The Best Of 2008: Chris Vandeviver (of Sakes Alive!!)

TOP FIVE

Glass and Ashes – Self-Titled

Honestly, this band can do no wrong. They are the perfect punk/hardcore band, hands down. The crushing, scathing retribution this band seeks is eye-opening and mind erasing. Glass and Ashes takes chaotic punk rock, reckless abandonment and uncompromising screaming and douses it with the most memorable rock and roll hooks of this generation. I was talking to bassist Mike Carter at this year’s Fest, and though they’re on a bit of hiatus, I suggested they become a studio band and just crank out records. Who gives a fuck about touring when you’re this fucking good? Just give me more!

Man Man – Rabbit Habits

This one caught me by surprise, and the only reason I paid any attention was because of a video of them making their record on Pitchfork.TV. This is gypsy music. This is 50′s music. This is the dark underbelly of the Gilded Age (read: “Corporation Nation” by Charles Derber). This is art, and it’s better than your lamely coveted Of Montreal.

Read more after the jump.

Fucked Up – The Chemistry of Common Life

I’m gonna say it — I could not, for the life of me, figure out what the hell people liked about Fucked Up. Let me be the first to say, I didn’t think any of it was any GOOD. Really? You really thought so? My relationship with the band was strange though. I’ve been enamored with the way Fucked Up cranks out releases, handles themselves, and generally fucks with people. My Google reader is set to let me know when their website is updated. Shit, I BOUGHT Hidden World, and I don’t even LIKE it! Let me say though, that The Chemistry of Common Life has come to change all that. This band finally hit its stride with experimentation, hardcore, and existentialism that occurs as prophetic. Now I can give a shit.

Damiera – Quiet Mouth Loud Hands

You’re gonna tell me that Damiera changed their entire sound, and that now they suck. And I would agree, except it doesn’t suck. It absolutely rules. M(US)IC was perfect with all of it’s Faraquet, wearing-your-influence on your sleeve thing. This record though, takes that and mixes it with Michael Jackson pop. What? You heard me. Dynamics and intrigue are abound. This is gonna be one of those bands on Equal Vision that no one is gonna pay much attention to. But they are indie rock’s redemption.

Dead To Me – Little Brother

There really should’ve been no question about how awesome Dead To Me is. Revitalizing punk rock? Thank you. This EP though (which should’ve been a full length) starts expanding into other areas and quiet/loudness that shows a band that can grow. My question after Cuban Ballerina was, “can this band really do anything more?” You betcha they can.

Highlight of the year – The Fest 7

Sure, sure. You may have been attending the punk rock mecca since Fest 2, and have been wondering where I was. Well, I’m a little late– so what?! The Fest was the greatest, most fun experience of this punk rocker’s life. May not a single one be unattended from this moment on. Favorite sets of the Fest – Dillinger Four, OK Pilot, Strike Anywhere. Favorite aspects of the Fest – Bagels Unlimited, National Underground, Warehouse shows, a Fest without douche bags.

Disappointment of the Year – Dillinger Four – Civilwar

Punk rock blasphemy! Heretic! Burn’em at the stake!! Let me set the record straight for you. I’ve been digging and praising D4 since the release of Midwestern. I remember when no one gave a shit about D4 (I’m setting myself up for the old, jaded asshole hat, aren’t I?). Of course, none of the records can really top Midwestern. But I’m ok with that. Versus God kicked ass, even sans Paddy and his drunken ranting. Situationist Comedy was as hard-hitting as ever. Civilwar to me though, sounds tired. Sounds a bit like a half-assed effort. Waiting 6 years, you’d think it would at least be a BIT better. Good? Maybe. Punk rock opus? Not hardly.