Top 15 Songs of 2008: 10 and 9!

I would’ve been here for you yesterday, I promise. Sadly, due to factors beyond my control (the job that actually funds my continued existence), I was unable to make my appearance. Instead, you’ll just have to deal with TWICE THE CONTENT in this post.

10: BON IVER - SKINNY LOVE
This song was first covered here. Honestly, I think it still pretty much does the job. Justin Vernon’s voice? Still sounds hollow, except for when he wails during the hook. The song? Still a hauntingly poetic look at a love that’s falling/fallen apart. As far as soft acoustic music in 2008 goes, I’m not even sure that anyone else was playing the same game as Bon Iver, much less in his league. DaveB at Hey, There’s a Bird in This Mirror! points out that part of what makes this song (and Bon Iver’s entire album) so successful is the production. Not only for the great effects that Vernon layers on his voice, but also for the way that it feels intimate, as though you’re in the same room as he, watching him play in front of a fire. This is music to help you get through the winter.

9: MGMT - TIME TO PRETEND

I’ve been over this one before, too. So, what makes this song one of THE BEST of the year? Well, to start with, there’s the cool static sound that runs through this song and sounds like nothing else out there. Layered under that is a drum line that wouldn’t sound out of place backing that majority of dance hits out there. Finally, there’s the squeaky sounds (if you’ve heard the song, you know what I mean) that give the song the playfulness it needs to show the humor in the bitterly sarcastic lyrics. Great, upbeat stuff that will give you a few laughs.