Alright kids, you've been very, very patient with me and I appreciate it. Those of you that know me know that my life has been anything but normal over the past little while, but you also know that I'm trying to get some very exciting things set up to make 2008 an absolutely phenomenal year for you and I. I think you deserve this list, as late as it may be. So here it goes, from 50-1, 10 at a time: the year's best albums, complete with an accompanying track (or two).
50. Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lover
Starting off the list we've got Spencer Krug and co.'s Random Spirit Lover. While Spencer is probably better known from Wolf Parade, I think he really gets his sound figured out through Sunset Rubdown. This album made high marks on a bunch of other lists, and though I liked it, I didn't love it like they did. Regardless, it's worth checking out.
49. Travis - The Boy With No NameI've been a fan of Travis ever since my brother burnt me a copy of The Invisible Band back in the day. The Scots manage to put out consistently great material that errs on the softer side without being "too sensitive." "Battleships" is probably my favorite track of the 14, though "Closer" pushes it. But "Selfish Jean" wins hands down for best music video (I love Demetri Martin).
48. Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst NightmareThough Arctic Monkeys didn't put out another Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, they did put out another quality album. Once again the mix some catchy and funky beats with more uptempo, harder rock. I'm not the biggest fan of high distortion rock, so perhaps that's why they didn't make it a little higher up this time around. Or perhaps some of their debut charm has worn off.
47. Animal Collective - Strawberry JamI think I really need to see these guys in concert, because everyone else seems to have this album in their top few. I just have trouble getting into it and understanding all the hipster hype (read: Pitchfork). That said, it's a pretty cool album. Lots of dissonance and crazy harmonies and a feeling of floating throughout. "Fireworks" is damn catchy.
46. The Avett Brothers - EmotionalismI was a late-comer to The Avett Brothers this year, and I'm certainly glad I caught it before they missed my list. The brothers hail from North Carolina and definitely have their own version of bluegrass. I really dig it, though sometimes the relationship-based songs get old. Especially if it's beating a dead horse in your personal life.
45. Blonde Redhead - 23These kids had the honor of earning our top slot on our Best Tracks of 2007, but couldn't repeat with their album. Granted, they have some phenomenal songs, but it wasn't listenable enough on a regular basis to push higher than #45. It's eerie, it's huge, it's genius, but it wasn't meant to top this list.
44. The Broken West - I Can't Go On, I'll Go OnWhen I first heard this album I didn't think it had much to offer, but it just kept coming up on shuffle on my iPod and shortly after I got addicted. It's rock, but it's super chill and lyrically based. It's toe-tapping. Highlights are "Down in the Valley," "Brass Ring," and "Baby On My Arm."
43. Klaxons - Myths of the Near FutureThis one earned a name for Klaxons when it won the Mercury Prize, but I think it lost some steam on the Best Of lists because of its release early in the year. I still love it almost a year later. Maybe they stole some of Arctic Monkey's debut charm - there are definite musical similarities. "Golden Skans" is the best of the lot, but "Gravity's Rainbow" and "As Above, So Below" are pretty great too.
42. The Maccabees - Colour It InYet another Brit Post-Punk Revival band to crack the Top 50, The Maccabees put together a more complete albums than the aforementioned groups along with a few key tracks. Orlando Weeks' voice is perfect for the style, and the band is tight. Seeing them at CMJ definitely helped this album get more attention on my iPod. I love "X-Ray," but "Latchmore," "All Your Rows" and "About Your Dress" are equally addicting.
41. Maia Hirasawa - Though, I'm Just MeWhile she hasn't gotten as much attention over here as she deserves, Maia Hirasawa creates some beautiful music. Brought to my attention back in March, I've grown to really love what comes out of this Japanese-Swede. It's quasi-Emiliana Torrini, quasi-Björk, and completely fantastic.
3 comments:
I agree with Blonde Redhead. They consistently get ranked way higher than they deserve.
Completely agree with most of this list, except I only started to listen to Blonde Redhead lately, and they should be in the top 10!
Can I also say the Maccabees song is 'Latchmere', not 'Latchmore'. I used to go to Latchmere leisure centre when I was little, and it really does have a wave machine.
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