I'm Still Processing 2008

I'm the same and was actually thinking about this the other day. Much of what I like at the moment seems to come from bands rather than solo artists. Whenever a solo act gains my attention it's usually a guy rather than a girl. I'm with you, most female singers just don't do it for me. I just find them boring and if I do like what I hear initially, their music usually fails to stay with me.

Laughed myself silly at the "emoting" line. I'm not a fan either.

And it's not you, it's them. Either that or we're both bitches.

I actively disliked Jenny L until this Acid Tongue album. Yeah, her voice really is pretty unremarkable, but her band jams, especially on here, and several songs grabbed me. I know you don't care much for Lucinda Williams, either, so you probably won't like Acid Tongue, as it's kind of countrified. (not blatantly, though) I still don't like Rilo Kiley, though. Tried the Lykke Li, too, and didn't get into it. I did like Aimee Mann's very much (I usually do like her stuff.)

I didn't have much by females in my lists, but I did love Sam Phillips' Don't Do Anything, and I love her quirky, lovely voice and songs. I allso loved She & Him and the breezy 60's pop sound, and The Weepies (a married couple.)

Yeah... I am with you on so many levels of this post. Damn do I hate Jenny Lewis, she annoys the shit out of me, I can't stand her music.

I am still digesting so many albums from 2008... Still posting about 2008 albums, I am just not ready to move on just yet. There is plenty of time...

The Submarines released a wonderful album this year, though I guess like Mates of State that's a duo. Still, she sings lead on most songs. I have never been able to get into Ani DiFranco, no matter how hard I try. I have a similar problem with Tori Amos. It's all just unlistenable, to me.

well i'm glad i'm not the only one! although i suppose i'm preaching to the choir, aren't i?

agnes--i don't mean to write off female singers as a group, but this year in particular i didn't find much to love. and of course you're not a bitch, so maybe it IS them! ;-)

nat--i forgot about that sam philips record. i really liked the song you had up, "little plastic life." in fact, i liked plenty of songs, like kaki king's "life being what it is" and that janey todd song "dreamland," but i never got their albums. i wish i were made of money, that might help the situation, but when you have to choose, you have to choose what you think you'll really like. oh, and you're right about lucinda. : )

rachel--glad to hear you're having the same feelings i am! i'm still contemplating an "honorable mentions" list of albums i liked but didn't make the final cut. : )

sean--i missed the submarines and the weepies, both duos. duos count, tho, i think. actually, cut copy and the ting tings are duos (i think) but they're not exactly a part of my core listening. waaaaaaay back in the day, i liked tori amos, but i haven't for a long while. she plays a killer piano, tho. : )

I'm in the same boat as everyone else here :). I love Aimee Mann's voice and her lyrics so much, but I am dying for her to crank it up again like in her 'I'm With Stupid' days. She's gotten way too mellow for me, though I probably didn't give this last one as much of a chance as I should have.

I don't have the whole thing either but I've been listening to a few songs from the School of Seven Bells album and I do like them a lot.

I didn't like Jenny Lewis' latest. But M.I.A. is fantastic. "Kala" came out in '07 in Britain and made my top 10. You're right, though, there aren't a ton of great female solo artists about right now.

Oh no! You've missed out on The Duke Spirit (led by the marvelous Lelia Moss), "Neptune" and the winsome Samantha Crain (who I was lucky to see live, she's got an interesting and gorgeous voice) "The Confiscation". Joan Osborne also released "Little Wild One" which has a few really good tracks on it. And Amy Ray released "Didn't It Feel Kinder" which was a beautiful album if totally typically Amy. 2009 is looking good for Heartless Bastards, "The Mountain" and an anticipated album by Garbage. But yeah, most of my top 15 were male dominated bands/artists, such is the business I fear.

greer--yes, that's exactly what i wish aimee mann would do, too, i like her when she sings with a little more gusto!

afm--i know a lot of people love her, but i'm afraid m.i.a. doesn't quite do it for me. maybe her next album will!

tart--have not heard a couple of these, including the duke spirit and the amy ray, and i've never even heard of samantha crain, so thank you for the heads up--i will definitely give her a listen. now could you arrange for me to have another three or so hours in the day to catch up on all this music with? ;-)

Strong female artists with song-writing chops in 2008? Who Killed Amanda Palmer?     http://whokilledamandapalmer.com/album

smittner--i forgot about amanda palmer! thanks for the reminder.

Oh you've got to give Ani a real chance! The new record was only so-so, but I strongly encourage you check out her Daytrotter session. I think Ani sounds much better when she's not cooped up in the studio. But go back to her earlier stuff and give it a try. Ani DiFranco is an amazing album. So is Little Plastic Castle or Out of Range.

Caithlin De Marrais also had a really great album last year. And Vanessa Peters has a new record coming out next week that's very good.

hi charles--thanks for the suggestions. i will seriously consider what you say about ani. i've generally liked her stuff but she just never found her way into my heart. i'll check out the other two, too. : )