Top 10 Gigs of 2008

Unlike last year, where Gig of the year was an easy task - Prince at the 02 - this year was not so clear cut, but if I was pushed to choose a personal favourite it would have to have been The Weakerthans gig. They were on top form, the sound was great, the view was great. Magic stuff.

Close but no cigar would have to be Todd Rundgren and Shelby Lynne. Todd was in town to rock, and rock he surely did delivering a stellar performance, as did Lynne on her long awaited return to the UK's shores. A terrific voice and just a natural class performer. The rest were, well, the rest really.

1. The Weakerthans @ Scala 02/06/2008
2. Shelby Lynne @ Royal Festival Hall 19/10/2008
3. Todd Rundgren @ The Forum 23/11/2008
4. Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band @ Emirates Stadium 30/05/2008
5. Steve Earle @ Roundhouse 18/02/2008
6. CCamille @ Camden Roundhouse 19/10/2008
7. Thea Gilmore @ Bloomsbury Theatre 09/06/2008
8. Ryan Adams and the Cardinal @ Brixton Academy - 20/11/2007
9. Scorpions @ Hammersmith Appollo 18/10/2008
10. Jesse Malin @ ULU, London, 15/05/2008

Disappointment of the year?

My Bloody Valentine @ the Roundhouse 23/06/2008 I should have been great, but in the end whilst the wall of sound was impressive, and I did enjoy it, the inability to hear any vocals wasn't impressive or clever. If they don't want people hearing them sing live, start writing instrumentals instead, if they do get someone who knows how to work a mixing desk at live gigs.

Singles of the Year

I know they hardly exist at these days, but here at least are the 25 standout singles (that I can remember - which prob means overlooked something really obviously good) from 2008. So, in no order:

1. Teddy Thompson - In my Arms
2. Metallica - The Day that Never Comes
3. Christina Aquilera - Keeps Gettin' Better.
4. 3 Doors Down - It's Not My Time
5. Glasvegas - Daddy's Gone.
6. Laura Marling - Cross your Fingers.
7. Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire.
8. Gabriella Clili - Sweet about Me.
9. Ting Tings - That's Not my Name
10. Duffy - Warwick Avenue
11. Bon Iver - Skinny Love
12. Weezer - Pork and Beans
13. Amanda Palmer - Oasis.
14. Noah and the Whale - Five Years Time.
15.R.E.M. - Supernatural Superserious
16. The Hold Steady - Sequestered in Memphis
17. Aimee Mann - Freeway
18. Nick Cave & Bad Seeds - Dig Lazarus Dig
19. Gutter Twins - Idle Hands
20. Sons & Daughters - Gilt Complex
21. Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal
22. The Wedding Present - Santa Ana Winds
23. Bob Mould - Stupid Now
24. Elbow - Grounds for Divorce
25. Sara Bareilles - Love Song