Okay, so it is February, but I have just listened to every album in 2008 that I care to listen to. I know you may be so tired of these lists, but figured I would put in my two cents into the discussion. I mean either you get the "hipster" answers of Pitchfork Media, which is a very good site nonetheless, or you get popular artists by Rolling Stone, again this is a classic magazine and I get pretty much all my information from these two. However, I refuse to be a zombie to these publications and I would like to have my own opinion, while taking those artists into consideration as well. So, without further ado, here is my list:
10. Vampire Weekend-Vampire Weekend: Despite their appearance as prep rockers, these
Columbia students know how to make good music. They mix in African style beats with their prep style and infuse a college-like atmosphere that is apparent on tracks such as "Campus." However, the standout track is "M79" which features violins which could make it seem that you are at an elegant tea party and not just listening to a rock record. Yet, Vampire Weekend spice things up with theiir most popular track "A-Punk." The track,"The Kids Don't Stand A Chance" provide a powerful social commentary and also concludes this solid album.
9. Raconteurs- Consolers of the Lonely: Jack White's side band (that he doesn't want to be called
a side a band) released its 2nd album this past year and it is nothing if not a high powered rock album. From "Many Shades of Black" to "Old Enough" to "The Switch and the Spur", this album is all over the place and this precisely what I like about it. One minute, I'm rocking out to "Salute Your Solution", then next I'm groovin' to "You Don't Understand Me." The messages behind each song is different, but yet they all blend together nicely . Having one of the best guitarists of today's era doesn't hurt their cause either.
8. Hercules and Love Affair-Hercules and Love Affair: It is nothing short of amazing of how this
band got together. DJ Andy Butler somehow lured in talented artists: Nomi Ruiz and Antony Hegarty. If you are unfamiliar with Antony Hegarty, please check out Antony and the Johnsons and then compare their music with HALA; you will soon realize that these two have little in common. However, this is precisely what makes this band great. Their blend of upbeat music produced by DJ Andy (he has been writing songs since his childhood) mixed with the soft voice of Antony Hegarty and the seductive voice of Nomi Ruiz makes hits such as "Blind" and "Raise Me Up" good music for the dance club or the living room.
7.Hot Chip-Made In The Dark: Perhaps the most underrated album of the year. From start to
finish, these British rockers send you on a emotional roller coaster through desparation, love, and good times. The fact that this album may or may not match up with their previous work,
The Warning, is irrelevant when this band releases scorchers such as "One Pure Thought" and "Ready For the Floor." Whether you are in the mood for a dance record or just need a moment to clear your head, this album provides the best of both worlds while not pushing too far in either direction and its result: a excellent album.
6. Deerhunter- Microcastle: Georgia isn't really known for producing psychedlic bands, but after
listening to this albums, you might wonder why not? From the start of this album, you can see that while Bradford Cox may have an ambient style, he can also crank out electronic noise as is evident in the last minute of "Nothing Ever Happened" which is, by the way, the best song on the album. But, to listen to each song in itself would be a mistake. This album deserves to be played in its entirety and only then will you observe its continuity and brilliance.
5. Fleet Foxes-Fleet Foxes: Vocalist Robin Pecknold may just have the most recognizable voice
in music today. Pecknold describes their songs as being pop songs, but I disagree. They put together classic baroque tracks which deserve to classified with the best of baroque artists. Yet, they are also folk and this can be seen on tracks such as, "He Doesn't Know Why" and "Your Protector." It seems like it has been a long while since a folk and/or baroque band has had this much praise, but these guys certainly deserve it.
4.Beck-Modern Guilt: When producer DJ Danger Mouse of Gnarles Barkley signed on to produce
this album, most people knew that it would add a different dimension to Beck's style. But, I don't know if
anyone expected this. Beck infuses 60s style psychedelia while a modern flavor to make tracks such as "Youthless" and the classic song "Gamma Ray." The go-go style of the album mixed in with the ambient nature and social commentary ("with these icecaps melting down"), makes this one of the best albums of the year and of Beck's career.
3. TV on the Radio- Dear Science:
Tunde Adembimpe (lead vocalist) and David Andrew Sitek (producer), along with the other 4 members created their best work yet. The group strayed from their previous album,
Return to Cookie Mountain, by making a more up-beat dance oriented album. "Dancing Choose" and "Golden Age" have high tempo but don't suffer from lack of lyrics" ("the decisions are underwritten from the cash in his hand...Now I'm no mad man, but that's insanity") But, don't think that this is solely for the dance floor, songs like "Family Tree" and "Love Dog" are slow, yet powerful songs that allow the listener to resonate deep into thought.
2.Cut Copy- Ghost Colours: Upon listening to this album for the first time, I sensed an air of
cheesy lyrics while typical electronic beat. Please don't make the same mistake I did. This album is so much more than that and I soon realized this once I dropped my temporarily cynical attitude. What once appeared as mundane lyrics now appear as revelatory phrases that send chills down my back almost every time I hear them. This album is not just a dance album, it is a celebration of life. "Hearts on Fire", "Lights and Music", and "Out There on the Ice" don't just get you movin', they inspire you.
1. No Age-Nouns: Sunny weather, traffic, and No Age is how I would describe Los Angeles.
Randy Randall and Dean Allen released their second album on May 6 of last year and I am
still listening to this. I cannot even put my finger on how this band sounds, but if I were to try I would say that it is a mix of Dinosaur Jr. and Sonic Youth, but with the upbeat noises of surf rock. Limiting their music categories like shoegaze or indie simply does not do them justice. Just check out "Sleeper Hold" or "Ripped Knees" and you'll know what I am talking about. These guys have high ambitions and after listening to this album you'll see why.
Columbia students know how to make good music. They mix in African style beats with their prep style and infuse a college-like atmosphere that is apparent on tracks such as "Campus." However, the standout track is "M79" which features violins which could make it seem that you are at an elegant tea party and not just listening to a rock record. Yet, Vampire Weekend spice things up with theiir most popular track "A-Punk." The track,"The Kids Don't Stand A Chance" provide a powerful social commentary and also concludes this solid album.
9. Raconteurs- Consolers of the Lonely: Jack White's side band (that he doesn't want to be called 
a side a band) released its 2nd album this past year and it is nothing if not a high powered rock album. From "Many Shades of Black" to "Old Enough" to "The Switch and the Spur", this album is all over the place and this precisely what I like about it. One minute, I'm rocking out to "Salute Your Solution", then next I'm groovin' to "You Don't Understand Me." The messages behind each song is different, but yet they all blend together nicely . Having one of the best guitarists of today's era doesn't hurt their cause either.
8. Hercules and Love Affair-Hercules and Love Affair: It is nothing short of amazing of how this 
band got together. DJ Andy Butler somehow lured in talented artists: Nomi Ruiz and Antony Hegarty. If you are unfamiliar with Antony Hegarty, please check out Antony and the Johnsons and then compare their music with HALA; you will soon realize that these two have little in common. However, this is precisely what makes this band great. Their blend of upbeat music produced by DJ Andy (he has been writing songs since his childhood) mixed with the soft voice of Antony Hegarty and the seductive voice of Nomi Ruiz makes hits such as "Blind" and "Raise Me Up" good music for the dance club or the living room.
7.Hot Chip-Made In The Dark: Perhaps the most underrated album of the year. From start to 
finish, these British rockers send you on a emotional roller coaster through desparation, love, and good times. The fact that this album may or may not match up with their previous work, The Warning, is irrelevant when this band releases scorchers such as "One Pure Thought" and "Ready For the Floor." Whether you are in the mood for a dance record or just need a moment to clear your head, this album provides the best of both worlds while not pushing too far in either direction and its result: a excellent album.
6. Deerhunter- Microcastle: Georgia isn't really known for producing psychedlic bands, but after 
listening to this albums, you might wonder why not? From the start of this album, you can see that while Bradford Cox may have an ambient style, he can also crank out electronic noise as is evident in the last minute of "Nothing Ever Happened" which is, by the way, the best song on the album. But, to listen to each song in itself would be a mistake. This album deserves to be played in its entirety and only then will you observe its continuity and brilliance.
5. Fleet Foxes-Fleet Foxes: Vocalist Robin Pecknold may just have the most recognizable voice 
in music today. Pecknold describes their songs as being pop songs, but I disagree. They put together classic baroque tracks which deserve to classified with the best of baroque artists. Yet, they are also folk and this can be seen on tracks such as, "He Doesn't Know Why" and "Your Protector." It seems like it has been a long while since a folk and/or baroque band has had this much praise, but these guys certainly deserve it.
4.Beck-Modern Guilt: When producer DJ Danger Mouse of Gnarles Barkley signed on to produce 
this album, most people knew that it would add a different dimension to Beck's style. But, I don't know if anyone expected this. Beck infuses 60s style psychedelia while a modern flavor to make tracks such as "Youthless" and the classic song "Gamma Ray." The go-go style of the album mixed in with the ambient nature and social commentary ("with these icecaps melting down"), makes this one of the best albums of the year and of Beck's career.
3. TV on the Radio- Dear Science: 
Tunde Adembimpe (lead vocalist) and David Andrew Sitek (producer), along with the other 4 members created their best work yet. The group strayed from their previous album, Return to Cookie Mountain, by making a more up-beat dance oriented album. "Dancing Choose" and "Golden Age" have high tempo but don't suffer from lack of lyrics" ("the decisions are underwritten from the cash in his hand...Now I'm no mad man, but that's insanity") But, don't think that this is solely for the dance floor, songs like "Family Tree" and "Love Dog" are slow, yet powerful songs that allow the listener to resonate deep into thought.
2.Cut Copy- Ghost Colours: Upon listening to this album for the first time, I sensed an air of 
cheesy lyrics while typical electronic beat. Please don't make the same mistake I did. This album is so much more than that and I soon realized this once I dropped my temporarily cynical attitude. What once appeared as mundane lyrics now appear as revelatory phrases that send chills down my back almost every time I hear them. This album is not just a dance album, it is a celebration of life. "Hearts on Fire", "Lights and Music", and "Out There on the Ice" don't just get you movin', they inspire you.
1. No Age-Nouns: Sunny weather, traffic, and No Age is how I would describe Los Angeles. 
Randy Randall and Dean Allen released their second album on May 6 of last year and I am still listening to this. I cannot even put my finger on how this band sounds, but if I were to try I would say that it is a mix of Dinosaur Jr. and Sonic Youth, but with the upbeat noises of surf rock. Limiting their music categories like shoegaze or indie simply does not do them justice. Just check out "Sleeper Hold" or "Ripped Knees" and you'll know what I am talking about. These guys have high ambitions and after listening to this album you'll see why.
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