Now that we’re done pondering over what we loved in 2008, let’s join hands and salute the first batch of new releases that hit record store shelves today, January 6, 2009. It’s the least we can offer when we totally forget about them at the end of the year.

Animal Collective — Merriweather Post Pavilion
Domino (LP)
Okay, so maybe there is one album that won’t be forgotten about. With the internet internally frying itself out trying find a leak to Merriweather Post Pavilion and Pitchfork giving the album a fawning 9.6 review yesterday, I’m beginning to think that “Milk Nasty Fruit Punch Good” is all one would need to type to find any mention of the album. (Just you wait!) It’s just a shame I can’t join the choir and echo the glee - my short lead digital promo is still sitting in an inbox somewhere. Oh well.
Hearing the shitbit version on computer speakers is not the way to hear a band who is essentially interested in sound construction. The fact that the LP (with download card, naturally) comes out two weeks before the CD is a good indication that Animal Collective want to be heard first by people who actually care to chew before swallowing. Internet Fail, Records Prevail.

Glasvegas — Glasvegas
Columbia (CD/LP)
Speaking of internet failures: brand-spanking-new bands like Glasvegas that release their music digitally first in hopes of stirring up some buzz by the time the physical record comes out in shops domestically months later. What, then, has the buzz been about? Not their cringe-worthy band name. Instead, some acclaim (mostly from the UK) has been hoisted on the shoulders of the heavy-tongued Scottish band for their soaring dream-pop. Unfortunately, it’s uncomfortably average and completely forgettable. The average listener who likes this band now will find something better to latch onto before the next KEXP pledge drive — or after their January 10 performance at Chop Suey.

King Khan + BBQ Show “Animal Party” b/w "God of Raisins"
Fat Possum (7” single + coloring book)
Speaking of bands that played at Chop Suey not too long ago, how about a couple hot, greasy songs pressed onto a hot, greasy slab o’ wax, stuffed inside a coloring book? I think my box of crayons just melted.

High on Fire — Live From The Relapse Contamination Festival
Relapse (CD)
Speaking of melting, one should probably protect their face and ears before listening to this 8-song recording of High on Fire playing in Philly circa 2003! Not only is High on Fire one of the best live metal bands, they are a band who has an axe to grind and never goes dull. At the Relapse Contamination Festival, they pull out early merciless brooders like “Blood From Zion,” and pay homage to Venom with “Witching Hour.” Doom you all!