Top 20 Albums of 2008 Part 2 - The "Upper" Half

Okay, so here go the "new" music that I spent the most time with this year. Again, I know there are some big omissions, so write in and let me know about them. Hope it doesn'take too long to load with all the videos.


The Black Keys Attack and Release

Reminding me sometimes of Creedence Clearwater, and always bringing a healthy does of electric blues riffs, these guys have some great songs on this album. The "other" Guitar drums duo.



Couldn't find any videos or seeqpod for "Oceans and Streams" but this one gives you a good idea.

The Black Keys - I Got Mine





Hercules & Love Affair S/T


Laid back disco. Grooves, cool sounding androgynous vocals. This one won't come out of my rotation. It is just fun, and if you really listen has a little more depth to it as well. Well done. This video is far out.

Hercules & Love Affair - You Belong to Him Tonight




Beck Modern Guilt

This dude just doesn't quit. If you like Beck than this is more of the same with a little more vintage to it, like a wine that is mellowing, deepening, and just plain getting better and better. Gamma Ray is perfect Beck. And there are several other tunes that stick to your ribs. Mmm. Good.

Beck - Gamma Ray



Bonnie “Prince” Billy Lie Down In the Light

Just beautiful, old-timey sounding acoustic songs, sometimes with multiple voices. Will Oldham tells stories that in this album are positive and upbeat for the most part. Catchy and lovely. There are two songs on the player.





The Walkmen You & Me

A lot has been written about this album and how it is a sort of return to form after coming out with albums that were not as well received (A Hundred Miles Off and the cover album Pussycats). I love these guys and I have enjoyed all their albums. This album is great, With a lot more depth in sound, songs and focus.








Santogold S/T

Mixes electropunk, hip-hop, global beats and just catchy stuff. Anywhere from block rockin' beats to light, fun punk. Works really well for cleaning and other menial tasks : ) Seriously though, I don't even care that she is now showing up in Heineken commercials or something.




Santogold - L.E.S. Artistes




Vampire Weekend S/T

These are the guys that are fun and easy to hate on. But I still get immense joy from listening to the first notes of A-Punk and I still want to yell out randomly, “Blake's Got a New Face!” at odd times. And it is just good, catchy pop with a little twist that Paul Simon had pioneered. Catchy pop tunes are catchy pop tunes and you can't deny well done pop. I am an unabashed fan of this album.

A treat thanks to Pfork.







TV On The Radio Dear Science

It's rocking, layered, buzzing production. Funky at times, with lyrics that are topical and meaningful. These guys are one of the heavy hitters of our times and have yet to make bad music in their career. An excellent addition to their discography, though they will have to work really hard to beat the Young Liars EP and Return to Cookie Mountain in my book. Still, really good tunes.




Bon Iver

Yes I know it was recorded in 2006, self-released in 2007 and finally picked up by Jagjaguar in 2008. I don't care. This album was definitely a highlight in music for me this year. I was lucky enough to catch these guys live at Space Gallery. It was the best show I saw this year. And as good as the album is, when I saw them the music and the group had progressed so far from the recordings, and in my opinion, improved upon it drastically. If you like well-played acoustic guitars, beautiful harmonies, and introspective, soulful songs, then you would enjoy these musicians.

MySpace Transmissions


Bon Iver - "For Emma" from MySpace Transmissions





Fleet Foxes
Just great sing-along, old-timey, in new times type music. The musicians in this group are so good, as singers and on their instruments. The songs have a chanted, tradition-filled sound but in live-sounding fidelity. The album is one that on a first listen, I thought, “that was nice” but next thing I know the songs are in my head, I'm humming them, then playing the album again and liking it more and more. I am still on an upward ascent in terms of loving it. My son has even been singing along as well.



I was in attendance for this....j



And that's it. Check it out. comment if you like or don't like what's on the list...

Happy New Year!!!