Photo: Getty Images
If you haven't heard of the Plug Awards, it's not because you're hopelessly clueless. The New York City ceremony, which highlights the best indie music of the year, has only been around for three years. Plug is great because, unlike the Grammys, it's democratic, allowing indie music lovers like myself to vote for their favorite artists, albums, live acts, and videos.
This year's sold-out gala at New York's Terminal 5 was hosted by comedian Patton Oswalt, and it cranked out some impressive performances from former Polyphonic Spree and Sufjan Stevens contributor St. Vincent (a.k.a. Annie Clark, above), rapper Dizzee Rascal -- the youngest winner ever of the Mercury music prize -- and inimitable dark horse Nick Cave, who received the Impact Award for his staggering 30-year career.
Annie Clark/St. Vincent walked away with the award for Female Artist of the Year, and damned if the talented little sprite didn't deserve it. She's doe-eyed, gracious, and gorgeous, and I've decided I sort of wanna be her. Think of Clark as a showy, refined disciple of Kate Bush and Bowie, with just a splash of Alanis Morissette -- a hipper splash. Her sharp, over-the-top debut album, Marry Me, is ambitious and intricate, containing pretty much every instrument under the sun -- guitars, bass, piano, organ, Moog, synthesizers, clavieta, xylophone, vibraphone, dulcimer, and a triangle. Yes, a triangle!
See how cute she is for yourself in her video for "Jesus Saves, I Spend," which features floating sandwiches, monster trees, and chubby-cheeked cub scouts.
Then check out this clip of "Where the Wild Roses Grow," Nick Cave's eerie 1996 duet with Kylie Minogue. Devoted Kylie fans, beware: You've never seen this scary side of your darling pop princess. R.I.P, Kylie. Sad face.
Get the list of 2008 Plug winners after the jump.
-- JASON LAMPHIER
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Justice
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Radiohead
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
St. Vincent
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Andrew Bird
INDIE ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam
HIP-HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Aesop Rock - None Shall Pass
PUNK ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Gogol Bordello - Super Taranta!
ELECTRONIC/DANCE ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Justice - †
DJ ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Hot Chip - DJ Kicks
SONG OF THE YEAR
The National - "Fake Empire" (Check it out here.)
LIVE ACT OF THE YEAR
Arcade Fire
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Battles - "Atlas" (Check it out here.)
MUSIC FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR
Coachella
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