part 1

preface: and so here is part 1 of my best albums of '08. I tried to get this out a lot sooner. not that anyone was waiting on it. but its something that I really enjoy doing. however in my efforts to always improve upon the last year's edition i somewhat struggled in getting together all the thoughts I wanted to share abouteach one of these albums. as you'll read again '08 was pretty much amazing in terms of albums that were actually released this year ... here's hoping '09 is as fruitful


Best Albums of '08 HONORABLE MENTION LIST:

As the precursor to the big Year End Top 10 Albums I've decided to do a separate post about just the runners up. Mostly because 2008 was such a great year for new music. Past years left me date checking album release dates. This year though I had way more than enough albums that were stand out and defintely qualified as a best of.

Below in no particular order are some short thoughts on a few of the albums I really took to this year ... enjoy.

Marnie Stern - This Is It And I Am It And You Are It And So Is That And He Is It And She Is It And It Is It And That Is That
Can you believe that this did not make the top 10? Me either, but looking back at the competition there was just no way i could justify it. Maybe if i had made it to her kissing booth that would've put it over the edge. But seriously, the first time i listened to this album i thought i was listening to a techno record. Then one day i shit myself as i watched a youtube vid of her rocking out. And suddenly I simultaneiously fell in love with a stranger and also shed all my presumptions about female rock guitarists. Marnie in '09 is a on my list. Plus this album wins best drumming performance ... the dude who drums this album made me soil ... you rearrange your mind, you re-ah re-arrange your mind... word?

Deerhunter - Microcastles - Don't get me wrong. This album is totally the cats shit. It is downright fucking tight from tops to the bots. But it ain't no "9" if we're talking 9's and shit. Its like some dude who only made shit that was barely listenable and somehow got cred for it then went and made an album that was seriously enjoyable to listen to. He doesn't get credit for making his shit listenable ... anyways i have not given up on Atlas Sound or Cryptograms ... its just that I have a day job and can't do drugs like that any more. Microcastles is deerhunter for the sober so i guess that would make sense that if you are on drugs than this album is a 9.


Black Lips - Go Bad Not Evil - this album is a collection of amazing sing alongs ... good for the whole family, short dudes finally fucking rule the earth, next time i see you I will break a bottle over your face and play my guitar with it then spit in the air and catch it in my mouth then rock and then rock some more fucking awesome ... p.s. special consideration because I was their merch guy for like 4 seconds last June ... best band ever though, realsies.

Technically released in '07, but not Tony approved until '08. And i'm making this exception because this album is simply fucking rock. And everything i love about rock and roll.


Tokyo Police Club - elephant shell - see this is my "aha!" ... this album was panned by critics ... i fucking fell in love with it. Hey, what can i say I'm a "pop music" man at heart and this album pops and pops and pops some more. CANNOT get enough ... these guys are definitely on my concert watch list at this point. They would be INCREDIBLE .. and I hope I get the opportunity.

Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer: I was a late bloomer on this one. But damn am I happy I found out about this album. I don't know too much else beside I am having trouble turning it off. Also, it is constantly being added to the regular rotation playlist. Its really quite an interesting listen. I highly recommend.


Islands - Arm's Way - i didn't expect shit from this album ... much like the last ... its no unicorns so no thanks. Also upon first glance i was a little intimidated that the average song length (see pop roots) was over 5 minutes and i knew that diamonds wasn't about to bust out repetitive jellycones for more than 3:30 max ... however ... much like the first islands album I eventually not only got over my hesitations but grew to fucking LOVE this album. Yeah, the songs are long, but seriously ... they are awesome songs and its not all filler, its just really awesome songs, well crafted by a true canadio indie jam master. I mean Kids don't know shit ... right?


Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping - apparently of montreal has like 5 LP's. I own 3. Last year's was #1. This one is not as good. And also
I am feeling undecided whether they are consistently brilliant or consistently consistent. Consistency is not really a trait I go for. But whenthe part that is consistent is their attempts at throwing as much wacky shit that they can muster into one song I have to hold them in the highest regard. Cheers fellows.


Vampire Weekend - of course my claim will always be "i was all over this shit" and to make this claim really means nothing. Still no matter how "in" or "lame" or whatever VW has become this album (version I have .. had to add that last lame caveat) I seriously and most definitely LOVED this album to bits. To the point where only 2 or 3 tracks are even listenable. I remain astonished at the corporate machine that was able to push A-Punk as their lead single AND somehow possibly make them popular. That song is and will always be the one blemish on an otherwise impeccable lead album. I don't expect too much further, but still I cannot take away from was undeniably the most fun album I had listening to a new album '08. I mean seriously, who does give a fuck about an oxford comma?

The black keys - attack and release - learned about the black keys in april, got 2 albums. LIke the one that got poor reviews more for the first month, like the other one more a month later ... 6 months later ... i am kind of on the fence, but they are not a live act to be passed on. Fucking amazing live, don't ever miss it if you have opportunity.

Times New Viking - Rip It Off: this album came and went in the taste department as well. Though shit, if you need some serious awesome fuzz rock these kids will kick your ass to the door. I put this album on here mainly due to potential. I think these kids are fucking onto some awesome shit. Whereas most people would put No Age's - Nouns here in the list with similar metaphors for their artistry I much preferred Rip it off. Though for a bit there I was thinking the theme of the year would def be fuzz punk. p.s. if they ever post the lyrics to "end of all things" fucking send that shit to me. Best fucking song ever, this band oozes potential like a jefferson.


Tv on the radio - this album actually kind of just sucked, minus like 2 songs. But holding up a fat guy windbreaker against a couple of
armani suits, you're generally not going to be looked upon too favorably. Thats the way I felt about this album. Of course
it took me a while (longer than most) to come around on cookie mountain, so my hope is that I'll have a "god i'm a dumbass" post at some point where the lightbulb goes on. I will say this though ... the track DLZ on this album is incredible, def a top 10 track of 08.

Deerhoof - Offend Maggie - Hahahahaha. Dude, I think these guys are indie brilliant. Also a must see live type of band. I think it would just be the most awesome show ever.

Hot Chip - Made in the Dark - fun fun fun ... great album. this album tells no lies. and neither should i.


Lykke Li -Youth Novels - This probably would've made the final cut ... just seriously didn't come under radar until too late. I actually still in the process of wearing it out till its no longer listenable. There are like 6 awesome songs, 3 incredible songs, and 1 aight song. This album has got me motivated for Oslo. That and Jose Gonzalez and the Knife of course and that one Of Montreal track ...

Crystal Castles - Another case of me being too late to the game. This album marks the trifecta (add marnie and lykke li) of amazing female vocals. My mind was blown away by the females this year. And this album was the icing on the cake. I'm still kind of taking this one in as well. I have nothing bad to say about it ...

Albums that I just simply know I missed out on and proobably would've made one of hte lists had I not been a lazy jackass:

m83 Saturdays = Youth
Hercules and Love Affair