2008 was a lot like 2005: There are definitely some albums that came out that are worth a listen, but overall, it wasn't what I would consider to be a great year in music. However, looking over my entire collection of music released within the year, there are certainly a few that I think will always "take me back" to this point in time. With that, I present my year-in-music review including my Top 10 Albums of 2008:
Like last year, I'm laying out the same ground rules:
1. The record must not suck.
2. The record must have an official release date between January 1 & December 31, 2008
3. I must own a copy of the record either by purchase or obtaining by other means.
4. Official full-length albums, and EPs only –released by an active, legitimate label. You won't find your little brother's demo tape "that's going to blow you away" on here.
5. Ranking these was A LOT harder than I thought it would be, so don't bitch.
THE LIST (the bees knees and/or cats' pajamas):
10. Olafur Arnalds - Variations Of Static
I first heard this band inside Corey's Infiniti G35 (shameless plug) a month or so ago, and was really impressed with them. I only have it at 10 because I still have only recently discovered this group and haven't had a great amount of time to really take them in, but I imagine I will come to enjoy them immensely. I dare challenge that they dethrone Mum as the official "Iceland's OTHER good band"...but then again, I was never too hot on Mum in the first place. So yeah, vote Olafur Arnalds for Icelands OTHER band '09.
09. Todd Barry - From Heaven
I always try to get at least ONE comedy album each year (all TWO years, I've done this), and this was probably the best one. Though, not nearly as many belly laughs as Todd's first album, there are a good amount of jokes on this one that keep me entertained (his thesis of MySpace Profiles set to "private" is brilliant).
08. 31Knots - Worried Well
None of the songs on this record really match the swift-kick-to-the-gut rhythms of "Man Become Me" but still, you have to credit 31Knots for not sucking. I guess. Plus, their name kind of reminds me of Don Knotts...so they have that going for them. So yeah, this album is good people. Smell it.
07. The Mars Volta - The Bedlam In Goliath
Not the best Mars Volta (I'm partial to "Frances The Mute" for reasons I still can't explain). But it was definitely better than Amputechture, which was a great MV album but probably the most disappointing in my humble opinion. Being that - as stated earlier - 2008 was a lackluster year in music, and this seems to be more of a step back in the right direction, it deserves a spot here.
06. The Streets - Everything Is Borrowed
This is an "interesting" Streets record. I think it's a different than anything they've done before. Has a more R&B-inspired and soulful sound to it. It's definitely good, and a step up from their last one, but I think "A Grand Don't Come For Free" is and will always be my favorite Streets album. Best song: "The Escapeist"
05. Metallica - Death Magnetic
Let's face it. The Metallicats are almost 50, and will probably never write another "Master of Puppets" or "...Justice..." so this is as close as we'll probably get. That being said, i was very satisfied with this album. It's hard not to be after "St. Anger" but even still, I really enjoyed the direction the band and Rick Rubin went, here. For a newer Metallica album, it's the fist time I've really been excited for the band in years, and is easily the best record they've done in 20 years (you can take that for what it's worth - for better, or for worse).
04. The Republic Tigers - Keep Color
After hearing this album over and over again, I got sick of a lot of the songs, but still appreciate it for what it is: A collection of really catchy indie/pop songs. A lot of people to whom I've introduced this band seem to compare them a lot to The Shins. I can definitely see the resemblance, but I prefer the Tigers to The Shins. Maybe because they're from KC, so I'm being biased.
03. Nada Surf - Lucky
The first time I heard "The Blizzard of '77" on the jukebox at The Hi-Ho, I was surprised to find out it was Nada Surf...the band who - in 1996 - brought us "Popular" which was probably one of the most annoying songs of that year. They've come a long way since then. And I would say this is probably my favorite record they've done since "Let Go." I'm listening to it right now, as I write this list.
02. Sigur Ros - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust
zOMG! Sigr R0s isn't teh ##1??? Amazing from start to finish, but I do have to say that it's probably the first Sigur Ros album that I DIDN'T like better than their last. Up to that point, they had always managed to top themselves, but I can't quite say that on this one, even though it comes close. I like the direction they went to some degree. "Gobbledigook" is a great song, as is the second track: "nní mér syngur vitleysingur." However, it somewhat tapers off after that (just a bit), and after hearing "All Alright" I would have to advise against the whole "English" direction they took there. Probably one of my least-favorite songs of theirs. Overall, it's a GREAT album, and I don't forsee Sigur Ros making a disappointing album anytime soon. But at the end of the day, I just don't think it quite edges out "Takk..." or even "()" for that matter. Still a new Sigur Ros album is something that should never be taken for granted, and celebrated as such.
01. Russian Circles - Station
Dominates.
CLOSE CALLS (a few that just barely didn't make it):
Murder By Death - Red Of Tooth And Claw
Good album by one of my all-time favorite bands, but at the end of the day, it sounds almost exactly like their last album. That's not a major problem since I liked that album as well, but this is a band with whom I see a lot of room to continue growing and developing their sound. It just didn't happen this time around. Still like the album, but they've yet to top "Who Will Survive, And What Will Be Left Of Them?" from 2003. Better luck next time. I'll be seeing them in February.
Flight Of The Conchords - Flight Of The Conchords
It's definitely funny, but since I only like to have one comedy album on the list...and the Conchords are arguably "sooo 2007," Todd Barry edges them out.
Guns N' Roses - Chinese Democracy
I am honestly surprised that I like this album, because I wasn't expecting to. Taken for what it is, it's actually pretty decent. What ultimately keeps it out of my Top ten is its somewhat-over-produced "Pro Tools" timbre, and no Slash, Izzy, or Duff (nor - arguably - Steven Adler).
The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead
Enjoyable record, and worth mentioning. Just nothing special on here that made me feel like adding it.
R.E.M. - Accelerate
I'm glad R.E.M. finally got their shit together and put out a good Post-Bill-Berry album after about ten years of "hit-or-miss." Almost had a place in the Top 10, but couldn't quite edge it.
DISAPPOINTMENTS (best album in a liaming role):
Nine Inch Nails - The Slip
I enjoy NIN's music, this one just didn't quite do anything for me compared to their last album which I scored at #10 in 2007. It's a decent album, just disappointing in comparison.
Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs
I've already written a review on this one, so I'll just say that although I like a few of the songs, it overall has a very "forced" vibe to it, that I've never felt in a Death Cab record. Not their best work.
Juno - Motion Picture Soundtrack
Not really a "disappointment" per se, since I didn't really look forward to it. I just think it's very over-rated even considering I like a lot of the artists who appeared on it. Many of the songs just sound like a bunch of people trying to be Joni Mitchell who is someone I would advise against emulating in any way. There...I said it.
Weezer - Weezer (Red)
Again, already wrote a review of this album, but in essence, I'm ready for Weezer to pack it in. This is a circumstance in which - although I would have never known it - had they never released an album after "Pinkerton" I'd have been satisfied. If that makes any sense.