Death Metal MusicMusic and Culture on the Edge

Call Propagandhi whatever you like: Political punks, vegan activists, musical pranksters, or even -- to quote their record label -- four visibly aging prairie skids who are unrepentant residents of humankind's peanut gallery.

The mainstream consensus is 2008 was a barren year for music. But, that really depends on how sharp you keep your shovel. Without too much extensive digging - I simply pulled aside any disc I liked as the year passed - it turns out, as usual, there's almost too much choice for the best albums of the year.

EDMONTON - In an age when you're forced to know everything about your favourite rock stars even when you don't want to, it's nice to see a band can make you forget everything but its music. And that band is Metallica.