Complied by Dan Fitzpatrick
As you, the avid Satellite reader, probably know, we’re always willing to throw a laurel or a dart as we see fit in our CD reviews. But who are we? I, for one, am just another armchair music critic. We thought that for our end of the year issue we’d indulge some of Gainesville’s best musicians and other people in the know musically, and pick their brains for a word or two on their favorite albums of 2008… Read the rest of this entry »

By Mike Flesher, December 2008
In today’s Hollywood, actors are protected and pampered to such an extent that we are shocked to hear that an actor has performed his or her own stunts. This seems most evident in the sterile attempts at physical humor in today’s comedies, and I regret that we will probably never return to the glory days of the silent and early sound eras. Read the rest of this entry »

By Shamrock McShane, December 2008
Dark Night of the Soul Party
“In winter’s tedious nights sit by the fire with good old folks and let them tell the tales of woeful ages long ago.” —  Shakespeare, Richard II
This is when the days are shortest and the nights are longest. Stonehenge appears to have been constructed so as to line up with the sunset of the winter solstice. People didn’t know if they’d live through the winter. The cattle were slaughtered, so they needn’t be fed. The beer and wine that had been fermenting was finally ready to be drunk. This might be the last party ever. Read the rest of this entry »

Review By William McKeen, December 2008
Book by Paul R. Mullins
University Press of Florida, 200 pages, hardcover, $24.95
It is one of the most glorious sights of the New South: the red-and-green neon informing the world of nirvana within. Few things in life are more tantalizing than the beseeching “HOT DONUTS NOW” sign. Read the rest of this entry »

By Matt Walker, December 2008
Self-Titled, No Idea Records
The debut solo album from Hot Water Music’s Chris Wollard sees the singer/guitarist settling into a batch of great songs that somewhat bridges the gap between Rumbleseat’s acoustic-country jaunts and Hot Water’s post-hardcore anthems. It’s all a little more laid back though with a straight-ahead rock twist. And Wollard’s vocals come across smoother than ever, wrapped in reverb and harmony, and welcoming anyone to stay a while and listen. Read the rest of this entry »

By Matt Walker, December 2008
Self-Titled, ADD Records/Kiss of Death
The Shaking Hands have been spreading high-energy punk anthems around Gainesville for a few years now under their previous name, The Horror. And with a new name and a new full-length packed with instantly memorable sing-along choruses and politically charged lyrics, they sound more ready than ever to shake the system’s foundation. Read the rest of this entry »

By Fred Sowder, December 2008
Get Guilty, Matador Records
On his second solo outing, the New Pornographers leader settles into a heartland-rock vibe by the use of Beach Boys-esque harmonies. At times channeling Conor Oberst, Newman’s pop sensibilities can also take a turn toward the sounds of British Invasion bands on songs like “Submarines of Stockholm,” complete with requisite singsong choruses. Read the rest of this entry »

By Fred Sowder, December 2008
Night Shot, Kindercore Records
From the debris of I Am The World Trade Center arises Ruby Isle, a jubilant mix of garage-conceived electronic dance music to tremble the dance floors of Brooklyn and the world. This trio goes beyond the clichéd dance rock styles of The Rapture and LCD Soundsystem to create a dirtier yet euphoric sound that only builds with the appearance of guests such as Tay Zonday and Daniel Geller’s IATWTC cohort Amy Dykes. Read the rest of this entry »

By Dan Fitzpatrick, December 2008
Throwing Sparks, Claire Records/Barracuda Sound
Averkiou makes music that makes you want to play air guitar. Don’t get me wrong here – by that, I don’t mean the two-minute unnecessary, self-indulgent, guitar-shredder solo Slash takes after every chorus. Read the rest of this entry »

By Jake Crown, December 2008
Bridge, Suburban Home
Bridge is Joey Cape’s (from 1990s punk band Lagwagon) first solo record.  I hear not only acoustic guitar, but some piano and violin as well. I think the thing I like best about this record is its honesty. He sings mellow songs about growing up in music, saying goodbye to his idols, having kids and pill popping. Read the rest of this entry »