These are my favorite releases of 2008
10)Sun Kil Moon- April
A slow burner of an album. Once you get into it however, Kozeleks lyrics stick straight to the heart. The guitar playing is some of the most soothing at times, as well as technical at times. Excellent effort from Mark Kozelek and crew.
9) No Age- Nouns
A reverb heavy rocker of an album. I can see where the sonic youth comparisons come from, yet dont be fooled, this group definitely has a style of their own. The slower moments are just as good as the loud ones from these new Sub Pop boys.
8)M83- Saturdays=Youth
One of the first albums that can convey what it means, and feels like to be a teenager. A new direction for m83, as this is their poppiest, most accessible album to date, but it is an undeniable classic none the less.
7)Vampire Weekend- Vampire Weekend
Perhaps the freshest sound of the year, Vampire Weekend's debut is one of the most repeatable records of the year. Lighthearted, fun, and bouncy, this band from Columbia seems to have a unique style that, hopefully, will stick around
6)Sigur Ros- Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust
Not only is it one of the best releases of the year, but it has the best album art of the year as well. The cover perfectly matches the new tone brought forth from the boys from Iceland. A carefree, hopeful record is a breath of fresh air from their usual dark, omnious sound.Yet dont be weary, it is still some of the most hypnotizing music released today.
5)The Walkmen- You & Me
An excellent rock album. The wails, the reverb, the pulsing drums. This record lets you know what it's like to be at a Walkmen concert. Also "In The New Year" is one of the best singles of the year.
4)The Hold Steady- Stay Positive
More serious than anything Finn and co. have ever done before, Stay Positive doesn't really stay true to it's name, yet no one can be upset about it. Finn's writing is on point here probably more than ever as he deals with themes such as murder, fate, faith, and love.
3)Beach House- Devotion
Listening to this cd could make anyone feel like they are dreaming. I'd never heard of this group and got the cd on a whim, however I was very glad that I did. The album is soothing from start to finish, and the bands sound is unique and delightful.
2)Fleet Foxes- Fleet Foxes
Give the Shins a southern twang and add a little My Morning Jacket and you get Fleet Foxes. The writing on this album is impeccable, as are the tones. This album is earthy, and I only mean that in the best possible way. A record that surely benefits from repeat listens.
1)TV on the Radio- Dear Science,
Far and away the best album of the year as well as one of my favorite release from these boys from Brooklyn, and that's saying a lot. It's their most accessible, yet it's never poppy. The lyrics are more down to earth and real. Oh yeah, the music is addictive as the world's hardest drug. Warning, once you pop this cd in your cd player, you will not eject it for a long while.
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