We have new music from Taylor Swift … kinda. Taylor has covered the song “Untouchable” by Nashville-based rockers Luna Halo. Originally written and recorded as a rock song, Miss Swift has taken a mediocre song and made it her own - a.k.a. made it a helluva lot better. Armed with only an acoustic guitar, “Untouchable” goes singer/songwriter with a country edge and wouldn’t feel out of place on any T Swift record.

I would ask you which one is better, but it’s no contest.

[see which Taylor Swift song made TSF's Top 10 Songs of 2008]

TAYLOR SWIFT - “UNTOUCHABLE”

LUNA HALO - “UNTOUCHABLE”

PREFACE

Before you read any review of Hannah Montana: The Movie, you must first know the reviewer’s taste before appreciating what he or she has to say. With that in mind, please note that my favorite movies are Pulp Fiction and Mean Girls. I am a 20-something, heterosexual male who watches just as much Gossip Girl as I do Curb Your Enthusiasm. I happily drink beer from a keg and I can tell you the difference between a 3-4 and a 4-3 defense. Bias would be a term rarely used to describe my judgement and taste in popular culture. Just because it stars Miley Cyrus, doesn’t mean I won’t give it a chance to entertain me.

REVIEW

I’ve seen roughly ten episodes of the hit Disney show Hannah Montana. Before seeing the movie, I could tell you that her best friend’s name is Lilly and her name on the show is Miley Stewart, not Cyrus - and that’s about as far as my Montana knowledge goes.

Hannah Montana: The Movie is highly entertaining and every adult who sees this movie will be hard pressed not to love the down-to-earth protagonist, Miley Stewart. There’s a reason that Miley Cyrus is famous, and as hard as you try, you still can’t justify why you hate her.

It’s not the Hannah Montana TV show expanded into a 90-minute episode - it’s a heart-felt movie that happens to have the same characters as its television counterpart.

The movie is fast-paced and you’ll secretly love it just as much as your kids or your spouse or your girlfriend. You’ll be unwillingly dragged into what you think will be 90 minutes of torture, and walk out singing “The Climb” under your breath.

When your girlfriend asks you to go see the Hannah Montana Movie with her, here’s your chance to quietly score some brownie points. Even though you read on TSF that it’s enjoyable, still act as if you’re doing her a favor. It will help your relationship in the long run, and not be a waste of your Saturday night. You can thank me later.

I’m not going to give this movie the usual “out of ten” rating, because it’s relativity to the other films I rate just doesn’t equate. It’s entertainment value out of ten? a 9. Maybe a 10 if Taylor Swift had a bigger role…

Don’t tell my friends I liked it.

The more and more I think about it, I must consider 2008 to be one of the worst years for music in the 21st century.  That is to take nothing away from the artists who made this list, because all of these songs are great.  But it really was a down year - in general - for almost every genre outside of pop.

These are my 10 favorite songs from the past year.  I highly recommend them to you all….

THE TOP 10 SONGS OF 2008

LISTEN TO THE SONGS HERE:

10. “YOU KNOW WHAT” N.E.R.D.

9. “UR SO GAY” KATY PERRY

8. “YOU’RE NOT SORRY” TAYLOR SWIFT

7. “MANY SHADES OF BLACK” THE RACONTEURS

6. “WILD INTERNATIONAL” ONE DAY AS A LION

5. “EVERYBODY GET DANGEROUS” WEEZER

4. “HANDLEBARS” FLOBOTS

3. “HOMETOWN GLORY” ADELE

2. “AMSTERDAM” SHANE ALEXANDER

1. “YOU DON’T KNOW ME” BEN FOLDS

I am going to step out onto a limb and say that 2008 has been somewhat of a down year for a dynamic music industry still trying to determine its identity in a iTunes-driven market.  Outside of the rock albums on this list, the rock genre hasn’t really produced any great music this year.  The Arctic Monkeys took the year off and the Foo Fighters are still touring off their immaculate 2007 release Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, which was the best album of last year.

Before writing this list, I wanted to see what Rolling Stone was naming as their top albums of 2008.  Unfortunately, the magazine that used to have dignity has killed all outstanding integrity by awarding The Jonas Brothers’ A Little Bit Longer the number 40 album of 2008.  Jimi Hendrix must be rolling over in his grave.  They claim that TV On The Radio’s Dear Science is the #1 album of 2008…As you can see, I disagree.

My apologies for the arbitrary “7″ list.  I didn’t feel like there were 10 albums worthy enough to make this list and having only five would force me to leave off albums that deserve to be featured.

Be sure to check back for the Top 10 Songs of 2008 to be released next Monday…

THE TOP 7 ALBUMS OF 2008

7. MURDER BY DEATH ~ RED OF TOOTH AND CLAW

…This album sounds like the soundtrack to a black and white, 1930’s gangster movie.  Murder By Death fits into a dark, alternative-country niche that Johnny Cash himself would be a fan of. The production quality is excellent and it’s evident that a Grammy Award winning producer (Trina Shoemaker) was involved. Expect great things from these Bloomington, Indiana natives…

[TSF's full review here]

best song: “Steal Away“

6. PETER BRADLEY ADAMS ~ LEAVETAKING

…This record is folk-Americana-singer/songwriter goodness.  The first track, “The Longer I Run“, is the front runner of the record and definitely worth the hard drive space for those digital down-loaders out there.  Track after track, this album has a serene tone and a likable melancholy quality - good enough to relax you but not make you fall asleep…

[TSF's full review here]

best song: “The Longer I Run“

5. BEN FOLDS ~ WAY TO NORMAL

A deviation from Ben Folds’ norm, Way To Normal is a great album with some of Ben’s best writing yet.  In depth review by following link below:

[TSF's full review here]

best song: “The Frown Song“

4. SHANE ALEXANDER ~ THE SKY BELOW

…Independent artists are beginning to take over the musical landscape of the modern-day recording industry and Shane Alexander is leading the way with his latest effort, The Sky Below.  As I make a mental note of the sonic quality of this record mixed with the brilliant lyricism and professional instrumentation, I begin to question why an artist this respectable is independently funding his own career…

[TSF's full review here]

best song: “Amsterdam“

3. TAYLOR SWIFT ~ FEARLESS

…This album is a step in the right direction for an artist who is extremely dynamic and is almost single-handedly molding a new country/pop fan base.  Fearless is a magnificent piece of pop music.  It’s one of the best pop albums released since Michael Jackson’s Thriller and without-a-doubt the best female country album I have ever heard…

[TSF's full review here]

best song: “You Belong With Me“

2. THE RACONTEURS ~ CONSOLERS OF THE LONELY

Nashville’s own The Raconteurs released 2008’s best rock album and along with the Foo Fighters are becoming one of the most important rock bands of the 21st century.  This album features the best opening track of 2008 (”Consoler of the Lonely”) and successfully rocks the listener hard with songs such as “Salute Your Solution” and the stand-out track “Attention” fronted by Jack White of The White Stripes fame.  The Raconteurs showcase their deep roots in folk rock with great down-tempo tunes such as “Carolina Drama” and “Old Enough”.

best song: “Attention“

1. ADELE ~ 19

…This album is absolutely phenomenal.  If you have ever thought about taking my word on anything, take my word on this.  If you enjoy jazz or singer/songwriters with originality and an unparalleled uniqueness, Adele will not only flat your boat - she’ll drive the damn thing for you…

[TSF's full review here]

best song:  “My Same“

At the end of 2008, I plan on doing “best of 2008″ lists with movies, music, TV, etc. 
A “TSF Awards” if you will.

Until then, I think there are 15 songs that you should be listening to - that way when December rolls around, you will be able to identify with some of the songs I mention.  That’s assuming that you download some of these songs that you don’t have.

in no particular order:

15. “Handlebars” by Flobots
14. “You Know What” by N.E.R.D.
13. “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis
12. “Tear Down This House” by The Avett Brothers
11. “Everybody Get Dangerous” by Weezer
10. “Love Story” by Taylor Swift
09. “Amsterdam” by Shane Alexander
08. “Derty” by Ronald Jenkees
07. “Attention” by The Raconteurs
06. “The Longer I Run” by Peter Bradley Adams
05. “Wild International” by One Day As A Lion
04. “Steal Away” by Murder By Death
03. “Bye Bye” by Mariah Carey
02. “You Don’t Know Me” by Ben Folds
01. “Hometown Glory” by Adele

Here is the list as an iMix on iTunes:

Women seem to be the only creatures on earth that will compromise looks for personality traits.  Well, I’m going to take a step forward for the progression of man and say I care about talent and looks.

Eva Longoria?  Nope, not interested.
Marissa Miller?  Thanks, but no thanks.

I want to wake up one morning and know that guys care -  Know that guys want a chick who can sing/dance/drive/act and has a bangin’ bod.  I have a dream that this list will open eyes and allow shallow men to appreciate just more than what’s under her blouse.

When you are reading this list, remember that their talent is a big part of their position.

TSF readers, I present you: chicks with talent.

THE TOP 10 HOTTEST CHICKS

WITH LEGITIMATE TALENT

(click images for larger version)

10.  Sarah Silverman

As the most controversial of the list, her sense of humor trumps her visual faults.  Forget for a moment that she played way down in dating Jimmy Kimmel, but her wit is sharp and her body is mountainous enough to land the #10 spot on the list.

9.  Danica Patrick

A few months ago before winning her first race, she wouldn’t have made this list.  She was hot, but way too over-hyped for someone who hadn’t even won anything.  She’s bringing up the rear (pun intended) and earned herself the #9 spot.

8.  Evangeline Lilly

If you haven’t seen Lost then you are lost with this selection.  Damn you, puns.  This Alberta, Canada native is the second most arguable of the list, not because of her looks, but her skills.  I am a fan of Lost and she makes the show for me.  She may not be the best actress in the world, but she’s drop dead gorgeous.  Innocent look factor +10.

6.  Natalie Portman

Natalie’s hotness and her talent go hand in hand.  Not incredible but impressive.  Any chick who can look good with a bald head seems like an automatic bid.  She’s as cute as a button in 2001’s Garden State.  Watch the scene in Garden State where she is listening to her headphones and tell me she’s not attractive.

5. Mariah Carey

This is a stipulated entry to the hot chicks with talent list because Mariah Carey had what I like to call a “hot chick turns trashy” stage.  You know, like that smokin’ hot-new-girl from your high school who suddenly isn’t so innocent anymore and begins chain smoking like a chimney and sleeps with all the assholes on the baseball team.  But, she totally redeems herself and comes out of left field in 2005 with a great album, The Emancipation of Mimi, and a great look.  Well done, Mrs. Carey.

4.  Amanda Beard

A gold medal and a body like that gets you a fast pass to the top 5 on my list.  She was in the 1996 Olympics at the tender age of FOURTEEN.  She has since then gained some assets and infiltrated the internet with soft core photos, but who’s complaining.

3.  Angelina Jolie

What to say, what to say.  The best lips on the planet?  Check.  Tied with Scarlett Johansson for the best body on the planet?  Yup.  It’s all about taste here, folks, but if you aren’t attracted to Angelina then you may be bisexual, bicurious, or fully homosexual.  You’re telling me John Voight spawned that?  Clap for you, sir.

2.  Shania Twain

Shania Twain has gone by the wayside as of late.  She seems to be declining in the pysically respected category.  I don’t think I’ve ever read anything with her in a top 10 list of hottest chicks.  Well, this is how we do things at That’s So Fetch…Shania, let it be know that you are still hot at the beautiful age of 42.  Every guy reading this sentence right now would give a pinky finger for Shania Twain.

1.  Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson’s body isn’t fair.  Everything she has is natural.  Not to get too homoerotic, but she has the best skin of any human being on earth.  She’s a good actress, too. Check out one of her first movies, Ghost World.

1999’s boy band infestation and the pop explosion infiltrated the 2000s with full force. Groups like ‘NSYNC and Destiny’s Child were at the top of the charts at the beginning of 2000, but luckily, this pop trend began to lose steam and just like anything else, what goes up must come down.

I decided to allow only one album from each band. This rule was put in place to insure the list wouldn’t get stale. 2 or 3 albums from the same band is boring. I want people to read these lists and see not only albums they haven’t heard, but bands they’ve never listened to.

Every album on this list is incredible. I will be giving you the best 2 songs from the album so you know where to start. If you haven’t heard an album from this list, get the songs I recommend. You will not be disappointed.

Oh and I’m not one of those list makers who puts albums on a list because everyone else likes them. For example, I think Wilco is overrated. So is Radiohead (sorry).

THE TOP 15 ALBUMS
OF THE 2000s
(As of July 2008)

15. TOOL
10,000 Days
Best Songs: “Vicarious“, “The Pot“

TOOL is known for their excellent instrumentation, unique time signatures, and great vocals from lead singer Maynard James Kennan and nothing has changed on this album. TOOL’s first studio album in 5 years does not disappoint.

14. Muse
Absolution
Best Songs: “Apocalypse Please,” “Hysteria“

British rockers, Muse, have a unique and sonically wide sound. When you listen to this album with headphones you feel like you are literally inside of the music. This album is epic.

13. Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift
Best Songs: “Our Song”, “Should’ve Said No”

I know what you’re thinking. “Taylor Swift…really…?” Yes, really. You have to take into account what this album has become and how young she was (16) when it was made. She is the FIRST female country artist to have written or co-written every song on a Platinum-selling album. Show some respect…

12. Third Eye Blind
Out of The Vein
Best Songs: “Crystal Baller“, “Good Man“

The best song on this album is the last song. There are a lot of albums that are this way and I have no idea why (Taylor Swift’s album as well). Third Eye Blind is one of the best rock bands of my time and they have never swayed from their mid-90s alternative rock sound.

11. The Avett Brothers
Four Thieves Gone
Best Songs: “Denouncing November“, “Famous Flower of Manhattan“

The best band of the 2000s. This album is Folk/Bluegrass perfection. Not every song is The Avett’s at their best, but there are so many great songs on this album. The Avett Brothers are what Old Crow Medicine Show wishes they were…

10. System of A Down
Toxicity
Best Songs: “Science“, “Toxicity“

I saw System of A Down open for Limp Bizkit (yes, Limp Bizkit, sue me) in 1999 and knew that they were going to take the Hard Rock genre by storm. This album kicks your ass and leaves you begging for more. Serj Tankian is an incredible vocalist.

9. Rooney
Rooney
Best Songs: “If It Were Up To Me,” “Simply Because“

Every song on this album is Pop-Rock perfection. These guys are swell. I think they were like 19 when they recorded this album? Anyways, it’s outstanding. Every…single….song. It was hard to pick the best two.

8. Cory Branan
The Hell You Say
Best Songs: “Tame“, “Crush“

As noted in a previous post, “Top 5 Bands You’ve Never Heard Of”, Cory Branan is the best singer/songwriter of my generation. This album has a great folk/rock/singer-songwriter/country vibe and some of the best lyrics I’ve ever heard.

7. Lucero
Tennessee
Best Songs: “Slow Dancing“, “Chain Link Fence“

Country-Alternative-Rock. Ben Nichols is the best out there. His voice takes some getting used to and upon first listen you will want to offer him some decongestants, but once you realize the greatness of this band … you’ll be happy you did. If you are thinking about starting a country rock band, listen to this album first.

6. Ryan Adams
Easy Tiger
Best Songs: “Two“, “Pearls On A String“

Ryan Adams is one of those artist that if you haven’t listened to his catalogue you don’t really know what he’s about. He has many different types of songs. If you have never listened to him, get this album. It’s very very very good. From the beginning to the end.

5. Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
Once Soundtrack
Best Songs: “Falling Slowly,” “When Your Mind’s Made Up“

“Falling Slowly” won an Oscar for best song. It was 100% deserving. This album is beautiful. Their two voices blend together amazingly.

4. Foo Fighters
Echoes, Silence, Patience, & Grace
Best Songs: “Summer’s End“, “The Pretender“

Let’s put this album in perspective: 6 of the 12 songs are in my iTunes Top 25 Most Played Songs. So good. It is the best Foo Fighters‘ effort, hands down.

3. Arctic Monkeys
Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not
Best Songs: “From The Ritz To The Rubble“, “A Certain Romance“

The best British invasion since The Beatles. This album came out of nowhere in 2005, just when all of the Fallout Boys of the world were beginning to fade out. Their follow up album, Favourite Worst Nightmare would be on this list, but I had to choose one or the other.

2. Rage Against The Machine
Renegades
Best Songs: “Pistol Grip Pump“, “Microphone Fiend“

This is the only all cover songs album I ever listen to. They did an amazing job of taking great songs and making them even better. Each song they made their own. Everything Rage touches turns to gold.

1. Ben Folds
Rockin’ The Suburbs
Best Songs: “Not The Same“, “Fred Jones Pt.2“

I bought this album the first day it hit stores. Not only the day the best album of the 2000s was released, but also September 11, 2001. A terrible day, but this album is a happy, fun, and exceptional piece of music. Ben Folds’s best work.