KCRW'S TOP TEN ALBUMS OF 2008

KCRW has posted Top Ten Album lists by ALL our DJs on the KCRW Music Blog: http://kcrwmusicnews.vox.com/

Here are the Top Ten lists by their Music Director Jason Bentley (he will be the host of Morning Becomes Eclectic starting on Monday, December 1) and Nic Harcourt, who is leaving the MD post, but will still be a KCRW DJ on Sunday from 6 to 9pm PST.

Check out live performances by School of Seven Bells, Keane and Oren Lavie during Jason's first week as MBE host.

Look for my top ten list coming soon!


Jason Bentley's Top 10 Albums of 2008

1. M83 - Saturday's = Youth (Mute)
2. Santogold - Santogold (Downtown)
3. Jamie Lidell - Jim (Warp Records)
4. Adele - 19 (XL Recordings/Colombia)
5. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend (XL Recordings)
6. Juana Molina - Un Dia (Domino)
7. Little Dragon - Little Dragon (Peacefrog)
8. The Black Ghosts - The Black Ghosts (IAMSOUND Records)
9. Portishead - Third (Mercury Records)
10. Jazzanova - Of All the Things (Verve)

Nic Harcourt’s Top Ten Albums of 2008

1. Adele - 19 (XL Recordings/Colombia)
2. Mates Of State – Re-Arrange Us (Barsuk)
3. Coldplay - Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (Capitol)
4. Ting Tings – We Started Nothing (Columbia)
5. The Raconteurs – Consolers of the Lonely (Warner Bros)
6. The Broken West – Now or Heaven (Merge)
7.Dandy Warhols – Earth to the Dandy Warhols (World’s Fair)
8. Duffy – Rockferry (Mercury)
9. Tilly and The Wall – o (Team Love Records)
10.Emiliana Torrini – Me and Armini (Rough Trade)

KCRW'S MUSIC DIRECTOR STEPS DOWN

Famed Music Director Nic Harcourt is taking a break. After 10 years with KCRW, Nic is stepping down as Music Director.

Luckily he will continue hosting his 3 hour show on Sundays from 6pm to 9pm. Maybe I can host the daily Morning Becomes Eclectic radio show now...thoughts??

Thanks to Nic for bringing us 10 AMAZING years of music!!



After 10 successful years as host of Morning Becomes Eclectic, KCRW’s signature music program, KCRW Music Director Nic Harcourt is stepping down November 30 to pursue several independent projects. Harcourt will continue as a KCRW deejay, hosting a 3-hour show on Sundays from 6-9 pm.

“I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to come to work every day and be surrounded by creative and passionate people and I want to keep the connection alive on my Sunday show,” said Harcourt.

“Since I arrived here, I’ve fulfilled many of my dreams as a music lover, meeting and interviewing legends like Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson and Cat Stevens (Yusuf). I’ve also been able to set the stage for future stars, introducing artists like Coldplay, Damien Rice, Dido and Norah Jones on KCRW’s airwaves. I’m equally proud to have played many unsigned and independent artists and to be a champion for Latin Alternative music.”

“I’ve also been involved with a number of innovative projects to bring KCRW’s unique programming to a larger audience, such as launching KCRW Presents concerts in Los Angeles and other cities, remote broadcasts of Morning Becomes Eclectic from major music events, and videocasting and podcasting our live studio sessions.”

“As a parent of two young children, I believe it’s time for me to explore new career opportunities and expand upon my other activities in movie, television, voice over work, advertising and the Internet.”

“My heartfelt thanks and gratitude go to KCRW, the staff and volunteers who have supported my work through the years, but most of all to the listeners. I’ve always said that I couldn’t do what I do without them and I hope they will join me on Sunday nights,” said Harcourt.

KCRW’s General Manager Ruth Seymour said “Nic has enhanced KCRW’s reputation for introducing new artists to listeners in Southern California and beyond on radio and the Internet. His singular gifts as a radio deejay and his ability to spot new talent attracted major media attention from both national and international press.”

“He made performing on MBE an opportunity to be heard by top entertainment executives. In quite a number of instances it led to record contracts, television appearances and club dates.”

“We’re delighted that Nic will continue a station tradition and remain on the air at KCRW. He follows our two previous Music Directors, Tom Schnabel and Chris Douridas, who also host music programs on the weekends.”

“Nic is a hard act to follow”, added Seymour. “We are now in the process of choosing a new Music Director. We have been looking at potential candidates with an eye toward announcing a choice in the new few weeks.”