Think Pink Radio

TPR is very happy to have Kate Cooper as a guest for our year-end round up. She’s the strong, Australian leader of the band An Horse, a highly searched for indie-rock band. I fell in love with them after the release of their debut EP, Not Really Scared and you might have caught them on tour with Tegan and Sarah. Be on the look out for their debut album, Rearrange Beds in stores in the US in March 09, or available on itunes RIGHT NOW.

10) The Henson Case by David Marr

This is an important book about Bill Henson, arguably one of Australia’s most important artists and an exhibition of his that exploded in controversy earlier this year. Marr looks at Henson’s very public trial by the media.

9) Fire Flood Acid Mud – No Anchor

No Anchor are a two piece – bass and drums from Brisbane, Australia. This is their debut album and it is as cool as their band name. Fire Flood Acid Mud was recorded quickly and cheaply but it kicks arse. I think there are a handful of copies of the actual physical record. The artwork is as good as the music. Check them out – myspace.com/noanchor

8 ) celestepotter.com

7) laithmcgregor.com – please note 7 and 8 tie because I think both Celeste and Laith are amazing. They are my favourite visual artists. They are both kicking goals (I think that could be a very Australian term for great success). Both have contributed to An Horse artwork. I wish our music was as moving as their images. My goal is to become as good musically as they are visually.

6) The Big Sleep and Other Novels – Raymond Chandler

OKAY! SO this was originally published in 1948 which officially makes me 60 years behind but as I mentioned previously I am hopelessly out of touch. Chandler is classic and tough and well…. awesome. My brother gave me this book before I went on my last tour. I love it because it’s tough, it’s old LA and I guess because my brother gave it to me.

5) Kaki King – Dreaming of Revenge

Another solid record from one of the best guitarists I know.

4) Death Cab for Cuite – Narrow Stairs

Solid music by solid people. And the artwork is hot.

3) Jessica Lea-Mayfield – With Blasphemy So Heartfelt

An Horse had the privilege of touring with JLM. She killed it. This record kills it. Killer.

2) Bloc Party – Intimacy

I only JUST got this record. I don’t know why I avoided it. Maybe I was skeptical that it would not live up to their previous records. Oh man, it is just amazing. They are such a good band. Lyrically they blow my mind. All good music should be emotional. Many bands try to be honest and emotional but you can feel it’s a facade just by listening. Bloc Party’s emotional honesty is second to none.

1) The Gaslight Anthem – The ’59 Sound

This album is my pick of 2008. It, like all good records reminds me of some very awesome time and place moments. It makes me drive too fast. Be wary of that.

Whether wasting your life on YouTube or getting wasted on the dance floor, 2008 was an undeniably great year for dance-pop guilty pleasures. Here are the best and brightest. Along with the songs and videos, enjoy some commentary on why these superstars make us feel a little guilty for loving their music, and why in the end we just don’t care.
- compiled by Chances’ Nina Ramone (Aay Preston-Myint) illcutyou.com

1. Róisín Murphy – You Know Me Better

I dont know what it is, there’s something about the ecstatic overproduction on “You Know Me Better” that ends up working in the end. I can’t fight it. Play this track in a room full of queers and they WILL MOVE. Not to mention, Róisín doesn’t just look good in a fancy outfit, she can actually sing too.

2. Beyoncé – Single Ladies

OK Beyoncé. We’ve all had enough bubble-gum feminism to last us a lifetime. And I’m SO OVER marriage.  But…your dance is just so…bewitching. And anyone who inspires JT to get freaky in a leotard and stiletto pumps on national TV deserves a little respect.

3. Mariah Carey – I’ll Be Lovin U Long Time

If I had to live through that “Glitter” phase I wouldn’t even be able to get up in the morning. This diva does it every day – now that’s strength. So, the whole beach bunny photo shoot thing makes me a little ill, but you know what, girl deserves a comeback, and she’s going for the gold.

4. MGMT – Electric Feel

The acid-trip-lost-boys aesthetic that their stylist seems to have ripped straight from all those warehouse-living kids from Baltimore to West Oakland makes me wonder what the point of making art is ever again. But whatever, this groove is undeniably good. Besides, someone’s gotta fill the void that Beck left after he got too deep into Scientology and just plain fell off.

5. Kylie Minogue – In My Arms

I don’t know why this song isn’t higher up on the list, it’s actually a really good song. Maybe that’s why…because GIRL IS AMAZING. FOR REAL.

6. Crystal Castles – Untrust Us

OK, so technically, this is an older song, but it (and Crystal Castles in general) are blowing up this year, so I’m letting it slide. The guilt trip: Alice Glass’s petulant screeching on most of their other tracks is actually kind of annoying; and furthermore, Crystal Castles have been accused of stealing other people’s art and music twice this year. Why I don’t care: the vocals are not so screechy here, and when it comes down to it, we all need a good rave-up every once in a while. Maybe the heydays of Aphex Twin and Underworld are coming full circle. Get excited.

7. Hot Chip – Ready for the Floor

Hot Chip’s music is sometimes quirky to a point of being contrived, and they play up this ordinary-guy image in a way that makes it seem like they’d be total wankers in person. But musically, that quirkiness brings a little more to Hot Chip than most of the other acts on this list. There’s something to be said about a well-crafted pop tune, and this certainly is one.

8. Rihanna – Disturbia

Look at this video. Beyoncé would never ever wile out like that (although her cyber-gauntlet is pretty rad – see entry #2). Now if only Rihanna would ditch whatever producer is using that awful autotune effect and go get Trent Reznor to crank some beats out for her. He’d probably be down.

9. TI – Whatever You Like

Birds of a feather, TI must have caught the autotune bug from his girl Rihanna (see #8). I mean, that stuff got played out with Cher. CHER! But you know what, it’s alright because in the end, we’d all probably ditch our crappy McJobs if we could ride in a jet with TI.

10. Britney Spears – Womanizer

Props to whoever wrote in the line: “You think I’m crazy, I got your crazy.” But the chorus is just one word repeated over and over. Blah. I know this is supposed to be the comeback of the year, but I’m just not feeling it that much. It’s all been downhill since “Toxic.” I’ll dance to it after a few beers though.

Honorable Mention: The Raveonettes – Dead Sound

OK, so maybe the Raveonettes are not quite dancey enough to make this list. But the new sound on their album Lust Lust Lust is, admittedly, rather infectious. Who cares if it’s a total ripoff of Suicide and The Jesus & Mary Chain, I like those bands. It works.