I'm back with my thoughts on the albums of 2008. I once again broke them down in tiers, as i feel it's the only true representation of ranking albums. The differences within tiers is not as big as the differences between tiers. There's not too much that separates my #1 and #3 album when compared to the separation from my #3 and #4 album, which are in different groupings. That said, I feel 2008 was a really weird year. Nothing really stood out from the others, but at the same time, there were a lot of good albums. I probably spent most of this year giving 30 albums a lot of listens as opposed to other years when maybe it was 15 albums. The reason is two fold. Since there was no album I was obsessed with this year it allowed me to listen to the other albums a good amount. The flip side is, 2008 may go down as fairly forgettable since no classics came out of this year. I felt I had to constantly search for the next album that I wouldn't get bored of. I'm just glad I was able to. If you spent enough time finding the right albums, at least you were rewarded. There's worse things than that.
GROUP J: “IT'S DEFINITELY YOU, NOT ME. YOU'RE DISAPPOINTING”
Essentially the title says it all. I was looking forward to these releases with great anticipation. Too bad they turned out to be pretty terrible.
63. Tapes N Tapes – Walk it Off
I don’t actually know if this can be disappointing since I wasn’t expecting much in the first place, regardless, this album is filled with generic guitar riffs that a teenager learning to play guitar would write.
62. Common: Universal Mind Control
The last two Common records really have me worried about him. He may be slipping into irrelevance now. The word best used to describe this album is "flat". I don't get what he's trying to do here. These aren't even good club songs which I believe is his attempt. Just laziness, pure lazy. Did this downfall begin with his GAP commercials?
61. Of Montreal: Skeletal Lamping
Most of this album is just awkward sounding. It’s not coherent, and there’s nothing really catchy or melodic on this. To be fair, Kevin Barnes has reached the “I’m untouchable” level now. Good for him, bad for people with ears.
60. Black Kids: Partie Traumatic
This is really bad. There’s solid foundation for some of the songs, but the ridiculous amount of over the top production ruins any possibility that this album isn’t very bad. As I stated last year, I was skeptical they could make a full album as good as the EP…sadly even those songs are really pretty terrible too.
GROUP I: “WEEZER EFFECT”
Albums from bands who progressively get worse but I still listen to them because I love one or more albums that they put out in the past. Replace this band name with a generic one and I wouldn’t have given it more than one listen. Instead I gave it 3 or 4 for obligatory listens. I’ll always have to give any Weezer album a full listen because the Blue album and Pinkerton are my all-time favorites. Everybody has their Weezer.
59. Beck: Modern Guilt
It’s a Beck album, and it’s over produced. The opening tracks are strong, but it never finds its place.
58. Ryan Adams & Cardinals: Cardinology
Had I known how bad this album would be, I would have actually rated Easy Tiger a little higher. I realize now that I like Easy Tiger, since I dislike this album. I thought Adams hit a spot with me, where I couldn’t really judge it, since I kind of thought it was all average. This album proves that I can still dislike some his stuff, but also can actually enjoy his other work. Sometimes too much of a good thing is bad. I wish Adams would learn this lesson instead of putting out an album every year. We don’t need so much music from one person if it’s nothing new. Too much of a good thing really isn’t good. Too much ice cream, too much drinking, too much of one person….eventually it just becomes a little annoying.
57. Weezer: The Red Album
I thought this could be the Weezer album that would make me a fan again. “The Greatest Man Alive” was something different but still had signs of old Weezer. Then the rest of the songs sucked. Once again, Weezer almost fooled me into thinking they were a good band. How is this the same band that made the Blue Album and Pinkerton? Sadly, I know I will continue to give each future Weezer release a good number of listens…they’ve still got that status.
56. Jenny Lewis: Acid Tongue
Oh Jenny Lewis, how you pain me. I used to have the biggest crush on you and Rilo Kiley. I discovered you while a senior in high school in a room with 40 other people. I traveled hundreds of miles to see you at some tiny club in Chicago. Then you went ahead and tried to become more popular, changed your style, all the while sacrificing your music. But I understand it, I get why you did it, and I don’t blame you.
GROUP H: “ROAD BUMPS”
These are albums from bands that I was looking forward to, but ended up slightly disappointed. Not bad albums, but just didn’t catch my attention like previous releases. Although, I have hope that they’ll come back strong with their next release.
55. Silver Jews: Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea
This is disappointing for the fact that these songs are only good and not amazing, which I do expect amazing from David Berman
54. Stephen Malkmus: Real Emotional Trash
Really tried to like this since Malkmus usually never disappoints. However, the extended guitar jams on here just really aren’t that good. I barely like guitar solos in the first place, but bad ones….you lose me.
53. I’m From Barcelona: Who killed Harry Houdini ?
Where did all the child like cheerfulness go? But I do like “Paper Planes”.
52. Islands: Arm’s Way
How about the Unicorns just reunite? No more Island’s……The world would be a much better place. Unicorns > Islands, I think we can all agree on that….even if we’re comparing mythical creatures to a body of land surrounded by water, unicorns still win.
51. Bloc Party: Intimacy
Last year I was the only one I knew who liked A Weekend in the City, well, I probably am not the only person to dislike Intimacy. This album would basically be a complete waste if not for “Ion Square” which may be the best song they’ve ever written.
GROUP G: “I FEEL LIKE I'M TAKING CRAZY PILLS"
These are the ones where I don't get how these bands are so big or popular. Maybe I'm the one who's crazy here, but I feel like everybody else is.
50. MGMT – Orecular Spectacular
I really don’t see what the hype is all about. Besides “Kids Oracular”, I find most of the songs average. Not a bad thing, but I just don’t understand how these guys are hailed as revolutionaries.
49. Vampire Weekend: Vampire Weekend
The songs are catchy, but overly annoying at most times. It’s not horrible, but it’s not the ground-breaking savior of indie music. In fact, I’m a little discouraged that this is the “indie” album that the mainstream is getting their hands on…it’s a poor representation. Well this and MGMT. At least Peter Bjorn and John was a much more respectable representation.
48. Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes
Lots of hype around this album, and I thought I liked it. Then Fleet Foxes came to town, and I passed on seeing them. I basically go to any show, but I chose to not see these guys. Not that I was busy or out of town, but I just decided not to see them. Obviously this means, I don’t care much for them or the album.
GROUP F: "ITUNES ALBUMS”
These are songs with a few good songs but that's all. Songs that you can take and make a nice little playlist from, but there's no way you can listen to these albums fully.
47. The Cure: 4:13 Dream
I’m always happy to have a Cure album in my life, even if it’s only filled with 3-4 good songs. It’s what I come to expect at this point.
46. The Watson Twins: Fire Songs
Two of the nicest people, but a bit of a simple album.
45. Vivian Girls: Vivian Girls
Lo-fi, female vocals, good.
44. Blitzen Trapper: Furr
Best thing about this album is you can play it for somebody and halfway through you’re guaranteed to hear this question: “Is this still the same CD?”
43. Hot Chip: Made in the Dark
It’s a small let down from The Warning, and a little uneven times. There are some really strong tracks but mixed in are some awkward ones. It just doesn’t flow as well as I think it could have. I still think Hot Chip has a couple great future releases in them, and possibly even a classic album. Made in the Dark is essentially too safe for me to have any real strong opinions one way or the other.
42. Tilly and the Wall: O
Thought I’d dislike the fact that they added a drummer, but it actually adds some power to the bands playfulness. Now if only the White Stripes got a good drummer….ohhhh
41. Rivers Cuomo: Alone in Basement 2
Better than any Weezer album of late…which is about as backward of a compliment I can really think of right now. It has some old Weezer demos such as “Paper Face” and oddly the best song on here is the one written by Jermaine Dupree. In the end, this is just a big tease. Damn you rivers for proving you can write songs that matter still, but why don’t you do it for Weezer albums?
40/ Abe Vigoda: Abe Vigoda
Has an atmospheric, you don’t need to pay attention to realize it’s pretty good kind of quality. I don’t know if I paid more attention, I’d see more of its flaws, or grow to love it. I just won’t risk it.
39. Jamie Lidell: Jim
A bit of a letdown from Multiply, maybe because I prefer the upbeat, make me want to dance, Jamie Lidell than the slowness of Jim.
38. Times New Viking: Rip it Off
Liked these guys a lot, until they kept saying “This song is not about drugs” before each song live. Not going to lie…a bit of a turn off.
37. Drive-By Truckers: Brighter Than Creation's Dark
I mainly just dig Patterson Hood’s tracks on here. I’m relatively new to this band, but they won me over with their live show. 19 songs is just really too much for me at times…unless your name is Sufjan Stevens.
36. Hold Steady: Stay Positive
Honestly, I did not expect this. I don’t know if my expectations were too high or what. Oddly, this album is not bad by any means whatsoever. In fact, when recommending to others, I’d even say it’s a good album. It’s just not what I’ve come to expect from Hold Steady. I never thought I’d skip a couple songs in a row, but I do with this one. It does end strongly, with some great closers. Come back to Minnesota for awhile, and add those references please.
GROUP E: "SOLID, IF UNSPECTACULAR"
These albums came very close to being in the Strongest of 2008 group but there wasn't enough consistency with each of these.
35. Atlas Sounds: Let The Blind lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
Picture yourself floating on a cloud, but also in space – you’ve now visualized Atlas Sound. Bradford Cox seems other wordly with his vocals. 2008 seems to be a good year for him.
34. Be Your Own Pet: Get Awkward
If I ever wondered what it was like to be a young angst filled teenage girl, I now have my answer by listening to this album. Doesn’t seem so bad.
33. Fuck Buttons: Street Horrrsing
This album makes me feel the same way Burial’s Untrue did last year. Not exactly sure what I’m listening to, I do feel a bit uneasy, but I’ll go with it for a half hour.
32. Solid Gold: Bodies of Water
When I wrote for reviews for the Emmie music magazine in Madison, I was the first one to do a local band review. To say the least, I was unimpressed with what I heard and wrote a fairly harsh review of it. This band will remain nameless. After my review, we completely changed how we did local band reviews because of me. My point of this is, I don’t give local bands any bonus points for being local, I judge them the same as any other. I liked Bodies of Water and enjoy most of what is on here. Local or not, this band’s pretty good.
31. GZA: Pro Tools
The lyrics are here, but the production and beats are not. GZA's always been a great lyricists but they're laid down upon fairly forgettable background music. This album could have been so much more, but far from a disappointment.
30. The Roots: Rising Down
Not much I can really say about this album or the Roots. It’s a Roots album, so it’s solid, but I think they’re done making groundbreaking, earth shattering albums. There are worst things that can be said about consistently making reliably consistent rap albums. Essentially, they’re the Modest Mouse of rap. Both bands started a new style in each of their genres, and now both are kind of gliding through their glory years. I will add on, the darker lyrical content by Black Thought, I really am enjoying.
29. She & Him: Volume One
I want to love this album, I really do. However, I can only seem to like it. It just didn’t reach the next level like I was hoping it would. M Ward and Zooey Daschenel, a combo that makes total sense and still none at all. Daschenel’s voice is good, but somewhat limited. Oh, and it’s total hype that so many lists out there are picking this as the best album of the year. I don’t actually think anybody truly believes that, it’s just a hip/trendy yet safe pick….the Garden State effect if you will. This is a good album, but nothing outstanding or groundbreaking.
GROUP D: “ONE INGREDIENT AWAY”
These are albums are all very good, but were missing just a little something from the album to push it to the next level. Still really good and probably got a lot of playing time throughout the year, but I'd choose the albums in the higher tiers. Only until I got tired of those would these get played.
28. Flying Lotus: Los Angeles
This album reminds me a lot of Prefuse 73 and that is always a great thing in my book. The beats are never over the top, nor, do they ever meander into pointlessness. They find a perfect middle ground and never really let up.
27. Spiritualized: Songs in A & E
At first I thought this album would be in my top 10, but as more time passes, I listen to it less. There are some really strong songs on here but they are all mostly in the beginning. Rockers like “You Lie You Cheat” and “I Gotta Fire” cannot get much better, while “Soul on Fire” makes me appreciate that I have ears. If only the last tracks weren’t average.
26. High Places: 03/07 – 09/07
For me, this is all about Pearson’s voice and lyrics. She has a certain charm about her that’s undeniable. This album is both addicting and unforgettable. Again, that’s a compliment.
25. Deerhunter: Microcastle
This was definitely one of the loudest concerts I’ve ever been to. My ears were ringing the next day, and I don’t know if I’m happy about that or not. I thought I was deaf already and I couldn’t further damage my ears. On one hand, it’s good to know that they’re not completely gone, but on the other…I totally damaged them again that night. Anyways, starts and ends real strong. The middle meanders a little.
24. Kanye West: 808’s and Heartbreaks
This obviously is a different type of album for him. There are some good songs on here, but also some stale ones. The production and beats are nothing less than what you’d expect from West, which is magnificent. The toughest thing to swallow is that West is not a good singer. I’ve yet to decide if his use of Auto-tune is a gimmick, crutch, or a non-factor. I’m leaning towards it doesn’t matter at all. In the end, it’s not distracting; I still think his singing is poor so it’s not tricking me into believing he’s Al Green. Still, you can’t deny the emotion in this album, and what this album probably means to him. It won’t go down as a classic, but it won’t go as a failure either.
I wish he had not had Young Jeezy or Lil Wayne on this album and stayed with the consistent singing throughout the album (That pains me to write, since I absolutely love Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne) People will probably give him the Kanye effect, which means they’ll rate it a bit higher than they would if the name on the album isn’t Kanye West. This also occurs with for things like Scorsese’s films, Atmosphere if you live in Minnesota, organic food, or any indie band from Canada.
23. Sigur Ros: Me› su› í eyrum vi› spilum end
There are some amazing songs here. Specifically “Inní mér syngur vitleysingur”, “Vi› spilum endalaust”, and the end of “Festival”. At other times it gets a little too Sigur Rosy for me, I don’t need all that overdramatic slowness and falsetto vocals. The greatness of the songs that I do love though, kept this album in constant rotation throughout the year. The live show is something to experience, it’s more of a rock opera than a concert. Also, since I have a hard time paying attention to lyrics, it’s really easy for me to sing along with these guys.
22. Q-Tip: The Renaissance
He has the most distinct and undeniable voice in rap. You know how I know this? Cause he hasn’t put in nine years, but when I put this on for a few friends, they right away ask “Q-Tip put out a new album?” His delivery is still as sharp as ever and it’s as if he’s never aged. There are some genius rhymes and some that are weaker, but you can never deny the passion he puts in to each verse.
GROUP C: “FREQUENT CRAVINGS”
These are albums that I would listen to throughout the year, but only once at a time. For the albums in group A & B, I could keep those in my CD player for days or weeks without feeling the need to change them. These, I could listen to once through or they’re so distinct in their sound, that it would fill my urge to listen to that genre.
21. The Bug: London Zoo
This can be a little tough to handle at times, but if you enjoy heavy bass, this is for you. You don’t have to choose if you want to have fun (Lil Wayne) or “intelligent” lyrics (the Roots) in your rap, you can have both with this album.
20. The Dodos: The Visiter
Things the Dodos are bad at: Using spell check, specifically on the word ‘Visitor’. Things they are good at: Writing really calm, peaceful, non-offensive acoustic songs and then tearing that shit up live to give a whole different meaning to their songs.
19. Hercules & the Love Affair: Hercules & the Love Affair
I’m a huge fan of Antony’s voice, but damn, not even I had an idea how good it would sound to the 70s disco/retro/electro pop. This is insanely listenable and completely meant for multiple purposes. I definitely have the urge to dance to this, but it’s also not meant entirely for the clubs. The arrangements are genius, and the albums range surpasses most contemporary dance albums.
18. Crystal Castles: Crystal Castles
I really really like this album…..really. I don’t even know why. It’s like LCD Soundsystem meets Nine Inch Nails. I want to dance, but I also feel like I should be dressed in all black and be surrounded by vampires. I don’t even know what the lyrics are, but I like her voice and the beats are too strong for me to care. It makes for a good running album. I really can't compare this album to much else that I have, so it may stay in the rotation for a few years.
17a. Santogold: Santogold
17b. Santogold/Diplo: Top Ranking
A year ago I was in New York waiting to see Spank Rock. The show was going really late at Spank Rock still hadn’t come on by midnight. Then when we think he’s about to come on, some girl steps out and does an entire set. At first, I was just annoyed that I’d have to wait another 45 mins for Spank Rock, but then the girl won me over. I had no idea who it was, but I was impressed, and it takes a lot for me to be impressed by people I’ve never heard of before. Cut to this year, and I hear this album for the first time and instantly fall in love with it. It’s lost a little of its luster since the initial phase, but I still listen to it. Kind of like gum.
PS. Amanda Blank's verse on "I'm a Lady" from Top Ranking just adds to her resume as best female rhymer right now. She's also overtaken Jenny Lewis as my musician crush.
16. Lil Wayne: Tha Carter 3
Each year I find a couple rap or hip-hop albums that I love and listen to more than others. I’m not expert on this and fully admit it so take that for face value. Tha Carter 3 was in constant rotation since it’s come out. I still listen to Ghostface’s Fishscale and Clipse’s Hell hath No Fury stayed in my cd player for a good 2 weeks before I took it out, and this album is as good as any of those. I see myself doing the same thing with this album for a few more years down the line. I can’t tell if this isn’t high enough or too high on my list. A couple of these songs have really meandering lyrics, but what can you expect. This album isnt' a classic, but I still think he has that in him.
PS: I realize Weezy was like 16 when he was part of Cash Money, but dude’s only 26 and puts out so much. Really makes me think I’m doing nothing in comparison, but I’ve got another year or two to put out 20 albums and mixtapes so I think I’m okay.
PPS. “Lollipop” is a ridiculous title for a single from somebody who refers to himself as Weezy
15. No Age: Nouns
I didn’t get this album at first, and found it annoying. Turns out I’m not as stubborn as I thought I was. I actually really didn’t want to like this album at all. I’ve grown to like this album quite a lot now. I feel like a schizo listening to this album. One moment it’s filled with beautiful songs, and the other fills me with child like aggression.
14. Neon Neon: Stainless Steel
This album sounds like a band in the 80s trying to make futuristic space music. It’s diverse with it’s 80s rock and then hip-hop. In fact, when discussing this album with a friend who has this album in his top 5, he stated how “Trick for Treat” and “Sweatshop” were his 2 least favorite songs by far, they also happened to be the two of the hip-hop tracks. Those just happen to be my two favorites songs on album. I know I listen to more hip-hop than him, and he listens to Super Furry Animals more than me. Essentially though, we both love this album just for different reasons. Political parties in America, please take note.
13. Little Joy: Little Joy
This a nice little album that I feel like will be a great summer album, having a barbeque with a few drinks. At the same time, it’s a nice album to put on during these cold winter months to make me feel like I’m outside in the sun. That’s really the best way to describe it. I’m also surprised how much I like this due to the fact that it’s by one of the Strokes.
12. Titus Andronicus: The Airing of Grievances
This wins for last minute album that shot up on my list. I didn’t discover this album until recently and can’t stop listening to it. Things I should not like about this band: naming yourself after a Shakespearian play (pretentious, nothing against Shakespeare) , vocals similar to Bright Eyes (something against Bright Eyes), and naming songs after tv shows. Apparently that doesn’t matter though, I love the energy, I like the overly wordy lyrics, and the surprisingly catchy guitar riffs that usually appear halfway through their songs.
GROUP B: “STANDOUTS OF 2008”
These are albums that I’ll distinctly remember as being above the others in 2008. These were the “go to” albums when I didn’t think of anything I wanted to listen to.
11. Department of Eagles: In Ear Park
This album is filled with mostly good tunes and a few that meander a bit. It’s not too different from Grizzly Bear. If you like Grizzly Bear, I don’t know how you can’t at least enjoy some of this album. “No One Does It Like You” is as addicting as crack. For those who don’t do crack, which means it’s really addicting. Don’t do crack, but listen to Department of Eagles. I like the soothing vocals mixed with complex music, it makes each and every song feel like a journey.
10. The Cool Kids: The Bake Sale EP
Old school beats for the new generation. They seem like guys I’d like to hang with in real life, even if they made fun of me a lot. If I were to make assumptions based on their music, the insults would be witty, humorous, and have killer punch lines. This is totally hipster rap, but that doesn’t mean it’s not intelligent, have raw beats, and all in all, a great EP. I can’t wait for the actual full album. My prediction is that it will be just as good if not better than this EP….unlike say, the Black Kids.
9. Portishead: Third
This is really bad. There’s solid foundation for some of the songs, but the ridiculous amount of over the top production ruins any possibility that this album isn’t very bad. As I stated last year, I was skeptical they could make a full album as good as the EP…sadly even those songs are really pretty terrible too.
GROUP I: “WEEZER EFFECT”
Albums from bands who progressively get worse but I still listen to them because I love one or more albums that they put out in the past. Replace this band name with a generic one and I wouldn’t have given it more than one listen. Instead I gave it 3 or 4 for obligatory listens. I’ll always have to give any Weezer album a full listen because the Blue album and Pinkerton are my all-time favorites. Everybody has their Weezer.
59. Beck: Modern Guilt
It’s a Beck album, and it’s over produced. The opening tracks are strong, but it never finds its place.
58. Ryan Adams & Cardinals: Cardinology
Had I known how bad this album would be, I would have actually rated Easy Tiger a little higher. I realize now that I like Easy Tiger, since I dislike this album. I thought Adams hit a spot with me, where I couldn’t really judge it, since I kind of thought it was all average. This album proves that I can still dislike some his stuff, but also can actually enjoy his other work. Sometimes too much of a good thing is bad. I wish Adams would learn this lesson instead of putting out an album every year. We don’t need so much music from one person if it’s nothing new. Too much of a good thing really isn’t good. Too much ice cream, too much drinking, too much of one person….eventually it just becomes a little annoying.
57. Weezer: The Red Album
I thought this could be the Weezer album that would make me a fan again. “The Greatest Man Alive” was something different but still had signs of old Weezer. Then the rest of the songs sucked. Once again, Weezer almost fooled me into thinking they were a good band. How is this the same band that made the Blue Album and Pinkerton? Sadly, I know I will continue to give each future Weezer release a good number of listens…they’ve still got that status.
56. Jenny Lewis: Acid Tongue
Oh Jenny Lewis, how you pain me. I used to have the biggest crush on you and Rilo Kiley. I discovered you while a senior in high school in a room with 40 other people. I traveled hundreds of miles to see you at some tiny club in Chicago. Then you went ahead and tried to become more popular, changed your style, all the while sacrificing your music. But I understand it, I get why you did it, and I don’t blame you.
GROUP H: “ROAD BUMPS”
These are albums from bands that I was looking forward to, but ended up slightly disappointed. Not bad albums, but just didn’t catch my attention like previous releases. Although, I have hope that they’ll come back strong with their next release.
55. Silver Jews: Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea
This is disappointing for the fact that these songs are only good and not amazing, which I do expect amazing from David Berman
54. Stephen Malkmus: Real Emotional Trash
Really tried to like this since Malkmus usually never disappoints. However, the extended guitar jams on here just really aren’t that good. I barely like guitar solos in the first place, but bad ones….you lose me.
53. I’m From Barcelona: Who killed Harry Houdini ?
Where did all the child like cheerfulness go? But I do like “Paper Planes”.
52. Islands: Arm’s Way
How about the Unicorns just reunite? No more Island’s……The world would be a much better place. Unicorns > Islands, I think we can all agree on that….even if we’re comparing mythical creatures to a body of land surrounded by water, unicorns still win.
51. Bloc Party: Intimacy
Last year I was the only one I knew who liked A Weekend in the City, well, I probably am not the only person to dislike Intimacy. This album would basically be a complete waste if not for “Ion Square” which may be the best song they’ve ever written.
GROUP G: “I FEEL LIKE I'M TAKING CRAZY PILLS"
These are the ones where I don't get how these bands are so big or popular. Maybe I'm the one who's crazy here, but I feel like everybody else is.
50. MGMT – Orecular Spectacular
I really don’t see what the hype is all about. Besides “Kids Oracular”, I find most of the songs average. Not a bad thing, but I just don’t understand how these guys are hailed as revolutionaries.
49. Vampire Weekend: Vampire Weekend
The songs are catchy, but overly annoying at most times. It’s not horrible, but it’s not the ground-breaking savior of indie music. In fact, I’m a little discouraged that this is the “indie” album that the mainstream is getting their hands on…it’s a poor representation. Well this and MGMT. At least Peter Bjorn and John was a much more respectable representation.
48. Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes
Lots of hype around this album, and I thought I liked it. Then Fleet Foxes came to town, and I passed on seeing them. I basically go to any show, but I chose to not see these guys. Not that I was busy or out of town, but I just decided not to see them. Obviously this means, I don’t care much for them or the album.
GROUP F: "ITUNES ALBUMS”
These are songs with a few good songs but that's all. Songs that you can take and make a nice little playlist from, but there's no way you can listen to these albums fully.
47. The Cure: 4:13 Dream
I’m always happy to have a Cure album in my life, even if it’s only filled with 3-4 good songs. It’s what I come to expect at this point.
46. The Watson Twins: Fire Songs
Two of the nicest people, but a bit of a simple album.
45. Vivian Girls: Vivian Girls
Lo-fi, female vocals, good.
44. Blitzen Trapper: Furr
Best thing about this album is you can play it for somebody and halfway through you’re guaranteed to hear this question: “Is this still the same CD?”
43. Hot Chip: Made in the Dark
It’s a small let down from The Warning, and a little uneven times. There are some really strong tracks but mixed in are some awkward ones. It just doesn’t flow as well as I think it could have. I still think Hot Chip has a couple great future releases in them, and possibly even a classic album. Made in the Dark is essentially too safe for me to have any real strong opinions one way or the other.
42. Tilly and the Wall: O
Thought I’d dislike the fact that they added a drummer, but it actually adds some power to the bands playfulness. Now if only the White Stripes got a good drummer….ohhhh
41. Rivers Cuomo: Alone in Basement 2
Better than any Weezer album of late…which is about as backward of a compliment I can really think of right now. It has some old Weezer demos such as “Paper Face” and oddly the best song on here is the one written by Jermaine Dupree. In the end, this is just a big tease. Damn you rivers for proving you can write songs that matter still, but why don’t you do it for Weezer albums?
40/ Abe Vigoda: Abe Vigoda
Has an atmospheric, you don’t need to pay attention to realize it’s pretty good kind of quality. I don’t know if I paid more attention, I’d see more of its flaws, or grow to love it. I just won’t risk it.
39. Jamie Lidell: Jim
A bit of a letdown from Multiply, maybe because I prefer the upbeat, make me want to dance, Jamie Lidell than the slowness of Jim.
38. Times New Viking: Rip it Off
Liked these guys a lot, until they kept saying “This song is not about drugs” before each song live. Not going to lie…a bit of a turn off.
37. Drive-By Truckers: Brighter Than Creation's Dark
I mainly just dig Patterson Hood’s tracks on here. I’m relatively new to this band, but they won me over with their live show. 19 songs is just really too much for me at times…unless your name is Sufjan Stevens.
36. Hold Steady: Stay Positive
Honestly, I did not expect this. I don’t know if my expectations were too high or what. Oddly, this album is not bad by any means whatsoever. In fact, when recommending to others, I’d even say it’s a good album. It’s just not what I’ve come to expect from Hold Steady. I never thought I’d skip a couple songs in a row, but I do with this one. It does end strongly, with some great closers. Come back to Minnesota for awhile, and add those references please.
GROUP E: "SOLID, IF UNSPECTACULAR"
These albums came very close to being in the Strongest of 2008 group but there wasn't enough consistency with each of these.
35. Atlas Sounds: Let The Blind lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel
Picture yourself floating on a cloud, but also in space – you’ve now visualized Atlas Sound. Bradford Cox seems other wordly with his vocals. 2008 seems to be a good year for him.
34. Be Your Own Pet: Get Awkward
If I ever wondered what it was like to be a young angst filled teenage girl, I now have my answer by listening to this album. Doesn’t seem so bad.
33. Fuck Buttons: Street Horrrsing
This album makes me feel the same way Burial’s Untrue did last year. Not exactly sure what I’m listening to, I do feel a bit uneasy, but I’ll go with it for a half hour.
32. Solid Gold: Bodies of Water
When I wrote for reviews for the Emmie music magazine in Madison, I was the first one to do a local band review. To say the least, I was unimpressed with what I heard and wrote a fairly harsh review of it. This band will remain nameless. After my review, we completely changed how we did local band reviews because of me. My point of this is, I don’t give local bands any bonus points for being local, I judge them the same as any other. I liked Bodies of Water and enjoy most of what is on here. Local or not, this band’s pretty good.
31. GZA: Pro Tools
The lyrics are here, but the production and beats are not. GZA's always been a great lyricists but they're laid down upon fairly forgettable background music. This album could have been so much more, but far from a disappointment.
30. The Roots: Rising Down
Not much I can really say about this album or the Roots. It’s a Roots album, so it’s solid, but I think they’re done making groundbreaking, earth shattering albums. There are worst things that can be said about consistently making reliably consistent rap albums. Essentially, they’re the Modest Mouse of rap. Both bands started a new style in each of their genres, and now both are kind of gliding through their glory years. I will add on, the darker lyrical content by Black Thought, I really am enjoying.
29. She & Him: Volume One
I want to love this album, I really do. However, I can only seem to like it. It just didn’t reach the next level like I was hoping it would. M Ward and Zooey Daschenel, a combo that makes total sense and still none at all. Daschenel’s voice is good, but somewhat limited. Oh, and it’s total hype that so many lists out there are picking this as the best album of the year. I don’t actually think anybody truly believes that, it’s just a hip/trendy yet safe pick….the Garden State effect if you will. This is a good album, but nothing outstanding or groundbreaking.
GROUP D: “ONE INGREDIENT AWAY”
These are albums are all very good, but were missing just a little something from the album to push it to the next level. Still really good and probably got a lot of playing time throughout the year, but I'd choose the albums in the higher tiers. Only until I got tired of those would these get played.
28. Flying Lotus: Los Angeles
This album reminds me a lot of Prefuse 73 and that is always a great thing in my book. The beats are never over the top, nor, do they ever meander into pointlessness. They find a perfect middle ground and never really let up.
27. Spiritualized: Songs in A & E
At first I thought this album would be in my top 10, but as more time passes, I listen to it less. There are some really strong songs on here but they are all mostly in the beginning. Rockers like “You Lie You Cheat” and “I Gotta Fire” cannot get much better, while “Soul on Fire” makes me appreciate that I have ears. If only the last tracks weren’t average.
26. High Places: 03/07 – 09/07
For me, this is all about Pearson’s voice and lyrics. She has a certain charm about her that’s undeniable. This album is both addicting and unforgettable. Again, that’s a compliment.
25. Deerhunter: Microcastle
This was definitely one of the loudest concerts I’ve ever been to. My ears were ringing the next day, and I don’t know if I’m happy about that or not. I thought I was deaf already and I couldn’t further damage my ears. On one hand, it’s good to know that they’re not completely gone, but on the other…I totally damaged them again that night. Anyways, starts and ends real strong. The middle meanders a little.
24. Kanye West: 808’s and Heartbreaks
This obviously is a different type of album for him. There are some good songs on here, but also some stale ones. The production and beats are nothing less than what you’d expect from West, which is magnificent. The toughest thing to swallow is that West is not a good singer. I’ve yet to decide if his use of Auto-tune is a gimmick, crutch, or a non-factor. I’m leaning towards it doesn’t matter at all. In the end, it’s not distracting; I still think his singing is poor so it’s not tricking me into believing he’s Al Green. Still, you can’t deny the emotion in this album, and what this album probably means to him. It won’t go down as a classic, but it won’t go as a failure either.
I wish he had not had Young Jeezy or Lil Wayne on this album and stayed with the consistent singing throughout the album (That pains me to write, since I absolutely love Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne) People will probably give him the Kanye effect, which means they’ll rate it a bit higher than they would if the name on the album isn’t Kanye West. This also occurs with for things like Scorsese’s films, Atmosphere if you live in Minnesota, organic food, or any indie band from Canada.
23. Sigur Ros: Me› su› í eyrum vi› spilum end
There are some amazing songs here. Specifically “Inní mér syngur vitleysingur”, “Vi› spilum endalaust”, and the end of “Festival”. At other times it gets a little too Sigur Rosy for me, I don’t need all that overdramatic slowness and falsetto vocals. The greatness of the songs that I do love though, kept this album in constant rotation throughout the year. The live show is something to experience, it’s more of a rock opera than a concert. Also, since I have a hard time paying attention to lyrics, it’s really easy for me to sing along with these guys.
22. Q-Tip: The Renaissance
He has the most distinct and undeniable voice in rap. You know how I know this? Cause he hasn’t put in nine years, but when I put this on for a few friends, they right away ask “Q-Tip put out a new album?” His delivery is still as sharp as ever and it’s as if he’s never aged. There are some genius rhymes and some that are weaker, but you can never deny the passion he puts in to each verse.
GROUP C: “FREQUENT CRAVINGS”
These are albums that I would listen to throughout the year, but only once at a time. For the albums in group A & B, I could keep those in my CD player for days or weeks without feeling the need to change them. These, I could listen to once through or they’re so distinct in their sound, that it would fill my urge to listen to that genre.
21. The Bug: London Zoo
This can be a little tough to handle at times, but if you enjoy heavy bass, this is for you. You don’t have to choose if you want to have fun (Lil Wayne) or “intelligent” lyrics (the Roots) in your rap, you can have both with this album.
20. The Dodos: The Visiter
Things the Dodos are bad at: Using spell check, specifically on the word ‘Visitor’. Things they are good at: Writing really calm, peaceful, non-offensive acoustic songs and then tearing that shit up live to give a whole different meaning to their songs.
19. Hercules & the Love Affair: Hercules & the Love Affair
I’m a huge fan of Antony’s voice, but damn, not even I had an idea how good it would sound to the 70s disco/retro/electro pop. This is insanely listenable and completely meant for multiple purposes. I definitely have the urge to dance to this, but it’s also not meant entirely for the clubs. The arrangements are genius, and the albums range surpasses most contemporary dance albums.
18. Crystal Castles: Crystal Castles
I really really like this album…..really. I don’t even know why. It’s like LCD Soundsystem meets Nine Inch Nails. I want to dance, but I also feel like I should be dressed in all black and be surrounded by vampires. I don’t even know what the lyrics are, but I like her voice and the beats are too strong for me to care. It makes for a good running album. I really can't compare this album to much else that I have, so it may stay in the rotation for a few years.
17a. Santogold: Santogold
17b. Santogold/Diplo: Top Ranking
A year ago I was in New York waiting to see Spank Rock. The show was going really late at Spank Rock still hadn’t come on by midnight. Then when we think he’s about to come on, some girl steps out and does an entire set. At first, I was just annoyed that I’d have to wait another 45 mins for Spank Rock, but then the girl won me over. I had no idea who it was, but I was impressed, and it takes a lot for me to be impressed by people I’ve never heard of before. Cut to this year, and I hear this album for the first time and instantly fall in love with it. It’s lost a little of its luster since the initial phase, but I still listen to it. Kind of like gum.
PS. Amanda Blank's verse on "I'm a Lady" from Top Ranking just adds to her resume as best female rhymer right now. She's also overtaken Jenny Lewis as my musician crush.
16. Lil Wayne: Tha Carter 3
Each year I find a couple rap or hip-hop albums that I love and listen to more than others. I’m not expert on this and fully admit it so take that for face value. Tha Carter 3 was in constant rotation since it’s come out. I still listen to Ghostface’s Fishscale and Clipse’s Hell hath No Fury stayed in my cd player for a good 2 weeks before I took it out, and this album is as good as any of those. I see myself doing the same thing with this album for a few more years down the line. I can’t tell if this isn’t high enough or too high on my list. A couple of these songs have really meandering lyrics, but what can you expect. This album isnt' a classic, but I still think he has that in him.
PS: I realize Weezy was like 16 when he was part of Cash Money, but dude’s only 26 and puts out so much. Really makes me think I’m doing nothing in comparison, but I’ve got another year or two to put out 20 albums and mixtapes so I think I’m okay.
PPS. “Lollipop” is a ridiculous title for a single from somebody who refers to himself as Weezy
15. No Age: Nouns
I didn’t get this album at first, and found it annoying. Turns out I’m not as stubborn as I thought I was. I actually really didn’t want to like this album at all. I’ve grown to like this album quite a lot now. I feel like a schizo listening to this album. One moment it’s filled with beautiful songs, and the other fills me with child like aggression.
14. Neon Neon: Stainless Steel
This album sounds like a band in the 80s trying to make futuristic space music. It’s diverse with it’s 80s rock and then hip-hop. In fact, when discussing this album with a friend who has this album in his top 5, he stated how “Trick for Treat” and “Sweatshop” were his 2 least favorite songs by far, they also happened to be the two of the hip-hop tracks. Those just happen to be my two favorites songs on album. I know I listen to more hip-hop than him, and he listens to Super Furry Animals more than me. Essentially though, we both love this album just for different reasons. Political parties in America, please take note.
13. Little Joy: Little Joy
This a nice little album that I feel like will be a great summer album, having a barbeque with a few drinks. At the same time, it’s a nice album to put on during these cold winter months to make me feel like I’m outside in the sun. That’s really the best way to describe it. I’m also surprised how much I like this due to the fact that it’s by one of the Strokes.
12. Titus Andronicus: The Airing of Grievances
This wins for last minute album that shot up on my list. I didn’t discover this album until recently and can’t stop listening to it. Things I should not like about this band: naming yourself after a Shakespearian play (pretentious, nothing against Shakespeare) , vocals similar to Bright Eyes (something against Bright Eyes), and naming songs after tv shows. Apparently that doesn’t matter though, I love the energy, I like the overly wordy lyrics, and the surprisingly catchy guitar riffs that usually appear halfway through their songs.
GROUP B: “STANDOUTS OF 2008”
These are albums that I’ll distinctly remember as being above the others in 2008. These were the “go to” albums when I didn’t think of anything I wanted to listen to.
11. Department of Eagles: In Ear Park
This album is filled with mostly good tunes and a few that meander a bit. It’s not too different from Grizzly Bear. If you like Grizzly Bear, I don’t know how you can’t at least enjoy some of this album. “No One Does It Like You” is as addicting as crack. For those who don’t do crack, which means it’s really addicting. Don’t do crack, but listen to Department of Eagles. I like the soothing vocals mixed with complex music, it makes each and every song feel like a journey.
10. The Cool Kids: The Bake Sale EP
Old school beats for the new generation. They seem like guys I’d like to hang with in real life, even if they made fun of me a lot. If I were to make assumptions based on their music, the insults would be witty, humorous, and have killer punch lines. This is totally hipster rap, but that doesn’t mean it’s not intelligent, have raw beats, and all in all, a great EP. I can’t wait for the actual full album. My prediction is that it will be just as good if not better than this EP….unlike say, the Black Kids.
9. Portishead: Third
I had no expectations or thoughts on this. This album just kind of crept up on me and stayed there. I wouldn’t notice it, but I’d put the album on a lot at work, maybe because I didn’t need to pay too much attention to it, to actually enjoy it. That’s really how things in life should be, minimal effort to enjoy. Gibbons voice is still so distinct that you could drastically change your music, and they did, throw her voice in and it’d still be familiar.
8. TV On the Radio: Dear Science
Initially I thought this was better than Return to Cookie Mountain, and part of me still thinks it is. However, I just haven’t listened to it as much as I thought I would, but when I do, it’s still a really great album. A year from now when I want to listen to a TV on the Radio album, this will probably be the first one I go to and the first one I recommend to people. “Crying” is fantastic and the slowness of “Love Dog” gives me chills every time. This album is undeniably good. There’s nothing bad you can say about it, it may not be your personal favorite, but there’s no questioning the legitimacy of this album.
7. Girl Talk: Feed the Animals
Anybody who doesn’t think this is original music, is either really stubborn, or hasn’t given Girl Talk a chance. I hear Girl Talk songs when I listen to this album, not a bunch of songs I know that have been mixed up. There’s much I can describe about this album. It’s a perfect dance party album, it’s great to workout/run to, and I defy anybody to try and not be in a better sprit after listening to this. With that, here’s my personal favorite mashes: Lil Mama “Lip Gloss” with Metallica “One”, maybe because I love “Lip Gloss,” Missy Elliott “Work it” with Nu Shooz “I Can’t Wait”, Blackstreet “No Diggity” with Kanye West “Flashing Lights”, Dexys Midnight Runners “Come On Eileen” with Bubba Sparxx “Heat it Up” and finally Jay Z “Rock Boys (And the Winner Is) with Radiohead “Paranoid Android” has really grown on me.
6. M83: Saturdays = Youth
Ahhh the 80s, how I remember those days. Actually, I really don’t since I think it’s actually impossible to remember stuff before you're 5 years old. This album makes me think of what the 80s would be like. I imagine a lot of gumballs, running through sprinklers and my first crush on the middle-schooler who used to help out at my daycare. This may remind me more of my actual youth than the 80s itself. The synths of M83 are still here, but with an added layer of pop. As cheesy as some songs may come off, the emotion is always there with every word sung and note played. “Kim and Jessie” is one of the best songs of 2008, absolutely perfect.
5a. Los Compesinos!: Hold On Now, Youngster...
5b. Los Compesinos!: We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed
It’s difficult to really separate these two albums, and it’s a sin that I’m not separating these, as they are two different albums. They were released eight months apart, and both are full albums of original songs. Why am I grouping them together then? A) The albums are not completely different in style B) Both albums are ridiculously catchy, packed with high-speed guitar riffs and self-loathing lyrics, and essentially power pop at its best C) I’m really lazy, and don’t want to write about Los Campesinos! twice.
I will say that We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed is slightly better than Hold On Now, Younger…. It’s a bit more consistent, grown-up sounding, and slightly less frantic. It also contains my favorite lines (As if I walked into the room to see my ex-girlfriend/Who by the way, I'm still in love with/Sucking the face of some pretty boy/With my favorite band's most popular song in the background/Is it wrong that I can't decide which bothers me most?) For the record, it would be my favorite song playing that would bother me most, no question.
The dueling male/female vocalists are something that I obviously enjoy, but that alone isn’t why I love this band (Example: I disliked last year’s Stars album). The directness and recklessness of Gareth’s lyrics combined with the pure, girly-melodic voice of Aleksandra achieves a sort of calming chaos. The seven-piece band knows how to pack an album, well two albums, full of energy without being over the top and both are beautiful and passionate.
4. Love is All: A Hundred Things That Keep Me Up At Night
Full disclosure, I can’t be unbiased with this band. This is also why I no longer try to write real music criticism; that part of me stayed in Madison. 9 Times that Same Song essentially was the soundtrack to my 2006 year, from January to December. A Hundred Things is a very strong follow up, it’s really only missing the catchy slower songs from 9 times. The added dual male/female vocals are a welcomed surprise as it works well here – specifically “A More Uncertain Future”. Josephine is becoming my favorite frontperson for a band, note, not just front woman, but front person. Her lyrics range from great story telling, to charming, to depressing, to a bit creepy but I love listening to every word. I want to compare her to a female Eddie Argos (Art Brut) in that her lyrics can be somewhat conversational and detail the simple ups and downs of everyday life. From one night stands “I’m not your kind and you’re not mine, but tonight you’ll have to do just fine”, to what we all think on occasion, “I’m bored to death, I’m bored to shit!” to the daily pains of being polite “I can’t make small talk so I’d rather walk than take the elevator”. By no means is this album a downer though, in fact, the very opposite. It makes you want to dance to the normality of daily life.
GROUP A: “TRANSCENDS 2008”
These are the albums that I can see myself listening to in a year or few years from now.
3. Cut Copy: In Ghost Colours
I mainly discovered this band because I wanted to see the Black Kids, and they opened up for Cut Copy. I’m glad I did, considering now I think Black Kids are horrendous, and Cut Copy are whatever the opposite of horrendous is. No, they are not completely original; Yes they wear their influences on their sleeves; No, the lyrics are not groundbreaking; Yes, the lyrics actually are a little sappy in a simple way; No, this does not take anything away from the album; Yes, they fully excel at what they intended to do, which is essentially a humble pop record that equally balances electronics and rock. The first three songs are the best opening three songs of any album this year. Give those a listen and if you don’t like those, you won’t like the album. Simply put, this album will get you shaking and if it doesn’t, you don’t have a pulse and I don’t think I want to be your friend since you don’t know how to have fun in life.
2. The Walkmen: You & Me
3. Cut Copy: In Ghost Colours
I mainly discovered this band because I wanted to see the Black Kids, and they opened up for Cut Copy. I’m glad I did, considering now I think Black Kids are horrendous, and Cut Copy are whatever the opposite of horrendous is. No, they are not completely original; Yes they wear their influences on their sleeves; No, the lyrics are not groundbreaking; Yes, the lyrics actually are a little sappy in a simple way; No, this does not take anything away from the album; Yes, they fully excel at what they intended to do, which is essentially a humble pop record that equally balances electronics and rock. The first three songs are the best opening three songs of any album this year. Give those a listen and if you don’t like those, you won’t like the album. Simply put, this album will get you shaking and if it doesn’t, you don’t have a pulse and I don’t think I want to be your friend since you don’t know how to have fun in life.
2. The Walkmen: You & Me
Talk about an album that came out of nowhere for me. I really disliked A Hundred Miles Off, it may have been the most disappointing album for me of that year. You & Me is simply their most solid, consistent, and full album the Walkmen have put out. Gone are the singles of “The Rat” or my personal favorite “Little House of Savages” and in place are 14 really great, consistent songs. I honestly didn’t think they had it in them. This album essentially is mature in every way and they have really reached the level that most people knew they had in them, but was skeptical they’d ever get there. At least I was skeptical, and was I ever wrong. This is hands down my favorite Walkmen album. If I still purchased vinyl, I would get this one in a second. I’d never have the urge to skip a track. I feel like an old man when listening to this, and that’s a compliment. Also, “In the New Year” is actually as strong as any of their previous singles. Finally, watching Hamilton scream out his vocals live is something I’ll never tire of.
1. Wolf Parade: At Mount Zoomer
After struggling and struggling to come up with the best album of the year, I simply had to think of which album I listened to the most this year. Seems easy enough, but it finally hit me that I still had the urge to put this album on and listen to it in its entirety (minus “Bang Your Drum”). It’s been 6 months since this album came out, and I still want to put it on except that I feel bad for the other albums and do not. I feel like I’m negating the other music of 2008, like a father playing favorites with his children.
I’m as shocked as anyone because when this first came out, it immediately went to the “most disappointing albums” list in my head. I couldn’t stand what a drastic change the band took. Gone were the distinct guitar riffs, smooth melodies and catchy lyrics. The fact that I absolutely hated this album at first, to now it being my “go to” album when I can’t think of what I want to listen to is an amazing feat.
The word I can think of to best describe At Mount Zoomer is unapologetic. No song is all that catchy, the production isn’t the best, and it’s almost draining at times to listen to. However, I feel rewarded after I finish listening to it. Where as I felt Spencer Krug’s were the strongest on Apologies to the Queen, Dan Boeckner’s tracks are most outstanding on this album,. “Soldier’s Grin” “Grey Estates” and possibly my favorite song of the year “Language City” are what I’ll remember from 2008. It’s pure straight rock and it knows that. Wolf Parade isn’t trying to be anything except a band that they themselves enjoy. “Kissing the Beehive” is epic with the dueling vocals, prog (hate this word) like guitar riff, and it’s even more promising since it’s the first song Krug and Boeckner collaborated on. These guys aren’t pessimistic, they’re realistic in knowing things basically suck right now, but there’s hope enjoying the small things.
