Alright so things are starting to get to the nitty gritty. We made it through # 50-41 yesterday, and earlier today we got #40-31. Now we got the great albums that I thoroughly enjoyed in 2008 but just fell short of making my top 20. Don’t worry these albums have something for everyone! Check them out below:
#30. The Raconteurs – Consolers Of The Lonely
I became a big fan of Jack White’s side project The Raconteurs after their awesome album “Broken Boy Soldiers” and a great live show. This time around they surprised us with a new album out of no where, and it wasn’t really a departure or anything but it was what I wanted. Some great Jack White rock songs, smart written Brendan Benson songs, and a combo of both. This band can really incorporate all of their different style and create on hell of a sound. Their live show is one that will change your opinion on the band, they bring it down live. As long as we still got the White Stripes and The Raconteurs the music world will be a better place!
[mp3] : The Raconteurs – Salute Your Solution
# 29. Blitzen Trapper – Furr
I hate um strongly dislike country music. However every now and then a band comes around with an alt-country sound that you can’t help but adore. Why? Well, because it is just flat out good. Blitzen Trapper have a sound that has drawn comparisons to Dylan, and I can see that. Songs like ‘Furr’ are defining moments in the bands career. They are showing that they can take a bit of folk, country, Americana, and alt rock and make one diverse eclectic album. Don’t miss this album!
#28. Los Campesinos! – Hold On Now, Youngster/ We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed
Los Campesinos! are busy busy people. Two albums in ONE YEAR? Damn thats impressive. What is even more impressive is that both albums were just as good, and received similar critical acclaim. Both albums displayed Los Campesinos! witty fast paced fast sung alt rock. The songs on both albums are a rush of energy combined with male/female vocals that are so vastly different that they are easily recognizable. Los Campesinos! have created a sound of their own that you will be able to pick out easily. Kudos to them for dishing out 2 great albums in less than 12 months. Oh and for these lyrics: “To see my ex-girlfriend/ Who by the way, I’m still in love with/ Sucking the face of some pretty boy”? Or to watch it happen “with my favorite band’s most popular song in the background.”
[mp3] : Los Campesinos! – It’s Never That Easy Though, Is It? (Song For The Other Kurt)
#27. Death Cab for Cutie – Narrow Stairs
Death Cab have never released a dud. I don’t care what other people said, Plans was a good album. They come back with a more rock oriented album with “Narrow Stars” and I was quite pleased. First single “I Will Possess Your Heart” showed a new darker direction that had most people worried about the state of the album. However the album had a diverse feel to it. One part signature Death Cab songs another part bouncy bass driven pop songs (‘Cath’, ‘Long Division’). It has some really exciting cool elements that really work well for Death Cab. Guitarists Chris Walla described the album best with “It’s really got some teeth.”
[mp3] : Death Cab For Cutie – No Sunlight
#26. Friendly Fires – Friendly Fires
Ah who said that dance music is dead? Friendly Fires offer their own take on dance-rock proving that white boys can still make some groovy fucking tunes. This songs are perfectly suited for drunk evenings walking around at night just without no care in the world. Club’s could use songs like ‘Jump In The Pool’, ‘In The Hospital’, and ‘Paris’. These songs have huge hooks, big chorus’s, and melodies soaring beyond belief. Friendly Fires album got overshadowed by Cut Copy’s amazing album unfortunately, however I have a feeling these guys are going to get really popular very soon, and very fast.
#25. Santogold – Stantogold
Santi White mixes a little bit of everything to creatie a very good debut album. Pretty much each song has some potential to become a hit, and we have even seen a song in a beer commercial. These songs are indie but big enough to hit the big time. This debut is fun, and has some of the most impressive singles that 2008 had to offer. The album is cohesive, remaining strong from start to finish. She is one of many ladies taking over the pop scene today. In a good way.
[mp3]:Â Santogold – You’ll Find A Way
#24. Department Of Eagles – In Ear Park
Daniel Rossen is one of the best songwriters going around. The work he does on Grizzly Bear is great, and he continues to shine with his other band the Department Of Eagles. In Ear Park is more of a straight “indie rock” album than some people may have found Grizzly Bear. Either way whether you love Grizzly Bear like myself, or hate them you should still give Department Of Eagles a shot. It is straight up good songwriting, beautiful melodies, and relaxing guitars.
[mp3] : Department Of Eagles – No One Does It Like You
#23. The Morning Benders – Talking Through Tin Cans
The Morning Benders debut album is one special pop-rock album. Chris Chu their front man crafted this songs with big hooks, and memorable chorus’s. The songs are catchy, memorable, and as fun as they come. These guys got wrongly ignored in 2008 and if you are reading this I think you should get yourself acquainted with them as soon as possible. This is charmy pop rock at it’s finest hour.
[mp3] : The Morning Benders – I Was Wrong
#22. Deerhunter – Microcastle
Deerhunter had one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year. Although I don’t think it was as great as critics said it never the less was a good album. They incorporated many shoe gaze elements that were accessible enough for many new fans to enjoy the bands album. The songs are layered on top of each other enough that it creates tones of reverb that help enhance the bands sound. Songs like ‘Agoraphobia’ ‘Nothing Ever Happend’ and ‘Never Stops’ are quite enchanting. Get some good headphones and listen to Deerhunter in the right way.
[mp3] : Deerhunter – Agoraphobia
#21. No Age – Nouns
No Age were a hard band for me to place. I enjoyed their 2nd album “Nouns” vastly but it was hard to compare their music to other albums. With a lo-fi sound of noise/garage rock No Age bring something different to the table. The songs are some well mannered garage rock with some distortion and fuzz over them creating a really dirty feel. The result is quite is one of the most succesful and coolest albums of the year. Don’t let the term garage rock fool you, there are plenty of catchy vocals and guitars to make this accessible to even those of you who don’t read pitchfork. Bring on the noise rock!!!!
[mp3] : No Age – Teen Creeps
Top 20 coming later on!
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