1. Breakout Artist of 2008 - Santogold
Great bright vocal. Punchy rhythm. Eccentric presentation. You know this girl got something going. Some people compare her with MIA. However, Santagold is more than just another urban hip hop group on the chart for its 15 seconds of fame. The difference is in the music and how the sound was produced. This girl rocks!
2. Best Come Back Act - BB King
Sorry not Guns N' Roses, not Metallica, not REM (they do return early this year in case you never heard of it. ...exactly), and definitely NOT Backstreet Boys (Lord, please save us from the world we have become). One Kind Favor is a collection of classic blues. Like age old red wine, BB King's music brings out more than one kind favor but plenty of soulful flavors.
3. Best Alternative Band - The Duke Spirit
Good music and great musicianship. Pay attention to the guitar and bass. These guys are truly passionate about their music. And I truly appreciate a female vox who sings in a classic rock n' roll way and not try to sell her sexuality. Tip my hat to that, Leila.
4. Best Concert - Experience Hendrix @ The Greek Theater 11.2.08
The lineups were incredible from the original Hendrix bandmates Mitch Mitchell, blues giant Buddy Guy, jazz talents Eric Johnson, and more. It was one of the top caliber show in a long while.
5. Best South Cal Music Venue - Belly Up Tavern
This place is an awesome venue for local and national music acts. Great sound and the right patrons capacity (not too huge yet not too cramped).
6. The Most Missed Musician - Mitch Mitchell
Passed away on Nov 12, 2008. Mitchell laid down the beats behind Jimi Hendrix's wailing guitar. His creativity and experiments will definitely leave their footprints in rock n' roll history.
7. Coolest Single - Kids by MGMT
Just a cool song to dance to. But doubts on these dude's makeups and costumes.
8. Odd Rock News - Cobain's Smashed Guitar Sold for $100,000
A smashed probably short-lived-duct-taped sunburst Fender Mustang was sold for $100,000. Uh... I want that guitar, too.
9. The Worst Lyrics - Human by The Killers
"Are we humans? Are we dancers?" Huh??? What?
10. The Most Intimate Show - Silversun Pickups at Fingerprints
Silversun Pickups held a small intimate acoustic performance at Fingerprints record store. The store was packed with people who really loved music and surprisingly there were families with young children present. Simple equipment setup. Minus all the lame sleazy attitude in a big venue. It was so laid back so easy.
