Top 10 Albums of 2008

Originally posted on Facebook.

Album - Artist

10. We Brave Bee Stings and All - Thao with the Get Down Stay Down

While this one dwindles toward the end of the album, I felt it deserved a mention. It starts off very strong and is a lot of fun to listen to. It's nothing epic but very catchy and memorable.

9. Alopecia - Why?

Fans of Butthole Surfers, Eels or Beck ought to find Why? quite pleasing. Their seventh album, or rather their fourth, Yoni Wolf's seventh recording under the moniker, is by far their best. No more "it's been done" or "it just doesn't work." It's fresh and it works. Hip-hop and rock do make a good blend... if mixed and portioned correctly.

8. Break Up the Concrete - The Pretenders

They're back.

7. Oracular Spectacular - MGMT

This one requires a second listen. No, not every song is catchy like "Kids" or "Electric Feel" but it's definitely very well put together and all around enjoyable.

6. Dig Out Your Soul - Oasis

They're also back, and taking a bit of their own advice. While underachieving, or trying too hard, on their last album, Oasis has created something both lyrically rich and mature and inspired on the musical side. It's about damn time.

5. Captured in Still Life - Kensington Prairie

The only thing my crush on Rebecca Rowan has to do with her latest project making my list is her voice. While reminiscent of Paula Cole's in some respect, it melds perfectly with her folksy musical style and lyrics that make the worst of days worth seizing.

4.Lust, Lust, Lust - The Raveonettes

Proof of life for alternative rock in it's purest form.

3. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

By far, Fleet Foxes is the best debut of 2008. Seldom does a band of such widespread acclaim have such a wealth of sincerity in their music. There really is not much else to say that hasn't already been said as I am finishing this list a bit late.

2. Canopy Glow - Anathallo

The extra wait due to a delay in release was very much worth it. I can't say what difference the extra four months made, but I was not disappointed at all. Anathallo has lightened their mood quite a bit on Canopy Glow which makes their music only a tad bit more friendly to the general populace. Their style has not faded, their experimental cunning has not dulled and you are still required to the listen to the album from beginning to end. Sorry general populace.

1. Censored Colors - Portugal. The Man

Contrary to popular belief, Sarah Palin is not the best thing to come out of Wasilla, Alaska. Unfortunately the town is now tied to her name, but perhaps if Portugal. The Man keeps it up then the town's reputation might make a turn for the better, at least among fans of alternative and indie rock. Censored Colors is a slight departure from what Portugal. The Man normally produces, but sometimes properties will be altered with refinement.