There were “loads” of releases this year, but it seems that for every great one, there where 12 “eps” of questionable quality. A truly great release must withstand repeated listening, have overall top grade quality, and be presented in a cool manner. Here are some of the best releases of the year.
minusbaby – Saudade for Beginners
Lowbit renaissance minusbaby started what seems to be an ambitious cycle of records with Saudade for Beginners. Playful melodies intertwine with complex voicing and awesome artwork in one of the more personal and heartfelt releases of the year.
Disasterpeace – Level
II music label head Disaterpeace maintained a consistent vision and artful composition and pulled it all together with thoughtful sound design and masterful use of the limitations inherent in the genre.
Trash80 – Icarus
Trash80 similarly transcended the restraints of the chip sound, and used studio production to enhance, not overwhelm the glorious chip sounds. “Missing You” was perhaps the breakup track of the summer, but all the songs were great tracks of their own, and could’ve carried any release by their own accord.
stu – atari solo
Is there any artist in chip music who is synonymous with the chip they use as much as stu? Pushing the chip to its limits, then forcing it farther, stu redefines the concept of what exactly these limitations are, and how they are no barrier in the hands of a masterful musician.
Chromelodeon – The Final Recordings
Its initial release was so small, and sold out the only night it was on sale, II should be thanked heartily for giving the rest of our saps a chance to hear the biggest band you never knew. Dino Lionetti’s awesome compositions are matched by a bevvy of talented musicians and masterful production in a great blend of chip rock hybrid sounds. The band is sorely missed, but this impressive document will live on.
Comments
13 responses to “Best Release”
my vote’s for Minusbaby.
great line up! Damn. I’d have to say Minusbaby too though.
Wow. I cannot believe that Alex Mauer didn’t make this cut.
Stu atari solo all the way
All of these are stellar. I’d completely forgotten about that Chromelodeon release, too. Nice work everyone! 2008 didn’t suck so bad after all.
That is such a touch choice, although in terms of what I have listened to most I would have to go for Icarus.
minusfreakingbaby.
<3
They are all fantastic releases, but I have to say that I just fell in love with ‘Level’.
Never let quantity outshine quality :D
minusbaby. ROLY POLY!
Oh man, that’s tough. They are all really great. For me, it’s a tie between Saudade for Beginners and Chromelodeon. Although it’s unfair time-wise, I’m gonna have to go with Chromelodeon because I have loved the crap out of the album for some time now.
minusbaby, of course!
minusbaby FTW !