Tuesday, December 02, 2008

The Annual 'Let's Skew Pitchfork's Results' Survey

Alright team, it's time to get in there and do what's right: vote for Chinese Democracy for best album of the year.

Take the Pitchfork Reader's Survey

15 comments:

Quinapalus said...

This album has grown on me more than I ever suspected it would. But it's not going to be my album of the year. Even if I made a list of "Top Albums of the Year to Make Use of Material Recorded Sporadically Over the Past 15 Years" it would still probably come in second to Bob Dylan.

But I am actually liking Chinese Democracy quite a lot.

Via Chicago said...

Glad you are liking it, and while I see not thinking it's #1, I hope you will assist in skewing the Pitchfork polls just for fun.

drischord said...

I voted! Pitchfork's review wasn't as smarmy as some of the others out there, but it still sounded like it had been written well in advance of actually hearing the album.

Quinapalus said...

Well, they've also got Lupe Fiasco's The Cool on their list...I guess counting it as one of this years albums because it came out too late for them to take notice last year, so I think I'll feel obligated to vote in that direction...I guess Bob Dylan didn't make the cut for them, or else they don't count it as a proper "album".

Looking forward to our year end lists this year...especially with the arrival of Chinese Democracy, I anticipate some intricate debates.

drischord said...

At least 2 of the albums that will make my top 10 are not even on their list.

I look forward to not only our lists but also our various responses to their undoubtedly inexplicable choice for best album of the year.

texplush said...

the worst part was their choices for best songs. i barely found any that were worth voting for.

Quinapalus said...

If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it

texplush said...

don't worry, Q. You can have whatever you like.

Via Chicago said...

I'm expecting Deerhunter will be #1 on Pitchfork's list. Not sure what the more general #1 will be at places like the AV Club or Rolling Stone - doesn't seem like there were too many big consensus "great" albums this year, although there was a ton of stuff I loved.

I've started thinking and it shall be hard to bring it down to 10 in my view.

texplush said...

i think they'll pick Fleet Foxes or Lil' Wayne

Eric said...

No way in hell do they pick Fleet Foxes. MAYBE Lil' Wayne, but I too predict Deerhunter.

Honestly, I was so out of touch with new music this year. Although I bought more CDs this year than any other year in my life, I'm not even sure that I bought a single new CD. I mostly spent the year meticulously buying up (at no more than $5 -- and usually closer to $1-2) Prince's entire catalogue up through Emancipation. And I have to say, though I liked quite a few new records, not a single album that came out this year holds a candle to Parade or any of the many other slightly older albums I picked up in the last twelve months. At this point, I'm tempted to just get Chinese Democracy even though I don't own any other G n R albums, just so I can participate in the debate. Is it still only being sold at Best Buy?

That said, I do really like Whatever You Like and I'm genuinely obsessed with Beyonce's Single Ladies. Although, interestingly, I think that her performance of the song on Saturday Night Live is WAY better than the record. That's actually where I first heard the song and it's much more dynamic and interesting (and the dance is awesome). And her band is fucking awesome-- and all female! It was by far the best musical performance I've seen this year on SNL (and I've actually seen them all (or at least fast forwarded through them) because I DVR the show because a friend's little brother is now a writer).

texplush said...

Let's put a beer on it- fleet foxes will beat deerunter in pitchforks list.
Though I actually think neither will be #1...their objective is to be willfully obtuse, and those two records are too predictable....

Eric said...

Their number 1 pick the past couple years has usually been one of the most highly rated (in terms of the number grade) albums of the year. Without even going back to compare the two numbers, I will take that bet.

drischord said...

Eric, honestly... buy this CD. It's still only at Best Buy as far as I know, which is lame, but I think it's only $11.99. Hearing each track once or twice (as Alex appears to have done) is not sufficient. The reason this album is great is because each listen is more rewarding. You will have a better time with me this weekend if we are able to properly discuss this album.

My finalists for Pitchfork's top record of 2008:

Mount Eerie: Lost Wisdom
They love Phil Elverum and his lack of musical ability.

M83: Saturdays=Youth
They love rewarding synth-heavy, repetitive music.

Vampire Weekend
The problem here is that I like this album too, which hurts its shot at a Pitchfork #1.

Why?: Alopecia
Pitchfork is a huge factor behind Why?'s success and they'd love to reward themselves for this accomplishment.

Via Chicago said...

I can't see Pitchfork going with Vampire Weekend as it's now far too mainstream for them.

Tex - I'll take that bet. A beer says Deerhunter finishes higher than Fleet Foxes. As an added bonus, Jen and I are in the process of getting plane tickets out to NY in January - so you can buy me that beer in person!