To tide us over while we indulge in the holiday spirit gorging on stuffing and egg nog, we asked a bunch of musicians to tell us their thoughts on 2008. Some of them replied with lists of their favourite music, some told us their fondest memories and some came up with much more creative ways to commemorate this past year.
The Diableros' Pete Carmichael takes us through the disappointment he felt this year, as well as the hope he still has for the future:
2008 was not so great. I mean, really, which albums changed our world for the better, raised our spirits, captured our hearts forever? Certainly not Franz, Kanye or the Killers. I say North American politics were more exciting than pop music was this year. Save for Deerhunter's continuous evolution and Portishead digging themselves out from the grave most of the music in my player was from years past. Much of my attention was focused on the political upheaval in the U.S. and Canada, and to be honest, my band and personal problems. Music is what helped me "get through" but I can't say any that came out this year helped me rise above it, save for maybe a Soft Airplane. To me the song of '08 was Otis Redding's classic plea "A Change Is Gonna Come." I even dig the Seal version now. Sam Cooke's is the best though - classy arrangements and a stellar vocal delivery.
I did see some great shows though. Malkmus literally showed up his hot-to-trot yet mysteriously absent openers Fleet Foxes with his ear-bending band and wicked new rhythm section. Blue Rodeo played their best Toronto show yet, full of soul and sing-alongs for the whole crowd to get into. On a smaller scale, I've really enjoyed every opportunity I've had to see $100 play around Toronto. Am I going country? I wonder sometimes but after all the changes this year, I feel very lucky to still have a band - and a better one at that - and I'm ready to sing some blue-eyed soul. I can hear the Diableros becoming stronger at every rehearsal now, yet it isn't the same kind of temperament it used to be. "Weathered" is the only word I can think of. Here's hoping the spring washes us all clean.
The Diableros' Pete Carmichael takes us through the disappointment he felt this year, as well as the hope he still has for the future:
2008 was not so great. I mean, really, which albums changed our world for the better, raised our spirits, captured our hearts forever? Certainly not Franz, Kanye or the Killers. I say North American politics were more exciting than pop music was this year. Save for Deerhunter's continuous evolution and Portishead digging themselves out from the grave most of the music in my player was from years past. Much of my attention was focused on the political upheaval in the U.S. and Canada, and to be honest, my band and personal problems. Music is what helped me "get through" but I can't say any that came out this year helped me rise above it, save for maybe a Soft Airplane. To me the song of '08 was Otis Redding's classic plea "A Change Is Gonna Come." I even dig the Seal version now. Sam Cooke's is the best though - classy arrangements and a stellar vocal delivery.
I did see some great shows though. Malkmus literally showed up his hot-to-trot yet mysteriously absent openers Fleet Foxes with his ear-bending band and wicked new rhythm section. Blue Rodeo played their best Toronto show yet, full of soul and sing-alongs for the whole crowd to get into. On a smaller scale, I've really enjoyed every opportunity I've had to see $100 play around Toronto. Am I going country? I wonder sometimes but after all the changes this year, I feel very lucky to still have a band - and a better one at that - and I'm ready to sing some blue-eyed soul. I can hear the Diableros becoming stronger at every rehearsal now, yet it isn't the same kind of temperament it used to be. "Weathered" is the only word I can think of. Here's hoping the spring washes us all clean.
