It’s that time of year again when we share with you what didn’t suck about 2008. This list is a subjective list of favorites rather than some attempt to objectively detail the supposed “Best”. As an objective reviewer, I get bored so allow me to tell you about ten great records that will continue to get some play as we go into 2009. after which I’ll mention a few additional good records and some stinkers, too!
(Listed in alphabetical order.)
Beck – Modern Guilt
This one, I reviewed at length earlier this year. It is still one of my favorite Beck albums and a highlight of the year. Read the full review here: http://www.rowjimmy.com/archives/136
Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago
This record slays me. Largely acoustic, it is passionate, smart, and heartbreaking. Recommended for rainy days in a window seat…
Deerhunter – Microcastle
I was aware of Deerhunter but had never heard their work until (I think it may have been) NPR’s All Songs Considered that turned me on to this album. Part of me thinks that this may be as close as we’ll ever get to a followup to My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless. The guitars wash in waves over the listener in just the right way. The songs fade and give way to one another in a mindful succession that insists (but does not require) a straight-through listen. When the title track, “Microcastle”, kicks in after two minutes, I challenge you to sit still and unaffected. The inclusion of an entire second album is a wonderful bonus.
Dr. Dog – Fate
Building on the late works of The Beatles and the early works of The Band, Dr. Dog has created a stunning album of ear-catching melodies and striking lyrics. Explorations of spirituality, romance, and the weight of time fill this record along with some terrific playing and singing. This is one of those records that I can listen to again and again and I have been doing exactly that since I first came across it.
Fireman – Electric Arguments
Fireman is the front behind which hide Paul McCartney and producer Youth. This is their third record in fifteen years and the first with vocals. It’s stunning. From the wild abandon of McCartney’s vocal on the opener, “Nothing Too Much out Of Sight” to the straight-ahead pop-rock of “Highway” to the ambient bliss of “Lifelong Passion.” The sonic layers scream for headphones and, with a good set of cans you will not be disappointed. Or perhaps you will. This is not the Paul McCartney that aims for the charts with safe, middle of the road pop. This music is complex, quirky and wonderful. This is music for himself and he’s kind enough to share.
Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
Perhaps an adjunct group to the current ‘freak-folk’ movement, these guys are less freak and more folk with shimmering Beach Boys harmonies, crisp lyrics, and perfectly placed instrumentation. One of the things that strikes me instantly when I put this on is the sound scape that they’ve crafted. The vocals fill the air as if recorded in a small auditorium with just the perfect amount of reverb and warmth. Listen to this on headphones or in a perfectly tuned stereo room.
Albert Hammond Jr. – ¿Cómo Te Llama?
This is the sophomore solo effort from The Strokes’ rhythm guitarist, Albert Hammond Jr., and, in my opinion, it is far more satisfying than the most recent releases from the critical darlings of the NYC “garage” scene. This record does, at times, sound like the Strokes but Hammond takes it further into the realm of guitar-pop, leaving the self-important attitude behind and stepping out to make a statement of his own. Rockers, ballads and even a lengthy instrumental all satisfy here. The music press has rated this firmly in the middle but “Bargain of the Century” hooks me every time I put it on and I am always glad to have stayed for the whole record.
Lightspeed Champion – Falling Off The Lavender Bridge
This record is defiant of any attempt to properly classify or define it. The music is ranges from simple ditties to sweeping melodies. The lyrics shift from soul-baring heartache to snarky wit. It’s hard, at times, to be certain if he’s trying to shock the listener or if the lyrics are simply shocking because they are honest. What’s definitely clear is that this is a compelling and entertaining record that begs me to listen again and again.
Medeski, Martin & Wood – Radiolarians 1
Medeski, Martin & Wood (MMW) announced in early 2008 that they would release a series of three albums with a slightly different process than they had previously employed. They planned to write the basic skeletons of the tracks, take them on the road to flesh them out then hit the studio to record the music while it was fresh. The plan was to do this in three stages, each with a separate chunk of tour dates and a subsequent album. This is the first album of the three records and, if it is any indication, I’ll quickly buy the other two. MMW is a band that I’ve tracked for more than a decade but, for my own taste, they’ve not released a record worth raving about since 1997’s Farmer’s Reserve. That streak has been broken. They dip and soar from coherent melodies and deep grooves to joyous cacophony. This is MMW at its best.
Spiritualized – Songs in A & E
I’ve been a fan of Spiritualized for years and this record did not disappoint. This record shifts from quiet, thoughtful, moments to full-force blitzkrieg at the drop of a hat. “Death Take Your Fiddle” (with its background sound effect of a respirator- much like the one J Spacemen (Jason Pierce) was on for a time which, naturally, delayed the recording of the record) is an even voiced, powerfully defiant challenge to Death himself while “You Lie You Cheat” is an explosive indictment with ripping guitars and organs. Both completely at odds with one another and yet equally qualified to stand with the best of the Spiritualized catalog.
Honorable Mentions of 2008:
Other Notable Albums:
Black Mountain – In The Future: 70s Stoner Metal finds a rebirth in the new century…
Blitzen Trapper – Furr: Indie-Pop meets the Basement Tapes? This is a great record, no matter how you slice it.
Drive-By Truckers – Brighter Than Creation’s Dark: Terrific songs. for my money, this is their best effort since Southern Rock Opera.
Sigur Rós – Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust: The Icelandic post-rock icons kick up their heels and nearly make a pop album. I love it but it doesn’t beg me to spin it like many of the records above.
Kanye West – 808s and Heartbreak: Kanye’s feeling down and he’s letting us show. Not that it compares, this is his Tonight’s The Night.
Favorite Non-Album Release:
The Decemberists – Always The Bridesmaid
A series of three 12″ singles released one per month in October, November and December. Beautifully packaged, pressed on colored vinyl and terrific songs taboot. This is a terrific release. (If you don’t do vinyl, I believe the songs may be on itunes.)
Disappointments of 2008
My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges: What a total stinker. These guys may be one of the best live bands out there these days but their 2008 studio release reeks of over-extended ambition.
Guns ‘n Roses – Chinese Democracy: Ah, the sound of wretched excess and vanity.
