Top 5 Best Albums of 2008
I’m constantly on the lookout for new music to listen to. Not a day goes by that I don’t download a song or two or ten.
At the end of each year I like to take a look back at my collection to find the best gems. I look for albums that changed things up, brought me back over and over and contained a solid collection of songs throughout.
After careful consideration, here are my top five albums for 2008.
1. School of Seven Bells – Alpinisms
Ethereal. Quirky. Beautifully musical dissonance and head bobbing beats make this dream pop refreshing. I discovered this one listening to KCRW.
I find their sound totally refreshing. It’s amazing the soundscapes that they pull off with just three of them in the group.
2. Jenny Lewis – Acid Tongue
Jenny Lewis is the singer for Rilo Kiley, one of my all-time favorite bands (their Under the Blacklight record was in my top 5 of 2007).
This album had to grow on me, but that’s usually a good sign of music that will have real staying power in my collection.
The harmonies in the title track, Acid Tongue, are chilling live.
3. Brazilian Girls – New York City
How can I not choose an album named after my favorite place in the world. The Brazilian Girls are fantastic live.
On this record the Brazilian Girls expand their sound into new territory (which is saying something considering they already combine all kinds of world music and more languages than you can count on one hand).
You have everything from the contemplative to get-up-and-groove tracks. If you ever have a chance to see them live, definitely go.
4. Crooked Fingers – Forfeit/Fortune
I was fortunate to discover this band at Musicfest NW in Portland. I saw them at the Doug Fir, which is a perfect venue for them.
The music is earthy and heartfelt. The album may not seem like a coherent collection of songs, but it’s still a lot of fun to listen to.
5. Coldplay – Viva La Vida
I’ve long been a Coldplay fan, but this is the first album from them that I love from beginning to end. Bringing Brian Eno on to produce this record was a brilliant move. He definitely took them to a new level.
Instead of the usual piano formulas, they pulled out some brilliant instrumentations that are catchy to no end.
Honorable Mentions
- Mates of State – Re-Arrange Us – Listen
- Sia – Some People Have Real Problems – Listen
- Filter – Anthems for the Damned – Listen
What is your favorite album of 2008?
7 Comments
Jason on January 4th, 2009
One of the first gifts I gave my wife (back when we first started dating) was two CDs with hand-selected music and custom designed covers.
I guess it was a “mix tape” of the 90s.
Sharing and discovering new music is one of my favorite things to do…one of the reasons I wanted to start this blog.
Melanie on January 5th, 2009
I’m a lucky recipient of your musical discoveries on a daily basis. Those mix CD’s were only the beginning!
Sterling on March 23rd, 2009
I rarely listen to music, but these mashups really effected me. This one and the first one are my favorites:
Jason on March 23rd, 2009
@Sterling,
Agreed. Those music mixes are amazing. I even downloaded a couple as MP3s to listen to more.
Of course, watching the video editing makes it exponentially more amazing.
Taural Rhoden on March 29th, 2009
loved the School of the Seven Bells! thanks for putting this great list together Jason.
Amara on March 29th, 2009
I am going to check out some more albums I didn’t know about from here. Sweet! I also didn’t know you had a personal blog, but now I know. That’s very cool. Another way to keep in touch with the fam. I love the Coldplay album as well, very unique, reminds me of medieval crusades time for some reason. It also seems a lot happier than there last album. I just like Coldplay in general there music can be so soothing and delectable for the ears.
Shayna on January 4th, 2009
Some stuff that’s new to me, I will check it out, thanks for sharing. Music is a wonderful thing to share. My favorite present was a homemade CD from my step-son.