So much incredible music released this year! It's really hard to pick just 5, but if I had to, here are my final top 5 songs of 2008. If you don't own any of these records, you need to.
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#5. 'Cyanide' - Metallica - Death Magnetic
Yes, Metallica. I love Death Magnetic, and seeing them live again after so many years totally re-instilled my love for the band. Bash them all you want, but I am no longer a hater.
#4. 'More News From Nowhere' - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!
Quite possibly one of my favorite Nick Cave records. Photographing him earlier this year was without a doubt one of my most memorable concert photography experiences.
#3. 'Crooked Head' - Fucked Up - The Chemistry Of Common Life
In today's world of lame "Screamo" bands, poser "Hardcore" bands, and just plain bad "Punk Rock" bands, it's nice that some bands still get it. Fucked Up is one of those bands. Looking forward to finally seeing them live in Feb '09!
#2. 'Eastern Woman' - Orchid
I really can't say enough good things about Orchid. I totally discovered them by accident. They are amazing live. Hopefully they are going to release an album in '09.
#1. 'Dethroned' - Death Angel - Killing Season
Killing Season is also my pick for album of the year. If you read this space, you know how "fan boy" I am over Death Angel. Enough Said.
I know I seem to be saying this after just about every show I go to these days, but last night's Metallica show was without a doubt the best show I have been to all year. Trash them all you want, but they just flat out fucking ruled, and definitely went above and beyond to impress the hometown crowd. Aside from the rehearsal show earlier this year, it was the first time I had seen the band live in 16 years, and can honestly say that they sounded better than ever, and it was obvious that they were having nothing short of a total blast up there. The set list was a nice mix of new and old, but if I had to pick a fave it would have to be 'Sad But True', which totally crushed. I'm not gonna write full review for this one, but please check out Umlaut for yet another well crafted synopsis of the evening. And check out more of my pictures here!
Since I have been getting a lot of people coming to this blog who were searching for "Anchor Christmas Ale" {due to last years post} I figured I should at least post about this years brew.
The 2008 recipe {it changes slightly every year} may very well be the best Winter Warmer that Anchor Steam has ever brewed. From it's ginger bread aroma to it's fruity and slightly chocolatey taste, it is total Christmas in a glass. It won't be around too much longer, so pick some up asap, share it with some friends, and make everyone's Christmas just a little bit merrier!
AC/DC may very well have been one of my favorite shows of the year thus far. Review and more photos coming soon!
