Every year I make mix CDs of my favorite tracks, with one song per artist per disc. Here's the '08 edition, local and national. It's all from 2008 unless otherwise specified, but there are a few oldies. At the bottom are my year-end lists, because I know you needed more of those. Happy holidays!




MN Mix 2008

1. "Poco Regueton" (featuring Tostao of Choc-Quib-Town), from Freddy Fresh, Surrounded by Funk (Howlin'), 2007
2. "Sadie Hawkins," from Doomtree, Doomtree (Doomtree)
3. "Coldworld," from Chuck Wooley, Rise N Grind Mixtape (self-released)
4. "Rebel Yellow," from Cecil Otter, Rebel Yellow (Doomtree)
5. "The Ride of Your Life," from Big Jess, High Rule (self-released)
6. "Somethin'," from Mint Condition, E-Life ((Image)
7. "My Struggle," from Set the Smith, The Smithsonian Album (Chill Records)
8. "Growing Pains," from Muja Messiah, Thee Adventures of a B-Boy D-Boy (Black Corners)
9. "Lost City," from Kay, Strictly Business (self-released), 2007
10. "Concrete Rose," by Buss One + Kamillion, from various artists, Highstylekyle and Tru Ruts Presents: Lightening and Thunder Vol 1 (Tru Ruts)
11. "Esta Tarde," from El Guante, Harry Potter b/w Esta Tarde (Tru Ruts/Speakeasy Records)
12. "Mayday," from Haley Bonar, Big Star (Afternoon Records)
13. "Shoulda Known," from Atmosphere, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold (Rhymesayers)
14. "What U Waitin 4" feat. Omaur Bliss, from Aby Wolf, Sweet Prudence (self-released)
15. "Shoebox Money," from F.I.C., Forever in Control Vol. 1 (Streetprez/Aphiliates)
16. "Southside Pride" (feat. Freez), from Trama, Barack Otrama (KEP Inc./The Chosen Few)
17. "Hand Over Fist," from Mike Mictlan & Lazerbeak, Hand Over Fist (Doomtree)
18. "Cage of Lions," from Maps of Norway, Die Off Songbird (Guilt Ridden Pop)
19. "Fruity Pebbles," from Dillinger Four, Civil War (Fat Wreck Chords)
20. "Get It to Ground," from Little Man, Of Mind and Matter (Copycats)
21. "Coming Out Again (The Sunshine Song)," from Kanser, Future Retro Legacy (Interlock)
22. "Touch from Heaven," from Tyka Nelson, A Brand New Me (Gospel Frontiers)




2008 Mix (Disc One)

1. "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen," from Sam Cooke, Night Beat (Legacy), 1963/2005
2. "Into the Open," from Heartless Bastards, All This Time (Fat Possum Records), 2006
3. "Do You Want New Wave or Do You Want the Truth?" from Minutemen, Double Nickels on the Dime (SST), 1984
4. "In Her Music Box," from Atmosphere, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold (Rhymesayers)
5. "Work That," from Mary J. Blige, Growing Pains (Geffen), 2007
6. "Baby Boy Baby Girl," from Mint Condition, E-Life (Image)
7. "Such a Beautiful Girl," Juliana Hatfield, How to Walk Away (Ye Olde Records)
8. "Tie My Hands" feat. Robin Thicke, from Lil Wayne, Tha Carter III (Universal Motown/Cash Money)
9. "Mexico City," from Jolie Holland, The Living and the Dead (Anti-)
10. "Paper Planes," from M.I.A., Kala (Interscope), 2007
11. "Green Light," from The Equals, The Best of the Equals, 1963/1993
12. "Dance My Pain Away" by Rod Lee, from various artists, Beyond Hamsterdam: Baltimore Tracks from The Wire (Nonesuch), 2005/2008
13. "Better Than Sunday," from Ladyhawke, Ladyhawke (Island)
14. "Yeka Sub City Rockers," from Dub Colossus, Dub Colossus in a Town Called Addis (Real World)
15. "The Healer," from Erykah Badu, New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) (Universal Motown), 2007
16. "Johnny Is Dead," from Q-Tip, The Renaissance (Universal Motown)
17. "Time Has Gone By So Fast," from Jonathan Richman, "Because Her Beauty Is Raw and Wild" (Vapor)
18. "Stay Positive," from The Hold Steady, Stay Positive (Vagrant)
19. "A-Punk," from Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend (XL Recordings)
20. "Nijaay," from Orchestra Baobab, Made in Dakar (World Circuit/Nonesuch)
21. "Everything That Happens," from David Byrne & Brian Eno, Everything That Happens Will Happen Today (Todomundo)




More 2008 (Disc Two)

1. "Aon Aon," from Tabu Ley Rochereau, The Voice of Lightness (Stern's), 1973/2007
2. "Lay It Down," from Al Green, Lay It Down (EMI)
3. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," from Beyonce, I Am... Sasha Fierce (Columbia)
4. "Strange Times," from The Black Keys, Attack & Release (Nonesuch)
5. "Furr," from Blitzen Trapper, Furr (Sub Pop)
6. "L.E.S. Artistes," from Santogold, Santogold (Downtown)
7. "Demon Days," from Robert Forster, The Evangelist (Yep Roc)
8. "Silver Sands," from Stereolab, Chemical Chords (4AD)
9. "Un Dia," from Juana Molina, Un Dia (Domino)
10. "American Boy" ft. Kanye West, from Estelle, Shine (Atlantic)
11. "Wine Pon Di Edge," from Busy Signal, Loaded (VP)
12. "Gamble on Ya Boy," by Defari, from Madlib The Beat Konducta, WLIB AM: King of the Wigflip (Rapster/BBE)
13. "If Rap Gets Jealous," from K'naan, The Dusty Foot Philosopher (IM Culture/Track & Field)
14. "Fried Chicken" (featuring Busta Rhymes), from Nas, [untitled] (Def Jam/Columbia)
15. "The World Should Revolve Around Me," from Little Jackie, The Stoop (S-Curve Records)
16. "A Few Words in Defense of Our Country," Randy Newman, Harps and Angels (Nonesuch)
17. "Life Is a Movie," from GZA/Genius, Pro Tools (Babygrande)
18. "DLZ," from TV on the Radio, Dear Science (Interscope)
19. "One Pure Thought," from Hot Chip, Made in the Dark (Astralwerks)
20. "Mambu Ma Miondo," from Franco & Le Tpok Jazz, Franco: Francophonic (Sterns), 1973/2008




10 good MN songs and albums not represented above (plus one):

1. "Street Life," by Buju Banton & Trey Sonz, from K-Salaam & Beatnick, Whose World Is This? (VP)
2. "Sunglasses," from Knonam, Length of the Blade (Knonam)
3. "Lost" ft. Slim of GOB (Guardians of Balance), from Katana, Secret Weapon Vol I (Katastrofik), 2007
4. "Change Is Coming" (ft. Dessa of Doomtree and New MC of Kanser), from Heiruspecs, Heiruspecs (Heiruspecs)
5. Crescent Moon, Crescent Moon Is in Big Trouble (Afternoon Records)
6. Jack Brass Band, Traditionally Speaking (Jack Brass Band)
7. "I Need Drugs," from MN Fats, The Perfect Candidate: Bricks -n- Politics (CC/Koch)
8. "Colors," from Dark Dark Dark, The Snow Magic (Blood Onion Records)
9. "So Bad" featuring La Ron, from Official, Finally Official (Ill Concept)
10. "Lorenzo," from Orikal, Now What?! (self-released)
11. "Petty Things," from The Tisdales, Bakers Dozen (SMA)




10 great reissues not represented above:

1. Various artists, Nigeria Disco Funk Special: The Sound of the Underground Lagos Dance Floor 1974-79 (Sound Way)
2. Various artists, The Rough Guide to Calypso Gold (World Music Network)
3. Tenor Saw & Nitty Gritty, Tenor Saw Meets Nitty Gritty (17 North parade/VP)
4. The Maytals, The Sensational Maytals (17 North Parade/VP)
5. U2, War (Island)
6. U2, Boy (Island)
7. U2, October (Island)
8. U2, Live: "Under a Blood Red Sky" (Island)
9. Nina Simone, To Be Free: The Nina Simone Story (RCA/Legacy)        
10. Various artists, The Wire "...and all the pieces matter": Five Years of Music from The Wire (Nonesuch)




10 other good CDs and songs not represented above:

1. Sean Kuti + Fela's Egypt 80, Sean Kuti + Fela's Egypt 80 (Disorient)
2. "Candy Shop," from Madonna, Hard Candy (Warner Bros.)
3. King Khan & the Shrines, The Supreme Genius of King Khan & the Shrines (Vice)
4. "Tic," from Kava Kava, Maui (Chocolate Fireguard), 2003
5. "Show Out," from Unk, Second Season (Koch)
6. Flight of the Conchords, Flight of the Conchords (Sub Pop)
7. KRS-One, Maxiumum Strength Two Thousand Eight (Koch)
8. "Closer," from Ne-Yo, Year of the Gentleman (Def Jam)
9. Dizee Rascal, Maths + English (XL Recordings/Definitive Jux)
10."Poison Dart" (South Rakkas Crew Remix) by The Bug feat. Warrior Queen, 12" (Ninja Tune), 2007




3 good albums by former Twin Cities residents:

1. The Hold Steady, Stay Positive (Vagrant)
2. K'naan, The Dusty Foot Philosopher (IM Culture/Track & Field)
3. K-Salaam & Beatnick, Whose World Is This? (VP)

2 good albums by Rhymesayers friends:

1. Jakeone, White Van Music (Rhymesayers)
2. Murs, Murs for President (Warner Bros.)




Top 5 local albums:

1. Atmosphere, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold (Rhymesayers)
2. Mint Condition, E-Life (Image)
3. Big Jess, High Rule (self-released)
4. various artists, Highstylekyle and Tru Ruts Presents: Lightening and Thunder Vol 1 (Tru Ruts)
5. Haley Bonar, Big Star (Afternoon Records)




Top Ten Albums:

1. Atmosphere, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold (Rhymesayers)
2. David Byrne & Brian Eno, Everything That Happens Will Happen Today (Todomundo)
3. Franco & Le Tpok Jazz, Franco: Francophonic (Sterns)
4. Q-Tip, The Renaissance (Universal Motown)
5. Mint Condition, E-Life (Image)
6. Lil Wayne, Tha Carter III (Universal Motown/Cash Money)
7. The Hold Steady, Stay Positive (Vagrant)
8. Juliana Hatfield, How to Walk Away (Ye Olde Records)
9. TV on the Radio, Dear Science (Interscope)
10. Big Jess, High Rule (self-released)




Top Ten Songs:

1. "In Her Music Box," from Atmosphere, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold (Rhymesayers)
2. "Mexico City," from Jolie Holland, The Living and the Dead (Anti-)
3. "Everything That Happens," from David Byrne & Brian Eno, Everything That Happens Will Happen Today (Todomundo)
4. "Work That," from Mary J. Blige, Growing Pains (Geffen)
5. "Such a Beautiful Girl," Juliana Hatfield, How to Walk Away (Ye Olde Records)
6. "Baby Boy Baby Girl," from Mint Condition, E-Life (Image)
7. "A-Punk," from Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend (XL Recordings)
8. "The Ride of Your Life," from Big Jess, High Rule (self-released)
9. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," from Beyonce, I Am... Sasha Fierce (Columbia)
10. "Show Out," from Unk, Second Season (Koch)




January 2009 Bonus: 14 other excellent 2008 CDs I forgot to include:

1. The Raveonettes, Lust Lust Lust (Vice)
2. The Mekons, Natural (Quarter Stick), 2007
3. James Hunter, The Hard Way (Hear Music/Go Records)
4. Robert Plant/Allison Kraus, Raising Sand (Rounder), 2007
5. Nine Inch Nails, The Slip (The Null Corporation)
6. Dennis Brown, The Best of Dennis Brown: The Niney Years (Heartbeat)
7. The Replacements, Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash (Twin/Tone/Ryko/Rhino) [these are all reissues]
8. The Replacements, Stink (Twin/Tone/Ryko/Rhino)
9. The Replacements, Hootenanny (Twin/Tone/Ryko/Rhino)
10. The Replacements, Let It Be (Twin/Tone/Ryko/Rhino)
11. The Replacements, Tim (Sire/Rhino)
12. The Replacements, Pleased to Meet Me (Sire/Rhino)
13. The Replacements, Don't Tell a Soul (Sire/Reprise/Rhino)
14. The Replacements, All Shook Down (Sire/Reprise/Rhino)

Here's my '06 local song list, and my '07 local mixtape CDs (still on the way if I said I'd send one). Thanks to Justin Schell, Jerry Sylvers, and Michael Matos for the heads up on many of these. ILX thread on year-end lists. DUNation thread on local songs. More DU lists. City Pages' best local albums of 2008. More links to come.

Jon Bream is one of the longest-running popular music critics in the United States, having reviewed concerts for the Minneapolis Star Tribune since 1974 (when it was still the Minneapolis Star). He is "author-in-chief" of a massive new book about Led Zeppelin, Whole Lotta Led Zeppelin: The Illustrated History of the Heaviest Band of All Time, and previously authored one of the first books about Prince, Prince: Insider the Purple Reign. Read him blogging at Pop Life. He appears today at Barnes & Noble in Minnetonka, at 3:30 p.m., and has Zep collectibles to give away.

Could you tell the story again of how reviewing Led Zeppelin got a reaction during one of their performances?

The year was 1977, and it was the first time ever, and the only time, that an arena-sized band played two different shows in the Twin Cities on two different nights. Back then we had the Met Sports Center out in Bloomington and the St. Paul Civic Center in St. Paul. They came to the Twin Cities and played the Met Center show first, and being an earnest young critic, I pointed out what I thought of the show. I said that Plant lacked feeling and concentration on a sloppy version of "Stairway to Heaven."

The next day at the St. Paul Civic Center, Plant had apparently read my review, which appeared in the Minneapolis Star, which was then the afternoon paper. He didn't mention me by name, but he made a few choice comments and addressed some of the things I said in my review, and they ended up pretty much kicking butt that night. I don't know if it was my review or they were in better spirits.

Do you remember what he said specifically?

No, I just remember it was something we couldn't print in the paper.

What have been some of the other times you've been called out onstage by an artist?

It's happened many other times. With Prince, I had written a story about Michael Jackson at the Motown Anniversary Show where Michael Jackson did the moonwalk for the first time, and I talked about what a dazzling dancer he is. I think it was at the Minnesota Music Awards out at the old Carleton Celebrity Room where Prince said, "Watch these moves, Jon Bream," because I'd just had that story about Michael Jackson.

He called you out by name because you were one of the first people to cover him, weren't you?

Yeah. I was in the studio with him when he was recording his first album. He's called me out a few times on stage. During the Purple Rain tour in 1984, there were five shows in the St. Paul Civic Center, and I had a different seat every night, and one night I had sixth row center on the main floor and he nailed me with the squirt gun guitar. And afterwards he went backstage and told all the people, "Got Bream! Got Bream!"

Was that playful or was he angry about something?

A little bit of both, but probably more playful than angry.

I heard you got banned from Prince shows for a time. Is that true?

He had me removed from a concert at Glam Slam, which he owned, shortly after my review of Graffiti Bridge came out. And there were other times when he wouldn't allow access the way you'd traditionally allow press access, so sometimes I'd have to buy tickets.

Have things smoothed over since then?

I haven't talked to him in years, but I don't think there's a problem. The problem was always from his end, not my end. The last time he said anything verbally to me was when I went to a press conference for the Emancipation album out at Paisley Park. I'd been invited by someone who worked at Best Buy, but didn't know until I got there that it was a Best Buy-only presentation. He played a half dozen songs, and then walked out from the control room and said, "Anyone have any questions?" And there was complete silence in the room. And then he said, "Well surely, Jon, you have a question. I see you sitting back there." So I asked a question which was something about the recording deal he had. He answered the question quickly, and said, "We'll have to get together and talk soon and bury the hatchet." And I was thinking, "Bury the hatchet?" I didn't even know there was a feud here.

We haven't talked since then. I did see him in his Vegas show last year, and the second night, I was standing in the audience and I realized he was going to walk right by me. He was singing as he was walking through the audience and I was standing on these little steps near the back of the room, and I knew he was going to walk right by me. So I'm going to tap him on the shoulder so he'll maybe look up and make eye contact with me, I don't expect him to say anything because he's singing. So just as he gets to me, I reach out to tap him on the left shoulder, and his left hand comes out and clasps, and shakes my hand left-handed, and just kept walking, never raised his head. I have no idea if he knew it was me, or just any other fan there.