Top Ten Albums of 2008
2007 Top Ten Albums
Images courtesy of RYM.
10. My Morning Jacket: Evil Urges
When MMJ started playing their new stuff live and Jay showed me the clips, I was became intrigued. I know a lot of MMJ fans like their earlier efforts more, but this album is the one that totally won me over. I can't wait to see them for New Year's Eve at MSG!
9. Beck: Modern Guilt
It seems I always put Beck in my top 10, but honestly this album, while a short one, is the tightest and most-focused release he's put out in a good five years.
8. Olivia Broadfield: Eyes Wide Open
For those of you paying attention, she made it as one of my featured artists this year. She's got sweet vocals surrounded by poppy, electronic melodies. She hasn't left the iPod since I bought the download.
7. The Weepies: Hideaway
This is a nice, cohesive album, but it's not as affective as their previous Say I Am You, still... it's a good one, and I love the crap out of the track "Wish I Could Forget."
6. The Kills: Midnight Boom
First I was recommended this album by my last.fm friend, Jenn, and then when I saw The Kills live, I was hooked. After I returned from ACL, I got this from Emusic. Great fun rock music, especially if you like bands like Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
5. Snow Patrol: A Hundred Million Suns
I was surprised to like this album as instantly as I did, especially without hearing previously. I almost wonder if Gary Lightbody can write a bad song.
4. Madonna: Hard Candy
I really didn't want to like this album, especially with the seemingly sell-out approach/collaboration with Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, and Kayne West. But, dammit, I do like it! It's hip-hop pop sweetness, as the title suggests.
3. The Duhks: Fast Paced World
First heard this indie, bluegrass/soul-infused band from Paste. Checked 'em out on Emusic and just fell in love with Sarah Dugas' vocals. Their style is nearly impossible to place into one genre. In some songs they sound like Toshi Reagon and her band, and in other songs they sound like Feist, and all while still being a totally original band.
2. Hot Chip: Made in the Dark
This should be no surprise. Jay and I found out they were playing ACL, and next thing you know, for my birthday, I have this and their previous album, The Warning, and I just can't stop listening to them. As if the studio stuff wasn't enough, experiencing them live--standing/dancing in nearly the second row with the just as energetic crowd--is one of the highlights of this year. Quite possibly the best dance-driven rock music I've ever heard.
1. Casey Stratton: Signs of Life
Casey's music and vocals are always like a gift from god, really... even if you don't believe in god or a god. His previous efforts are spectacular in their own ways, but this album and I have instantly bonded and never want to stop talking to each other. Consistently excellent vocals and inspiring lyrics throughout, but I have to say that "Hidden Place" is one of the most beautiful songs I've heard this year.
Honorable Mentions:
Jason Mraz: We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
Ben Folds: Way to Normal
Okkervil River: The Stand Ins
Images courtesy of RYM.
10. My Morning Jacket: Evil Urges
When MMJ started playing their new stuff live and Jay showed me the clips, I was became intrigued. I know a lot of MMJ fans like their earlier efforts more, but this album is the one that totally won me over. I can't wait to see them for New Year's Eve at MSG!
9. Beck: Modern Guilt
It seems I always put Beck in my top 10, but honestly this album, while a short one, is the tightest and most-focused release he's put out in a good five years.
8. Olivia Broadfield: Eyes Wide Open
For those of you paying attention, she made it as one of my featured artists this year. She's got sweet vocals surrounded by poppy, electronic melodies. She hasn't left the iPod since I bought the download.
7. The Weepies: Hideaway
This is a nice, cohesive album, but it's not as affective as their previous Say I Am You, still... it's a good one, and I love the crap out of the track "Wish I Could Forget."
6. The Kills: Midnight Boom
First I was recommended this album by my last.fm friend, Jenn, and then when I saw The Kills live, I was hooked. After I returned from ACL, I got this from Emusic. Great fun rock music, especially if you like bands like Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
5. Snow Patrol: A Hundred Million Suns
I was surprised to like this album as instantly as I did, especially without hearing previously. I almost wonder if Gary Lightbody can write a bad song.
4. Madonna: Hard Candy
I really didn't want to like this album, especially with the seemingly sell-out approach/collaboration with Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, and Kayne West. But, dammit, I do like it! It's hip-hop pop sweetness, as the title suggests.
3. The Duhks: Fast Paced World
First heard this indie, bluegrass/soul-infused band from Paste. Checked 'em out on Emusic and just fell in love with Sarah Dugas' vocals. Their style is nearly impossible to place into one genre. In some songs they sound like Toshi Reagon and her band, and in other songs they sound like Feist, and all while still being a totally original band.
2. Hot Chip: Made in the Dark
This should be no surprise. Jay and I found out they were playing ACL, and next thing you know, for my birthday, I have this and their previous album, The Warning, and I just can't stop listening to them. As if the studio stuff wasn't enough, experiencing them live--standing/dancing in nearly the second row with the just as energetic crowd--is one of the highlights of this year. Quite possibly the best dance-driven rock music I've ever heard.
1. Casey Stratton: Signs of Life
Casey's music and vocals are always like a gift from god, really... even if you don't believe in god or a god. His previous efforts are spectacular in their own ways, but this album and I have instantly bonded and never want to stop talking to each other. Consistently excellent vocals and inspiring lyrics throughout, but I have to say that "Hidden Place" is one of the most beautiful songs I've heard this year.
Honorable Mentions:
Jason Mraz: We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
Ben Folds: Way to Normal
Okkervil River: The Stand Ins