2008 Quick Hits - Airborne Toxic Event, Augastana, Backyard Tire Fire and The Bellfuries

As a prelude to some year-end list making and reviews, in the next few weeks Michael and I will be posting select mp3s from some of our favorite 2008 discs - a little peek into our ipods. We'll be asking you, discriminating reader, for your input also. Here at Teenage Kicks we belieive "everyone's a critic and most people are djs".

Airborne Toxic Event - "Gasoline" (from Airborne Toxic Event)

Pitchfork's scathing review piqued my interest. Their Arcade Fire/Strokes hybrid hit me hard - the sound of one crushed soul.

Augastana - "Meet You There" (from Can't Love, Can't Hurt)

The American Keane? Coldplay lite? Dunno, but sometimes a kid with a pop song is all it takes. Infectious.

Backyard Tire Fire - "Time With You" (from The Places We Lived)

Hearty, guitar driven alt pop from Bloomington, Illinois' finest. And frankly, how can you not love a band named Backyard Tire Fire?

The Bellfuries - "Give It, Get It" (from Palmyra)

Power pop lives!