Plug Awards 2008

I’m not sure how popular this thing has gotten, but I thought I’d give it some pub and write about the Plug Awards. They are the proclaimed independent music awards by fans coming together to promote their own independent music. This thing has been going on since 2001 and has been gaining popularity ever since. I’m still a little hesitant to say it’s a “good” thing as award shows and recognition go against the whole spirit of indie rock. But, I’m an old school purist like that and I can be honest with myself and say the times have changed. Anyways, I thought I’d give a run down of each of the award winners.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Arcade Fire – Neon Bible

I checked out of the Arcade Fire bandwagon a few years ago and haven’t had any reason to jump back on. I liked them a little in the beginning, but for the most part I think these guys live off their reputation and not their music. Hence, album of the year award.

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Justice

Who the fuck is Justice? I know I may not be in the “know” like I used to, but I usually have read a review or two or six for these new bands. They were up against Vampire Weekend. It’s hard to believe they didn’t win. Other options here were The National – Boxer or Radiohead – In Rainbows. Landslide, please.

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
St. Vincent

Yeah okay whatever. I didn’t check out her album, but I did see her when she opened for The National. This artist really isn’t interesting enough for me to go on about and honestly neither are any of the other nominees.

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Andrew Bird

Okay now we’re getting somewhere. Andrew Bird really put himself on the map and established himself with his album in 2008. I have no problem with this award. It would have been easy to give it to Devendra based on rep, but it would have been a lie. I like this choice.

INDIE ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Animal Collective – Strawberry Jam

Sure whatever. It’s sort of a toss up when you have Animal Collective. You either love them or hate them. I would have put The National – Boxer up here or maybe even The New Pornographers.

AMERICANA ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Iron & Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog

Like the old Charles Barkley commercial for deodorant, “Anything else would have be uncivilized.” Good choice here with no one that can really reach Sam Beam’s level.

METAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
The Dillinger Escape Plan – Ire Works

I’m not a metal guy, so I’ll ultimately defer to their judgment. Although, I did like Jesu.

HIP-HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Aesop Rock – None Shall Pass

I’m not a huge fan of Aesop. I like his stuff and I understand why people really like him, but I grew up on West Coast rap and like the beat to go more with the vocals and he tends to run over the beat. But he’s a smart rapper and I understand this pick. Hip-hop has been weak for a while, so their wasn’t much else to pick from.

PUNK ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Gogol Bordello – Super Taranta!

Again I’m not a huge punk guy, so I’ll defer.

ELECTRONIC/DANCE ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Justice – †

Just remove this category all together. Dance/electronic indie? Sounds like a misnomer or a recipe for disaster. You be the judge.

DJ ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Hot Chip – DJ Kicks

snore… whatever

AVANT ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Liars – Liars

WTF is this category? seriously?

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Radiohead

Obvious and best choice

SONG OF THE YEAR
The National – “Fake Empire”

Not even the best song on that album let alone the year.

LIVE ACT OF THE YEAR
Arcade Fire

I can’t say for certain as I’ve never seen them, but I have my doubts here.

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Battles – “Atlas”

Solid choice here.

ALBUM ART PACKAGING OF THE YEAR
Menomena – Friend And Foe

Good choice here. I’m happy there is an award for this as artwork has taken a backseat for awhile.

RECORD LABEL OF THE YEAR
Merge

Sure There could have been plenty awards here. I’d like to know the criteria they use for this one.

LIVE MUSIC VENUE OF THE YEAR
Bowery Ballroom

Sure

MUSIC FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR
Coachella

Sure whatever. I can work with this.

MUSIC WEBSITE OF THE YEAR
Pitchfork Media

hahaha what a fucking joke.

MUSIC BLOG OF THE YEAR
Stereogum

toss up here between Stereogum and Muzzle of Bees

MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR
Paste

sure I guess. A dying breed here as the internet takes over the world.

ONLINE RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR
KCRW

whatever

RECORD STORE OF THE YEAR
Other Music

I still can’t get over Amoeba Records. Hands down.

ZINE OF THE YEAR
Wax Poetics

whatever

ONLINE RECORD STORE OF THE YEAR
iTunes

who cares

COLLEGE/NON-COMM RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR
KEXP

who cares again

SPECIALTY SHOW OF THE YEAR
Sirius: Left Of Center – Blog Radio

and I don’t care again. I’m done.