Sweet peanuts, 2008 is running out fast! I’ve only got a couple of days to get the rest of my lists in order before the year is in the books. In the spirit of pressing on, here are my favourite EPs of the last twelve months. 

Initially a much larger list, I scaled it back to my top 5 (not really intended to be in a particular order, but turns out its a good indication of my favourites from top to bottom).  Looking at it now I realize these are all similarly upbeat, hook-laden doses of indie pop, so I’ll add a few other recommendations at the end to diversify my portfolio slightly.

As for the top 5, I’ve pretty much written about all of these at length before, but here’s a brief recap of each:

Boxer the Horse - The Late Show

“Simply put, with its six diverse tracks The Late Show exhibits more potential and vivacious know-how than most bands can fathom.  Sure, there are comparisons to be made—The Kinks and Bob Dylan come to mind immediately for me—but that’s not to say Boxer the Horse are lacking originality. In fact, any influences are clearly just a jumping off point, as The Late Show never pigeonholes itself in one style. (previously posted here)”

Boxer the Horse - Jackson Leftfield

Ruby Coast - Projectable Collections

The last time I wrote about Ruby Coast at length it was based on their hastily recorded, yet highly enjoyable demo EP. The boys have since re-recorded a number of those tunes for a more proper go around by way of the Projectable Collections EP and my previous wholehearted recommendation is unwavering. 

Upbeat, charismatic and exuberant, Ruby Coast can do no wrong. 

Ruby Coast - More than Television

The Magic - The Magic EP

The Magic’s EP is probably the least like anything else on this list. Sure, it’s just as upbeat and vivacious as the rest, but there’s an aged quality about it that sets the Guelph band apart—what some would call an old soul, I suppose. In any case, the songs are diverse, catchy and very well crafted.

The Magic - No Sound

Hooded Fang - Hooded Fang EP

“There isn’t enough hyperbole available for me to lavish on this EP. Effervescent, uplifting and infectious, Hooded Fang prove themselves to be a new musical collective definitely worth keeping tabs on. There’s an effortless quality to songs like “The Pageant” that you just can’t undervalue. Add to that the casual interplay between male and female vocalists on “Land of Giants” and the undeniably intoxicating swagger of “Fall Leaves” and there’s nothing here not to like. In fact, probably the highest praise I can give the EP is that it simply sounds like people having fun (previously posted here).”

Hooded Fang - Land of Giants

Incidentally, I’m not really sure how the above track was left off my favourite songs of 2008 mixtapes. A thousand kicks to my own butt for that gaff. 

Bells Clanging - The Law of Averages

“…Bells Clanging have an innate ability to craft excellent and compelling melodies. The result is an EP free of misteps. Whether it’s the sugary-sweetness of the excellent title track, the arpeggiated intensity of “Morning Episode” or the slowed-down ease of “Little Star” and “Undone” (the latter of which is currently envelloping me with its seductive rhythm), The Law of Averages is a must listen (previously posted here).”

Bells Clanging - Even Stars Burn Out

—

Here’s a quick take on some runners up:

Brasstronaut - Old World Lies EP - Lengthy, complex and highly rewarding jazz-pop.

Jenny Omnichord - Pregnancy ‘P - Wonderfully endearing and under-polished tunes with irresistible melodies. 

J’envoie - J’envoie - Lavish and moving instrumentals (read more here).

The Weather Station - East - Haunting and eerie roots-folk.

The Superfantastics - Choose Your Destination - Uplifting, fun and undeniably charming indie pop (read more here).

Just about all of the above EPs are available for download at Zunior.com, so give them a try, as they’ll only cost a few dollars and these are all new(ish) bands that need your support!