They spoke only briefly. They didn't sing. But they played. Oh, they played. Like nothing else I have seen. Ever. In a year of stupendous live shows, 4 men stood tall. Head and shoulders tall. Four men from Texas came to Sydney for the first time and blew me away. Completely. 2008 proved in no uncertain terms that live music is worth it. Worth putting up with rude people, talkative people, drunk people, waiting, tiredness. For when the stars are aligned, seeing great music performed in front of you is a unique and unforgettable experience. 2008 was that sort of year. Especially in those heady nights in January and February when nights blurred into one another. Sometimes we would see the same band more then once. Why? Because it was worth it. But one band outshone all the rest.

1. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/02/explosions-in-sky-manning-bar.html
Munaf Rayani is some sort of being. His spirit filled us all this night and reminded us that music is not Sony, Pink and Kylie. Or Coldplay for that matter. It is making music that matters and playing it in a matter that touches everyone who sees them. I floated away this night.

2. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/02/okkervil-river-manning-bar.html
Will Sheff wakes the dead, shakes the unliving, embodies the spirit of life. He is emotion and heart wrapped in a suit. A dishevelled suit, because he brings it. ALL THE TIME.

3. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/10/mount-eerie-paddington-uniting-church.html
This man (Phil Elverum) is a living, breathing treasure. Sitting on a floor in a church was a memorable and unforgettable experience. So gracious, so gentle, so in touch. And I met him before the show!

4. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/03/2008-st-jeromes-laneway-festival.html
Kevin, Brendan, Andrew, Justin, Charles, Leslie, Amy, Torq. All of them. They should have closed this festival. But it was perfect anyway.

5. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/01/arcade-fire-enmore-theatre.html
I think the floor of the Enmore just stopped shaking now. My face ached from smiling, my heart was full of joy. Such energy, such everything. Wow!

6. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/01/national-city-recital-hall.html
We saw them twice and it was worth every cent. Each night was practically identical, but it didn't matter. The songs are just so good. Superb.

7. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/03/wilco-enmore-theatre.html
This band is just great. In so many ways. Their musicianship matches their astounding catalogue. Then there is Jeff. That voice.

8. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/01/spoon-annandale-hotel.html
Britt is the man. And he smiled at me!

9. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/01/sufjan-stevens-state-theatre.html
How did something this great end up at 9? See above, I guess.

10. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/01/built-to-spill-metro-theatre.html
Doug Martsch is quite possibly the finest guitar player I have ever seen.

11. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/03/feist-metro-theatre.html
I was prepared to be disappointed. No way, no how.

12. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/12/mountain-goats-manning-bar.html
See number 9. This band can never disappoint. Never.

13. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/02/stars-spectrum.html
I fell in love with Amy Millan. Torq, you're kinda cute as well.

14. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/04/modest-mouse-big-top-luna-park.html
This was better then in 2007 and they played "Broke".

15. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/08/sigur-ros-hordern-pavilion.html
Even confetti can make this venue seem special.

16. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/04/eels-enmore-theatre.html
This one exceeded all expectations. Just so entertaining and hearfelt.

17. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/01/joanna-newsom-sydney-opera-house.html
She is just so sweet and angelic. And so talented.

18. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/01/andrew-bird-famous-spiegeltent-second.html
18? Doesn't seem fair. We saw him twice, both nights were wonderful.

19. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/12/final-fantasy-vanguard.html
I would like to see Owen go toe to toe with Andrew.

20. http://oceansneverlisten.blogspot.com/2008/08/band-of-horses-metro-theatre.html
A night of pure enjoyment and total fun.