December is the month of lists.
My top 10 albums of 08
1. Attack & Release - The Black Keys
2 Black Keys, 1 Dangermouse, a teaspoon of Ike Turner and some new instruments = the musical equivalent of the amphetamine speed. Only twice as addictive. Every track of this psychedelic bluesy soul album is a trip... to awesomeville.
Best track: I Got Mine
2. Only By The Night - Kings of Leon
Will be known as the album that brought the Kings to commercial radio and the masses. Despite it's flaw (17 is a dud), the album deserves all the exposure it gets. The opening four songs are equal to or greater than their best work, the rest are interesting and catchy, but the closing number is the climax. A huge soliloquy that builds builds builds, then recedes, and finally erupts.
Best track: Cold Desert
3. Red Yellow and Blue - Born Ruffians
Canadians rule indie-op, imo. The Ruffians continue that maple leaf tradition of jangling guitars, complex catchy melodies and super songwriting, eh. There's something fun and childlike about songs that celebrate having fun and being childlike. Innocent hedonism.
Best track: Hedonistic Me
4. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
I guess NY is pretty good for indie bands as well. The Paul Simon Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes comparison as been playd out but ffs I have to mention it again. It was a fkn great song and so is Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa. Kudos also for somone other than Kanye West name-dropping Louis Vuitton.
Best track: Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
5. Flight Of The Conchords - Fligh Of The Conchords
Yeah so we illegal downloaders of their music, tv shows, radio shows and live shows were already well aware of these songs - big deal. With a bit of extra studio polish the Flightys sound dynamite, plus it was released this year so it qualifies. I am flipping the bird right now.
Best track: Think About It
6. The Renaissance - Q-Tip
Mr Abstract never disappoints. Real talk now: the nasally maestro is without doubt (in my mind) one of the most consistent, skilful, talented, influential mc's ever. From Tribe (I love every album) to his solo stuff (Amplified = way underrated), even his guest spots (check his verse on the Native Tongues remix of NERD's She Wants To Move, steals the show ahead of Mos, Common, De La!) Tip is a proven legend. This disc is another gem.
Best track: Move
7. I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings To - Martha Wainwright
She's great at album titles (a previous EP was called Bloody Mother F*cking A*shole), she's a great songwriter, and she's a great singer. Her emotive soulful voice delivers these catchy little tunes in a huge way.
Best track: You Cheated Me
8. Consolers of the Lonely - The Raconteurs
Rollicking pop tunes were the order of the day again for Jack White and his pals, and they do an excellent job of it with Many Shades of Black and Old Enough. But White's epic tale Carolina Drama is a stunning and brilliant jolt from left field.
Best track: Carolina Drama
9. Oracular Spectacular - MGMT
Like a sugar high that rarely fades, the kaleidoscope of sound and colour helps this album avoid the usual pitfalls of Nova-exposure. An exciting, intriguing album from the get-go to the let-go.
Best track: Time To Pretend
10. Rising Down - The Roots
Not as dark (or as good) as Game Theory but still packed with power, vitriol and typical deep rolling grooves. Black Thought's final verse on I Will Not Apologise is worth the price of admission alone.
Best track: I Will Not Apologise
Encouragement awards: Bloc Party, People Under The Stairs, The Last Shadow Puppets, Pete Rock, Atmosphere, NERD.
