Best Indie Releases of 2008

9.) Darker My Love - 2
This LA based quintet released a modern rock disc filled with psychedelic fuzzy rock that was one part Beach Boys and three parts indie rock master piece. The disc is awash with "wall of sound" guitars, fuzzy vocals and the type of esoteric lyrics that would make any would be indie poet proud. The hope is that there will be bigger and better things to come from Darker My Love in the New Year.

8.) The Cool Kids - The Bake Sale
"What it is, what it is, come check the noise, it's the new Black version of The Beastie Boys". You have to love any rap group with a line like that but there truly is more to love about The Cool Kids. The "Kids" come to the hip-hop table with sparse, big beats and lyrics that deal with video games, references to Star Wars and grocery shopping. If you are in need of hip hop that is refreshing, innovative and fun, look no further than The Cool Kids.

7.) Daniela Cotton- Rare Child
Daniela Cotton's second disc solidifies her place as a modern, classic rock diva! She is a powerhouse vocalist, and a competent guitarist that conjures up the spirit of Janis Joplin with more than her share of gutbucket r&b meets rock and roll and the trick is, it never sounds dated. On Rare Child, Cotton let's you know that she is indeed a "little Black girl who'll rock your world". It's been quite some time since real, authentic rock and roll entered the game. If you dig Joplin and the Stones then add "Rare Child" by Daniela Cotton to your collection.

6.) The Feelings Mutual - The Feelings Mutual
This three piece alternative band from San Diego makes a joyful, big, loud noise on their 5-song E.P. The band is a no frills, maximum modern rock act that should like they should be playing arenas. When their vocalist screams "ring me out" you will wonder what seems to be tearing him a part. There is a heaviness and subtly to their E.P. and the hope is a full length disc for this San Diego based band will tap into more of their potential.

5.) Black President - Black President
Black President are four White punk rock veterans who if they had their way, would be playing at the inauguration of Chuck D., Huey Newton or Samuel L. Jackson. Make no mistake, this is not emo. This is not today's power pop punk. Black President is loud, in your face, political and down right confrontational...in other words this debut is the way punk rock was and should be! Vocalist Christian Martucci is not messing around when he screams "We are the hungry, we are the broke...we are the Gay Black welfare mothers on dope...we are your last f&cking hope!" Punk rock needs this band and emo kids need a reality check. Let's hope they do Warped Tour again in '09!

4.) Hi-Fi Handgrenades - Carry On
Hi-Fi Handgrenades are a Detroit based band with an ear for melodic punk rock in the vein of The Descendants. With former members of The Suicide Machines and The F*gs, Hi-Fi Handgrenades are actually seasoned veterans of the punk scene. The band is adept with dealing with the everyday hang ups of the average Joe, including the issues of loss (Carry On), two faced friends (Cut Strings) and the pitfalls of over indulgence (Sunset to Sunrise). One listen and the band will have you believing that Detroit does indeed have a skyline too.

3.) King's X - XV
It might seem odd to include a band that has been around for twenty -eight years on a best indie list but when the band is on an indie label and has recorded one of the best discs of their career, it would be odd not to include them. This latest release by King's X (on Inside Out Records) is probably the most consistent work the band has release since 1994's Dogman. The power trio still channels the Beatles, Black Sabbath and Sly Stone like no one else and they still know how to push the boundaries of hard rock. The gospel/rock of "Alright" and "Pray" will have you running to church on Sunday while Ty Tabor's "Repeating Myself" will have you floating against the sheer simple beauty of the melody. Go tell it on the mountain, (or just "go tell somebody") the King's of heavy progressive rock are back and in fine form...all hail King's X.

2.) Butch Walker - Sycamore Meadows
Butch Walker's fourth solo release finds him contemplating the difference between "going back and going home." This past year Walker's home in Los Angeles fell victim to the Malibu fires. Walker lost nearly everything but gained the inspiration to write about the feelings of loss and starting over. As with many of his recordings, Walker wears his influences on his sleeve paying homage to Paul McCartney and Wings (Ponce De Leon) and Bruce Springsteen (Closer to the Truth and Further From the Sky). With the closing ballad, the stirring "ATL", Walker finds his own voice and answers his own questions about going home again.

1.)
UH-HUH HER- Common Reaction
There is absolutely nothing common about this debut disc from this dynamic duo. Camila Grey and Leisha Hailey make up the one-two combination that is UH-HUH-HER. The music on their first full length release is a bold mix of rock, dance music, and 80's new wave with an indie edge and dashes of funk. When the ladies croon "Don't Walk Away", you will be forced to stay in your seat. There is a bit of an 80's dance party happening on Common Reaction but there is also enough of a modern rock feel to appeal to those in the hear and now. Add to this heady mix a sense of vulnerability and you have the makings of an independent rock classic. Here's hoping we hear more of UH-HUH HER in the New Year.