Best of 2008 Picks -- Michael Hunter

Fraught with danger, this "best of" malarkey. Mainly, the danger of omission - not to mention the odd dichotomy of having heard so much music during the year it's hard to recall it all, versus the reality that there's so much more I would have liked if it had come my way.

But working with what we have...

Luckily, I now keep a weekly playlist for the show Roots & Branches that I do on Adelaide station www.threedradio.com . So some of the most played music for 2008 - and therefore presumably appropriate for a "Best Of" - would include:

FOTHERINGAY 2 (Fledg'ling). Naturally. 38 years after the event, new music from a band rightly described as seminal, featuring the magical voice of Sandy Denny.
GLENN CARDIER Exiles From Eden (independent) A popular Australian singer/songwriter from the 1970s who stopped recording for around 25 years; he has released 3 more CDs since his recent resurgance. This is the latest, full of wit, wisdom, oddness and great playing. www.geocities.com/glenncardier
ASHLEY HUTCHINGS / SIMON CARE et al The Mother Of All Morris (Talking Elephant) I think actually late 2007 for this one but I got it in '08! The Morris On tradition still sounding fresh after all these years.
LUNIC Splinter (independent) Alternating between New York and London, Kaitee Page (vocals, keyboards, violin) and band provide some excellent rock/pop/roots music that hits all the right spots. New CD out soon via www.sellaband.com/kaiteepage

It's a truism I often state that good music is being made all the time - dig beneath the surface and you'll find more than you could ever listen to. I'll limit myself to a few examples or we'll be here all day:
TINY TIN LADY Ridiculous Bohemia (Tiny Tin) www.tinytinlady.com
I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. Hallowed Ground (Big Book) www.iseehawks.com
THE HORSE FLIES Until The Ocean (independent) www.myspace.com/thehorseflies
THE MALKIES Suited & Booted (Limbo) www.themalkies.co.uk
AKOUSTIC ODYSSEY Ilios (independent) akousticodyssey.com
ROSIE BURGESS Wait For The World (Payne Street) www.rosieburgess.com
... and several dozen more. Check out the websites for some unexpected musical delights in each case.

Favourite gigs:
DEVO Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide, August 4.
Their first Australian tour in around a quarter of a century. Older of course, and the set didn't venture far from the hits, but for a first-timer, still a marvel to see the energy, humour and solid musicianship of such a classic band.
ALISTAIR HULETT & DAVID ROVICS Wheatsheaf Hotel, Dec 11 and Trinity Sessions, Adelaide Dec 12.
Political music from the UK and US, from long ago and right now. Various clips from the gigs at http://au.youtube.com/user/nearlyoutofideas

Discovery of the year:
DAVID ROVICS. See above. (I know he's been around for years but he only really came to my attention in '08). www.davidrovics.com

Favourite download:
FAIRPORT CONVENTION Who Knows Where The Time Goes? (live 2007)
To commemorate 30 years since Sandy Denny's death, Fairport released this version of her signature song, with Chris & Kellie While sharing lead vocals. Combined with Ric Sanders' lovely arrangement, the version is an entirely apt tribute.

Favourite mash-up:
VOICEDUDE I Just Need To Hold Your Hand http://www.mashuptown.com/2008/08/new-voicedude-.html
Beatles collide with Cars.

Most bizarre discovery:
www.myspace.com/christianramones
Say no more. Please.