Hey, Look! A New Year's Eve Countdown Post!
Yeah, it's been a while. I know. But I thought a great way to get back into the blogging spirit would be to go to an old stand-by - the music post! So anyway, here are my top 10 (or so) albums that I really enjoyed in 2008, in no particular order (well, that's not exactly true....they are in alphabetical order....)
- The Avett Brothers - Mignonette - You'll have to excuse some local bias, but this is quite possibly my favorite band in the world right now. Ever since Emotionalism came out last year, I've been a tad obsessed...bought almost their entire back-catalogue, seen them live, bought a banjo, etc. This is a solid album (although I still slightly favor Emotionalism), with some incredible tracks. Your first step should be to see them live, then come home and download "Swept Away," "Signs," and "At the Beach."
- Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago - This album wasn't on my radar at all (thanks NPR!), but when I finally got my hands on it, I was blown away. This is music to listen to alone, in the dark, with a glass of Jim Beam in one hand and a fistfull of regrets in the other...but I mean that in a totally good way, of course. Get "Flume" or "Skinny Love" immediately.
- Dr Dog - Fate - Even if you don't buy into this band's "let's replicate classic rock down to the last detail" mantra, there's still some outstanding music here. I personally love this band and have loved everything they have done since Easy Beat came out in '05. Check out "The Breeze" for a good taste
- Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes - The only thing disappointing about this album is that by the time I got a copy, there was no way it could live up to the hype. Still thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless, and admittedly I was very late to the party here, and I think there's still time for it to grow on me. Just put "White Winter Hymnal" on repeat.
- Flight of the Conchords - Flight of the Conchords - What's left to say about these guys? I only wish I was as funny or as musically talented. My favorite track is still "The Most Beautiful Girl [In the Room]," although my current ringtone is "Business Time."
- Girl Talk - Feed the Animals - I won't comment on the "is this art or blasphemy" debate here, but whichever way you feel, this is a FUN record. How can you not smile after realizing you're listening to a Dee-Lite/Nirvana mashup?
- The Hold Steady - Stay Positive - I never cared for this band at all until I heard Boys and Girls in America, but that album made me do a total 180. This outing isn't quite as strong IMO, but definitely some solid songs. "Sequestered In Memphis" and "Magazines" are standouts
- My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges - The title track is so-so, and "Highly Suspicious" never should have even made it into the studio, but you can't accuse these guys of not pushing the limits. From track 4 onward, a great album. Personal favorite is "Thank You Too!"
- Okkervil River - The Stand Ins - I've really been into these guys for a year or so, and this album is a perfect book-end to last year's The Stage Names. Download "Lost Coastlines" now.
- This is Ivy League - This is Ivy League - sort of a modern-day Simon & Garfunkel. Accoustic guitar-driven rythms, nice harmonies, great melodies. Check out "Love is Impossible" and "London Bridges"
- White Shoes & the Couple Company - White Shoes & the Couples Company - if you love Indonesian pop like I do, then this is a no-brainer. This is my hands-down pick for Random CD Purchase of the Year (Damn you Paste Magazine, and your "International Music" edition). Key track: "Tentang Cita"