So, these are neither the most personal albums nor the albums that I think shaped the 2000s. They are a combination of those two things: The albums that shaped my personal taste in the 2000s. For an album to qualify, it either had to (a) suffer endless replay – including currently, not just the year it was released – or (b) be an album that completely redefined how I listened to and thought about music. If it fit both qualities, even better. This system cut out a lot of sentimental favorites that I haven’t touched since I outgrew them, albums that were so digestible as to be unable to stand the test of time, and a lot of “popular” or “experimental” albums that might’ve been more globally influential or genre-bending, but just weren’t my thing.

I didn’t dare number them. This list more or less represents the different genres/sub-genres of my taste leanings, and it seems unfair to pit rock against rap or americana against psych. So, the closest I came to ranking was dividing 25 albums into two groups: The 10 most important albums, and then 15 also very important albums.

In my mind, it is from the top 10 that all modern music I listen to was born from. Every album listed in the second group of 15 albums can somehow be linked to my love for one of the albums in the top 10. Everything current (and even some things older) you see on this blog can be traced to this list. (Which isn’t to say that all of these albums birthed their particular genre – as it just so happens, we don’t always ingest or fall in love with albums chronologically).

The T-Sides Top 25 of the 2000s – in somewhat numerical but mostly alphabetical order:

Group One: Top 10
	Broken Social Scene, You Forgot It In People I vividly remember the first time I heard “Anthems For A Seventeen Year Old Girl.” I was in the dark, comfortable confines of a friend’s dorm room. It sounded like future music, a song beamed down from another planet, the kind of music I’d never live to hear created in my lifetime – except that it had been. You Forgot It In People with its dark cover and eerily gorgeous music felt like the work of some mysterious genius, which is probably why Broken Social Scene still seem otherworldly to me, despite their obvious growth in popularity since. (“Anthems” is now so absurdly popular that Kevin Drew laments having to play it at shows.) Broken Social Scene: “Anthems For A Seventeen Year Old Girl” (download)
Death Cab For Cutie, We Have The Facts And We’re Voting Yes We Have The Facts And We’re Voting Yes is another album I can clearly remember the first time I heard. I was standing in the gift shop of the newly opened Experience Music Project during Seattle’s yearly Bumbershoot Festival. I had just started learning about Seattle’s local music scene, and had heard people talking about Death Cab For Cutie, but hadn’t listened to them yet. There was a listening booth for We Have The Facts…, so I stopped, put on the headphones, and pushed play. It took just the opening chords of “Title Track” to allure me, and having heard just that song, I bought the album, which remains an all-time favorite. Anyone who equates Death Cab For Cutie with their Transatlanticism output and beyond would be well advised to go further back in their catalog to the days when Ben Gibbard was sick of love instead of lovesick. Death Cab For Cutie: “Title Track” (download)
	Destroyer, Destroyer’s Rubies While I was interning at Rolling Stone, one of my fellow interns asked if I had heard “the album with the girl in the red dress on it.” I had no idea what he was talking about – and he wasn’t completely sure, either, since he couldn’t remember the artist or album name. Later, he did. I had been rendered utterly speechless trying to find comparisons or touchstones, anything that it would’ve made sense for this to spring from. But Destroyer’s Rubies is just that: a product of the finest gems, stemming from nothing and no one but Destroyer. This album was on one of the biggest personal moments of discovery in the 2000s, easily broadening what my ears found appealing. Destroyer: “European Oils” (download)
Jay-Z, The Black Album The Black Album wasn’t the first rap album I liked. It wasn’t even the first Jay-Z album I liked. It was, however, the first rap album I loved. I grew up on plenty of half-wit rap during middle school, which was enough to rub me the wrong way until much, much later. I’ve said before that The Black Album is the most “rock” that rap gets, and I stand by that – Rick Rubin’s presence is proof enough. There might be rap albums that try harder to cross that border, but I don’t mean it in the sense that Jay-Z is trying to be a rock star here, so much as the same aesthetics apply – there’s heaviness, a pounding to The Black Album. It’s an aggressiveness not just of ego or lyrics, but of the songs. The punches on The Black Album come as much from the music as they do from Jay-Z’s mouth. Jay-Z: “Justify My Thug” (download)
	The Notwist, Neon Golden One of the things that keeps me from listening to a lot of electronic-based music is simply the personal opinion that music made with, warped and distorted by computers doesn’t feel as warm, as personal. I’ll admit, as music moves more and more into the realm of sampling, and the use of computers in music has expanded, it holds less true, but it hasn’t been completely felled just yet. Regardless, The Notwist are responsible for a serious enhancement in my opinion of the genre. Neon Golden still stands as one of the warmest, most comforting and most emotional electronic albums I’ve heard. The Notwist: “Consequence” (download)
TV On The Radio, Dear Science There are a lot of artists on this list whose output I consistently adore, making it hard to choose which album to include. Can I honestly say that I like Dear Science more than Return To Cookie Mountain or Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes? On a personal level, not really. Desperate Youth was my mind-blowing introduction to the band, and Cookie Mountain is no less inspired. I can say that Dear Science is more consistent, so on that level, it gets the spot, but ultimately everything TV On The Radio has done deserves to stand here. TV On The Radio: “Halfway Home” (download)
	Two Gallants, What The Toll Tells I could also make a case for any of Two Gallants’ three albums – but What The Toll Tells is their most consistent, so it holds rank and file for all the others. Perhaps a bit childishly, I am still miffed at Pitchfork for assigning this album to a fuckwad who clearly didn’t “get it,” though the band reaped in plenty of good (deserved) press for “Waves Of Grain.” If I’ve convinced my friends and family of any band’s worth over the past few years, it’s Two Gallants, and I plan to keep on doing so, even if their current hiatus becomes permanent. (Please, please, please, please, NO.) (Same goes for TV On The Radio – what the hell is up with great artists going on hiatus?) Two Gallants: “Steady Rollin’” (download)
The White Stripes, Elephant The White Stripes have never seemed too concerned with a sex and leather and cigarettes image of cool, instead taking it back to the mysterious archetype – they want to fuck with your mind as much as they want to fuck you, with antics of identity surrounding their matching last names, or their trippy music videos. When it comes to the great garage rock revival of the early 2000s, it was The White Stripes that remade rock the way I like it. I don’t want my rock ‘n’ roll having too much sex with pop music – I want my rock music loud, fast and cocky as hell. The White Stripes are pretty consistent, but using the aforementioned qualifiers, Elephant is easily a perfect album from start to finish (if I ignore the last song, “It’s True That We Love One Another,” which gets annoying after the initial, “Aww, that’s cute,” listen). The White Stripes: “The Hardest Button To Button” (download)
	Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Show Your Bones Though it may lack some of the vim and vigor of their first or even most recent albums, Show Your Bones hoists an unbelievable emotional weight. The title could not be more literal. In an interview I read awhile back, Karen O called this album a “growing pain,” and there were plenty of rumors and talk about the band nearly breaking up while recording it. I’ll take the nitty gritty over the fluff nine times out of 10. Yeah Yeah Yeahs: “Turn Into” (download)
Yeasayer, All Hour Cymbals Go ahead and laugh at me for picking the debut album of a mega-hyped Brooklyn band for my Top 10 of the decade list. If you can comb through my music library and find another album from the past two years that I listened to this much that isn’t already on my list, be my guest – but it ain’t gonna happen. There’s no band I’ve seen live more often in the past two years, either. For some people, their love affair with Yeasayer might have dipped or disappeared after the initial bumrush, but they won’t be wearing out their welcome on T-Sides any time soon. (And yes, this includes Odd Blood - thanks early vinyl sales.) Yeasayer: “Wintertime” (download)
Group Two: Runners-Up
Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavillion Fiona Apple, Extraordinary Machine Explosions In The Sky, The Earth Is Not A Cold, Dead Place Decemberists, Crane Wife Dismemberment Plan, Change Gnarls Barkley, St. Elsewhere Impossible Shapes, Horus Les Savy Fav, Let’s Stay Friends The Long Winters, When I Pretend To Fall Minus The Bear, Highly Refined Pirates Modest Mouse, Moon & Antarctica Pattern Is Movement, All Together Sleater-Kinney, The Woods Sufjan Stevens, Seven Swans Kanye West, Graduation

I’m truly sorry T-Sides and all related projects have been offline for so long. Chalk it up to summer, chalk it up to a quarter-life crisis, chalk it up to any sorry excuse for life taking us away from the things we love that require any amount of work. But let’s turn the focus on the positives. I’ve certainly continued ingesting and thinking about all things culture-related, just find myself less able to capture the associated thoughts. So, here’s a showcase of Top 15 things that have been on the T-Sides radar while we’ve been dormant (not in order of preference, simply in the order of thought). Click the jump to see!

1. TV on the Radio Remixes – Read Silence

Truth be told, remixes rarely appeal to me. A relationship with a song can be so personal, so intimate, that for it to be broken down into pieces and transformed can be like going to bed with someone you love and waking up next to a stranger. But holy hell, all three remixes on the Read Silence EP are breathtaking reinterpretations. The handy craft of Glitch Mob, Gang Gang Dance and Jneiro Jarel on these selections from Dear Science are perfect companion pieces to TV on the Radio’s compositions. It’s like finding out that someone you already love is an amazing cook or volunteers to teach children how to read or something.

TV On The Radio: “Shout Me Out (Willie Isz Remix By Jneiro Jarel)” (download)

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2. Neko Case, Neko Case, Neko Case

Oh, Neko. It’s quite possible that my girl-crush on her has gone too far, considering I’ve begun to imitate her promotional art in portrait form. Middle Cyclone enchanted me so deeply that I went back to listen to Fox Confessor… and Blacklisted, and more frequently than any other current listening habit I’ve developed, I have a tendency to just put those three albums on shuffle. It’s only a matter of time until I own and then do so with her entire catalog.

Neko Case: “Runnin’ Out Of Fools” (download)

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3. Mariah Carey, “Obsessed”

The reasons why this song is on repeat deserve their own list, because it mostly involves the lyrics, like “All up in the blogs,” and “Lyin’ that you’re sexin’ me,” but especially the line, “Got you all fired up with your Napoleon complex, seein’ right through you like you’re bathin’ in Windex.” Really. Oh, and it’s a Mean Girls reference. What’s not to love?

Mariah Carey: “Obsessed” (download)

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4. Ear Farm

Go ahead and call me biased since my name has appeared on the site a time or two, but truth is, it’s not bias, it’s bloggist envy! The crew at Ear Farm have been coming up with some ridiculously insightful, entertaining and impressively original features. From countdowns like the “Top 10 Most Metal Classical Music Pieces” to exposes about fake myspace accounts to dinnerviews, Ear Farm has me constantly checking their site for updates – and checking my brainstorming well for better ideas.

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5. Yeasayer

It’s not that I want these dudes to rush, by all means, I want them to take as much time as they need to write their perfect, perfect songs, but oh god I can’t remember the last time I was so prematurely excited for an album. All Hour Cymbals is still still still on heavy play because it is so so good, and “Tightrope” is so so good, and it’s just so so hard not to get so so anxious/eager/greedy for more! Their “Odd Blood” recording blog is a bright spot on my Google Reader every update, whether it be picture updates from their Woodstock recording cabin, random themes, crueal teasers or actual news. Between this and their upcoming Pier 54 gig, I hope my thirst for Yeasayer will be satisfied.

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6. Jay-Z, “DOA”

Hovy Hov, it’s not that I stopped loving you, but the leaks and singles since the American Gangster stuff have been… well, mediocre. Your “A Billi” version of “A Milli” is fierce, and “Brooklyn We Go Hard” is a serious jam, but it’s not going to be on Blueprint 3? That made me think you had something better coming, but nothing I heard has really topped that. I was ready to side with your detractors and brush you off as an old man, outta touch – which, truthfully, I don’t neccessarily completely disagree with. But there’s something about you, that swagger, that love of old soul samples, that epic, hit-making ear that keeps me coming back for more. So I didn’t lose all faith. And then you relased “DOA,” which deservedly rips auto-tune, has those hot brass and guitar riffs and references my other favorite big-time rapper (Young Jeezy). Not to mention, a seriously piiiiimp video, featuring exploding assets, you smoking a cigar in front of an NY skyline and playing poker with Harvey Keitel. There I was, finessed by you again.

Jay-Z: “DOA” (download)

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7. Music Direction on “The Sopranos”

Anyone who checks in on my personal tumblr has heard me talk about this before. I’m closing in on “The Sopranos” finale (and if you try to spoil it for me, I’ll cut your head off) after a couple years spent watching it via Netflix and friends’ copies of the show. Most HBO shows use music in the most incredible way, and “Nip/Tuck” is another great example of television music direction, too, but “The Sopranos” is so perfect, it’s as if they had an army of thousands, possessing the knowledge of every song to ever exist when selecting, as if they had brackets and votes and cage matches of which song is best for which moment. My recent favorite selection was the use of The Rolling Stones’ “Moonlight Mile” in the Season 6, Part 1 closer. And, yes, I do already know what the big finale song is – but that’s all I know.

The Rolling Stones: “Moonlight Mile” (download)

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8. Jaime Foxx, “Blame It”

I hated “Blame It” the first time I heard it. It’s demeaning to women no matter how you look at it – either we need liquor to have a one-night stand so as to not feel “easy” (women can’t be as sexually promiscuous as men), or Foxx is acknowledging that such a double-standard exists and is exploiting a loop hole (but is still, basically, trying to bone women by getting them hammered) – that stutter is annoying as hell if you’re not in the right mood, and someone should probably tell Foxx he’s not Usher (speaking of which, wherefore art thou, Usher?). That said, “Blame It” is club R&B gold, catchy and sing-a-long-able as all hell, and unsurprisingly fun to drink to (or get ready to drink to). I also acknowledge that the video is killer, though I probably only think so because it features an appearance from fellow redhead and The Music Man star, Ron Howard. Yep, that’s right. Ron Howard in a club video. Point: Jamie Foxx.

But I’d still love it if a woman did a version of “Blame It” targeted at male drinking stereotypes. (Hint: Ironically, it rhymes with frisky stick). Someone put me in touch with Beyonce and Rihanna’s agents!

Jamie Foxx: “Blame It (Feat. T-Pain)” (download)

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9. Built To Spill

The minute Pacific Northwest Rock Royalty Built To Spill were announced as headliners for this year’s Siren Fest, I pulled out Keep It Like A Secret and There’s Nothing Wrong With Love, and haven’t stopped listening to them since. As with Neko Case, it’s only a matter of time until I jaunt through their entire discography. Luckily I’ll be getting another addition in the fall, in the form of There Is No Enemy.

Built To Spill: “You Were Right” (download)

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10. VeniSin

From the gents who bear such musical fruits as Lilum and The Jobz comes VeniSin, an exericse in indulgence, masculinity and rock. You don’t need words, you just need to listen to this.

VeniSin: “Koadak Blues” (download)

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11. Jake One, “Home”

Click here to view the embedded video.

What’s that? I already posted this? You don’t say…

Actually, I don’t say, because it’s worth talking about again, between the opening shot at my beloved Dick’s Drive-Thru on Broadway, the Sir Mix-A-Lot cameo, the jokes about Seattle being a city of potsmokers, the digs at Seattle sports teams, and the laid-back, positive vibes. Seattle doesn’t get enough theme songs, so I’mma pimp this one, our best one, as much as I can. Even if you aren’t from the Emerald City, you can appreciate the skill of some of its best emcees.

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12. The Dead Weather

After playing witness to their in-store at Jack White’s pop-up Third Man Records, it’s hard to listen to Horehound, which lacks some of the intensity and complexity of the live performance. But, at the very least, on “Treat Me Like Your Mother” and “I Cut Like A Buffalo,” Jack White’s passion is infectious, and Alison Mosshart makes a great toughsexy frontwoman for him to spar with. The rest of the album requires more digesting on my end, but I may never get past the way both songs make me want to slinky-swagger my way down the sidewalk and spit in some dude’s eye, or the violent video for “Treat Me Like Your Mother.” Can you imagine if you and an ex could have a shoot-out, knowing you wouldn’t kill the other person? I also have to point out the deliciously sinister fact that it’s filmed right outside some sort of copycat suburban housing plot.

The Dead Weather: “Treat Me Like Your Mother” (download)

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13. Phoenix

The French popsters from the Lost In Translation soundtrack hit it big with this year’s Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, particularly opening tracks “Lizstomania” and “1901.” They have me smitten – me and everyone else, that is.

Phoenix: “Lizstomania” (download)

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14. Wilco

I’m fully aware of the fact that I’ve knocked Wilco before. Though I’ve admittedly warmed up to them, in some ways, I still stand by my original statements. It takes way too long for Wilco albums to hit home, longer than I’m usually willing to spend on an album without some amount of faith in the artist. After hearing some live recordings, though, I decided to splurge on seeing the band with Yo La Tengo (who I, regrettably, only saw the last song of), and came away something closely resembling a fan. My favorite moments involved songs from A Ghost Is Born and Sky Blue Sky and the incredible guitarmanship of Nels Cline, who made sounds I’d never heard before. I don’t know that I’d call Wilco a new favorite, but I came away from the show willing to put a little more faith in their hands.

Wilco: “You And I” (download)

15. Domino Records

So, about that job thing. After an exhaustive job hunt, I’ve taken a positon with Domino Records (US), fine purveyors of alternative artists. Being a critic and working at a label puts me in a right compromising position, one that will be solved by my not expressing opinions regarding Domino artists. This unfortunately means I’ll have to refrain from further editorializing on Domino artists I’ve written about before – Animal Collective, Dirty Projectors, Cass McCombs, The Notwist, Arctic Monkeys – but is the best route to ensure things don’t get cloudy around here. There is a chance that I will decide to report facts - without critique or comment – from events I attend (for example, Animal Collective’s show at Prospect Park that I bought tickets for months and months ago), but should I do so, will disclose things of that nature to you, the T-Sides readers. Credibility and integrity still remain two facets I hold dear, despite being known as a blogger and the source of my current paycheck.

Van Morrison: “Domino” (YouTube)

Jake One: “Home”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cursive: “I Couldn’t Love You”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Best Album Cover:

Coldplay, Viva La Vida

As much as I hate to award Coldplay for anything, every time I saw the poster of this while walking in the subway, I thought, “That looks AWESOME!” I hoped it was a badass marketing campaign for a new movie or book or something, by the look of the paint scrawled over an old-fashioned painting, but alas. It was Coldplay. Shit.

Best One-Two Music Video Punch:
Young Jeezy, “Put On” + “Crazy World”
Watch these videos back to back. If you don’t feel riled up or uncomfortable… scratch that, you will feel riled up and uncomfortable. There’s just no way around it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Most Disappointing Change In Appearance:


Kyp Malone

When I first saw the new press photos of TV on the Radio with an afro-less Kyp Malone, I was struck by sadness over the loss of his luscious locks. Luckily, at their show at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple in October, it looked like he was starting to bring it back.

Best Beard Belonging To A Guitarist That Isn’t Kyp Malone:

Zac Holtzman, Dengue Fever

Congrats to Zac Holtzman, who’s got a beard that’s goin’ places. Like halfway down his chest.

Band We’d Most Like To Hang Out With:



Tie: Fleet Foxes, TV on the Radio, Yeasayer

It all comes down to talented, good-looking guys from northern, coastal cities who seem like they know how to have a good time, basically.

Band We’d Least Like To Hang Out With:

Billy Corgan / Smashing Pumpkins

It always sounds fun in theory to hang out with someone this batshit crazy, but in reality, it’s the very definition of a buzz kill.

12. The Notwist @ Webster Hall, October 13th

Full review here. Excerpt: In their recordings, the Notwist might give off the impression of being a sleepy little electro-pop band, but don’t let that twist your notions of what their live show is like. Sure, they hide behind the gentle guise of glasses (four out of the five touring members wear them), but in a live setting, their post-rock and hardcore roots really start to seep out.

11. Joanna Newsom @ BAM, January 31st

Full review here. Excerpt: A Joanna Newsom album has never sounded as good as she did when she played at the Brooklyn Academy of Music last Thursday. Even the most middling of fans, the most ardent of critics, could not possibly have walked away unswayed by the remarkable skill and charm she emanated throughout the evening.

10. Liz Phair @ Hiro Ballroom, June 26th

Full review here. Excerpt: Wearing a vest with a hot purple bra, short shorts and heels, Phair was sexy, but not forcibly so. Often labeled as having stage fright, but looking comfortable, she acknowledged her worries in past terms, “This tour is a big deal to me–I was nervous.” She was talkative and flirtatious.  “I need a guy,” she remarked, when she needed help adjusting a mic stand. “I love guys.”

9. Wolf Parade @ Terminal 5, July 31st

Full review here. Excerpt: The music also takes on an anthemic quality in a live setting, whether it was the chemistry of the band and the crowd, or simply hearing it while it was being created is hard to say. But every song was a fist-pumper, an ass-shaker, a shout-a-long, including their 10-minute long masterpiece “Kissing the Beehive,” which closes out their new release, At Mount Zoomer, and closed out their set before the encore.

8. Broken Social Scene @ Siren Fest, July 19th, @ Brooklyn Masonic Temple, October 24th

Full review of Siren here. Full review of Brooklyn Masonic Temple here. Their set at Siren was incredible, despite Kevin Drew being sick. Their set during CMJ was incredible, despite Kevin Drew being an asshole.

7. Dengue Fever @ Southpaw, March 5th, @ SummerStage, July 5th

Full review of SummerStage show here. I’ll admit it, I didn’t review their show at the Southpaw because I was thoroughly enjoying the drink special ($2 Singhas!). But believe me, it was awesome. Excerpt: Dengue Fever are one of the most exciting, energetic and interactive bands currently performing. With constant smiles on their faces, they jump up and down, have special parts for audience sing-a-longs, and Nimol enchants with swirling hands and exotic dance moves. The group communicates through facial expressions and body language, like a group of longtime friends or even family. In a way, watching them feels akin to being in some sort of secret club.

6. Fleet Foxes @ Bowery Ballroom, June 9th, @ Webster Hall, October 6th

Full review of Bowery show here. Full review of Webster Hall show here. Whether sick or healthy, Fleet Foxes are talent-wealthy. Excerpt: If Fleet Foxes can do this much with just 16 songs in their catalog, they’ll prove to be a band worth seeing again and again and again for years to come.

5. Sigur Ros @ United Palace, September 17th

Some concerts just can’t be put into words. Some concerts can only be summarized in twitter updates.

4. Yeasayer @ Bowery Ballroom, February 26th, @ Brooklyn Masonic Temple, April 11th, @ SummerStage, August 4th, @ Music Hall of Williamsburg, December 6th

Full review of SummerStage set here. Yeasayer gets the distinction of being the band I saw more than any other this year… and they didn’t even put an album out! There’s a reason why I saw these hard-working gents from Brooklyn so many times. Excerpt: Even just frontman Chris Keating is fun to watch because he’s so spastic. Contorting his face into painful expressions and twisting his fingers and hands in this or that way, one would guess he was high on something or simply losing his mind. But when they took to the mic between songs, the men of Yeasayer spoke like any other guys from Brooklyn, chill and down to earth.

3. TV on the Radio @ Brooklyn Masonic Temple, October 15th

Full review here. Excerpt: Seeing TV on the Radio at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple on Wednesday wasn’t just about how amazing TV on the Radio is, it was about how exhilarating music can be in general.

2. Jay-Z & Mary J. Blige (Heart of the City Tour) @ IZOD Center, March 28th

Full review here. Excerpt: Blige uses two words to describe Jay-Z: “Brooklyn swagger.” Anyone expecting otherwise from the wildly successful rap star and entrepreneur would have been disappointed.

1. Nine Inch Nails @ DCU Center, November 9th

Full review here. It’s incredibly unfortunate that there won’t be a DVD of this. When Trent Reznor broke the bad news, he said, “This was FOR SURE the best show of the year and any bullshit end-of-the-year poll you may read in the next few weeks that says otherwise simply has it wrong. Those of you who saw it know I’m right.” And you know what? He is. Excerpt: It would go against the trail-blazing spirit of Trent Reznor to use him as any sort of guideline, but it must be said that any arena rock band should turn to Reznor’s live show for inspiration.

10. Snoop Dogg: “Sensual Seduction / Sexual Eruption” (download)

Read my review of the album here. Snoop must have been listening to a lot of R. Kelly when he wrote this, right? I could not believe this was Snoop Dogg the first time I heard it. I hated that 2008 was the year of digital voice enhancement as much as the next person, but this is done just right for a song about spending a day in bed set to synths. (Trying.so.hard.not.to.reference.Kanye.right.now.) In a surprising twist, the censored version (“Sensual Seduction”) is better than the uncensored version (“Sexual Eruption”). More “sensual” and “seductive,” if you will. If you forget what Snoop looks like for a minute, it’s quite the turn on of a song. “Sexual Eruption” pushes the line of ridiculousness just a little too far. Leave pushing that line for people who can pull it off. Like R. Kelly.

9. The Helio Sequence: “Lately” (download)

Read review of the album here. The Helio Sequence’s songwriting improves with each album. Keep Your Eyes Ahead, their third full length, was a pleasant surprise to open the year with, and probably would have made it to my list of favorite albums had it been slightly longer. “Lately,” the opening track, is a classic kiss-off, with the added twist of wondering if it’s himself he’s trying to convince, or the subject of his defiance. “Lately, I don’t think of you at all,” he begins over slowly ascending guitar, “or wonder what you’re up to / or how you’re getting on.” His insistence could be further proof or simply the embodiment of denial.

8. The Raconteurs: “Many Shades of Black” (download)

Read my review of the album here. In what could perhaps be considered another classic case of Taylor vs. everyone else, most reviews of Consolers of the Lonely pegged this track as being the worst on the album. T-Sides begs to differ. The super-group’s take on soul/doo-wop is the most interesting thing on an enjoyable but unsurprising album. With its oddly empowering “get over it” chorus (“Everybody sees / and everyone agrees / that you and I wrong / and it’s been that way too long / so take it as it comes / and be thankful when it’s done”), “Many Shades of Black” is the kind of song I could listen to on repeat, all day, and still be singing along to by day’s end.

7. My Morning Jacket: “Touch Me, I’m Going To Scream, Pt. 1″ (download)

Read my review of the album here. My Morning Jacket’s fifth studio album was a little uneven, with high highs (this song) and low lows (“Highly Suspicious”). Both parts of “Touch Me, I’m Going To Scream” made Evil Urges worth listening to on their own, but part 1 especially with its almost Air-like smooth melody and rhythm, continuing My Morning Jacket’s streak of killer slow-jams. But what makes this so tortuously beautiful is its lyrics, the desperation in Jim James’ voice. When he wails, towards the end, “I need a human / right by my side / untied,” it hits square in the heart.

6. Kidz in the Hall: “Mr. Alladatshit (Feat. Donnis & Chip Tha Ripper)” (download)

Read my review of the album here. The sophomore album from this Chicago rap duo is a lot of fun, and made it onto my mid-year list. But the second half of the year was just too strong, and music that’s “fun” tends to be easily knocked out. That said, “Mr. Alladatshit” is the top-of-the-world, feel-good jam of the year, despite a few ridiculous lyrics.

5. Eli “Paperboy” Reed & the True Loves: “Take My Love With You” (download)

All credit for my knowing this goes to Heart On A Stick. Seriously, though, why don’t more people know about this man, this song? Particularly the same people who tout acts like Amy Winehouse, Duffy, the Pipettes, etc., and, you know, people who like songs that put a grin on one’s face. Long-distance lovers (actually, lovers in general), you have a new theme song. Trust me on this.

4. Santogold: “L.E.S. Artistes” (download) / “I’m A Lady” (download)

Another album that nearly made the top albums list, and probably would’ve made it onto a longer one. I refuse to choose between its hottest jams, so I’m not going to. (Uh, actually, “Lights Out” should probably be here too.)

3. The Kills: “U.R.A. Fever” (download)

I’m starting to blush a bit over my love of all this sexy music, but honestly, this was probably the sexiest song released in 2008. (Well, along with TV on the Radio’s “Lover’s Day.”)

2. Lil’ Wayne: “A Milli” (download) / Jay-Z: “A Billi” (download)

Oh look, it’s the obvious choice. Lil’ Wayne was everywhere this year, Tha Carter III was everywhere this year, “A Milli” was everywhere this year. The amount of covers alone reflect how hot this song is. Since it brought my main man Hova out of the woodwork sounding better than he does on all the leaks from his upcoming album, The Blueprint 3 (I’m even nervous about that one), it’s just more reason to love it.

1. Young Jeezy: “Put On (Feat. Kanye West)” (download)

While Weezy easily had the more popular song, Jeezy had the real fist-pumper. He may not have the word-play or the flow of a Lil’ Wayne or a Jay-Z, but there’s something dark, strong and alluringingly imminent about Young Jeezy, who had the forethought to title his album The Recession. (Maybe it’s the theremin sample?) Considering the enormity of Kanye West’s personality and popularity, it wouldn’t have been surprising if West showed up his host, but that’s far from the case. Making his autotune debut, West plays a solid backup without overshadowing. The video is just as engrossing (more on that to come).

As you may have guessed from a few entries, or read in recent interviews, T-Sides can’t get enough of TV on the Radio and their latest album, Dear Science. In honor of these talented men from our home-base borough of Brooklyn, we’re giving away a poster designed by singer Tunde Adebimpe. I looks like that picture up there.

What do you have to do to win this poster? Glad you asked!

To get a chance at owning this poster, please e-mail (comments on this post will not be counted as entries) taylor @ t-sides.com and tell us what TV on the Radio song matches your favorite television show and why. Your reasoning can be as straight-forward or as complex as you’d like. The subject should be “T-Sides TVOTR Contest.”

Here’s our example: One of my favorite television shows is Deadliest Catch, about the dangerous work of fishing for crab in the Bering Sea. The TV on the Radio song that goes best with Deadliest Catch is “Dirtywhirl,” because towards the end, they sing, “all I ever wanted to be / was destroyed at sea / the hurricane rescued me / savage calamity.”

TV on the Radio: “Dirtywhirl” (download)

Winners will be picked on Dec. 2nd. The best answer will be published on T-Sides and will receive the poster you see above.

Check out this video on the making of the “Golden Age” music video while you wait for inspiration:

Click here to view the embedded video.

And now check out the result!:

Click here to view the embedded video.

TV on the Radio Official Site
TV on the Radio on MySpace

Beck could have been a more engaging performer at Wednesday’s United Palace show, but what he lacked in personality on stage, he made up for in song.

The show was the opener of a three-day stand at the Washington Heights venue, and it was hard to tell whether he was tired from touring or simply playing into his persona of the moment. He kept the chatter to a minimum, and often closed his eyes or glanced down at the stage.

Beck: “Modern Guilt” (download)

His restraint somewhat echoes that of his new album, Modern Guilt, which he spent a surprisingly little amount of time showcasing, just playing six songs from it. Rounding out the laid-back feel of newer tunes like “Walls” and “Chemtrails,” he brought out poppier singles spanning his career: “Loser,” “Mixed Bizness,” “Devil’s Haircut,” “E-Pro” and “Where It’s At.”

Beck: “E-Pro” (download)

Known for his eclectic hybrid rock, the setlist boasted Beck’s many strong suits, from the bleeping, scratching synths of the electro-rap “Hell Yes,” to the acoustic lament of “Lost Cause” and the funky “Soul of a Man.”

Though his tours have boasted more elaborate set-ups, the stage lent an especially grand atmosphere, even beyond the already intricate detail of the church. Looking like a television or movie set, there was a large, colorful electronic display for a background, and vintage spotlights pointed at each band member. (The show was being filmed, so as it turns out, it was a set of some kind.)

However, it wouldn’t have taken much for anyone to put on a decent show after openers MGMT, who looked bored by their own set. With such high energy songs, it shouldn’t be a great effort to put on a reflective performance, but after seeing MGMT twice this year, apparently that’s too much to ask. By the time they finally warmed up for the last three tunes, “Electric Feel,” “Handshake” and (of course) “Kids,” they were the night’s true lost cause.

For more pictures of this show from T-Sides, click here. Click the jump for setlist and more info.

SETLIST:
Loser
Nausea
Girl
Timebomb
Minus
Soul of a Man
Mixed Bizness
Nicotine & Gravy
Que Onda Guero
Hell Yes
Black Tambourine
Devil’s Haircut
Think I’m In Love
Modern Guilt
Orphans
Walls
Missing
Chemtrails
Golden Age
Lost Cause
Lonesome Whistle (Hank Williams Cover)
Where It’s At
Encore: Gamma Ray
Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat (Bob Dylan Cover)
E-Pro

Also there:
NYT
Brooklyn Vegan
Metro Mix
Pitchfork

Modern Guilt Official Site
Beck on MySpace

Click here to view the embedded video.

This is, without a doubt, one of the more perplexing and hilarious things that Snoop Dogg has ever done. And with Snoop Dogg, that’s saying something. I’ve racked my brain for reasons how and why this could’ve possibly come together, and here are a few explanations I’ve conjured:

Top 5 Reasons Snoop decided to co-star in “Singh is King”:
5. He heard Dubai was booming but made a wrong turn
4. Actually thought Singh was a King
3. He’s already had sex with every woman in America, so he’s looking for new… faces.
2. Like so many other Americans, he couldn’t find a job
1. The world music bit worked so well for Vampire Weekend, he thought he’d get in on the trend.

If you can think of any others, please share them in the comments.

In 2004, I managed to land an internship at the Grammys. More specifically, the Seattle branch of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), the professional organization responsible for the Grammys. Four or five internships later, it’s still one of my top two favorites, because I felt like I was making a difference (I did a lot of research for  the proof of need for the Hawaiian Music category, which was added a year later). It also changed the way I listen to hip-hop.

Though the average person associates Seattle with rock ‘n’ roll – grunge, Sub Pop and that ilk – Seattle has an impressive hip-hop scene, particularly from a production standpoint. Our most famous name is Sir Mix A Lot (who I drove past one day in Capitol Hill), but hip-hop aficionados might recognize the names Jake One, Bean One and Vitamin D, producers who’ve worked on albums from big names like 50 Cent, Jurassic 5 and Mary J. Blige.

While I was interning at NARAS, they hosted an event spotlighting the Seattle hip-hop production scene. As the intern, I helped set up, then got to stay for the event. It wasn’t exactly what I expected. I went into it thinking it would be more or less like any other rap show. Instead, it was the producers highlighting beats they created, and every once and awhile, someone would come up and rap to them.

As a writer, I’m a sucker for a good lyric, so it’s often easy for me to get distracted by what someone is saying and thus pay less attention to what’s going on musically. I love a lot of instrumentals, post-rock and classical music because I can really focus on the music and not be trying to juggle my attention. So, when I attended the event and heard just the beats, it was taking the genre and kind of flipping it on its head for me, particularly because at that time, much of the focus in hip-hop discussion was still on what rappers were saying, how they were rhyming or who they were insulting, though that’s certainly changed since.

The beat that really got to me was when Jake One played his beat from De La Soul’s “Rock Co. Kane Flow,” off of the Grind Date (which, incidentally, was the beat that put him on the map). After years of listening to mostly mainstream rap, it was just so unlike like any beat I’d ever heard. To this day, I cannot listen to that song without focusing on that beat, because it’s just so majestic and unusual. No matter how hard I concentrate on what they’re rapping, my ears always focus on the production.

De La Soul: “Rock Co. Kane Flow (Feat. MF Doom)” (download)