In the wake of everyone's "Best Albums Of The Year" list, sometimes EPs get left behind. Too long to be a single, not long enough to be considered an album, the EP is still pretty important. Especially in the indie scene, many artists release an EP before they have enough material or clout for a full-length album. 2008 saw the release of many stellar EPs, here are my top picks. What are your favorite short-playing releasing from this past year?
Joe Pug - Nobody's Man (from Nation Of Heat EP)
1. JOE PUG - NATION OF HEAT
Joe Pug - Hymn #101 (from Nation Of Heat EP)I am proud to say that Joe Pug is a Chicagoan, because he is one of the best talents to pop up in the last year. All seven of the songs on his debut EP will capture your heart. Pug sings with a voice well beyond his years, with a rather raw and gritty delivery. Once you listen to the opening song, "Hymn #101", you will understand how powerful of a songwriter Joe Pug really is. In the first week after I heard his voice, I probably listened to the EP about ten times. As soon as you hear it just once, you will remember this man's voice and his music. And ten years from now, you'll remember when he was an unknown youngster. It won't take long before the world knows his talent.
Joe Pug - Nobody's Man (from Nation Of Heat EP)
2. IVAN COLÓN - DESPITE THE ATLANTIC
Ivan Colón - Gabriel (from Despite The Atlantic EP)Ivan Colón's second EP is a short collection of songs, but it's more than enough to rope you into his folky, melodic beauty. The first song to really grab me was "Gabriel", with its subtle catchiness, it will quietly work its way into your memory. The entire EP is similarly great, and it deserves just as much attention. Now, I can't help but note how reminescant Ivan Colón's music is of early Sufjan Stevens. Hushed vocals over gently strummed acoustic instruments -- not to mention Colón's strong faith that shines through in his lyrics. Every single song does not make an immediate mention of Christianity, but his spirituality is ever-present. Make no matter of your take on religion, though, because you will be roped in by his beautiful music.
3. THE PEASANTRY - DON'T HARM BARBARA GORDON
The Peasantry - Tie Off Before You Out Go (from Don't Harm Barbara Gordon EP)It's always sad to see a great band call it quits, and this past year saw both the peak and the unfortunate demise of Boston-locals the Peasantry. The only recording they're leaving behind is this one fantastic, fun-filled EP, Don't Harm Barbara Gordon. It's full of catchy melodies and guitar lines, along with clever, interesting songwriting. I would've loved to hear more from them, but I'm glad they've left something behind.
4. MAPS & ATLASES - YOU AND ME AND THE MOUNTAIN
Maps & Atlases - Artichokes (from You And Me And The Mountain EP)On Maps & Atlases second EP, the Chicago band seems to have mellowed out a little. Now, don't take that to heart too much, because they're still full of boundless energy and enthusiasm. What I mean by that statement is this -- the guitar seems to be a bit less spastic, a bit less wild, and the drums attack with less ferocity and more texture. This release sees them allowing their music to be more infused with pop, and a little less math rock. But it's still wildly interesting, just in a subdued manner. It might not hit you on the first listen as immediately as Trees, Swallows, Houses did, but think no less of this release. This is a mature Maps & Atlases, and they sound even better than before. Now we have more melody, less freak-outs. And it should be noted that the vocals are much more accessible than they were in the past. Everything about the band is more refined, more tasteful. I can't wait to hear where they'll go from here.
5. PASSION PIT - CHUNK OF CHANGE
Passion Pit - Sleepyhead (from Chunk Of Change EP)Speaking of Boston-based bands, Passion Pit has been exploding in the past six months. The former Emerson and Berklee College Of Music students have received general acclaim for their debut EP, Chunk Of Change. In the past year, they've signed to New York indie Frenchkiss Records, subsequently blown up, and then signed to Columbia. Their music is so catchy and fun, it's easy to fall in love with them. I'm telling you, when their debut album comes out in January -- rocket ship to the moon. Get aboard now.
My Brightest Diamond: From the Top of the World
DM Stith: Curtain Speech
Fleet Foxes: Sun Giant
Really?
Fleet Foxes - Sun Giant
Decemberists - Always the Bridesmaid
Animal Collective - Water Curses
Andrew Bird - Soldier On
Decemberists was a series of singles, not officially an EP, and Andrew Bird was released in '07.
ya but water curses is mouth watering.
This is a pretty cool idea for a year end list. Probably a little bit easier, too, since there are usually fewer EPs released per year than full lengths. That Maps & Atlases EP is fantastic. Love it. Actually, I may have first read about them on your blog. Can't quite remember.