I awoke this morning at 5:26am to the feeling of my left testicle being tangled up in my underpants. Has this ever happened to you? Sweet Jebus, what a scare. I apparently did some sort of scissor-kick in my sleep that made my boxers form a tourniquet around my left nut. It hurt like heck and scared the living daylights out of me. I sprung from my bed about .0000000002 seconds after the scissor-kick and went into the bathroom to inspect any potential damage and let that puppy work itself out. Through the miracle of the human body being flipping awesome, all was fine. But it was so frightening that I was unable to fall back asleep, so I went into the den to surf the internets before work.

That’s when I opened the iTunes store and saw that M. Ward’s fantastic new album, Hold Time, is the #5 best-selling album on iTunes. How can that be? Is M. Ward famous now or has everyone completely given up on buying full albums?

I did some quick research, and found that 16 times more songs were purchased online than albums. Not surprising, but pretty amazing. Here are the actual numbers from my research:

1.07 billion digital tracks were purchased in the US in 2008
65.8 million digital albums were purchased in the US in 2008
Somewhere around 4% of males have but one testicle

The artwork above was found at Colorcubic, an ultra-hip design firm that handles multimedia, print, branding, etc. This poster will be made available in their online store.

We may say good riddance to 2008 as a nation, but as we posted our top 50 albums of 2008, it was easy to reflect on an amazing year in music. I have a feeling 2009 will be even better. Here are the albums we’re looking forward to in the new year.

1. The Deep Dark Woods – Winter Hours (February 2009)

The first single, “All The Money I Had Is Gone,” is now streaming on their MySpace page. If the album is as good as that track, we’re in for a special treat. Their last album, Hang Me Oh Hang Me, is one of my most listened to of the past two years.

From Hang Me Oh Hang Me:

The Deep Dark Woods – Hang Me Oh Hang Me

2. Andrew Bird – Noble Beast

The best whistler on the planet. Hands down.

Video: Andrew Bird – Oh No (from upcoming album Noble Beast)

2. Dan Auerbach – Keep It Hid (February 10th, 2009)

Ever wonder what The Black Keys might sound like acoustic? Dan Auerbach’s leadoff track on his upcoming album appears to be adding a bit more country and acoustic tastes on his upcoming solo album, along with the signature blues sounds. Look for Hacienda backing him on his upcoming tour.  Stream some tracks at Nonesuch Records.

3. M. Ward – Hold Time (February 2009)

This guy can do no wrong. Hold Time features guest performances by Lucinda Williams, Jason Lytle (ex-Grandaddy) and the ’she’ of She and Him, Zooey Deschanel.

4. Alela Diane – To Be Still (February 17th)

I really loved her debut, The Pirate’s Gospel.  She has a soulful voice and a knack for songwriting. Here’s the first track from the upcoming album.

Alela Diane – White As Diamonds

5. Justin Townes Earle – Midnight At The Movies (March 2009)

Early reports from inside Bloodshot Records indicate that Justin Towne’s Earle’s upcoming release is better than his debut. Check out our live session for some songs from his previous album, The Good Life.

6. Neko Case – Middle Cyclone (March 3)

I’m most excited about her cover art.

Video: Neko Case – Making of Middle Cyclone

7. The Decemberists – Hazards of Love (March 24th)

They get better with every album. See no reason why that trend shouldn’t continue.

8. Ox – Burn Out (Spring 2009)

The title track was released recently and it’s another alt-country peach of a tune.

Ox – Burn Out

9. The Thermals – Now We Can See (April 2009)

Found a new label (Kill Rock Stars) but still looking for a new drummer. Get ready for the follow up to The Body, The Blood, The Machine.

From The Body, The Blood, The Machine:

The Thermals – Pillar of Salt

The Thermals – Here’s Your Future

10. Lucero -TBD Title (Summer 2009)

The Tennessee lads signed to Universal Records and will be releasing their sixth studio LP in the summer. Until then, listen to Ben Nichols solo album, Last Pale Light In The West, inspired by Cormac McCarthy’s book Blood Meridian.

Ben Nichols – Toadvine

11. The Everybodyfields – TBD Title and Release Date

We were late to the game but now that we’ve found them, we’re obsessed. They are unreal. We were lucky to get an early taste of two of their new tracks during our live session with The Everybodyfields.

Exclusive: The Everybodyfields – Gun

Exclusive: The Everybodyfields – Mardi Gras

Exclusive: The Everybodyfields – City Noise

12. The Avett Brothers- TBD Title and Release Date

The boys left Ramseur Records for Rick Rubin’s label, American Imprint (under Columbia Records’ umbrella), and are recording a new full length album with Rubin at the controls.

13. Tulsa – TBD Title and Release Date

I Was Submerged has been a favorite for two years, but it just teases us. It’s time for a full length. The band is currently recording in Chicago as we speak.

From I Was Submerged:

Tulsa – #2

14. Ha Ha Tonka -TBD Title and Release Date

Bloodshot Records newbies killed their sets at SXSW 2008 and put out one of the best albums of 2007. We’ve got high hopes for their sophomore effort.  Check out our live session to hear some older tracks.

15. Wilco -TBD Title (Spring 2009)

Wilco – One Wing (Live at Lollapalooza via Stereogum)

Video: Wilco – One Wing (also Live at Lolla)

Other notable releases are also coming out from U2, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, The Gourds, Built To Spill, The New Pornographers, Handsome Furs, and The National (maybe).

Maybe I’m a little late to the party on this news, but I just heard about it tonight and it made my ears moist. As reported here and here, the three are currently recording an album together. Release date is unknown, but we’ll keep you posted.

While I’m not a huge Conor Oberst fan, I’m a big Jimmy James and M. Ward fan and can’t think of two guys I’d rather see put something out together (unfortunately I missed their “Monsters of Folk” tour of 2004, but here’s a full set from our friends at I Am Fuel, You Are Friends. Does anyone think these three read my post about fantasy supergroup, The Cockslingers, and decided to strike while the iron is hot?

Also worth noting, Jim James is going to be releasing a solo album as an Asian Country Star alter-ego named Sec Walkin. Sounds incredible. Also of note, I was in a band in high school called The Chinese Cowboys. I was ahead of my time.

Here’s a live version of Wonderful (The Way I Feel) rumored to be on the new James/Ward/Oberst album (Oz posted this song from Aquarium Drunkard a little a week or two ago, but it’s worth hearing again).

Jim James and M. Ward – Wonderful (The Way I Feel)

And here are some pretty cool videos:

Jim James & M. Ward – Rollercoaster & Chinese Translation (SXSW 2008)

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M. Ward & Conor Oberst – O’Brien’s Nocturne

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