Sapnish 2008

Following the example of my miraculous Sacrifi-sir.


Enemy Ships
theme song
The Emergency

This is the song mentioned here, and obviously the finally successful quest for this mysterious rock tune has resulted in my playing it over and over and over again. Great guitars and singer who audibly means what he's saying. The few seconds I heard back then promised a great, vibrant and heavy rock song, and these promises were certainly fulfilled. Unfortunately, Enemy Ships seem to have disappeared since then, which is a shame, not only considering this hit song, but also the rest of their "The Emergency" album. An old love finally won over.

Madonna
candy shop
give it 2 me
Hard Candy

These two tracks share the 2nd place in my top song list of 2008. In my initial review of Madonna's latest I have predicted that it will become a record to love, and it has indeed. Especially thinking about hearing the songs live in September 2008, they have become even more intense and important. These two tunes however didn't need more than one spin to tickle the brainwaves, they sparked an immediate love. 'hard candy' is incredibly cool and memorable - the beats, the sounds, and even the cheeky lyrics just go together so very well here. 'give it 2 me' is generally speaking even more, it has evolved to Madonna's concert "outro", extended the addictive beats until they were in everyone's blood and soul. Fantastic tune, the chorus did seem a bit too simple at first, but looking at what this song is and should be one can easily see that this is exactly how it was meant to be.

Paola & Chiara
tu sei il futuro
secret
vanity & pride
Win the Game

These 3 songs share the 3rd place, and my feelings were expressed in my fan-crazed jumping-up-and-down review that I wrote the first day I listened to the album. With a little distance now, I'm glad to see that the album kept its promises. It still sounds as fresh as on that first day to me, and the three songs I listened to most are prime examples of the contemporary Paola & Chiara. The dance revelation 'tu sei il futuro' not only combines futuristic electronica with amazing melody lines, it also proves that using the Italian language, the Milano sisters are that tiny bit better than in English. 'secret' is an incredibly cool upbeat dance track, smooth and genius, and as always sung so amazingly great that you have to fall down to your knees to worship. 'vanity & pride' features marvellous 80ies synthies, the electronica here are so cool and present, yet not overdone so that the song loses focus. Perfect production, and obviously - melodies.

Auf der Maur
taste you

Auf der Maur

It will never be possible to understand why Melissa Auf der Maur has made only this one album so far. Her selftitled debut is the perfect mix of straight rock tunes, alternatively structured obliqueness and just a bit of dirt. 'taste you' is a steady rocker with an impressive soft/loud buildup, great sexy lyrics and a perfectly balanced production. Various reasons have made me listen to that song so many times in the last year - and all of them were damn good reasons.






The Disco Boys
fly so high
Kontor - House of House Vol. 4

One of my favourites from the absolutely brilliant House of House Vol. 4. This track is so irresistible that I don't know where to begin. Amazing sounds that serve the purpose of the song and are not just there to play around with ProTools. A fabulous singer and lyrics that make you want to go outside, to tell your secret love how you feel, to make you wanna have summer. Excellent beats and female vocals - an obvious hit.

Mattafix
to & fro
Signs of a Struggle

Mattafix' fourth single off this album didn't receive the attention it would have deserved, but then again we might be able to pin this down to the fact that this is not a typical "pop" single. (Plus, I read that it was a "download single" only). The beats are - and I know I say this a lot, but in this case it really really applies - fantastic and magnetic, there is no way you cannot move when this tune starts. I really mean it - try it. You will at least move your head to the fine beat. The vocals are excellent and you cannot escape the heartfelt lyrics. Also, ex-Sugababe Siobhán Donaghy is doing backing vocals here. The nicely produced strings work well with the beats, and for me it was enough hearing this track one time on TV to know that it will be everlasting love. I just hope the goddamn lyrics never come true.


--Sapnish--