12 Days of Peekmas

Sunday, December 21st “On the 11th day of Peekmas…”

Jeremy Downs checking in from Peek’s Oakland office.

On the 11th day of Peekmas, we’re giving away 11 of my favorite CDs from 2008.

See, I’m a huge music fan — you do not want to see my iTunes bill … you’re welcome Steve — and with all these gadget and movie lists, I figured it was time to check in with a finely curated best rock, hip-hop, alternative, etc. albums of ‘08. One ground rule I imposed - I strayed from selecting big name artists (all apologies to Death Cab, Beck, Killers, Kanye, et. al.). Here goes (and in no particular order):

1. TV On The Radio - Dear Science. This Brooklyn band has been plugging away on the indie scene for years now; the mix of musical genres present on this album is what earns it a spot on this list.

2. Kings of Leon - Only By Night. This family affair (3 brothers and one cousin) from Nashville delivers again; listen to the lyrics and then remember that these guys are truly sons of a preacher man.

3. The Knux - Remind Me In 3 Days… My favorite hip-hop album of the year; “I need a fresh cappuccino with a mocha twist” … amen.

4. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes. Music that’s just nice to listen to; gorgeous harmonies that were made for a Sunday morning.

5. Sigur Ros - Med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust. If the title looks odd, it’s because these guys are from Iceland; don’t worry though, Jonesi sings in Hopelandic (mix of made-up words, Icelandic and English…).

6. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago. Bon Iver gets my vote for album of the year; most of the album was recorded in a remote cabin in Wisconsin so all of today’s production technologies are unnecessary and thankfully nowhere to be found.

7. My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges. Another southern rock band makes an appearance; MMJ draws a little more on classic rock influences.

8. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend. These guys were quite the blogosphere darling leading up to their major label release and they nailed it; can’t remember such a young band that was so confident in their sound.

9. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular. One of the first releases of ‘08 and they weathered all comers; a very creative and ingenious sound.

10. Bloc Party - Intimacy. Originally released secretly, this “break-up” album does a phenomenal job sounding like and mirroring all that happened in the world in ‘08.

11. Ryan Adams - Cardinology. Ryan took it easy in 2008 - only one major release compared to 2 albums and change relesased in 2008 - and the concentration shows. Could also have been the fact that he was supposedly sober as well…

Honorable mention: Passion Pit, Mates of State, Ra Ra Riot, Okkervil River and Girl Talk.

If you’d like to be entered, give us a call at (347) 284-1971 and leave us a testimonial about you and your Peek (or if you’re still looking for that last-minute gift, buy one and enter “12daysofpeekmas” during checkout). All voicemails received and purchases made before 12 midnight PST, Sunday, 12/19 will be entered into the drawing.

Posted by Santa on Dec 21, 2008 -