MVM – BIG IN 2009

The Bloody Beetroots – Cornelius

So I didn’t do a Best of 2008 Music Video Monday, but Im making predictions of artists I think are going to blow up in 2009. First off, the artist has to have a video. Secondly, I am posting artists who I think did well in 2008, but should do even better in 2009. Artists like Black Kids and Santogold got as much love as they possibly could’ve gotten for new artists. Here are some artists who were loved but should be getting some much deserved additional love in the New Year.

Starting it off was Bloody Beetroots, whose video is eerily similar to the clips for Justice’s and Soulwax’s separate upcoming rock docs. The BB’s have blown up so quickly, playing every festival in LA. Their debut full-length album should be out on Dim Mak later this year.

There were a lot of female indie pop stars to emerge in 2008; Lykke Li, Little Boots, Yelle. But Ladyhawke outshined them all. No other female artist had the body of work she did. With an amazing full-length and a guest spot on Pnau’s amazing “Embrace.” The New Zealander has finally started getting spins on KCRW, and with videos like this and hopefully an American tour in 09 (she cancelled her planned 08 tour), she should be huge in no time. 

Ladyhawke – My Delerium

Not quite Santogold yet, but Kid Sister definitely had a good 2008. With a new full length coming I think Kid Sister will make it big this year. I hope everyone gets away from the 08 trend of putting Kanye West or Lil Wayne on their songs. So in honor of no more Kanye cameos, I am shunning the Pro Nails video. Check her out rapping on The Count and Sinden’s “Beeper.” Speaking of which watch out for The Count and Sinden owning shit this year.

Kid Sister – Beeper

These dudes are fun and dancey and are also from Down Under. 80s throwback style is all the rage nowadays. But Miami Horror‘s video doesn’t just rely on it’s nostalgia. The faux aging of the video quality looks like it was ripped from a VHS tape. And the song is totally radical dude.

Miami Horror – Don’t Be On With Her

The Virgins! Forget Vampire Weekend and MGMT, wait don’t forget MGMT, but this band should have teenage girls swooning all year. They make some great videos too. Their video for “Private Affair” is too similar to MH’s “Don’t Be On With Her,” so enjoy their equally awesome video for “Rich Girls.”

The Virgins – Rich Girls

The indie world loved this guy and deservedly so. I think too many male indie acts get christened the best thing since Nick Drake. But this guy Bon Iver is actually really good. The bearded folk singer can’t help but get comparisons to Iron & Wine, but I see Bon reaching Death Cab for Cutie and Bright Eyes status.

Bon Iver – The Wolves (Act I & II)

Another indie gem, Fleet Foxes, came on strong at the end of 2008. The best thing about indie rock is the amazingly creative music videos they make. I wish Hip-hop would get more creative with the medium on a regular basis. Catchy song, cool animation.

Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal

And of course from the best of 2008, Crystal Castles. Their single “Crimewave” topped my Best Singles of 2008 chart, and their self-titled debut album made it into my Top 10 Albums of the year. CC was huge on the blog circuit last year but I’m thinking bigger and better things in 09. Like more commercial radio play and live performances on Late Night talk shows. Get radio for Crystal Castles to break into the mainstream!

Crystal Castles – Crimewave

Crystal Castles – New Music – More Music Videos

TOP 10 SONGS OF 2008

And now without further ado here are the 10 BEST SONGS OF 2008

10. Larry Tee ft. Princess Superstar – Licky (Herve Goes Low Remix)

I had never heard of Larry Tee but I love me some Princess Superstar. The chick who I am convinced taught Amanda Blank everything she knows. This song is real nice but it’s that crazy ass bass drop from Herve that makes this so memorable and mainstay in my sets.

9. MGMT – Kids

I have repped MGMT all year. I love this band. This was the first song I heard from them. It’s so poppy and upbeat and gets the party started.

8. Little Boots – Stuck on Repeat (Fake Blood Remix)

Another first. The first time I heard my new love Little Boots. And the first time I heard that oh so sweet sound of Fake Bloooooood. I love this song, obviously, it’s number 8. But I love Little Boots’ sexy voice on the original that still peaks thru on the remix. This shit is so good. And by far the most aptly titled song of the year as this shit was literally ‘Stuck on repeat.’

7. Hot Pink Delorean – Freak Night

I was just cruising around on Myspace. Searching for DJ’s then clicking their friends to hear what they sounded like. It’s a great way to discover new bands. And then I run into Hot Pink Delorean. Their webpage was so flashy with Palm trees and Deloreans, and then there was this track. Sampling Jodeci’s “I Wanna Freak You” and turning it into this raucus dance track. This Boston group even had Bloody Beetroots spinning this in their sets.

6. Does It Offend You Yeah! – We Are Rockstars

The song and title seem contradictory. But they are Rockstars who made one of the best dance songs of the year. It’s so hyped, you can’t help but dance. I left this album off my top 10 but you should definitely pick it up. One of my favorite live performers of the year as well.

5. Black Kids – I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You

    Black Kids – I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You (Twelves remix)

Oh Black Kids. Yes some of them are Black and they are very young. KCRW’s Nic Hartcourt had been playing this song since the very beginning of the year when it was just a demo. Since then they have gotten a record deal, played dozens of festivals, gotten their music video on BET and played on Letterman. Great song, strange title, and a really good dance remix from the Twelves that I think is equally as good as the original.

4. Portishead – Machine Gun

This was the Portishead everyone was waiting for. Even though their album is really slow this track hits real hard. Crazy production, great vocals. Good to have Portishead back.

3. Pnau ft. Ladywawke – Embrace

Pnau was one of my favorite discoveries in 08, as was Ladyhawke. And then I got to hear them together on the same track! What? Just listen to it and if you don’t love it maybe you have no soul.

2. Kid Cudi – Day N’ Night (Crookers remix)

Crookers were MY FAVORITE new group of the year. Their DJ sets were monstrous. Their productions were amazing and their remixes were immediate classics. This track has started to get played on mainstream radio. Can you believe it? Might as well have called this song 1B but it will have to live at #2. The bass drop, oh the bass drop is so damn good ii didn’t know what to do with myself. I spent the whole year trying to search for songs similar to this one.

1. Crystal Castles vs. Health – Crimewave

CRYSTAL CASTLES! I couldn’t get enough CC this year. Everything they did was perfect to me. Their use of 80’s cartoons, the cool Madonna getting punched out logo (even though I love Madonna). It was perfect. This is what started it fro me. The second I heard Alice’s voice come in I was sold. Producer Ethan Katz will become one of the biggest producers in pop music in years to come. Mark my words!