Top 10 Albums
Fleet FoxesI liked Fleet Foxes' album alright, but I got the chance to see them when they passed through Columbus this past fall, and it changed my opinion of this record entirely. Cheesy as it may sound, I've never been so physically moved at a show before. Goosebumps and chills—I'd say Robin Pecknold and the rest of the band did their job well. Plus, their witty banter with the audience between songs and Pecknold's McCain impressions made for a few laughs. Bonus points for being funny and down-to-earth.
Sigur RósI will always have a place in my heart for Sigur Rós, since their albums seem to chronicle my high school years. Still, it was nice to hear them do some more upbeat pop songs for a change. "Gobledigook" and "Med sud i eyrum" retained the typical Sigur Rós grandiosity, but were much more playful that past singles, though admittedly, it was strange to hear Jonsi Birgisson try to sing/mumble in English. Icelandic is much better (and prettier!).
Deerhunter
City and Colour
Ra Ra RiotThis is the first full-length album from Ra Ra Riot, and it's a promising start. I saw their show this fall at the Basement with a small crowd, and they were absolutely full of energy. I love bands that can mix string instruments into songs seamlessly. The whole album is catchy, but highlights include "Dying is Fine" and "Ghost Under Rocks."
Jack Bruce and Robin TrowerSo these two are actually a part of the 1960's British blues scene, but they released an album together in 2008, so that qualifies them for this list. I grew up listening to Robin Trower, and Bridge of Sighs is one of the greatest albums ever recorded. It's always exciting to hear new stuff from him, especially when partnering up with Jack Bruce of Cream. The tone of Trower's guitar playing is just awe-inspiring.
WHY?My best friend swears by Anticon bands and during a nighttime car ride, she actually turned me on to these guys. This record is great while driving—or typing papers, or cleaning my apartment—basically doing anything and everything.
Born RuffiansThis is another band I had the opportunity to see this year in a small setting—Skully's in Columbus, which was nearly empty. They're record is so upbeat, and vocalist Luke LaLonde has the most interesting and strangely amazing voices I've ever heard. He jumps from note to note in a strange, almost alien-like manner. This makes for surprising and catchy songs that keep you happy and dancing.
IslandsI really did not like this record as much as Return to the Sea, but I love anything Nick Thorburn does, and the record was a nice step out of the kitschy, sing-along songwriting. It was much darker, and while I do miss the upbeat melodies of "Rough Gem," I get a sinister pleasure out of singing along to the title track.
Girl TalkGuilty pleasure, or maybe not guilty, maybe just a pleasure. Either way, Girl Talk will forever remind me of drunken dance parties with friends. Plus, kudos for making P-Diddy and the Smashing Pumpkins sound so damn perfect together.
Ten Songs That Made Me Really Happy in 2008
(in no particular order)
The Coast, "Tightrope" (Tokyo Police Club remix)
Born Ruffians, "Hummingbird"
Kanye West, "Love Lockdown" (Live from the MTV Wideo Music Awards)
Ra Ra Ra Riot, "Ghost Under Rocks"
Sigur Rós, "Gobbledigook"
Justice, "DVNO"
Fleet Foxes, "Mykynos"
Estelle (featuring Kanye West), "American Boy"
City and Colour, "The Death of Me"
Deerhunter, "Nothing Ever Happened"
Other Writers
Kevin J. Elliott • Dorian S. Ham • Tom Butler • Michael P. O'Shaughnessy • Josie Rubio • Ron Wadlinger • Phil Goldberg • Stephen Slaybaugh