Entries Tagged '2008' | Indie Ear

Covering the crossroads of music and film.

Indie Ear is written by Brandon Kim. Drop him a line at indieear (at) ifc dot com

Entries tagged “2008”

...And On To 2009

By Jim Shearer on 01/02/2009

Filed under: HODGEPODGE

To the Indie Ear faithful (I really hope I'm not taking liberties by saying that), you may have noticed that during the last few weeks this very blog has been littered and/or garnished (you pick) with best-of/year-end lists for 2008. Not only was it fun to do this (some might say "lazy"), but it's a necessity as the world of music goes on shut-down mode between the week of Christmas and New Year's. (left: 2009, the last year we'll be able to make these type of sunglasses.) I'm here to let you know, two days into 2009, that my... MORE »

Comment

LIVE: 3 Shows That I'll Recall Fondly

By James Ziegenfus on 01/02/2009

Filed under: '08 WAS GREAT!, LIVE

2008 was a pretty decent year between me and my favorite music. I liked a handful of albums, but hardly loved any. (Tim Goldsworthy's production with Cut Copy and Hercules and Love Affair was probably the one thing that impressed me more than any specific record.) (left: Kraftwerk, "I couldn't hold their inaction against them.) I went to a lot shows and enjoyed many, but rarely walked away dragging my jaw on the ground from amazement. And isn't that the point of going to shows? To feel like there's nowhere else you'd rather be during that hour, or so?... MORE »

Comment

2008...Never Say Never

By Jim Shearer on 12/30/2008

Filed under: IT'S LIKE THAT

Ironically, Metallica released a single in 2008 called "The Day That Never Comes." (left: Oh the memories of '08.) But in many ways, 2008 was "The Day That Did Come," even for the band mentioned above, who released a back-to-form album, Death Magnetic, which included 8-minute songs, guitar solos, and the return of the old Metallica logo (surfaces of high school desks beware). For those who have ever uttered the word "never," 2008 was a year for them to eat their words:... MORE »

Comment

Favorite Music Videos of '08

By Jim Shearer on 12/26/2008

Filed under: VIDEO BLOG

In all honesty, I don't watch nearly as many music videos these days as I have in the past, but c'mon--we're living in a YouTube world baby--music videos are so last century. That being said, a good music video still does something special to me. Here are my favorites of the past year: Gnarls Barkley, "Who's Gonna Save My Soul?" Not only is the relationship dialogue spot on, but the animated heart--which is literally ripped out of the chest--adds another layer of depth to this fantastic break-up story. I also love the fact that Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo are in... MORE »

Comment

'08 WAS GREAT!: Lil' Wayne, Artist of the Year?

By Jim Shearer on 12/26/2008

Filed under: '08 WAS GREAT!, IT'S LIKE THAT

Let me begin by saying that I like Lil' Wayne. I've met Lil' Wayne, and, yes, he's a very friendly guy. He's got a magnetic personality, and his demeanor alone could sell a few thousand albums. That being said, it still zaps my mind (much like that vein tattoo on Lil' Wayne's forehead) that he became music's most praised star in 2008. And we're not just talking about Dwayne Carter getting fist pounds from fellow hip-hoppers. He was loved by the pop set, mainstream music lovers, and even--no lie--the indie elite. (A certain Chicago emcee/producer is secretly wiping his... MORE »

Comment

Covering the crossroads of music and film.