LONG PLAYERS OF THE YEAR: [23] Fuck Buttons, “Street Horrrsing” (ATP)

We hate half-baked countdowns just as much as the next cynic. That said, self-titled couldn’t help but stare in horror as good but not great (Fleet Foxes at No. 1 and 2? Really?) albums top the lists of other publications. Here’s one of 30 selections from our rundown of wholly recommended 2008 records …

Regardless of how many times you’ve heard it, Fuck Buttons‘ “Sweet Love For Planet Earth” feels like a swift slap to the face. Or at the very least, a hefty bucket of freshly-defrosted water. To fully understand what we mean, succumb to its steady build of shimmering synths and feedback flecks for a good five minutes; then step back as it detonates a smart bomb of Speak & Spell shrieks and sheer noise. If you don’t feel cleansed by the end, we’ll personally refund the price of admission.

Look, Street Horrrsing is dear to us because it makes the self-titled office feel alive, as if someone just funneled a thousand volts to our special areas with no signs of pressing stop. Like a pirate broadcast from a severely pissed-off spaceman (heading into a black hole with his foot through the floor) or a cozy electrical blanket that’s slightly off, every song here splices primitive percussion patterns with waves of distortion and future-shocked drone detours.

You’ll be holding on for dear life the whole way, but you’ll also be sitting there wondering when we can expect Album No. 2.