"i wanna be the best person i can be. i want to define myself instead of having others define me."

Well, here is it. It isn't that far into 2009 just yet, so I won't consider myself too too late. I mean, in my defense, it was a pretty damn good year for music, so I wanted to make my decisions carefully.

A disclaimer to those of you reading. These choices are based on opinions of music I had available. Sure, Metallica's new album may have been rockin. And maybe the new Guns N Roses album was great - but I haven't heard. This list is just formulated from the discs I thought were entertaining and inspiring for the year. If nothing else, I can look back at this list this time next year, just to see what was hot (and what was not). Last year, I was knee-deep in the Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem. So let's see what 2008 had in store for me...

(if you make it all the way through, please feel free to share something I may have missed. I'm always open to new music or suggestions.)

xo

Carrie's Best of 2008 Lists

Movies of the Year (in alphabetical order)
Milk
Rachel Getting Married
The Dark Knight
Wall-E
Young @ Heart

Book (series) of the Year
Twilight

TV Shows of the Year
Friday Night Lights
Intervention 

Lipstick Jungle 

Weeds

Best "Maybe You've Never Heard of Them But You Should" Artist
1. Band of Annuals
2. Missy Higgins
3. Lykke Li
4. The Tallest Man on Earth
5. Justin Nozuka
6. Frightened Rabbit
7. Girl Talk
8. Jason Reeves
9. Rachael Brady
10. City & Colour

Best Live Shows of 2008
Celine Dion @ the Prudential Center (Newark, NJ)
Spice Girls @ the Prudential Center (Newark, NJ)
Band of Annuals @ Union Hall (Brooklyn, NY)
Ray LaMontagne and Leona Naess @ Radio City (New York, NY)

Songs of the Year (in alphabetical order)
Anouk - "Lost"
Augustana - "Hey Now"
Band of Annuals - "Lower"
Bon Iver - "Skinny Love"
City & Colour - "Sleeping Sickness"
Duffy - "Syrup and Honey"
Ernie Halter - "Pretty Girl"
Ha-Ash (ft. Brandi Carlile) - "Already Home"
Ingrid Michaelson - "The Chain" (live at Webster Hall)
Jason Mraz - "I'm Yours"
Jem - "You Will Make It"
Jon McLaughlin - "We All Need Saving"
Justin Nozuka - "Criminal"
Lisa Hannigan - "Ocean and a Rock"
Missy Higgins - "Sugarcane"
Pink - "Glitter in the Air"
Ray LaMontagne - "Let It Be Me"

Sara Barielles & Ingrid Michaleson - "Winter Song"
Sugarland - "It Happens"

Best Album
Honorable Mentions:
Rachael Yamagata - Elephants...Teeth Sinking into Heart, Jack Johnson - Sleep Through Static, Cloud Cult - Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes), Justin Nozuka - Holly

15. Adele - 19
She is compared to a sober Amy Winehouse, and I wouldn't disagree. But give her credit. I think that if she had broke prior to Amy and her shenanigans, she could be even bigger. She's got a great voice with a really rich quality and tone to it. I love this for a nice chill album. I also like that fact that she doesn't care what people have to say and she doesn't mold to the Hollywood norm. Amen sister.

Standout track: Make You Feel My Love

14. Jessie Baylin - Firesight
Until the Music Lounge this year, I had not heard of this Jersey girl (represent, what?!), but I sure am glad that changed. She has a very unique, soulful voice. When you see her, you don't expect the voice that comes out, and I kinda dig that. The album is solid, in my opinion, and is easy to play from beginning to end. Look for her music cameos in movies/television like The Women and Lipstick Jungle.

Standout track: Was I On Your Mind?

13. Kate Nash - Made of Bricks
It's common knowledge that if you have a British accent, you are just that much cooler. Granted, there are exceptions to this rule, but not in Kate Nash's case. The album is a gamut of emotions - love, heartbreak, loss, and rebellion. She's cute, but a little vulgar. I mean, if you can sing about birds shitting on your head and have it be a beautiful love song, well you've got my vote.

Standout track: Birds

12. Grace Potter & the Nocturnals - Live in Skowhegan
Yes. It is a live album. Yes - that probably shouldn't count for an album, because there really isn't any new material not found on other albums. Yes. It is beautiful. Yes, it's true I had tickets to go see them upstate this year, but couldn't make it because of a freak snowstorm and a beautiful baby shower - so this is the next best thing. My goal of 2009? See them live.

Standout track: Ragged Company (live)

11. Coldplay - Viva la Vida
Probably one of the most hyped albums of 2008, and for good reason, I was pleasantly surprised. Of course, I was rooting for them all along, but I was afraid of a flop. Silly me. I have to admit that there isn't much I can say about this album, I just enjoy it. Chris Martin and friends were up for the challenge, and it's safe to say they got it right.

Standout track: Lost!

10. Sugarland - Love on the Inside
Don't panic too much. I haven't jumped (completely) over to the country side of things. This year was about the music, and hey - I cannot deny good tunes. I have to thank Lindsay for sending me my first Sugarland song and that's where the love began. Jennifer Nettles has a unique voice and it just is catchy as hell. It's an album I can listen to at work all day and doesn't get old.

Standout tracks: It Happens, All I Want to Do

9. Girl Talk - Feed the Animals
This is one of those cases where you see the name EVERYWHERE on music blogs and you end up giving in and checking them out to see what the big deal is. Then you hit yourself because you finally see what everyone is talking about. I really thought I wouldn't like something on a laptop, as we all know I prefer my acoustic guitars and such, but this album is probably the most fun of the bunch. I mean if you take Fergie and Kenny Loggins and throw them together? You sold me. Sign. Me. UP.


8. Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Isn't it true that natural resources eventually will run out? I mean it's realistic, right? Is artistic talent like a natural resource? Because, honestly, I do not see a dry bottom to the Death Cab barrell. It's easy to make assumptions about songs sounding the same after a while, but this album was more than I could have expected from them. I recommend listening to the opening track at high decibels in your vehicle.

Standout tracks: Bixby Canyon Bridge, The Ice is Getting Thinner

7. Sia - Some People Have Real Problems
I almost forget that this album was released this year because it seems like I've been listening to it forever. The album itself is amazing, but when you see her live, it gives new meaning to all of the songs. She is an amazing performer, but the best part is her personality. She's super nice and very friendly, and just a goofball. All of that combined with that voice? Money.

Standout track: Soon We'll Be Found

6. Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the Grain
There really isn't much else to say when it comes to describing his music - anything other than GENIUS that is. The man with the raspy voice, who looks like he could be a homeless man on the streets. I finally got to see him live this year at Radio City, and it was like a week before the album came out, so I heard him perform the new songs live, and what a way to introduce them. I picked up the album at the show and it hasn't come off my "most played" list since. One of my all time favorite musicians coming through with yet another solid body of work.

Standout tracks: Meg White, Let It Be Me

5. Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
Another case of me seeing a name on many music blogs and finally just checking them out, and bam. Found me a gem. Lead singer Scott Hutchison's vocals bare a definite resemblance to Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody, which is a good thing of course. I would best describe this album as a lyrically and aesthetically pleasing piece of work. Considering that prior to about a month or two ago, I had never even heard the band, and they are number 5 on my list? I think that is worth you checking them out.

Standout track: Poke

4. Lady Antebellum - Lady Antebellum
I credit Band of Annuals with getting me back in tune with my country roots. Oh yes, back in the day, I was a country music fan. I had all of the Garth Brooks, Clay Walker, and Alan Jackson albums you could think of. Those days have come and gone, and while I venture in and out of musical genres, I found myself hanging out with an old friend again. Only the old friend lost the cowboy hat and ugly button-downs. I welcomed this friend in the form of Lady Antebellum. Seemingly coming out of nowhere and taking country (and pop) music by storm, the Nashville trio combines country, pop, and a little bit of rock and roll. The album is point blank a good time, from start to finish.  My only complaint is that New York City doesn't have any kind of a country music life, so therefore I am unable to see them live.  Guess this just puts one more check under the "go visit Lindsay in Nashville" column.  

Standout tracks:  One Day You Will, Home is Where the Heart Is 

3. Lykke Li - Youth Novels
I am lucky enough to be a part (albeit a small part) of a really cool music blog - (see:  Killer Lemonade).  The brainchild and head-hauncho of this blog is none other than the one and only Burgermeister herself.  All of the credit goes to her for this choice on the list.  I had not heard of this songstress until Danielle posted a track and a video on the site, raving about her sound.  I have all the faith in her taste, so I checked it out.  Boom, next thing you know, Lykke Li is in my top plays, and constantly on repeat for my morning walks to work.  The tracks on this album, no matter the lyrical content or tempo, all just exude fun.  They have a playful, catchy undertone, and you can't help but find yourself tapping along.  It always puts me in a good mood, which is why I play it on my way to work.  Do yourself a favor, and pick this one up.  It was a big year for Swedish indie/pop singers, and Lykke Li is no exception.

Standout track:  Dance, Dance, Dance

2. Missy Higgins - On a Clear Night / The Sound of White
Last year, one of my top songs of 2007, was from an Australian girl I randomly happened to come across on the web.  Eventually, "Where I Stood" appeared on Grey's Anatomy, One Tree Hill, and the Hills.  Little did I know that this song was only the tip of the iceberg.  I hadn't even touched the brilliance that could be found in Missy Higgins.   Brilliance seems like a pretty strong word, but understand that I am aware of this, and frankly don't care.  I put both of these albums together, because I ended up getting them both at the same time, regardless of when they originally were released.

Missy just has a subtle, yet powerful voice.  She comes across as sweet but powerful.  My favorite part about these albums are the stories.  The songs illustrate something different and allow the listener to visualize the image that is intended.  When you combine the lyrical content with that smooth, soulful voice, you just can't go wrong.  She is a big hit down under, but is finally getting her credit over on US soil.  I can't wait until this March, when she comes to NYC with Justin Nozuka and Lenka, which is sure to be on my list of favorite concerts from 2009.

Standout tracks:  Sugarcane, Going North, The Special Two       

1. Band of Annuals - Let Me Live

If you have followed this blog at all over the last year, spoken to me about music at all, or received any of my mix cds, this choice should not be much of a surprise.  It feels as if I have known these songs forever, even though it has been less than a year.  I'm quoting myself from a previous blog post by saying, "I have found a band that makes me fall in love with music all over again. and if you know me one bit - if you have ever exchanged wonderful conversations with me - you know the value of this statement.  I don't just use it willy nilly,  something's gotta grab this little heart of mine and scream "this is why you do it. this is why you don't give up on the dream."  Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you - Band of Annuals."  If you have not heard them before, you can think of them in the same vein as Cowboy Junkies or even a bit of Ryan Adams.  The selling point for me, the moment I heard them, is the harmonies.  Vocalists Jay Henderson and Jeremi Hanson literally sound like they were made to sing together.  The vulnerable and downright heartbreaking lyrics meshed with these two voices should be enough, but oh no - there's more.  I have heard it before, but 2008 was the year that I will always remember falling in love with the instrument known as the pedal steel.  It seals the deal for me.  As if all of this wasn't plenty to write home about, the fact that this group is genuinely nice and appreciative of their fans, makes them all the more appealing.  I do believe they are supposed to be recording a new album this Spring, and I for one could not be more excited.  They not only claimed my choice for album of the year, but Band of Annuals has solidified a spot as one of my favorite bands of all time.  But what do I know?  Find out for yourself.  Trust me.

Standout tracks:  Lower, Thought I'd Have Learned

2008 was a great year for the tunes, but I have a feeling that 2009 holds many surprises in store, and not just in music.  So raise your glass and toast with me - to one more year down, and to all the ones to come.

Please post your comments or your own personal suggestions in the comments.  :)

a love like yours will surely come my way

haven't done this in a while.  yes, this i know.  not that i've been too busy.  maybe i have.  maybe i haven't.  i just haven't blogged.  that's all.  no worries though, i'm here now.  all is right with the world.  and i have a few things to share.

i love movies.  i mean, i work in the film industry, so it's pretty much a requirement.  though, i'm in no way a film expert.  i just love a good story.  and folks - i found one.  i make it a point to check out, on a regular basis, the trailers on the apple website.  some of them are ones i've never heard of before, but it's nice to see what's out there.  i did this a few months back, and i saw a trailer for a movie called 'rachel getting married.'  at that point, i had not heard anything about the film.  the only thing i knew is that anne hathaway was in it, and she was doing one of those "departure roles" - you know, where she plays anything other than a princess-like character.  so after i watched the trailer, i was excited.  i sent the link to people to watch it, and they seemed to agree that it looked like a good movie.  

sidenote:  living in the greater new york area has it's benefits - such as limited release movies.  so this past thursday, the wonderful jackie and i went to see it.  ladies and gentlemen - if you never ever listen to anything else that i say ever again, listen up.  GO SEE THIS MOVIE.  i become speechless - more like a rambling idiot - when i try to explain what it is about this movie that is driving me crazy.  director jonathan demme, best known for films like silence of the lambs, married to the mob, and philadelphia, nails this one.  it's being reviewed as his best film to date - and if you look at his track record, if people are saying that THIS movie is his best - shouldn't that at least peak your interest?  if not, listen up.  

the root of this movie is family.  it's about conflict, struggle, addiction, death, siblings, divorce.  it's about family.  the film is shot in handheld, which may make you nauseous - make sure to get there so you're not smack in the front.  even with this warning, i have to be honest, after the opening credits, i didn't even notice the shakiness.  the benefit of this style is the fact that you honestly feel like you are there.  you are with them in these intimate moments.  you are part of their family.  i think this is the root of these passionate reactions, b/c you not only are watching a brilliant story, but you are smack dab in the middle of it.  there are some scenes where it is so painfully honest (i.e. kym's speech at the rehearsal dinner, the addiction meeting) where you feel uncomfortable to be in the room.

it's relatable.  it's raw.  it's passionate.  it's even brutal.  there is a scene between anne hathaway and her mother (played by the amazing debra winger),  that absolutely breaks your heart.  the acting is phenomenal.  anne does a great job, and will probably be up for an oscar nomination, but this film is really about the ensemble cast.  rosemarie dewitt's portrayal of rachel, i think, is the staple of the film.  but with veterans like bill irwin, debra winger, and anna deavare smith - coupled with hathaway, dewitt, and even musician/frontman of TV on the Radio,  tunde adebimpe - this film is brilliant.  

you walk out of the theater with your jaw dropped, your heart opened, and a new appreciation of your family and loved ones.  and at least in my case, a handful of tissues.

the film was released in limited theaters on october 3rd, but i suggest you keep an eye out for when it's near your town.  if you see it based on this blog, and you don't like it - let me know.  i'll refund your money.  but if you see it, and it touches you - if it moves you like it did for me - please, come back and leave a comment about it.  i'm looking for anyone to talk about it with.  :)

i'll leave you with the trailer to check out.  and even though the trailer is good, it doesn't do the film justice.  give it a try.  

"this is not your family,

but this is your family."

weeds.

i never thought that i, of all people, would even remotely enjoy a tv show named after an illegal drug. however, i stand corrected. weeds is one of the best shows on tv! drugs, adultery, underage sexual activity, gunshots, and plain old PTA sheninanigans = quality tv. haha, it's good stuff man. i finished season one and i have to go buy season two.

thank you stan and ashley!

killer lemonade.

wireless keyboards are amazing. even though i'm bout 5 feet from the computer and can't really see what i'm typing, i'm comfortably lounged in my bed watching seinfeld.

i have a big old crush on jason bateman, and i'm not afraid to say so. seriously, arrested development is one of the best shows ever created. if you haven't seen it, stop what you are doing right now - go to target, buy season one for 20 bucks, and enjoy. i haven't laughed out loud at a show like this before in a LONG time. that will be my preaching for the blog.

you know, there are some things that people wit short hair will never know. (see: men) this is the case of the "phantom hair" before you go thinking i've gone nuts, hear me out. ladies - how many times a day do you feel a tickle on your arm, but you just can't find the source of this annoyance? you search and search, but no avail. such is the "phantom hair." it makes you look crazy as you struggle to find out where the loose strand is. anyways, i wanted to share.

i want to go camping. at first i thought i wanted to go to bonnaroo, but then i thought that may be a little too dirty for my taste, so camping with my ipod will be just fine. i'd like to really spend some more quality time outdoors. not that i have an overwhelming amount of free time as it is, but i'd like to make an attempt to do so when possible.

i saw blondie on sunday evening. it was nothing short of amazing - both the performance and the people taking in said performance. it felt like i was at an all night dance party at a gay club. the median age, i would have guessed, may have been about 38, give or take a few years. but it was so fun. and for the love of pete and pete, debby harry is an icon. she is 62 years of age and still rocks the house. i can only hope i have the energy, spunk, and pizzazz that this woman does. highlight of the evening: debbie takes off her shoes, and throws them one by one throws them into the audience. i thought i was seeing a gay riot, i tell ya. they were climbing and clawing each other to get that shoe. what a diva. i love it.

don't know if you are aware of it or not, but i'm a regular at the pig and whistle in tribeca. chew on that. me and fitz are TIGHT.

connie britton is amazing. if you watch friday night lights, you know this already. if you don't, you should. (ok, that's really all te preaching for this blog. just watch it, and we'll discuss.)

i am reading: 'the next thing on my list' by jill smolinski
i am listening to: sharon jones & the dap kings
i am watching: weeds, season 1.
i am surfing: http://killerlemonadekid.blogspot.com/

i heard about forgiveness and i hope it ain't too late...

i know i've blogged several times recently, and while they are all equally as important, this one is a keeper folks. sometimes you just hear a band that clicks with you. someone who you've never heard a note from in your entire life, and then bam. sometimes i'm pretty difficult in trying out new things, especially when i've been a groove lately with my tunes (see previous posts). but let me tell you...this one is definitely a keeper.

i have found a band that makes me fall in love with music all over again. and if you know me one bit - if you have ever exchanged wonderful conversations with me - you know the value of this statement. i don't just use it willy nilly, something's gotta grab this little heart of mine and scream "this is why you do it. this is why you don't give up on the dream." ladies and gentlemen, i present to you (and i hope, just HOPE that someone already knows them - i welcome the "old news, saw them play last year at so-and-so's house", blah blah comments)...

band of annuals.

at first listen, some of you may say ryan adams immediately. i agree. i hear hints of the rocky votolato, a dash of the decemberists and some deeper voiced elliot smith. in a nutshell, if you must have a genre attached, it's most definitely alt-country. but more than that it's beautiful. the lyrics really reach out of the song and grab your attention, all the while, not diverting your focus on the flowing melodies. it's just the combination of finger plucking and harmonica. previously know as just "the annuals," they're a 6-piece beauty hailing from salt lake city, utah. good things do come from out west, you know. it's not all bout the east or west coast, let's look towards to the meat of the country. it reminds me of road trips in the astrovan growing up. i guarantee you (put my money on it) that they will show up in a background of an emotional scene in a primetime television show in the near future. it's raw. it's beautiful. it's lovely. please, don't take my word for it. take a listen. (let me recommend to you "part III") you never know who will be the next artist or band to remind you why you love what you love...

and while i'm on the subject of loving things, let's talk for a second (again) about the new craze that is burgermeister. i finally made it to one of her shows and copped me my first piece of history in the sh-sh-sh-shaaaaark attack. i love it, and i wear it proudly. ohio will get a nice taste of it this weekend.

and i'm ending on this. while i'll admit watching a shot at love with tila tequila is addicting, and somewhat convenient to pass the time while exercising, i have to say that when she attempts to cry, i want to throw something at the television. that girl is the most annoying thing on the face of this planet. if it weren't for the fact that people with a few bricks short of a load thing they're in love with her and go nuts and do stupid stuff, i wouldn't watch. oh viacom, i want my mtv (back).

nuggets for your ears:

(these five have to be pieced together in this order for full experience)
grace potter & the nocturnals - "nothing but the water I"

grace potter & the nocturnals - "nothing but the water II"
grace potter & the nocturnals - "nothing but the water (drum solo)"
grace potter & the nocturnals - "nothing but the water II (reprise)"
grace potter & the nocturnals - "nothing but the water I (reprise)"

turn it up and rock it out, folks.
good. night.

new trend

i'm going to start a "sunday flashback to carrie's musical past youtube video" thing. what a fine day to start. enjoy.

http://www.thingsididlastnight.com/

I will never love you more than the drummer of Flaming Lips.

I will never love you more than Woody Allen movies.
I will never love you more than the White Album of the Beatles.
I will never love you more than DVD nights with my girlfriends.
I will never love you more than my boyfriend when I was 14.
I will never love you more than meeting Paul McCartney.
I will never love you more than Scandinavian Tour.
I will never love you more than dancing to Phil Spektor.
I will never love you more than my Casiotone keyboard.
I will never love you more than Daniel Johnston himself.
I will never love you more than singing in the shower.
I will never love you more than my Mac computer.
I will never love you more than having a daughter.
I will never love you more than peanut butter.
- taken from SoKo's "I Will Never Love You More"

i came across this website tonight. you know how you find something and you sort of kick yourself and say WHY didn't i know this was out there before? but really, when you think about it, that's exactly WHY you found it in the first place - because you didn't know it was there. confusing yet? i'll let it explain itself. i don't like to come out and say it, i like to hide links. it's for the ones who actually care to read and click through, and want to hear about the random swirlings inside this head of mine. (however, i suggest peeping death cab, the kooks, and britt daniel) peruse at your own risk.

while i'm speaking of fun things, i think this picture made my day today:

it's the band mates of state, and it just makes me laugh.

have you ever been on the verge of something big? like "you can't sleep at night" big. it may or may not happen, but something feels right about now. about everything sort of falling into place at this very moment. we're jumping in. the only failure is not to try, folks, and i intend to prove that. or get it tattooed on my forearm. whichever comes first. (um, former, please) props to lindsay on this one...

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."
- Thoreau

exciting few days in the future here. the big "mudville 9" trip on friday. well deserved and well earned. that's all i'll say. then possibly a trip to the infamous isle on saturday to soak in some of the DL creative vibes. with a sixty percent chance of cruising along the montauk highway until i run out of room to do so. monday, we have a show lined up - finally taking advantage of the resident stay of pete and j at the living room - special guest bess rogers. should be pretty cool.

lately, you make me weaker in the knees. oh, did i say that out loud?

i will leave you now with this musical treat. just so happens to be at my second home, the lovely canal room. i'm telling you, it's the hotspot. enjoy and keep outta trouble, you.

listening to:

1. jamie lidell
2. kate walsh
3. narrow stairs

looking at:

1. this is your entire life. on a wall. and i want it.
2. if anyone is in a "buying mood"
3. inspiring