Big Wheel Magazine top 9 records of 2008

We are very proud to present the Big Wheel Magazine top 9 records of 2008 .... why 9... well everyone does a top 10, so no reason to follow the norm, plus we can do what we want. Alot of input from you the visitors as well as our staff of editors, writers and photographers went into this list.

The list is made up of new releases for 2008 with a timeless classic record included. There were alot of excellent records that were released in all genres and the list compiled reflects what Big Wheel felt were the top releases of 2008.

 

1. Cat Party- Jigsaw Thoughts
This young southern California band should have been the long shot when it came to making any "best of" list of the year. But one listen to this album and it is strikingly apparent that Cat Party has a style and aura that breaks through at least 3 genres while at the same time bringing the best elements of each together. Cat Party's sound is much different than their name might suggest; with this album sounding ever more intense on a cloudy day or post breakup. This is music you listen to!  www.myspace.com/birdsofpreymusic

 

 
2. Fucked Up- The Chemistry of Common Life
Over the years hardcore punk rock has become formulaic, and on a large scale watered down to the point where everything feels safe and sterile. However there are always a few bands that push the envelope further than everyone else and for the past few years the band that has stuck out the most in doing this is Fucked Up. In 2008 the band followed up their previous L.P., "Hidden World," with the "Chemistry of Common Life." With "Hidden World's" mad scientist approach to song structures and lyrics dealing with the occult and secret societies, it was difficult to see where Fucked Up would go next, but "Chemistry" took everything further out. With music that could be compared to late Beatles and early Poison Idea records in the same sentence Fucked Up once again proved that they could continue to be absolutely prolific and still kick ass at the same time.  lookingforgold.blogspot.com

 

3. The Briggs - Come All You Madmen
The Briggs have been a very active band since their inception and for the past few years they have put out a new record every year while keeping up with a hectic tour schedule. All of the past recordings have all been excellent and then came this 2008 release "Come All You Madmen" which just demonstrates that they can keep stepping up their game. When you look across the musical landscape there are bands that write songs that can come and go, and then there are bands that write anthems that stick around forever and The Briggs have a knack for writing anthems all throughout their records which keeps them from ever fading away. One of the signature tracks from this record, "This is LA" in 2008 was made the official theme song for The LA Kings hockey which is pretty damm cool. The songs are so melodic, anthem driven, laced with guitar hooks that suck you in further, it is a record that we never stopped playing over and over. This record really solidifys The Briggs place and relevance.  www.myspace.com/thebriggs

 

4. Jay Reatard- Matador Singles '08
If you put a Jay Reatard record on in a crowded room chances are everyone with a pulse will be rocking out or at least tapping their feet. Everything that is great about rock n roll is packed into Reatard's music, from the pop contagiousness of early pioneers like Bill Haley and Buddy Holly, to the energy of the Ramones and MC5, and the cool creepiness of the Adverts and the Damned. Pure and simple this singles collection is flawless and brilliant. Anyone who has lost faith in rock n roll should hear Jay Reatard.  www.myspace.com/jayreatard

 

5. Bobot Adrenaline - Unfurled
When a band gets started on the heels of an iron heel administration the likes of George Bush, plenty of that anger and frustration is gonna spil out lyricly. What is really refeshing about Bobot Adrenaline's record is that you feel informed about the issues plaguing the world, and not proselytized, all while being entertained. Actully this record catches you off guard with the guitar work that has a Ska-Punk type quality to it that is a beat pounding and harmonizing from track to track. Gaining alot of momentum with it's regular shows during the run the  "Kiss or Kill" club had, this album does it's early supporters proud and gained the praise of new fans alike.  myspace.com/bobotadrenaline

 

6. AC/DC- Black Ice
It only took AC/DC 35 years, and 16 records to prove themselves as one of the greatest Rock N' Roll bands of all time. From Angus Young's first strum on the opening track- Rock N' Roll Train to the soulful blues vocals of Brian Johnson on the ending blues track Black Ice. AC/DC proves that they still got what it takes to rock out with your cock out, even if that cock is carrying some old and wrinkly balls these days. I was very excited and extremely shocked by how well "Black Ice" came out and I think it is probably one of the most important Rock Albums since Back in Black. Who really needs another Guns N' Roses record? When you've got AC/DC!  www.myspace.com/acdc

 

7. The Bronx- III
We think these five local boys have finally found their niche on this record, and are about to prove to the world in 2009 that Punk still belongs to the shit kids living in the gutters and back alleys of the city, and not to the washed up reality driven MTV Generation. The Bronx (III) is as pure and hard as it gets supplied with earth shattering metal guitars and drum beats with the lead vocal styling from one of the craziest mother fuckers we know- Matt Caughthran. We believe it was the great Henry Rollins that once said "your music is a reflection of yourself. Therefore, if your life sucks like Morrissey, then it makes it hard to write a good record". We really doubt the same could be said about the Bronx as this band is as real as it gets and I know that Henry would agree.  www.myspace.com/thebronx

 

8. Guilty Faces - Nightmares
Not many albums that are just released are able to make a "Best of" list for the year, but with Guilty Faces, we felt that there had to be an exception. This is a band that can be likened to a mix between The Adolescents and Gray Matter which is evident in the first song of the album, "Nightmares", which can be found on their myspace. Nightmares is one of those songs that you listen to once and need to listen to it over and over again. It's catchy and has some great guitar leads, which is the case for the rest of the songs on the album also. With their first official release finally out, this Connecticut band should have no problem following it up in 2009!  www.myspace.com/guiltyfaces
 

9. The Adolescents  -  Timeless Classic Record Of The Year
This was the spot on the top 9 list that we wrestled with for a while, but just kept going back to the word "timeless". This 13 song album touches on issues that just about everyone has had to deal with at some point in their life. Perhaps one of the strongest songs on the album lyrically is "Who is Who" which touches on the confusion one might have in trusting people who are seemingly supposed to be your allies, but in fact are against you "if teachers are my friends then why do they make me stand in front of a class of gawking fools who'll never understand". Released in 1981, this album is still very relevant in 2008, and as long as there is frustration and anger in the world, this album will likely do well in 2009 and in years do come.  www.myspace.com/theadolescents