End of the Year Analysis

As the end of the year approaches, I look back and realize it was a pretty good year for music. Many good releases came out, some higher profiled than others, and personally I expanded my boundaries exponentially. It always feels good to listen to some music that hurts at first but then becomes familiar and pleasing. The initial pain is only that of the mind stretching out of its boundaries. Below is my top ten albums of the year (in order) and some other odds an ends.

 

*This list was so hard because each album on the top ten practically encapsulated my musical ears for some slot of time in the year 2008. I included some EPs even though they are not full length releases. Too many EPs impressed me this year to not let them be on the list.

Top Ten List of 2008

1. The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely

Jack White. Enough said. But I can go on. Recorded in Nashville, this lo-fi rock band took their jamming skills to a whole new level, capturing the raw feel of a real band. Using no computers during the recording process, Jack White and Brendan Benson take their band to a whole new level. It is obvious to see that the band has gotten more comfortable with each other as their CD tends to sound more like a jam than a planned out record. With catchy and quick simple songs and a mix of more intricate songs with horns, keys, and fiddle, The Raconteurs write songs with meaningful lyrics, rockin' instruments and some a little story telling, for flavor. Combine all of these elements and The Raconteurs release the best album of the year.

2. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

One of the most interesting albums from a major record label artist. I can't say enough about the production vale especially after listening to their first record. The quality jumps tremendously thanks to David Fridmann, who also produced the Flaming Lips. Looking forward to see what else this duo can do in the future.

3. The Killers - Day and Age

With the addition of worldly instruments and a brass section, The Killers come out with an equally different album like as Sam's Town was. While overall it is not their best effort, it is such a beautiful stab at something new, one at which they pull off pretty well.

4. Thrice - The Alchemy Index 3 & 4

This half of a 4 part concept recording stands out just a little more than the previous half. This truly shows off Thrice's song-writing ability as well as their ability to move in completely new directions. With substantial lyrics and exploration of new musical feels, Thrice scores big.

5. Kanye West - 808's and Heartbreaks

Wait.... A truly mainstream rap artist has substance in his lyrics? Impossible, but Kanye did it. And to top it all off, it was super catchy and even though he used Autotune..... he sang the majority of the record instead of rapping it. This album is practically a completely new genre, not just for Kanye but for pop music in general.

6. The Avett Brothers - Second Gleam EP

In their last effort before landing in the hands of Rick Rubin, The Avetts craft up a handful of songs that show off their naked song writing talent and ability to write from meaningful past experiences. Lets hope this type of honesty and production does not change with the addition of major label support.

7. Astronautalis - Pomegranate 

This guy puts most mainstream rappers to shame. By implementing folk aspects into this record with a crazy knack for getting great drum sounds, this guy released one of the best kept secret albums of 2008.

8. Apes and Androids - Blood Moon

How have these guys not already blown up? In a random PureVolume search for music, I stumbled across these guys and enjoyed their very fresh sound. It stuck with me for so long, longer than expected, and somehow made the top ten list. Definitively, the most creative record of the year.

9. Little Joy - Little Joy

This cute and short CD is strictly a great indie/folk record. The vibes coming off this album are just so uplifting its hard not to sing along and possibly even dance a bit. I hope these band continues even if Strokes' duties call Fabrizio Moretti away.

10. Kopecky Family Band - Embraces EP

A band that is not even out of college yet. Their dualistic vocals and amazing song-writing allow for the audience to be captivated in their amazing folk rock five song EP. The only question is when do they record more and how do I get a hold of it?

Honorable Mentions 

Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs

Beck - Modern Guilt

Old Crow Medicine Show - Tennessee Pusher

Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger

Panic at the Disco - Pretty. Odd.

Noah and the Whale - Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down

Lil' Wayne - Tha Carter III

Notable (Yet smaller) Artists of 2008

Judd and Maggie

Into It. Over It.

The Morning Of

David Mead

Mugison

Johnny Flynn

Biggest Disappointments 

Metallica

Weezer

Guns N' Roses

Coldplay

Ben Folds

Best Books I've Read This Year

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

The Alchemist by Paul Coehlo

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn

The Reason for God by Timothy Keller