Glasvegas

Yes, I am getting more and more excited about the prospect of a new Glasvegas record. Honestly, I am still amazed that they raise so much vitriol from so many, as I thought the first record was a bonafide immediate classic. But I guess my taste is definitely not the norm, so a perfect record in my mind does not make a hit. Nevertheless, the Scottish 4-piece are back, with a new drummer and lead singer James has a new thing for white clothes. Strange and unexpected, but ok.

The newly record is called EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\ and will be available digitally on April 5th. The first released track is entitled The World Is Yours. Of course with a sophomore release the band have the usual considerations... sound too similar and people get bored, but sound too different and risk losing your core supporters. With this first track, Glasvegas seem to have toed the line between both of those strategies pretty darn well. There is a sunnier disposition than past tracks and a surprise electronic edge, and the pace is picked up a bit, but the giant chorus and stadium sing along crescendo still prevail, with the usual dose of moodiness and melancholy. I take this as a good sign for the full record.

Download The World is Yours from RCRDLBL now.

Top 10 for 2008

I have meant to post this for months (obviously). But I would be remiss to avoid posting it altogether. So here it is, my Top 10 records from 2008:

1. Glasvegas- Glasvegas
   
2. The Duke Spirit- Neptune
   
3. Be Your Own Pet- Get Awkward!
   
4. Sons and Daughters- This Gift
   
5. Santogold- Santogold
   
6. Elvis Costello and the Imposters- Momofuku
   
7. The Enemy- We'll Live and Die In These Towns
   
8. Coldplay- Viva La Vida
   
9. The Roots- Rising Down
   
10. The Last Shadow Puppets- Age of the Understatement
    

If you don't already have all of these, you should remedy that right now. 2008 was actually a pretty great year for music, and I was very happy to find that it was difficult narrowing it down to these 10. But each of the above records really delivered, and are still in heavy rotation even now, half way thru 2009.