My Top 5 Albums of 2008, plus the extra stuff
Hello everyone. Or actually, not everyone. Hello people who visit this site who are not strictly metalheads. More specifically, those who are attracted here by the Phil Elverum or Noah and the Whale interviews. Hey, how’s it going? Well, DJ just posted his illustrious list here. I thought it was pretty well-written. The music, eh, I had some qualms, but I do agree with his general thesis that Axl Rose is a looney-bin. That was the general thesis, right? Anyway. For those of you who like real alternative music, here’s my top five albums of 2008. Because you know what? My opinion matters.
#5) Vampire Weekend: Vampire Weekend
Everyone talks about these guys, so I feel dumb writing about them. Sigh. They’ve gotten so much press already, but fine…it was a good album.
#4) The Island: Arm’s Way
This album is pretty tight. It’s just got some really nice pop songs, unsuspected changes, a nice follow up to their debut. I think the spooky imagery is lost on me a bit, the lyrics are sort of outrageous, but if I just focus on the music I’m good. Most of the time it rocks.
#3) Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes
DJ doesn’t think the Fleet Foxes are good, but I think they’ve got some of the best harmonies. How do you not enjoy this album? I’m realizing as I write these reviews that I’m not really that great at describing why I like music. If you’re in anyway an “indie” person you’ve heard the song below. Regardless, I think it’s great. So relaxing, peaceful, beer-inducing. I just don’t get how you don’t like it.
#2) Wolf Parade: At Mount Zoomer
This album was so underrated. I don’t know why it didn’t get as much praise as their debut, I thought it was just as nice. Some rocking songs throughout. The only snag is at the end when they try for the 10+ minuter. Never a good idea, unless you really know what you’re doing. But Soldier’s Grin and the Grey Estates, those are some great songs. I loved this album all summer.
#1) Blitzen Trapper: Furr
Honestly, I wasn’t wowed by the music in 2008. I liked the music in 2007 a lot more. There was so much good stuff happening then. 2008 was more of a slump year….except for one band: Blitzen Trapper. I loved their big hit in 2007, Wild Mountain Nation and I liked Furr even more. It’s just a great album. We played the first two songs repeatedly when we did the radio show this fall, and as it turns out tracks 3-13 are good as well. Definitely check it out.
Honorable Mentions:
DJ already talked about Lil’ Wayne and Girl Talk, both of which would have been contenders, but I didn’t want to write about the same stuff. Also, Silver Jews with “Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea”…it was good, but not up to par.
Dishonorable Mentions:
TV on the Radio. How you are topping everyone’s lists boggles my mind. You stink.
Also Deerhoof and Of Montreal, I used to like you a lot, but this year….wasn’t very impressed. Better luck next time.
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