Best Music of 2008
I casually mentioned I was making my best of '08 music list and my sister-and-law immediately shouted "Chris Brown! Chris Brown!" Though Chris Brown didn't actually release in a new album in 2008, I got the point. You like what you like. Here are the new albums that were in heavy rotation in my car this year.
The Streets
Everything is Borrowed
After 2006's crap-tacular release, "The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living," my confidence in The Streets was shaken a bit. Oh, me of little faith. Mike Skinner totally redeemed himself. "Everything is Borrowed" is a great comeback.
Does It Offend You, Yeah?
You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into
When I checked out the band, I thought I was just going to get some spastic dance music. The band with the horrible name certainly delivered on that front, but also squeezed in the best neo-new wave track of the year, "Dawn of the Dead."
Millencolin
Machine 15
Even punks have to grow up sometime. These Swedes are aging gracefully, slowing things down a bit without losing too much steam. "Vicious Cycle" is one of the best songs in the band's catalog.
The Academy IsFast Times at Barrington High
Looking at these skinny boys in their v-neck tees and tight girl jeans makes me throw up in my mouth a little. But "Fast Times at Barrington High" is a pure pop delight. I just close my eyes, think about relaxed-fit jeans, and enjoy the music.
Matt Pryor
Confidence Man
Get Up Kids and New Amsterdams leader Matt Pryor sure knows how to make a beautiful solo album. The line "You don't have to worry/Baby, I'm your confidence man" has been stuck in my head for five months.
Kanye West
808s and Heartbreak
Hands down the best not-really-hip-hop, hip hop record of the year. Kanye makes a bold move by trading big samples for small production and lots of auto-tuned singing. It's a love it or hate it affair. I choose the former.
Tokyo Police Club
Elephant Shell
Love those fuzzy bassline and bouncy beats. This band was a joyous new discovery for me this year.
posted by su-tang 3000 at 11:55 AM
2 Comments:
Spencer - I would have to agree with you on Tokyo and Does it Offend you. There are a couple on your list I need to check out.
There was a lot of great new music out there this year. For what it's worth, my 3 favorites were the new albums from: Cloud Cult, Shout Out Louds and Why?
(With honorable mentions to Ra Ra Riot, Vampire Weekend, Mates of State and Johny Tight Lips)
12:50 PM
Does it offend you was my favorite album this year. It's 80's inspired but it felt like I was listening to something totally new.
5:12 PM
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