List time:

So there's much buzz on the blog-o-sphere regarding 2008's best and worst records. This is both productive and limiting exercise- productive in that recognition goes where it deserves, and limiting because all too often its the same damn list derived of pitchfork's BNM (best new music) picks. It is also very fun to read the debate (if you want to call them that) threads on various blogs which are pretty ridiculous in their anonymous zealotry.
So here on the Wurlitzer i'm going to try and switch it up a bit and make it a little more interesting by trying to avoid the standards which will be on all the lists, and do a lil something i like to call:

The Wurlitzer's best you didnt hear in '08
(in no particular order because they span the spectrum of genre)

• The Samuel Jackson Five- Good Bye Melody Mountain: This one is for all you post-rock stoner fans who dont need words to make a song kick ass, just amazing slow builds to towering creshendos. Theyre from Oslo, Norway and yes, it was the name that got me into them. For fans of GSYBE! and explosions in the sky, etc.
• Longwave- Secrets are Sinister: Longwave have not had the smoothest career for the caliber of music coming from their crazy effects pedals and chugging bass and delicate vox. These brooklyn dudes have come out with the best album of their already distinguished, albiet underrated careers. Definitely give this one a listen. For fans of the national, ooooold U2, good ol' ny shoegaze.
  
• Zach Hill - Astrological Straits: I repped Zach a few posts ago, but this album totally deserves all the recognition it can get. It's challenging, technical, and interesting straight through. The drums are in the forfront of the mix and for good reason. For fans of people who like drums, free form jazz, and loud fast stuff.
• Joan of Arc - Boo! Human: Tim Kinsella continues to put out amazing records and Boo Human perfects his guitar skill with his snide but spot on lyrics. Featuring a killer ensemble of musicians (including brother mike, members of wilco, prefuse 73, and others). He also put on a great live show, Tim's best stuff is always yet to come.
• Look Mexico- Gasp Asp! EP- These guys have began coming into their own despite having a true kindred nature to the emotional rock of the late 90's - and i love it. Hailing from Florida and criss crossing the nation on tour, this EP was a great treat in '08 and makes me want '09 to come with their full legnth. For fans of American Football, oooold Jimmy Eat World, etc.
• WHY? - Live from Eli's Basement- I'm not quite sure if this is even for sale or just floating around online, but it features live renditions of Why?'s current 2008 line up which they played on a headlining tour with mt. eerie (live recording, but no crowd cheering/bad sound- more a test run before they hit the road). A great live show, and a great orchestration of great cuts of their also amazing (though too popular for this list) Alopecia. Features classic hits of theirs as well. Definitely hunt this bad boy down.
• CocoNot- Cosa Astral- This is the spanish group with the fella from El Guincho in it (also great, but his cd Alegranza will be lots of lists). I suppose that makes them like the spanish animal collective and El Panda Bear. Very good record, lots of different samples, instruments, and arrangements. Its good to hear how people around the world make kick ass music.
• The Jealous Sound - Got Friends EP: They're back! The Jealous sound were one of my high school favorites with their own brand of west coast pop-punk/emo thing going on. Its very melodic, relatable, with just enough edgy-ness that they dont come off as pussies. This is their first new recording in years since their masterful Kill them With Kindness.
• Human Highway - Moody Motorcycle: This Canadian supergroup's debut was a great end of summer pop gem. Fronted by Nick Thorburn of islands/unicorns/reefer and Jim Guthrie they put out a great guitar pop record with a tinge of meloncholy. It was great getting to see the play live, since who knows when the next time will be. But this record will hold up until that day.
• United Nations- S/T: A grindcore super group. This project was talked about for years and i never thought it would actually see the light of day. Featuring thursday's Geoff Rickly and Daryll Palumbo of glassjaw/head automatica, as well as members of the #12 looks like you, converge, and other hardcore staples, United Nations made a heavy record. But one that wasnt afraid to take chances, these guys have nothing to prove to anyone. It's also refreshingly political. Definitely find this one out on eyeball records.
• MGMT - Metanoia EP: By now MGMT are probably rolling in money and doing lines of scrooge mcduck's ass. But this 13 mintue epic song may be one the better things you havent heard this year. Its equal parts Queen, Of Montreal, and original. This is great if youre already sick to death of hearing kids or electric feel EVERYWHERE YOU GO.

I'm sure i missed something that i throw up later. in the mean while if there's something that should be getting more recognition than it is tell me about it....

Here's a pic from last week of Grails at Union Pool. It was a mixed bag, the show was more pricey than the flier said, it was packed, but the music was pretty cool. Live tunes to follow shortly. Also stay tuned for Owen (tunes/pics) and of Montreal (more intimate show at music hall of williamsburg)

keep it real kids.