Welcome to SparkPlugged’s “MOST AWESOME RELEASES of 2008″! This will be a multi-part series showcasing our favorite releases of the past year. Each part will focus on a different editor’s top picks with the last part being a little bit ‘different’. So lets get started!
| Jimi’s MOST AWESOME RELEASES of 2008: |
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syrup16g – syrup16g
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BUGY CRAXONE – Good morning Punk Lovers
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tacica – parallel park
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UPLIFT SPICE – UPLIFT SPICE
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ANARCHY STONE – Cherry Sky
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BUMP OF CHICKEN – orbital period
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syrup16g’s self-titled release also happens to be their grand finale. You can really feel that they poured their heart and soul and every ounce of their being into this final album. Their strong, emotionally piercing music will be appreciated for years to come.
The very embodiment of screwing the establishment, BUGY CRAXONE are back and more raw than ever. Three years in the making, Good morning Punk Lovers is a rock solid release with a high level of quality that still retains the grunginess they’re known for.
tacica’s debut album parallel park is an outstanding release with the first half being pure and utter brilliance. As Shay 
The first full album from the aptly named UPLIFT SPICE is a hardcore roller coaster ride of epic proportions. Their melodic and exhilarating sound is amplified by Chiori’s sheer passion for rocking out. This 
With no less than 10(!) releases this past year, the vibrant and oh-so-lovely trio, ANARCHY STONE has been really gaining momentum. It’s a rare thing to find a band that actually sounds like they’re having fun while performing; and this is made apparent with great tracks like “Cherry Sky”. (Look forward to an article on these lively gals in the near future)
Yes, I know. Technically this is an ’07 album, but seriously, it was released with 1 week left before ’08 so let’s cut it some slack. This is Bump at the This list arranged in order of release date (aside from orbital). I think if I were forced to choose just one favorite from 2008 (again, aside from orbital) it would have to be tacica’s parallel park. They’ve rocketed up to be one of my all-time favorite bands so big kudos to Shay for sharin’ the love! There is so much more music that I wanted to include but I decided to focus on releases that I felt were strong as a whole. the pillows’ PIED PIPER was originally in my list but it’ll be handled in a latter part. Speaking of which, don’t forget to check back for part 2!
Here’s looking to an even more awesome 2009!
By Shay on December 14, 2008 at 11:59 am
This is a great list Jimi!! We certainly agree on a lot and all of these releases rocked! It’s great to see some veteran bands syrup16g, BUGY CRAXONE, and Bump of Chicken still kicking it and putting out amazing releases in addition to the stellar newcomers like tacica, Uplift Spice, and Anarchy Stone. Cool selections and I like ‘em all. This is a great start to our “MOST AWESOME RELEASES of 2008″!!
By lops-sama on December 17, 2008 at 4:22 am
Bump of Chicken released an album in 2008, present from you. I also think orbital period is good but it shouldn’t be in this list.
Syrup16g was rather a disappointment for me…
The rest is good stuff but none of my favourites.
I didn’t listen to Anarchy Stone yet.
By Jimi on December 17, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Good to see ya lops!
I know orbital isn’t technically valid (as stated in the blurb). But since it only missed 2008 by about a week I thought I’d throw it in anyways as a bonus. I really didn’t think ‘present from you’ was as strong because it was a collection of bsides; but it did have a few great tracks on it (laughmaker, present, ever lasting lie accoustic, and the new version of glass blues to name a few)
If you have any good suggestions of bands to give shoutouts to let us know!
By Shay on December 17, 2008 at 6:11 pm
I have to side with Jimi on Orbital Period :P but yeah, present from you was pretty good. It’s great that we all have similar & good taste in music but differ on most of our favorites. :) That’s great and I’m happy to see that.
By arcadia-x on December 20, 2008 at 7:46 am
Yup, so am I. This list is just really good.
I am especially very fond of Bump and tacica lately.
I found out Anarchy Stone here, and it sounds really nice !
If I had recommandations for the list, it’d definitely be Acidman – LIFE.
Since we’ve got similar tastes, do you know about “unison square garden” and “under the counter” ? I listen to a bit of their music and I find it rather good.
By Shay on December 20, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Yeah I really like Unison Square Garden :) I’m looking forward to their new single release on January 28th. From what I’ve heard of their stuff, Under the Counter is good too!! After your recommendation I’ll check out more though :)
By Jimi on December 21, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Yea, I’ve heard about those bands by name but have never really checked into them in depth. Time for a little ‘research’ lol. Thanks for the suggestions!
By SparkPlugged’s “MOST AWESOME RELEASES of 2008!!” Part 3 - SparkPlugged - Asian Music Culturetainment & More on December 24, 2008 at 2:20 am
[...] to PART 1 and PART 2 Tagged as: best of ’08, Japan, music, [...]
By SparkPlugged’s “MOST AWESOME RELEASES of 2008!!” Part 4 - SparkPlugged - Asian Music Culturetainment & More on December 31, 2008 at 12:41 am
[...] to PART 1, PART 2, and PART 3 Tagged as: best of ’08, indie, [...]
By Jimi on January 15, 2009 at 3:28 pm
If I were to write this list now I would also add chatmonchy’s somaruyo single. Kind of rediscovered it recently and it’s sublime~