Music Under Fire

The completion of MusicUnderFire's Best Songs of 2008. As before, if you missed our other parts of the top 100 list, hit up the links below:
Part 1: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (81-100)
Part 2: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (61-80)
Part 3: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (41-60)
Part 4: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (21-40)

20. Low Vs Diamond - Actions Are Actions (buy)
Why: From the harmonizing in the opening all the way down the the refrain and verses, this not only an excellent job of songwriting, but an exhillarating effort by one onf our favorite new finds this year. It really doesn't get much better than the breakdown 1:47 into the song.

19. American Princes - Auditorium (buy)
Why: The first 5 seconds sounds like something The Eagles may have put together years ago, but the song takes an upbeat turn with the drums, which is one of many factors that pulled this song together to make it work so well at the quick pace that it pulls. Fantastic job by American Princes for sneaking into our top 20.

18. Earlimart - Face Down In The Right Town (buy)
Why: Each time this song is played, its hard to get the 'Da do-do, Da do-do' out of your head. Earlimart's sublties are what makes them so great. Additional background vocals and piano add-ons make this a fantastic song. Personally, I would love to hear an acoustic version of this song done in all piano. This is our favorite Earlimart song to date.

17. Daniel Martin Moore - That'll Be The Plan (buy)
Why: As one of our readers put so well, it feels as though Moore is channelling Nick Drake. The songs are written so well, and the guitar-work is the driving factor in most of his album, but this song's happy nature and pleasant tattered rhythms made this our personal favorite that cannot be missed!

16. Dr. Dog - The Breeze (buy)
Why: As far as quick-hitters go, songs you immediately are drawn to, Philadelphia's own Dr. Dog stunned us with "The Breeze". The sullen vocals of Scott McMicken created a retro sound and blissful experience every time we listened to this song. Truly, this song will live on for years due to the songs tactful nature and composition of classic sounds we've all known to love.

15. Your Vegas - Troubled Times (buy)
Why: One of our favorite electro-rockers Your Vegas came out with a stunning, polished self-titled album this year and premiered this song off of their A Town and Two Cities EP. It remains our favorite song from the group.

14. Tokyo Police Club - Tessellate (buy)
Why: Months ago, I recall trying to figure out which song I really liked best off of this album, and with all of the peppy songs to pick from, 'Tessellate' was our hands-down, favorite pick. Maybe its the piano breakdowns, or maybe its the clapping/drumming combination, but whatever the case, we have added tessellate into our favorite songs of the year as well as our ever-expanding vocabulary.

13. Cut Copy - Lights and Music (buy)
Why: Its amazing that iTunes offered this song as a free download the week this came out, and we've been enjoying it ever since. Cut Copy's album was hard not to be recognized this year and the dance scene benefitted from this techno driven song, laced with some guitars -something these guys have blended so well.

12. Elbow - Mirrorball (buy)
Why: Another beautiful song from an extremely talented band. We can't stress enough how great it was to have Elbow return with another gem this year. If you don't know much about these guys and have quite the eclectic rock tastes, you might want to go back and listen to the rest of their catalogue.

11. The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight (buy)
Why: This song has found its way into everyone's music libraries in 2008 and this song alone has made a name for the band. We felt it was such an anomaly, we had to include it in our top 20. The guitar pedals and singing are right up our alley.

10. Delta Spirit - Trashcan (buy)
Why: DS was pieced together of mainly percussionists and this song is already a classic, as far as we're concerned. The piano is refreshing as well as the soulful singing by Matt Vasquez. A perfect fit for our top 10.

9. MGMT - Time To Pretend (buy)
Why: You may have played it out by now, but MGMT's song "Time To Pretend" was all over the place this year in commercials, movie previews and everyone's iPods. We particularly can get enough of the synth melodie during the refrain. Match the song up with this year's most ridiculous video and you've got yourself our #9.

8. Coldplay Lovers In Japan / Reign Of Love (buy)
Why: Everything great about Coldplay is included in this song including some new touches added by Brian Eno. The pickup around 1:11 into the song makes this one of our favorites and an easy song to continuously return to.

7. French Kicks - Said So What (buy)
Why: Everything about this song is perfect, from the pool ball-breaking rhythm to the vocal chemistry. If there is one band to go see that we haven't, French Kicks are at the top of the list. Everything these guys create seems to melt in our ears.

6. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Modern Mystery (buy)
Why: One of our most returned songs of 08' is "Modern Mystery" due to its soft-rock appeal and some clever lyrics - "You can really put me in my place, on a map in outer space." Not enough has been said of this talented group in 2008!

5. Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal (buy)
Why: The harmony and picture just listening to this song with your eyes closed is enough to make us drop this one right into our #4 spot. Fleet Foxes stunned us this past year and will undoubtedly continue to do so, given our soft-spot for folksy bands.

4. Ra Ra Riot - Can You Tell (buy)
Why: A sucker for violins and some great heartfelt lyrics made Ra Ra Riot's "Can You Tell" a shoo-in for one of our favorite songs. Its really hard to ignore Ra Ra Riot, especially with a song like this.

3. Death Cab For Cutie - Cath... (buy)
Why: The one redeeming moment for DCFC was their best song from the album, "Cath...". The redeeming factor for this album was the lyrics pieced into every song by Gibbard, and although "Cath.." may be a bit depressing, its done perfectly so in a classic Death Cab style.

2. The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead (buy)
Why: Our music libraries would fall completely apart in 2008 had it not been for The Helio Sequence's stunning album and title-track that we listed here. What more could you possibly want from a band? We had trouble choosing our favorite song from this album, but looking back at their show in May of this past year, this really was their best song performed live and comes across so well on the album as well.

1. Blitzen Trapper - God & Suicide (buy)
Why: The notion behind our #1 track is nothing pleasant to really put too much time into thinking about, but everything comes together in this song. Every time this track is played, CCR comes to mind, along with every other classic rock song that managed to stick around for decades. The same will happen to this song and Blitzen Trapper will continue to live on long after they band is finished playing. Excellent song by all accounts. Our only gripe may be that its only two minues long!

These songs were impossible to bump from our top 100. They all have staying power and should be checked out if you haven't already done so. We are now at the top 60. If you missed the previous lists or want to see where the list goes, head to the links below:
Part 1: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (81-100)
Part 2: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (61-80)
Part 4: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (21-40)
Part 5: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (1-20)

60. Ladytron - Runaway (buy)
Why: For a track name that pops up multiple times a year, "Runaway" by Ladytron provided what it needed to stand out courtesy of an escalating bass line and the European technotronics which helped make it an international success.

59. Priscilla Ahn - Dream (buy)
Why: Her music is much more than vocals. Her lyrics tell her story while a slow-plucked guitar and lazy violin alleviate any pressure from your current situation. "Dream" epitomizes A Good Day as it doesn't get much better than this.

58. Keane - Better Than This (buy)
Why: Probably the most bizarre keyboard Keane has managed to use yet opens up thier best song from Perfect Symmetry. As it turns out their album was nothing but perfect, but this song was hopeful as is its message.

57. Common Loon - Palestine Everywhere (buy)
Why: One of the more mysterious groups we've bumped into and certainly one of the most obscure. Not much was known of Common Loon when we heard their song "Palestine Everywhere", but they nailed it for what it was.

56. Greg Laswell - That It Moves (buy)
Why: A fan favorite at Laswell's shows and a nice classic message about human chemistry and the simple attractions that draw us together.

55. The Killers - Spaceman (buy)
Why: The more albums The Killers come out with, it seems the further we get pushed away. Its a shame their music has turned into something which few really enjoy each new album and everyone likes their poptastic song "Spaceman".

54. Low Vs Diamond - This Is Your Life (buy)
Why: Always striving for the 'big moment', "This Is Your Life" comes across as their most emotional, yet driving song on the album. To us anyway.

53. Tokyo Police Club - Graves (buy)
Why: Everything about these guys is high octane, sunny days and happy hour at the bar. It all comes across that way with songs such as this, which always seems to preface a good mood while listing to this song.

52. The Helio Sequence - Hallelujah (buy)
Why: How Brandon Summers squeezes in every ounce of wordage between his jovial 'hallelujah' refrain, along with the quick pace of the song marks not only one of the most upbeat songs on the album, but perhaps the year.

51. Blitzen Trapper - Black River Killer (buy)
Why: Simple guitar plucking, some good ol' fashioned story-telling and a that classic Blitzen Trapper ensemble made this song a must for our list.

50. Ladytron - Ghosts (buy)
Why: Ladytron's finest work from Velocifero and one of the biggest reasons the French band made such a splash this year.

49. Pictures and Sound - Everything Leaves A Mark (buy)
Why: Its true, everything certainly does leave a mark - Luke Reynolds headed out his newly formed band in 08' and made a stunning effort, including this album opener amidst a pleasing album effort from the energetic frontman.

48. French Kicks - New Man (buy)
Why: More classic French Kicks, great breakdowns and refrains. Everything about this song is chock full of emotion and great chemistry by one of our favorite bands from 2008.

47. Tigers Can Bite You - Second Nature (buy)
Why: As bad as the group name may be, there are two songs on this album they nailed. This one being one of our favorite quasi-instrumental tracks from this past year.

46. South - Better Things (buy)
Why: South have been around the block a time or two, and realizing when they've perfecting their sound will most likely happen while listening to this song. This is one of their best song efforts to date.

45. Snow Patrol - Engines (buy)
Why: Part of Snow Patrol that creates such a draw is songs like this: A similar, simple droning beat is looped and looped planning all of the melodies all at once for the beautiful breakdown in the refrains. While the verses speak of the song title, the small parts in the song make this a big one.

44. Elbow - Friend of Ours (buy)
Why: Only certain groups can make you feel like you're watching a movie while listening to a song as beautiful as this one. As much as this may feel like the next key moment in the latest movie's score, Elbow has outdone themselves with their string sectionn, vocals and really the whole chemistry of the band is oozing when this song hits home.

43. MGMT - Electric Feel (buy)
Why: As much as dance music may not fit your regiment of music-listening, "Electric Feel"'s alto singing matches the ridiculous video we saw earlier this year. MGMT does everything right in this song, and although this may have been their best done song on their album, it was not their most popular.

42. Cut Copy - Out There On The Ice (buy)
Why: When it comes to electronica, building and droping the beat is essential, as is adding the slightest, yet necessary changes to keep the listener's interests piqued. The bassline makes this song one of their best from In Ghost Colours.

41. Coldplay - Viva La Vida (buy)
Why: If you haven't heard this song this year, then you weren't on Earth. Although you could probably say the same thing about Kanye or Britney, this song promises staying power for memorable lyrics, it's jumpy attitude and Coldplayness.

The list continues... If you missed the first 20 or you want to see where our list headed, hit up the links below.
Part 1: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (81-100)
Part 3: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (41-60)
Part 4: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (21-40)
Part 5: MUF's Top 100 Songs of 2008 (1-20)

80. Delorentos - All This Time (buy)
Why: Delorentos have a pop-appeal as well as an indie rock appeal, which makes them versatile to blend into multiple crowds. Keep an eye out for more from them in 2009.

79. This Will Destroy You - Threads (buy)
Why: It was hard to find any instrumental rock album better than this one. "Threads" set this ambient poetry in motion and it truly is something you can't find anywhere else. You won't be disappointed in the rest of the album either!

78. The Helio Sequence - Shed Your Love (buy)
Why: Although most wouldn't put up this song on any 'best of' list, I found this mellow tune quite appealing and one of my favorite songs off of Keep Your Eyes Ahead. Its subtleties such as the quiet wind noises in the background throughout the song make this for one of the most relaxing songs of the year.

77. School of Seven Bells - Connjur (buy)
Why: Something SOSBs does so well is bring their harmony to a bubbling point. The building and breakdowns on this song in particular was tops for Alpinisms.

76 Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor (buy)
Why: This song grew and grew. Perhaps it was the tons of remixes done for this or maybe it was the odd unity Hot Chip carries that makes their best song off of Made In The Dark stick so well. This was was stuck in my head for quite a few weeks and continues to be a fun, upbeat song.

75. Tigers Can Bite You - Opener (buy)
Why: Although I cannot fully acknowledge the rest of the album for being the same caliber, there were two songs these Tigers created that I listened to for months on end. "Opener" was a perfect beginning to this album. Its a shame the rest of their songs could not follow the same gusto, yet still, I'm now carefully watching how this band grows and learns from their strengths and weaknesses.

74. Cartridge - The Reverend And The Scientist (buy)
Why: The Danish flair busts loose with a top-to-bottom gliding bass and pleasantly sporadic electric guitar. It's no surprise Cartridge found a song in the top 100, as their album Fractures reached #19 in our top albums of 2008. Nyde!

73. Low Vs Diamond - Don't Forget Sister (buy)
Why: Lucas Field and co. can really piece together some great songwriting to equally fitting music to back it up. Just as many of their songs off of their self-titled debut, "Don't Forget Sister" marked one of my many favorite songs from this album, but rose above most due to its guitar breakdowns and rhythm that just gets me every time.

72. Dr. Dog - The Old Days (buy)
Why: Different music is always inspiring and refreshing to hear, especially when everyone seems to be following each other's paths. "The Old Days" doesn't only have that charismatic presence like it was created in the olden days, but rocked the indie world this year with their unique approach.

71. Cut Copy - Nobody Lost, Nobody Found (buy)
Why: In short, this album was out-of-this-world and this song was one of many that justified the album as so.

70. Plants and Animals - Faerie Dance (buy)
Why: Two phenomenal songs wound into one 7:06 journey. If Plants and Animals didn't hit a nerve with you here, make sure to check out the rest of their Parc Avenue album.

69. Tokyo Police Club - Sixties Remake (buy)
Why: Quick drums, some clever lyrics and a catchy song title to work into one of Tokyo Police Club's many perky songs made this song one of the best on the album.

68. Santogold - L.E.S. Artistes (buy)
Why: While many were caught gawking at Santi telling the public she in no way affiliated with the rap/rock combo, others were licking their chops over this versatile song. Remixed in more ways than one, "L.E.S. Artistes" was the best song off of her nationally attention-grabbing debut album.

67. French Kicks - Over The World (buy)
Why: There's no reason this song shouldn't be on your next playlist. Make it start with something depressing, then a mellow happy song, and mix in "Over The World" by French Kicks. There are more reasons than one that I can't listen to this song enough, and really, this song was ranked down so much because we had to share the limelight with so many other groups.

66. The Black Ghosts - Full Moon (buy)
Why: Although Twilight attacted movie goers, The Black Ghosts were there the whole year in the background coming out with great remixes and perfecting songs such as this one featured on this particular film's soundtrack. We're always on the look-out for more from The Black Ghosts.

65. +/- {PlusMinus} - Snowblind (buy)
Why: Build-up is important to certain songs. It can be dulling if not done right. "Snowblind" made itself quite a phenomenon as far as free downloads when it came to the blogosphere. The band did it right and this song's shimmering melodies were near perfect in this song.

64. Fleet Foxes - Your Protector (buy)
Why: Fleet Foxes are great at harmonizing and sending the subconscious far, far away. We could have put many songs from their album here, but this one deserved a place due to a tempered progression alive with FF's folk ensemble.

63. Bell X1 - Rocky Took A Lover (acoustic) (buy)
Why: Although their last album Flock came out in Ireland in 2005, it was re-released in the US in 2008. Since we couldn't necessarily put one of their original songs on our list, we were stunned when Bell X1 visited Philly and played an acoustic set featuring everyone's favorite song by the band, "Rocky Took A Lover".

62. The Stills - Being Here (buy)
Why: As far as alt-rock songs go, "Being Here" could be considered one of this year's best in terms of consistent efforts laid down on any album in 2008. Although this is our only song from The Stills on this list, we highly recommend listening to the rest of their Oceans Will Rise album.

61. Delta Spirit - Streetwalker (buy)
Why: We're getting down to some great songs now... Delta Spirit was composed of 4/5ths percussionists and "Streetwalker" is one of a few examples that demonstrates this. Such a classic sound and easy use for any group to listen to, it was tough not to mark this one up even higher had we not heard so many great songs come from this album.

This week we're celebrating our 300th post! Considering 75% of all blogs don't make it past 3 months (we had 85 posts back then), we think this is a pretty big acomplishment to be where we're at - 300 posts in nine months (that's a little more than a post a day if you're doing the math).

For this small milestone, we compiled the list of ear-catching songs below. This is no ordinary list. Many of the songs below come from groups we've been following for quite some time and a few may be found on our 'best of' lists at the end of the year - the remainder are songs we've stubled upon in our searches for great music, new and old. We hope you enjoy our list below and are even more thankful for all of the visitors and people who have supported our site over the course of the last 9 months!

MP3: Fujiya & Miyagi - Knickerbocker (buy)
MP3: Delta Spirit - People C'Mon (buy) (MUF)
MP3: Low Vs Diamond - This Is Your Life (buy)
MP3: Greg Laswell - Comes and Goes (In Waves) (buy)
MP3: I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness - When You Go Out (buy) (MySpace)
MP3: The Walkmen - In The New Year (buy)
MP3: The Stills - Being Here (buy)
MP3: Athlete - Flying Over Bus Stops (acoustic) (buy)
MP3: Kings of Leon - Manhattan (buy)
MP3: CSS - Beautiful Song (buy)
MP3: Does It Offend You Yeah - Whip it (Devo Cover) (buy)
MP3: Anthem In - Down (buy) (Official)
MP3: Arizona - Thimble (buy)
MP3: Black Kids - I'm not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance (buy)
MP3: El Ten Eleven - I Like Van Halen Because My Sister Says They Are Cool (buy)
MP3: Ra Ra Riot - Can You Tell Me (buy) (Official)
MP3: The Bravery - Swollen Summer (buy)
MP3: Daniel Gray - In the Morning (readme) (MySpace)
MP3: The Honorary Title - Stay Away (buy)
MP3: The Kooks - Kids (MGMT cover) (buy)
MP3: Radiohead - Down Is The New Up (buy)
MP3: Panda Riot - Paper Planes (live on WOXY) (buy) (Official)
MP3: The New Year - The Company I Get (buy)
MP3: The Uglysuit - Chicago (buy)
MP3: Ladyhawke - Back of the Van (Van She Tech Remix) (Official)