Year in Review Archives
2008 Year in Review
artist of the year: Radiohead
2007 Year in Review
artist of the year: Wilco
2006 Year in Review
artist of the year: Jackie Greene
2005 Year in Review
artist of the year: Beck
2004 Year in Review
artist of the year: Patti Smith
2008 Top Local Artists
- GOOD NIGHT, STATES Short Films on Self Control
Short Films on Self Control from Good Night, States is consistently strong from beginning to end. The band’s hooks and melodies are well crafted and may prove to have staying power for years to come. “Killer of the One” is the standout track on this excellent debut. Fans of the Shins would do best to get hip to Good Night, States. CH
- DONORA Donora
Jake and Casey Hanner of the indie-pop rock group Donora are the son and daughter of prolific producer and songwriter Dave Hanner (Corbin/Hanner). With Casey’s incredible rock ’n’ roll demeanor, Donora’s (short) live sets leave you exhilarated and wanting more each time. Thankfully, they’ve finally given us this debut record. This is the local band to keep your eye on. CH
- NICOLE REYNOLDS unordinary mine
Singer-songwriter Nicole Reynolds’ third album is full of clever lyrics that are even more compelling thanks to Reynolds’ vocal delivery. Her fragile yet striking vocals have helped to build her reputation as an artist not to be missed. Reynolds is a tiny individual with a big presentation that’ll knock you right out. Just ask the packed crowd that she wowed at last August’s Third Thursday (WYEP’s local music happy hour) where she sold out of her new CD. CH
- LOHIO History, The Destroyer
The second release from Pittsburgh’s foremost up-and-coming indie outfit, Lohio, gets better with each listen. While their first album brought Wilco comparisons, History, The Destroyer sounds more like the New Pornographers. Josh Verbanets (guitar/vocals) wears the producer’s hat; singer Greg Dutton writes most of the songs; but Verbanets and drummer Matt Miller each kick in a track, making it more of a band effort. CH - ENNUI The Myth in Which We Live
Two years in the making, Ennui’s debut LP is for those who appreciate both the music of Radiohead and Woody Guthrie—in one sitting. Save for the peppy song “Lil Radio,” it’s easy to get lost in this atmospheric album. Sometimes confusing, but always pretty, the group has an eerie electronic sound that revolves around a beautiful male voice. If you can’t get enough of Sigur Rós, and Radiohead’s Kid A, this is your band. CH
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