Top Tracks 2008 (17 – 15)
17. I Woke Up Today – Port O’Brien
The duo from California, Van Pierszalowski and Cambria Goodwin, are not unfamiliar with hard work! Much of the creative efforts behind the pairs two album career started while he worked as a commercial salmon fisherman off the coast of Alaska, and she worked as a Head Baker on land at Larsen Bay, Alaska. Their music reflects the both the hard work experienced by the pair up north, but also the appreciation for the beauty and power of the nature that surrounded them. The track I Woke Up Today appears on both of Port O’Brien’s full length releases, Wind And The Swell and All We Could Do Was Sing. The upbeat track makes it on my Top Tracks of 2008 list because of its fun rhythm stemmed from its fold roots that is peppered with pop fun.
Goldfrapp captured my heart back in 2006 with the release of Supernature and the many remixes that the album inspired. This year the band released a calmer and more sensual offering. The track A & E highlights Allison Goldfrapp’s beautiful vocals over Will Gregory’s thoughtful electronic arrangements. The album, Seventh Tree is a worthy contribution to Goldfrapp’s growing catalog.
15. American Boy – Estelle with Kayne West
The collaboration between the British Hip Hop diva Estelle and the American mega-star Kanye West became one of the years most loved tracks. The sassy interplay of American flash and Brittish style is so delightful that the blatent egotistim comes off as lovable. The track is both funky and fresh, and fun and soulful, earning props from both the cool kids and Top 40 radio this year.
