mega heavy riffs, thumping drum beats, torcherous shrieking vocals and pounding bass - all the songs on both discs of this reissue gel these elements together faultlessly. As for the standout track, Sacred Predictions from Towers makes me shudder, it's KILLER!!

*OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC AWARD*

EARTH - THE BEES MADE HONEY IN LIONS SKULL (Southern Lord)

Earth deserve some kind of award, not for their length of service as a band but for their evolution as a band. In my mind, they hit the nail on the head with every release and "The Bees Made Honey In The Lion's Skull" is one of their finest records to date. Steve Moore on Hammond organ and Don McGreevy on bass add a whole new dynamic and adds to a winning formula.

*NOW WAIT FOR LAST YEAR AWARD*

YEASAYER - ALL HOUR CYMBALS (We Are Free)

Ok ok, it is becoming a running joke each year that I include an album released the year before and include the next. In my defense, this is the one album that I have listened to the most this year. It is absolutely incredible and such an original album from a wave of nondescript New York bands who emerged in the limelight at a similar time. Ill keep listening...you cannot stop me!

*AND FINALLY...

MY TIP FOR THE TOP NEXT YEAR IS...MOTHLITE (Southern)*

So I thought that their debut 'The Flax Of Reverie' was remarkable but then I heard some early demos of their second album which will be coming out next year and my oh my...their second album is going to be astounding. Listen out for Mothlite news next year, I am telling you now...

Bob Butler (Warehouse Fuhrer / Pub Rock Enthusiast)

Top Ten Aesthetically pleasing records this year:

1. Earth vinyl
2. Boris/merzbow vinyl
3. Altar pic disc (was that this year?)
4. Jessie Sykes 2 x LP
5. Circle 2 x 12"
6. Rose Kemp LP
7. The Owl Service LP
8. Grails 12"
9. A feral spirit LP
10. Subhumans reissues (all of them)

Neil Debnam (Belgopanese Mailorder Master)

1. Nisennenmondai - Destination Tokyo (Bijin)
New album by my favourite band so has to be number one. Nisennenmondai aishiteru! Bit more Krauty than previous releases but to be honest I love everything they do so I was never going to be disappointed.

2. Burial Hex & Silvester Anfang - split 7 inch (Aurora Borealis)
Could have out the Burial Hex album too for it's brilliant scariness, but Silvester Anfang are my favourite European band so they had to get in here somewhere.

3. Lucky Dragons - Dream Island Laughing Language (UTR)
Utterly original yet totally listenable. The album flies past in a blur of cut and pasted electronica fragments, flutes and bells and other stuff. The cover is nice too.

4. Akira Ishikawa & Count Buffaloes - Uganda (Tiliqua)
Timely reissue of one of the highlights of the Japrock sampler top 50. The combination of psych rock and African drumming could only have been dreamt up in Japan.

5. Comet Gain - Broken Record Prayers (Milou)
Singles and rarities collection and that means that there are some real crackers on here. They take all the best bits from loads of great bands, but more than just the sum of their influences. This is what Indie should sound like.

6. Death Sentence: Panda - Insects Awaken (UTR)
I really like DSP and I think this is their best album so far. The songs are a bit longer than before but the full-on bits are balanced out with moments of almost nursery rhyme like sweetness. With added skronk of course.

7. Various - Bollywood Steel Guitar (Sublime Frequencies)
Difficult to listen to in one sitting, as the relentless onslaught of twangy steel guitar can leave you a bit dazed. Sublime Frequencies is sometimes a bit hit and miss, but this and Latinamericarpet are both winners from this year.

8. The New Year - The New Year (Touch & Go)
Maybe this hasn't grown on me yet, but it is their weakest album so far I think, but they make into the top 10 on their all round legend status.

9. Neil Hamburger - Sings Country Winners (Drag City)
Neil Hamburger continues in his quest to dominate every aspect of the entertainment industry. Comedy has been done already, now music. Not the most naturally gifted vocalist, but a top-drawer lyricist. It's informative too, just check out 'The Recycle Bin' and 'STOP TAINTING THE WASTE STREAM!'

10. Circle - Tyrant (Latitudes)
It's a picture disc where the picture is a picture of a record. Genius.

Damon Davison (The IT Ringmaster / Digital Doyen)

Action Beat: The Noise Band from Bletchley

A Silver Mt. Zion: Thirteen Blues for Thirteen Moons

Bellafea: Cavalcade

Boris: Smile

Hanson Brothers: It's a Living

Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter: Like, Love, Lust & The Open Halls Of The Soul

Lungfish: Rainbows from Atoms (remastered)

Mothlite: Flax of Reverie

Owl Service: A Garland of Song

Rare Book Room Records: Living Bridge (compilation)

Doris LeMat (Leader Of French Resistance)

1. Enablers
2. US Xmas
3. Bul Bul
4. Akimbo
5. Bellafea
6. Racebannon
7. Dianogah
8. Beehoover
9. Scott Kelly
10. Steve Von Till

Jean Jean LeMat (Southern Foreign Legion)

1. Enablers
2. Us Christmas
3. Bellafea
4. Dianogah
5. Racebannon
6. Mothlite
7. Beehoover
8. Bulbul
9. The Dead Science
10. TV on the Radio

JIM McCARDLE (The Keeping Of The Books for Southern Chicago)

The Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso U.F.O. - Recurring Dream And Apocalypse Of Darkness
Important This is the four-piece, stripped-down, "Detroit Rock City" version of AMT. Two long tracks over two LPs. Easily one of the top five AMT records ever, and they proved it by performing these songs live as a four-piece when on tour in March. And the sleeve art on the LP is absolutely amazing.

Portishead - Third - Mercury
The trip-hop has been replaced by a minimalist, art-rock vibe that reminds me of (but thankfully does not try and replicate) 70s German rock. The grooves are so good that during the instrumental bits you almost forget there are vocals. And then Beth comes in, and all is right and proper and totally Portishead.

Nothing People - Anonymous - S-S Records
Imagine a cross between the cold electro vibe and songwriting of prime Gary Numan, and the organic, layered guitar squalls of Sonic Youth. But make no mistake, it's ROCK. And it works so well you wonder why no else got there first.

Grails - Latitudes - Southern (vinyl re-release)

Grails - Take Refuge In Clean Living - Important

Grails - Doomsdayers Holiday - Temporary Residence

Three releases this year: the Latitudes orig from two years ago - now on swank etched vinyl, and two new full-lengths from this prolific Portland, OR quintet. Take Refuge is huge sounding and masterful, while Doomsdayers casts long, cinematic, dark shadows. You will need all three.

CAVE - Hunt Like Devil/JAMZ - Permanent

CAVE - Butthash 7"+CDr - Trensmat

CAVE - split 10" w/California Raisins - Permanent

2008 was the year of CAVE in Chicago. Hunt Like Devil/JAMZ comprises two older CD EPs on one full-length vinyl and is the starting point for their brand of perpetual forward motion Hawkwind/krautrock hybrid. The Trensmat single dials it back a notch and adds a disciplined Stereolab-like feel to the tunes (as well a truly psychedelic video on the CDr). But the two songs on the 10" are the best things they've done yet. First is a different and total rock assault version of Butthash, and the second is a tribute to Columbus, Ohio cult rock legend Raven called Raven's Hash, that's easily my fave -new- song this year. A new LP for Important is eagerly awaited, and you should check out the band members' many side projects - Lazer Crystal, Heater, and the lamented and disbanded Warhammer 48K.

Wooden Shjips - Vol.1 - Holy Mountain Vampire Blues b/w I Hear The Vibrations 7" Euro tour single
Sick Thirst The LP is a re-release of this San Fran band's three blink-and-you-missed-them singles (one 10", two 7"). The best part is that I no longer have to flip the SOL '07 single to hear it; I can get the whole thing unedited. It's easily my favorite single of the past few years - a huge motorik-pulse organ/bass/drum jam that opens with trumpet and then moves to paint-peeling guitar and sensory-dislocating phase-echo vocals. This song is the distilled essence of trve, cvlt, psychedelia. The tour single is a cover of Neil Young's Vampire Blues re-arranged to sound like......Wooden Shjips. Among hardcore psych-heads in America, Wooden Shjips and CAVE sit atop the heap.

Hayes Carll - Trouble In Mind - Lost Highway
An incredible exposition of songwriting from this Crystal Beach, Texas troubadour (and I'm not sure if Crystal Beach even exists anymore after Hurricane Ike). Think of a lysergic Jerry Jeff, Butch Hancock, and a less-dry but no less funny Lyle Lovett. He's squarely in that tradition and if you like Texas singer-songwriters, you've now found your new favorite. Seek out the double LP version that includes a 30-odd page bound comic book that tells a few bizarre but true-life Hayes Carll tales that are as engaging as anything on the record.

Expo 70 / Rahdunes - split LP - Kill Shaman
Expo 70 are one Justin Wright from the greater Kansas City, MO area, and his material as Expo 70 (released mostly on hand-made but pro-looking CDRs) is the best of the new neo-drone electric guitar artistry. This - his first vinyl release - is a split with San Fran heads Rahdunes. Expo 70 contribute an LP side-long track of not-so blissed-out drone, while Rahdunes add synth and drums and actually manage to up the creep factor with their three songs. A wonderfully discomfiting listen. It's also my favorite sleeve art and construction of any full-length this year - just plain (and plainly) gorgeous.

Mavis Staples - Hope: Live At the Hideout
Anti I was one of the c.200 lucky enough to attend this performance, and it remains the high point of my summer of 2008. The unspoken undercurrent of this show was Barack Obama. His name was not mentioned once, but you can feel the presence of what his election means in the whole of this set. It's Mavis backed by bass, drums, and a guitar with no effect or pedals; just Fender reverb with the tremolo dialed WAY up ala Pops, and no keyboards. The three backing vocalists include older sister Yvonne Staples. It's soul music, pure and simple. And it feels even better to listen now knowing that WE WON. I still get goosebumps hearing this......

Brimstone Howl - Tunnel Of Love b/w Child Of Perdition (Crying Hard) - Boom Chick
Brimstone Howl - We Came In Peace - Alive This is the most recent 7" single by these Nebraska roots-punks, and it's an absolute killer. Think Gun Club crossed with Nuggets and you're close. The A-side is a white-trash county-fair story song while the B-side is a pained primal scream of trying to transcend the ingrained original sin of heartland America. When Nick wails "I'm a child of perdition / the whipping boy / of a blind and angry god / I'm gonna cry, mama / cry hard!" you know it and he are for real. All four members are just barely 22, yet they howl the blues like men twice their age. Their new full-length We Came In Peace is pretty great, too, as is their previous LP Guts Of Steel. Dan Auerbach (Black Keys) and Jay Reatard have produced singles by them that you should definitely pick up while you can still find'em.

Eddy Current Suppression Ring - Primary Colors - Aaarght/Goner
An Aussie band that doesn't sound like an Aussie band, except that they do. Think of the vibe of the Clean or the Flying Nun NZ bands, but with the musical economy of Fugazi, or even Wire. Everyone I know who evens marginally likes rock music digs this record. Every time I play it, someone asks "What is this? This is terrific!" They will be huge. Just watch and wait.

Ben Shaw (Warehouse wearer of stripes)

Okkervil River - The Stand Ins
A wordy, surprisingly upbeat, sarcastic swipe at showbiz. Good with a pale ale.

Stephen Malkmus - Real Emotional Trash
More nonesense from old Malko and his Jicks. With added riffs. I'd suggest Kettle Chips for this one.

Benoit Pioulard - Temper
A real weeper. Red wine. Lots of it.

The Greasers - Night by Night
Wonderful and melody-jammed lo-fi guitar pop from Aussieland. Annoyingly good on it's own.

Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
I didn't want to like this. At all. This guy is too cool fo' shiz. But I do. Lots.

Melvins - Nude With Boots
An afro-inspiring return to form from King Buzz and his cronies. Ol' Jimmy Beam please.

Ben Kweller - How Ya Lookin' Southbound? Come in..
Perfect happy country pop. Good with a fish-finger sandwich with red sauce.

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - Lay Down in the Light
Perfect grumpy country pop. Good with a sausage sandwich with brown sauce.

Lucky Dragons - Dream Islands Laughing Language
Veering dangerously close to having songs with structures, LD pooped out a gem. Chocolate covered marzipan to go!

Elliot Hall - Sonnets and Singers
Bristol based monk croaking and spitting his way through bile and trauma. Dark coffee on a cold morning.

Andreas Kohl (The Cabbage Kanzler)

Records:

01. All the Exile On Mainstream Releases and the bands behind it - you make this all worthwhile, every day. C'mon, it might be silly to have them up here on place one but that's exactly where they all belong!

02. EARTH - The Bees Made Honey In The Lion's Skull (Southern Lord)

03. AKIMBO - Jersey Shores (Neurot Recordings)

04. PALMS - Midnight In Honolulu (Rare Book Room)

05. ASVA - What You Don't Know Is Frontier (Southern Records

06. FUTURE ISLANDS - Wave Like Home (Upset The Rhythm)

07. JONAS REINHARDT - s/t (Kranky)

08. JOURNEY TO IXTLAN - s/t (Aurora Borealis)

09. ASCEND - Ample Fire Within (Southern Lord)

10. BEESTUNG LIPS - Songs To And From An Iron Gut (Capsule)

Giggery:
There is no best of the year list with at least some live shows who I will remember until I'm grey and old. The music we work for is made for live shows and often it takes a live appearance to draw me into a recording. So here's the year in live shows:

NEUROSIS - Leipzig @ UT Connewitz
Thee perfect venue. Thee perfect atmosphere. A band that is keen to play and a crowd so supportive and dedicated. An all around fantastic night.

Noise Festival - Hamburg, Hafenklang 12/11/09
OH MY GOD! What a line up! I mean, eat this: Otto Von Schirach, DÄLEK, Action Beat, Trencher, Drum Eyes feat. Scotch Egg. Do I need to say more? I saw Action Beat the first time and when they were done, Alap from Dälek walked around screaming "You guys are my favourite band, no shit." while missing his own stage time out of excitement. How right he was. Just a perfect evening.

ASVA - Berlin @ Red Rooster, 05/07/09
Few would have expected this show being rather mediocre in this tiny little club with almost no P.A. but it was quite the opposite. Mr. Randall Dunn, I bow down before your sound mixing legacy! This was Drone as it should be delivered. A room full of sound, so thick and massive that you could grab bits of it and chew on it for ages. I never felt silence to be so painful as by the end of this show.

OXBOW & HARVEY MILK - Berlin @ Festsaal Kreuzberg, 08/07/09
I still can't find words. Seriously.

QUI - Berlin @ Cafe Zapata 28/09/08
THIS is Rock'n'Roll. 'nuff said.

PIERCED ARROWS - Dresden @ Beatpol 01/05/08
Fred and Toody are back! After the sad demise of Dead Moon I didn't expect to see them again in the fatherland. But how they proved me wrong. Musically a bit different and more laid back but yet much fresher and enthusiastic than I saw them on the Dead Moon tours in the last years. You just can't keep'em down

MELVINS - Berlin @ Maria am Ufer 16/09/08
I've seen the Melvins probably 15 times in my life but this night was something special. Never before they seemed to be so much into it. It was all there: the humor, the riffs, the tightness

Blisstrain, Blissbeach, South Of Mainstream Festival and Roadburn -
Thanks to all the crews and the utterly brilliant vibe on all of these events of which I had the opportunity and the blessing to be an integral part.

Beate Kohl (The Lady Behind The Man)

01. Blisstrain live @ Magnet Club Berlin 14 March 2008
The night moved me to tears, literally. This evening showed everything this label and we stand for. A big family and a sheer unbelievable load of musical craftmanship and quality

02. We Insist!
Every single show I have seen in 2008 by the French guys. There is something in their music that I can't describe but it moves me all the time.

03. BulBul
Both, their live appearances and their new record "6" is something outstanding, something that's driven by humor and excellent musicianship. You cannot not love this band.

04. Dälek live @ South Of Mainstream Festival
Finally! For various reasons I missed every show near us in the past and there was a lot. And then they came to our festival. Walked in, conqueured the place in one strike. True Metal kids standing mouth agape. Probably 70% of the crowd hadn't heard of them before and they convinced everyone. What an outstanding experience and as Walter from Roadburn stated: they are their own league.

05. Qui
David Yow! I mean, what a guy!

06. South Of Mainstream Festival
Same as I wrote for Blisstrain is valid for the South Of Mainstream Festival as well: That is us! A lot of work but also a lot of great moments crammed into two days.

07. Hanson Brothers - live @ Festsaal Kreuzberg 28 October 2008
An evening off. We have the opportunity to really go out and then the husband draws me to a Punkrock concert? Oh, what a great idea and how unusual! It's not the first time that I wasn't in the mood for something that turned out as a wonderful thing in the end! These guys just know how to do it. Amateurs leave the hall!

08. Asva "What You Don't Know Is Frontier"
Just right up my alley - atmospheric and dark but yet overwhelming and warm.

09. U.S. Christmas "Eat The Low Dogs"
Psychedelic supermuff! With me still being addicted to the first Sons Of Otis Album (in the unmastered version), U.S. Christmas are the only band in ages that comes close to the impact this piece once had on me.

10. Blissbeach 2008
A collective hang out with friends and jams. Beach, sun, BBQ and all the people I wanted to be around for almost a week. Can't ask for more.

Freddy Palmer (ex Intern/current employee/provider of rare material)

1.Opeth-Watershed
The lastest album from Swedish prog-death metal legends and it's a blinder. Can this band do no wrong?

2.The Owl Service-A Garland of Song
My introtoduction to the fascinating world of folk music. All hail the apple tree man!

3.Nadja-Desire in Uneasiness
Another slab of sublime shogaze-doom. This time with a real live drummer.

4.Peter Broderick-Home
Solo record from Efterklang member and multi-instrumentalist. Stop raving about that fucking Bon Iver record and listen to this.

5.Portishead-Third
We can forgive them for being away for so long as they created such an immense album.

6.Steven Wilson-Insurgentes
The debut solo-album from Porcupine Tree frontman Steven Wilson. A record worthy of his genius.

7.Subtle-Exiting Arm
Doseone and co return with another amazing album that blows the latest Why? record out the water.

8.Asva-What You Don't Know Is Frontier
Four tracks of lovely droney goodness.

9.The Resonance Association-We Still Have The Stars
Motorik krautrock and soothing electronics mix to create another brilliant TRA album.

10.Errors-It's Not Something But It Is Like Whatever
After seeing these guys live I picked up this, their debut album, and it's chock full of electro math-rock goodness.

Tony Sylvester (Gasbag/Enthusiast)

MOTHLITE: Neverbegoodwood (Southern)

The out and out highlight of one of the best records I had the privilege to work on this year. So dense with ideas yet still remaining uncluttered. If the demos for the new album are anything to go by, the next one is going to blow it out of the water,

ASVA: A Trap For Judges (Southern)

The deep, contemplative sound of toil and determination with an unbelievable epilogue in the final church organ peals. Gives me goosebumps every time.

ARBORETUM: Buffalo Ballet (Thrill Jockey)

My favourite band of the past couple of years paying homage to John Cale. The repeat button never came in handier.

EARTH: The Bees Made Honey In The Lion's Skull (Southern Lord)

And I thought Hex was good. Even though it was one of the first albums on the release schedule this year, the album, and the title track, in particular, have remained an a constant yardstick to judge anything with in the last twelve months. The ridiculously opulent vinyl version just gave it a new lease of life too.

THE OWL SERVICE: Child Ballad 219 (The Gardener Child) (Southern)

Was such a seasonal fave last winter - it practically smells of bonfires, tramped leaves, frost and mulled wine. Currently having a revival thanks to the cold weather and coming Yuletide.

BLACK MOUNTAIN: Queens Will Play (Jagjaguar)

I was underwhelmed on first listen, but this has stayed on rotation in the Fartcave (aka Lair Of The Wolves) all year. I love a mellotron, me.

OM: Gebel Barkal (Version) (Sub Pop)

First recording featuring new drummer, Emil from Grails, showcasing a looser feel to proceedings.. The B side is totally tricked out with dub effects galore.

JONAS REINHARDT: Modern By Nature's Reward (Kranky)

If "Assault On Precinct 13" and "Midnight Express" feature near the top of your film soundtrack playlist, I recommend you snap this up pronto. Like being stuck in an eternal analogue synth heaven.

HEAVY DEW: Was That You? (Unreleased)

Milky Burgess, live guitarist for Earth & Asva amongst others, recorded an album of wonderfully sincere, straight up songs that typify his easy going charm and laid back nature. Breezy, and refreshingly straight forward songwriting from one of the nicest gents you could ever hope to meet.

BABY DEE: Safe Inside The Day (Drag City)

Baby was involved in at least two of my favourite gigs of the year - Marc Almond at Wilton's Music Hall and C93 at QEH - Hearing Mr Almond duet on this in all the delipidated glory of Wiltons was even better than the album version.

Todd Uzel (Production Curmudgeon)

1. RPG - Worth the Weight... By far the best album of the year. There's a facebook group called " RPG smoke the fuck outta everyone"... and I say "YEP!"

2. Melvins - Nude With Boots... it's ROCK... it's the Melvins... what's not to like?

3. Night Marchers - because I like most stuff John Reis does.

4. Alter Natives - old tape I found that I thought had disappeared years ago... still great!!!

5. Asva - WYDKIF... for when I get stoned. Doesn't happen often, but it does happen.

Yan White (webiste / sonic artist in training)

1. Cildo Meireles 'Tower of Babel' at Tate Modern
   
2. Philip Jeck - Sand
3. Pantaleimon - Heart of the Sun
4. Sharron Kraus - The Fox's Wedding
5. Zach Hill - Astrological Straits
6. Dub Trio - Another Sound is Dying
7. Eric Chenaux - Sloppy ground
8. KK Null - Oxygen Flash
9. Earth - The Bees Made Honey in the Lion's Skull
10. Lurker of Chalice - Lurker of Chalice
11. Ableton Live 7, Max MSP 5 and the ideas of John Cage!
    

Paul Wood (knows more about computers than you)

1. The Accidental / There Were Wolves
2. Shooting at Unarmed Men / Triptych
3. Lanterns on the Lake / The Starlight EP
4. Retribution Gospel Choir / Retribution Gospel Choir
5. Why / Alopecia?
6. Bon Iver / For Emma, Forever Ago
7. Bonnie 'Prince' Billy / Lie Down in the Light
8. The Owl Service / A Garland of Song
9. Bohren & Der Club of Gore / Dolores
10. Boduf Songs / How Shadows Chase the Balance

Steven Collins (The Owl Service / Midwich Records)

10. Horn Naturkraft
Epic, melodic black metal of the highest order from Germany

9. Euros Childs Cheer Gone
Ex-Gorky's frontman returns to the spine-tingling beauty of his solo debut

8. Alexander Tucker Portal
Third and best album yet from Mr Tucker, full of intricate, well-crafted modern psychedelia

7. SunnO))) Domkirke
The mighty SunnO))) performing live in an ancient cathedral in Bergen - say no more

6. Guapo Elixirs
UK prog giants led by composer Daniel O'Sullivan and percussion God David Smith go from strength to strength with this collection of multi-layered, labyrinthine pieces

5. Hush Arbors Hush Arbors
Good things were expected of this album, and it delivers in spades. Playing alongside Matt Sweeney in Current 93's live band has clearly rubbed off well on Keith Wood as he almost matches his beautiful tone and considered touch, and the songs are bloody great too

4. Mothlite Flax of Reverie
Second appearance on the list for O'Sullivan - stunning avant-rock that recalls both late period Talk Talk and "Climate of Hunter" and includes a contender for song of the year in "Neverbegoodwood"

3. Earth The Bees Made Honey in the Lion's Skull The return to form of this legendary band gathers pace with their most accessible album to date - cosmic American music for the 21s century

2. Grails Doomsdayer's Holiday
Epic, towering, impossibly good - the best rock album of the year by a country mile

1. Krallice Krallice
Genre re-defining black metal - no corpse paint or burning churches here, just maximum devastating riffage from the masterful hand of Mick Barr

Daniel O'Sullivan (Mothlite /Guapo /Miasma/ Aethenor)

1. Rediscovering our glorious godhead Beatles and their all encompassing light which continually illuminates our path.

2. Discovering Carl Wilson's epiphanic psych hymns, Feel Flows and Long Promised Road.

3. Concluding some ecstatic refrain in the form of Mothlite, Grumbling Fur, Guapo, Æthenor, Sunn O))) & Ulver.

4. Some contemporary portals from my sidereal brothers, Alexander Tucker, Ulver, Stargazers Assistant and others.

5. Stumbling upon my jewel-eyed familiar, Tarka.

6. Alan Aldridge exhibition at the Design Museum

7. Blissed out road thyme with Æthenor, Guapo and Chrome Hoof... Alpine green; the gift that keeps on giving.

8. Composing for Storyville.

9. Devotional Music from the Penguin Cafe, Shivkumar Sharma, Pandit Ram Narayan.

10. New openings... Chasse, Miracle and Being.

Eugene Robinson (Oxbow)

10] The number of times I have dropped a load exceeded 2007 levels and has led to a steadfast market uptick in load dropping and the diversifying of load futures. [Again, past load performance is no guarantee of future load success.]

9] The OXBOW tour with HARVEY MILK

8] Having our producer get nominated for a Grammy for producing THE NARCOTIC STORY only to get beaten by Amy Winehouse and her producer, while my SISTER actually won one for singing on stephen marley's record.

7] Seeing Little Richard at the Grammys while unbelievably, er, FESTIVE....me, not him.

6] Fighting Chuck Liddell.

5] Losing to Chuck Liddell.

4] Being "festive" and seeing Chuck Dukowski [after the Oxbow set at the Dour Festival] dressed in the most colorful outfit known to humankind.

3] Did I mention the loads? For those who are not cool kids "loads" refers to the ejaculate and the ejaculation of said ejaculate...just about any place that would have it.

2] One word: BARACK FUCKING OBAMA.

1] My book, FIGHT: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Ass Kicking But Were Afraid You'd Get Your Ass Kicked For Asking, getting slightly UN-banned in the U.K. Which means I may sell enough so that I don't have to sleep in my car this winter. Again.