Thoughts on 2009

So what did we get this year: another 40 (or so) releases with quite a few that i actually liked (St. Vincent, Dark Was The Night, Camera Obscura - have yet to make up my mind regarding tUnE-yArDs), but then again some that i'm still struggling to find interesting (Broken Records, Atlas Sound). 

AFAIR v23 had two main projects but after the intriguing debut single The Big Pink couldn't fulfill the high expectations (in terms of both design and substance) while the decadent 'Minotaur' set wasn't on 4AD at all (thank god for that!). 

It might be argued that the fading label identity is showing in the slight activicty here. For instance I'd think that a couple years ago the pairing of two 4AD acts (St.Vincent & Bon Iver) for inclusion in a Blockbuster Vampire Movie would have generated quite a buzz on the 4AD board. 

I'm looking forward to 4AD albums by The National and Tindersticks although i've yet to buy the last ones. As far as Efterklang goes i don't really know what to expect, but curious i am. (I also noticed that the Breeders are still listed as current artists, but apart from any compilation-stuff i can't really imagine any further 4AD releases by them)

Anyway - a nice festive season and end of year to all of you!



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