Image: Newscom, UPI Photo/Monika Graff
Santogold at the mtvU Woodie Awards at Roseland Ballroom on November 12, 2008.

In case you haven’t heard, Santi White, better known as Santogold, has changed changed her stage name to Santigold. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, I can tell you the exciting news that according to New York Magazine, Santigold will be playing the opening of the new TopShop store (on Broadway and Broome) on April 1 (finally!) along with Mark Ronson and Lady Gaga for free. Sadly, like she mentioned, Little Boots will not be there.

If you don’t feel like dealing with the crowds that wil likely be there, you can wait until June 9 when she plays Terminal 5. Tickets go on sale TODAY at noon.

I know you have all been waiting with bated breath, so I will keep you waiting no longer. Forthwith are my Top 15 Albums of 2008.

15.

Image: Amazon

Lykke Li, Youth Novels

14.

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Clark, Turning Dragon

13.

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Gnarls Barkley, The Odd Couple

12.

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Jamie Lidell, Jim

11.

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Shearwater, Rook

10.

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The Dodos, Visiter

9.

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Fleet Foxes, Fleet Foxes

8.

Image: Illegal Art

Girl Talk, Feed the Animals

7.

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Thao Nguyen, We Brave Bee Stings And All

6.

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Hot Chip, Made in the Dark

5.

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Magnetic Fields, Distortion

4.

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Cut Copy, In Ghost Colors

3.

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M83, Saturdays=Youth

2.

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Santogold, Santogold

1.

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Hercules and Love Affair, Hercules and Love Affair

And, finally, my Top EP of 2008:

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Passion Pit, Chunk of Change

Merry Christmas!!!

Matt & Kim with marching band @ McCarren Park Pool

• Matt & Kim have a new album, Grand, coming out on January 20 on Fader and will be at Music Hall of Williamsburg on January 22. $10 tickets are on sale now.
• These Arms Are Snakes, who have been off the radar for a bit, will be at Music Hall of Williamsburg on March 7. $13 tickets are on sale now.
• Bloc Party will be at Terminal 5 on March 24. Tickets are on sale.
• Fujiya & Miyagi will be at (le) Poisson Rouge on February 17. Tickets on sale now.
• Beirut added a second show at BAM (third in Brooklyn) on February 7 and tickets are on sale.
• Ronnie Spector will be at (le) Poisson Rouge on January 11. Tickets are on sale.
• Blitzen Trapper and Plants & Animals are playing two shows together: February 27 at Bowery Ballroom and February 28 at Music Hall of Williamsburg. Tickets are on sale.
• N.A.S.A. (stands for North America/South America, made up of Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon and various collaborators like Lykke Li, Santogold, David Byrne) will be at (le) Poisson Rouge on March 12. Tickets on sale.

Image: Devorah Klein

Well, I suppose it is time for a Top 10–or 15–list, right? Let’s start with my Top 15 New York concerts from 2008. Of course, these are only culled from concerts that I attended so I’m sure everyone has their own list. Post yours in the comments!

Runner-Up. Man Man and Yeasayer at Brooklyn Masonic Temple on 4/11. I couldn’t leave this show off my list because it really was a great night. Man Man were entertaining and energetic as always and Yeasayer showed what a tour de force they really are.

15. Shearwater at Music Hall of Williamsburg on 10/21. This was part of the Brooklynvegan CMJ showcase, which also featured Emmy the Great, Ponytail, Passion Pit, and others, but Shearwater stood out for me with their use of unorthodox instruments, especially by very entertaining band member Thor.

14. St. Vincent at Castle Clinton on 7/10. This was part of River to River’s free summer concert series and the setting was perfect for St. Vincent’s beautiful yet quirky lyrics. Watching the sunset over the water as Annie Clark’s voice rose above the city was wondrous.

13. Toumani Diabate @ Other Music on 1/30. Getting to see the premiere kora (21-string African harp-lute) in the world in the tiny confines of Other Music was magical. That this was one of my first few dates with my boyfriend didn’t hurt either…

12. Hot Chip at Terminal 5 on 4/12. One of my favorite bands in terms of albums AND performances, I knew this would be a great night. Even though Terminal 5 is huge, Hot Chip had everyone dancing like they just didn’t care, which can be pretty rare in NYC.

11. Gnarls Barkley and Santogold at Highline Ballroom on 4/10. Cee-lo and Danger Mouse played this one-off show before starting their tour for their album Odd Couple. The two were at the top of their game even though this was more of a rehearsal and the crowd danced their butts off. And (then) newcomer Santogold was excellent, bringing two badass dancers with her to liven things up.

10. Passion Pit at Glasslands on 12/5. Cambridge’s five young sons  that make up Passion Pit are enthusiastic and adorable and play hip-shaking music that makes you want to go out and conquer the world. Seeing them in this tiny club before they release their full-length and go on tour at bigger venues next year was a real treat.

9. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings at Beacon Theater on 2/15. My first time (but definitely not the last) seeing R&B diva Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings was one of the most fun nights I’ve ever had. Jones’ voice is a powerhouse and the Dap King’s grooves are spectacular. Make it your business to see them next year.

8. Baltimore Round Robin Eyes Night at (le) Poisson Rouge on 10/17. The first night of this two-night extravaganza was one of the most unique concert-going experiences I have ever had. With 13 bands playing one after the other on 4 stages set up around the room, there were many highlights. The best being Beach House, closely followed by Jana Hunter, the Creepers, and Teeth Mountain. While Feet Night was great too, there was something about Eyes Night that really impressed me.

7. Max Richter at (le) Poisson Rouge on 7/30. Seeing this legendary composer from the UK was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. His music is so affecting and powerful and it made my first time at (le) Poisson Rouge an incredible one.

6. El Guincho at (le) Poisson Rouge on 12/2. After having El Guincho cancel all of his U.S. summer tour dates I was on pins and needles when I walked into (le) Poisson Rouge five months later. Hoping for the best but totally unsure, I was gratified when he stepped onstage and launched into a great set. Joyful and adorable, his energy was palpable and it was impossible not to have a good time.

5. Magnetic Fields at Town Hall on 2/22. One of my favorite bands of all time, it was doubtful that I wouldn’t love this concert. And I did, of course. Watching Stephen Merritt is entertaining enough, but with the rest of the band onstage as well it was amazing. they played a variety of new and old songs, which provided some very special treats.

4. Hercules & Love Affair at Studio B on 5/17. The New York-area band’s first real show was crowded and started late. But it didn’t matter, once the group started playing the dancing broke out all was good. No, great. And although Antony wasn’t there to sing, Nomi provided an excellent substitute–and her dress was fabulous!

3. Shugo Tokumaru at Mercury Lounge on 9/23. Seeing this Japanese pop star play his U.S. debut at the tiny Mercury Lounge was truly a remarkable experience. Although he barely speaks English, it didn’t matter as soon as his backing band (made up of member of Beirut, the National, and So Percussion) started playing Shugo seemed at home onstage. Later in the year he had the privilege of opening for Magnetic Fields.

2. Kid Sister/A-Trak/Cool Kids with surprise appearance by Kanye West at the Museum of Natural History on 1/25. Even without Kanye West showing up, this Flavorpill event was still a great show with Chicago representing. Cool Kids were super fun, A-Trak had great beats, and Kid Sister was awesome. But when Kanye showed up all hell broke loose–in a good way.

1. Radiohead and Girl Talk at All Points West Festival on Liberty Island on 8/8. Yes, this is techinically two sets, but it was at one festival so it counts! Girl Talk managed to command an entire field of people, which is no easy feat when only armed with a laptop. He did it by having dancers onstage throwing out great party favors and of course, playing his signature mashups that make such a great dancing soundtrack. Radiohead…are just on another level. They are so tight, so perfect, so talented, so musical, it is almost unreal. Seeing them with the Statue of Liberty in the background was just the ultimate New York concert experience.

All Images: Devorah Klein

 
Image: Amazon

Wondering what Ryan Adams’ favorite album of 2008 is? Or maybe you want to know Chromeo’s choice for Best New Artist? Filter Magazine asked some of this year’s top artists to name their Top Ten and will be releasing a selection every week in December. Here’s who they have out so far:

• M83’s Anthony Gonzalez

• Ladytron

• Kaiser Chiefs

• Ra Ra Riot

• Chromeo

• Ryan Adams

• The Mountain Goats‘ John Darnielle

• Steve Wynn

• The Dandy Warhols‘ Peter Holmstrom

• The Raveonettes‘ Sune Rose Wagner

• Grizzly Bear’s Edward Droste

• Earlimart

• Butch Vig

• Everest

• Starsailor’s James Walsh

• Sloan’s Patrick Pentland

• Portugal. The Man’s John Baldwin Gourley

• Ane Brun

• Jim White

From the 19 lists featured this week, Santogold’s self-titled debut record emerged victorious as the most popular album, landing placement on six of the lists with MGMT, Fleet Foxes and Vampire Weekend tying for a close second, hitting five of them.  How will they fare in the long-run?  Only the weeks will tell.  Scope all of our first week’s featured lists above, and check back daily for more updates!

Santogold, who released her debut album a few months ago–and it is one of my new favorites–will be at Irving Plaza on September 19 with a full band and DJ. Tickets are on sale now.

While I am in Chicago this weekend for the Pitchfork Music Festival I’ll be missing plenty great shows in NYC:

Friday

Mary Weiss of the Shangri-Las @ South Street Seaport (free)

Matmos @ (le) Poisson Rouge

Deerhoof @ Prospect Park Bandshell (free)

Dizzee Rascal @ Highline Ballroom

Chris Garneau @ Joe’s Pub

Saturday

Village Voice Siren Music Festival with Broken Social Scene, the Dodos, Stephen Malkamus and the Jicks, Islands, Beach House, and more @ Coney Island (free)

Warm-Up Party with Au Revoir Simone @ P.S. 1

Enter the Dragon screening with Karsh Kale and Soh Daiko performing a live score @ Prospect Park Bandshell (free)

Matmos @ (le) Poisson Rouge

Yaz @ Beacon Theater

The Black Ghosts @ Studio B

Apes and Androids, A Place to Bury Strangers, Marnie Stern @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

Sunday

Liars, Team Robespierre, and Fuck Buttons @ McCarren Park Pool (free)

Les Breastfeeders @ Europa

Celebration (McCarren After-Party) @ Music Hall of Williamsburg (free)

The Ex with Gétatchèw Mèkurya @ Lincoln Center (free)

Santogold, Diplo, A-Trak, and Kid Cudi @ Central Park’s Summerstage (free)

JDub 5th Anniversary with Golem, Sway Machinery, DeLeon, Soulico, Michael Showalter @ Prospect Park Bandshell (free)

Happy Independence Day! Since it is halfway through the year I thought I would do a roundup of my favorite releases so far. These are in no particular order…

Girl Talk: Feed the Animals
The ultimate dance party album, the samples Greg Gillis uses this time around are out of control.

Sam Sparro: Black and Gold
New electro-soul master originally from Down Under, sounds like Jamie Lidell with a dash of LCD Soundsystem.

Beach House: Devotion
Baltimore’s dreamy duo is back with another moody opus.

The Breeders: Mountain Battles
Alternative legends return after six years with a great addition to their catalogue.

M83: Saturdays=Youth
Electronic melodies that will move you, physically and emotionally.

Jamie Lidell: Jim
The British white guy with the amazing soul voice is back with an eponymous album.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: Dig, Lazarus, Dig!
The legendary bad boy is back and growlier than ever.

Santogold: Santogold
Her beats will get you moving, her lyrics will get you thinking.

Hercules and Love Affair: Hercules and Love Affair
The much awaited U.S. debut album is finally out and is a must-have.

Sigur Ros: Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust
Icelandic geniuses finally release a new album.

The Notwist: The Devil, You + Me
German indie wunderkinds finally release their sixth album.

Photo Permissions: Sam Sparro Album: Angela Wolf , Nick Cave: Devorah Klein

Finally!!

June 13: Mavis Staples and Stephanie McKay

June 14: Vampire Weekend, Kid Sister, Ecstatic Sunshine

June 15: Victor Manuelle and Special Guests

June 20: Comedy Night with Stephen Lynch and Mike Birbiglia

June 22: Yael Naim, David Donatien, Piers Faccini

June 26: Thievery Corporation, Seu Jorge with Bebel Gilberto and Federico Abuele*

June 28: Vieux Farka Toure, Fallou Dieng, Kaleta & ZoZo Afrobeat

June 29: Mosh Ben Ari, Rupa and the April Fishes, Y-Love, DJ Diwon

July 5: Rachid Taha, Dengue Fever, Apollo Heights

July 6: Seun Kuti and Egypt 80, Afrika Bambaataa, Love Trio with U-Roy

July 12: Plastilina Mosh,  Julieta Venegas, DJ Bitman

July 17: Pulitzer Prize Winner for Fiction Junot Diaz

July 18: Video Music Box 25th Anniversary Concert

July 19: Gospel Day

July 20: Santogold, Diplo, Plastic Little, A-Trak, Kid Cudi

July 23: Mark Knopfler*

July 27: Taj Mahal, Skatalites, Los Pinguos

July 29: Crosby, Stills, & Nash*

July 31: Richard Price, Charles Bock

August 2: Roy Hargrove Big Band and Special Guests

August 3: Janelle Monae, Little Jackie, Jose James, Gilles Peterson

August 6: Sonny Rollins*

August 9: Mexican Heritage Day with  Kinky, Alejandro Escovedo with strings, Pistolera

August 14: Los Lonely Boys, Los Lobos

August 15: Bajofondo

August 16: Battles, Black Dice

August 17: Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Menahan Street Band, Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens

* These shows are benefit concerts and tickets are required

I personally this is an AWESOME lineup and cannot wait!!

There are tons of free shows coming up at the Virgin Megastore in Union Square:

April 22 at 7 pm
Tokyo Police Club. To get in, but the new album Elephant Shell at Virgin and get a wristband.

April 25 at 12:30 pm
Elbow

April 28 at 7 pm
The Slackers

April 29 at 7 pm
Santogold. To get in, buy the new self-titled album and get a wristband for “priority entrance.” Not sure what that means…

May 1 at 7 pm
Robyn. To get in, buy her new self-titled CD beginning April 29 and get a wristband.

May 13 at 8 pm
Duffy playing an acoustic set.

Not bad at all…