elephant journal presents the Top Ten Albums of 2008.
Here are my top ten albums of 2008, hope you enjoy. Leave me a comment below and let me know if you suggest anything else, or disagree with my picks!
Blitzen Trapper – Furr
Why is this the best of ’08? It’s a mix of old school American folk tales with a splash of hard rock. Where else where you hear tales of murder, hard travels, and psychedelic americana?
What songs rise to the top? Furr, Black River Killer, Stolen Shoes and a Rifle.Favorite Musical Moment or Lyric? The haunting pedal steel on “Stolen Shoes and a Rifle”.
Interesting Notes? The album cover rocks really really hard.
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Why is this the best of ’08? You know the story. Dude holes himself up in woods. Dude cuts down trees and builds cabin. Dude hunts wild animals. Dude emerges with musical masterpiece.
What songs rise to the top? Lump Sun, Blindsided, For Emma
Favorite Musical Moment or Lyric? In “Skinny Love”, when he sings out “And I told you to be patient…” with SO much emotion.
Interesting Notes? I bet he used a chain saw to build his own cabin. Lame. An axe would make him so much cooler. Seriously though, this album takes some listener focus, but it is great.
Keane – Perfect Symmetry
Why is this the best of ’08? From the get-go, this album makes me want to shake my hips, pump my fist, and conquer the world. 80′s dance influenced well-written hand-clapping brit-rock.
What songs rise to the top? Better Than This, Again & Again, Love Is The End
Favorite Musical Moment or Lyric? From “Pretend That You’re Alone”, “I wonder what I’d do if I could wake up every morning with a clean slate, I’d burn through the cites, tear through the town cos there’s no deals to make”.
Interesting Notes? in ’06, Coldplay released a blah boring album called X&Y. Keane released “Under The Iron Sea”. Not only did Keane’s album have a better album cover, but it was better overall. But maybe not in ’08…
Interesting Notes? The acoustic bonus tracks of “Lost?” and “Lovers in Japan” that are available via iTunes are amazing!
Why is this the best of ’08? Daniel Lanois is a true original. Known for producing albums like U2′s Joshua Tree, Lanois is a sound guru… creating the lushest tones mixed with deeply spiritual music… it’s really a work of beauty.
What songs rise to the top? Where Will I Be, I’m Not Fighting Anymore, Here Is What Is
Favorite Musical Moment or Lyric? “I’m not fighting anymore, gonna let it all go, the mountain of a man, like the sun on the snow, I’m not fighting anymore, not keeping score, gonna let it all fade…”
Interesting Notes? The pedal steel sounds amazing throughout the album, and Garth Hudson (The Band) plays keys. Oh, and you can buy this direct from his website.
The New Frontiers – Mending
Why is this the best of ’08? How can a little known Indie rock band sneak into my top ten? Because this album is absolutely brilliant. The melodies are gorgeous and catchy, the guitar tones rich, the lyrics inspiring… my favorite album of the year!
What songs rise to the top? Mirrors, Strangers, Passing On, This Is My Home… they’re all great!
Favorite Musical Moment or Lyric? “Life is what it makes of you, so don’t be afraid to walk alone. Babies scream when they are born, so I’m not afraid of passing on”, from the song “Passing On”.
Interesting Notes? OH Sh*T!! They broke up last month!! Bummer bummer bummer. I hate it when that happens!!
Blog by Rusty Ralston
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now my official road-trip playlist for today’s 10 hours (or at least as much of this list that i have, plus i used it to warrant a couple new treats to add to the list…)
I was prepared to throw quite the fit if you didn’t include Bon Iver on this list, so obviously I was relieved that you recognized his brilliance.
My only addition: Ray LaMontagne’s Gossip in the Grain. The man has kept the good stuff coming, and this time, he even broke free from his serious, self-deprecating lyrics to provide a glimpse into his humorous side with one of my favorite tracks, “Meg White.”
Other than that, the albums that I know, especially Jay May, MMJ, and Bon Iver, would definitely be on my list as well. And I’m excited to listen to the rest!
Rusty:
Good list, I can’t agree more about Fleet Foxes, Blitzen Trapper and Bon Iver. I’m revisiting all those records this week and they are treating me well in this cold weather.
Happy Christmas!!!
I have to agree to the Bon Iver write up.. and I like your other picks.. interested in this JayMay character. Shall I Pandora her.. yes, yes i will. And, side note.. will I see you again, dear Rusty roo?! I must give you an embrace before you head South… til then, Merry Christmas
I was reading this list with interest until I bumped into Keane followed by Coldplay…
Wow, great writeup, plenty here to explore.
I can’t agree with half of the albums here. Coldplay and Keane especially. You should title this “My Top Ten Albums of 2008″ instead of “the…” as I doubt this list is anywhere near the same for anyone who enjoys music. There is better music outside of Singer/Songwriter.
Oh people always get cranky when mainstream artists are added to “best of” lists! I’m lovin’ it Rusty, I really liked how you broke down why each of these albums made your personal list. Again I’m with you on MMJ, except I’d add that “Librarian” is one of my favs and “Remnants” was my summer anthem. And thanks for the tips on new artists!
Great picks and love the way you describe why these are the best. Love the diversity of the list and will be looking into this for my updated playlist! Thanks for your hard work and research!
Saw the latest Coldplay concert and agree it should be in your top 10. Also great video on HDnet.
Great post. Insightful list. Love the new Coldplay album.
Enjoyed reading your opinions. The detail of your appreciation for the music is enjoyable.
I agree with a lot of your tops but have to say that Fleet Foxes is too derivative; they sound so much like My Morning Jacket that I was convinced it was a Jim James project. Southern rock from the West Coast? Please, FF, stay true to your area code. More of a Top Ten Poseur Breakthru, ask me.
I just realized I am still in 2007. Actually probably in 2000 except from couple good new things here and there. Thanks for new ideas for my holiday break!
I definitely agree with Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver. I have been listening to both of them on repeat for the last few months. Great picks!
The fleet!!!!!! The Jacket!!!!!
Kudos on the Fleet Foxes! I am equally moved by this band and their lyrics. Except in Blue Ridge Mountains, the lyrics are….”“In the quivering forest, where the shivering dog rests, Our good Grandfather, built a wooden nest.”
I got me self some surfing to do – thanks man!
Bon Iver is even more amazing in concert. He plays with three other guys who just add so much emotion and depth to his music.
Also, his new EP Blood Bank is out and definitely a great second to his musical career.
Cam, thanks for the lyrical correction! I had a hard time making out that one from the album… but I just love that moment in the song. Glad you liked the list!
Thus, I have finally achieved ‘old age’.
The proof? I do not know, have not heard or heard of, any, not one, of these albums.
I don’t even know what category they would be in. Pop? Hip hop? Rock? Do you have other lists in other categories? Jazz? Classical? etc.
fleet fox ad my morning jacket. yup!
I have to say that outside of Cold Play and MMJ I have never heard of any of these folks. Puts me behind the times and motivates me to check into some new stuff. I will definitely have to check out Mason Jennings. Time to put those I-Tunes gift cards to use. Thanks Rusty. Travel safe and good luck down south. Stay in touch.
bon iver – for ema is a disc made in 07.not 08. =)
Hey Fael, yes, you are technically correct about Bon Iver… you’re on top of it! It was independently self released in ’07, but only got released and distributed by a record label starting in February 2008… hence, the inclusion in the list.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment… I’m glad music aficionados like yourself have been checking it out. Happy Holidays!
I’m a big fan of MIA, though I’m not sure if her new album came out this year or in 2007. Great list!
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All but one men….how disappointing. There are so many fabulous female artists out there.
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