As promised, here is my list of the 10 best rock albums that came out in 2008. Happy New Year!
1) My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
The amount of genre-bending that MMJ pulls of on this album is indeed evil. There's the straight-up rock of "Aluminum Park," the brit-ambiance of "Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Pt. 2" and the soft-rock feel-good vibes of "Sec Walkin." Mr. Jim James even channels the little purple one on "Highly Suspicious." What other band would have the urge to do that? None that I know. Their risk payed off, and this album is the best of the year, if not their career.
Three Key Cuts: "I'm Amazed" "Aluminum Park" "Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Pt. 1"
2) The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
I wish that this album had come out when I was 16 years old. It's exactly the kind of music that I would have worshipped and tried to play in my high school band. But alas, all that was around me in the year 2000 was computerized classic rock radio and TRL. It's a miracle that I came out of that alive. Anyway, Stay Positive is uptempo bar-rock that melds the sounds of Bruce, the Faces and Neil Young into an entire album of tight songs. Throw in a bunch of Catholic imagery, tales of partying and stories about the failings of love, and you make my 16 year old self very jealous.
Three Key Cuts: "Constructive Summer" "Both Crosses" "Slapped Actress"
3) Kings of Leon - Only By The Night
This album couldn't be more different from KOL's debut Youth and Young Manhood. Yes, the lyrics are all still about sex, drugs and the road. Yes, it's still chock full of guitar driven songs with heavy backbeats. Yes, Caleb howls with a voice unlike anything else in music today. But, there's less of that country-fried messiness to their writing and performing. The songs are more refined, more intricate, and some even border on being too overproduced. They're huge in the UK, (like Coldplay huge) and I think that might be getting to them. But it works here, and the family Followill keep the pop-rock torch running.
Three Key Cuts: "Use Somebody" "Revelry" "Sex On Fire"
4) The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely
Compared to their first outing, The Rac's second disk skews more country/rhythm & blues. Don't get me wrong, it rocks, but there's violin, honky-tonk piano, gospel movements, and even some operatic elements to it. Brendan Benson has become more distinguished in his vocals, and has taken charge of his songwriting. But make no mistake, this is the best guitar album of 2008. Jack White has the chops to be the one kids try to emulate when they first pick up a 6-string. There should be a whole edition of Guitar Hero just for him.
Three Key Cuts: "Many Shades Of Black" "Old Enough" "Consoler of the Lonely"
5) Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue
Jenny Lewis has made an intimate album that feels like a chronicling of the history of pop rock. From the Fleetwood Mac stylings of the title track, to the Loretta Lynn country of "Jack Killed Mom," to the flamenco beats of "See Fernando," we get a tour of the best songcrafting coming out right now. Add the classic-rocker "Carpetbaggers" (featuring Elvis Costello), and a few of Jenny's signature piano ballads, and you've got yourself one helluva album. Plus, she's an absolutely gorgeous redhead. Schwing
Three Key Cuts: "Carpetbaggers" "Jack Killed Mom" "Acid Tongue"
6) The Black Keys - Attack & Release
So the story behind this album is that DJ Danger Mouse recruited The Black Keys to back the late Ike Turner on his comeback album. So the DJ and the blues-rockers got together and wrote a bunch of songs for Ike, but he passed away before work could begin. However, they felt the songs were so strong, that they recorded the album anyway. What was born is a dirty, dirty blues album with the best of hooks, the tightest of movements, and a fuller sound than anything the Black Keys have put out to date.
Three Key Cuts: "I Got Mine" "Strange Times" "So He Wont Break"
7) She & Him - Volume One
A timeless sounding album from M. Ward (a stalwart of the indie scene) and Zooey Deschanel (of Almost Famous and Elf fame). Her voice is so cute and vulnerable, and his arrangements are harmonious and complimentary. From silly pop songs to bleeding-heart ballads, Beatles covers to doo-wop melodies, this is the most soothing album of the year. I also cant help but notice the hints of Carole King. It's surprisingly complex, but not anything you have to think hard about.
Three Key Cuts: "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?" "Sentimental Heart" "I Was Made For You"
8) Ben Folds - Way To Normal
Ben Folds is my favorite contemporary artist. He's got one of the most sardonic yet intelligent lyrical minds, and his piano playing is virtuosic but accessible. Which means he sings deeply emotional and honest songs with the mouth of a dirty comedian, and he plays percussive pop-rock songs with the chops of a classical pianist. This album is a great example; where as he matures, the songs do as well. But he can't help himself from throwing in the good old 7 dirty words where they fit.
Three Key Cuts: "Bitch Went Nuts" "Effington" "You Don't Know Me (feat. Regina Spektor)"
Bonus: There is a "fake" version of the album that was leaked by Ben and his band months before the actual one came out. It's hilarious and surprisingly catchy. In concert they play these alongside the real ones.
9) Albert Hammond Jr. - ¿Como Te Llama?
Yeah yeah, he's just the guitarist for The Strokes. But he'd still be a big part of the indie rock scene if this was his main gig. On his second solo LP, Al goes further outside his home sounds of California pop-rock and NYC hipster rock to include dance beats, reggae, pop-punk, afro-folk, piano ballads, and a great instrumental ("Spooky Couch"). I still want to know why every Stroke tries to sing like Julian Casablancas when they go solo (see also: Little Joy, Fab the drummer's side project).
Three Key Cuts: "Bargain of a Century" "In My Room" "You Won't Be Fooled By This"
10) Ryan Adams - Cardinology
Cardinology is a solid record with no real standout tracks, which in itself makes it a unique record. Ryan Adams is known for his ability to craft authentic hooks and turn them into singles. I firmly believe that if he went into the ghostwriting business, he would have 5 songs by other artists in the Billboard Top 10. But this album is all about his band, The Cardinals, and they fill out his sound really well. The classic-rock nature of most of these songs lead us to think he's been listening to a lot of Neil Young and Crazy Horse. This album is more whole and grounded than his older ones, and show some real maturity. Not my favorite of his, but what's a year without a solid record from Ryan?
Three Key Cuts: "Magick" "Born Into A Light" "Cobwebs"
The Best of 2008 - 25 Singles
Here it is, my list of the 25 best songs that came out in 2008. They are streaming on the sidebar of the page. Merry Christmas!
In no particular order (except for the first one):
I'm Amazed - My Morning Jacket
The highest quality of American Music. Intricate but accessible, catchy but deep. It's musical happiness. This how enjoyable music should be to listen to. Best song of the year, no contest.
Many Shades of Black - The Raconteurs
Brandon Benson and Jack white deliver the most epic of rockers; it sounds like the centerpiece of a rock opera. The guitar work is as to be expects of JW, but the horns add that extra something.
Constructive Summer - The Hold Steady
Champions of the storytelling rock anthem, and heir to the restless narrative of Bruce and Bob; The Hold Steady are the tops.
You Are The Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne
If more "singer/songwriters" were like Ray, we'd be a lot better off. The horns in this song prove that a brass section can add balls to any love song (BONUS, your girlfriend will love this song).
I Got Mine - The Black Keys
The most badass song of the year. Listen to this while walking at night and feel very evil, yet vindicated (like you're a killer, but you only kill to keep bad guys off the street. Or you're a mercenary and have no moral problems with blood on your hands. Or...I'll stop). It's dirty, dirty blues.
Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? - She & Him
The cutest singer all year, Zooey Deschanel (yes, the actress) let's out a country rocker with an amazing groove. The vocal layering gives it that retro feel of warmth that most new records lack.
Who Put The Fire Out - Electric Touch
I'm a sucker for pianos, especially when they're more of a percussion instrument than anything. This Spoon-esque hit is a pure pop gem.
Use Somebody - Kings of Leon
Though their new album is a complete departure from their past, and it's significantly less rocking, they've managed to churn out this sincere uptempo ballad. (Gossip Girl approved, so your girlfriend has already heard and loved it)
Carpetbaggers - Jenny Lewis (w/Elvis Costello)
I wont go too deep into my love for Jenny (she's a redhead), but let's just say that she knows how I work. This three-chord, country-rock, hook-laden tale is exactly the song I would want to play with her. Unfortunately, it's not me but Elvis Costello, the new "cool-uncle" of rock, who nails it as her verse-trading vocal partner.
Morning Tide - The Little Ones
California beach pop. Harmonies, sun-soaked organs and a very singable chorus. Cheer up music for sure.
Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution - The Black Crowes
I'm overly critical of some of my favorite bands from the 90's who release new music (Oasis, CAKE, Pearl Jam), and the brothers Robinson reserve some of my harshest criticism. Their newest album isn't great, but this song is fantastic, if not a bit too long at the end. A chorus straight out of "Southern Harmony," and great guitar work get this one to the top. Rainsberger gets the gold for finding this one.
Do The Panic - Phantom Planet
PP kind of suck. They have a knack for pop rock for the post-Jonas Brothers but not-quite-Kings of Leon listeners, yet are mostly unimportant overall. However this song to me is a very tongue-in-cheek sendup of 50's dance songs and 00's mope-rock, and contains some great instrumental work. (Girlfriend friendly, 'cause she used to watch The O.C.)
Wake The Sun - Matches
I woke up to this song every morning for 8 months straight and never once got sick of it. Maybe it was because I was in a subconscious trance as it played, and it's soft, light and fun pop was unoffensive and soothing. But it's monotonous main guitar line is very uplifting and happy. Smile.
Aliens & Rainbows - Ferras
This one's for Tom and Inky. There's a love for Queen and Elton John that this guy holds dear, and it shows on this track. This single sounds like the introspective "big showstopping number" by the lead actor in a Superhero-themed big budget Broadway musical. Seriously. It's great.
In My Room - Albert Hammond Jr..
Albert is the guitar player in The Strokes. Albert is a big part of their NYC hipster rock sound. But Albert has an emotional, California pop side to him. His second solo outing doesn't disappoint, and this is the best rocker on the album.
Brand New Start - Little Joy
Fabrizio is the drummer in The Strokes. Fabrizio is a big part of their NYC hipster rock sound. But Fabrizio has an emotional, California pop side to him. His first solo outing doesn't disappoint, and this is a throwback soft-rock hit missing from AM radio.
Profanity Prayers - Beck
Beck somehow escapes my aforementioned 90's-artist wrath. He's not always good, but he's always pushing himself somewhere musically. This song is a rock fest of guitars and tempo. The little breakdown towards the end is the signature-Beck curveball.
Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
I know it's overexposed and annoyingly predictable, but dammit it's catchy, fun, bouncy, and I have a feeling the lead singer is hot. Brodie gets the W for introducing me to this one.
A Few Words (In Defense Of Our Country) - Randy Newman
Different than everything else on this list, because I would NEVER want you to put this on a party playlist. But download this song and take 5 minutes out of your life to put on some headphones and enjoy Randy's lyrics. He is the Larry David of music; cringe worthy, true 'til it hurts, and funny as hell.
Dying Is Fine - Ra Ra Riot
Their drummer died surfing before they started to record their debut album. They had written this song (inspired by an e.e.cummings poem) before his death, but sounds like a group eulogizing their lost friend. Aside from that, its a deep pop song with a haunting violin, great guitar work, and a catchy chorus. Not as sad of a song as I may make it sound, but it's complex and a great listen.
Swing That Tambourine - Kristoffer Ragnstam
I don't love this song until about 1:10 into it. The beginning sounds a little too Jack Johnson meets Postal Service, but when the refrain kicks in, it starts rocking. Very catchy; very good chorus.
Mercy - Duffy
I know this whole throwback-R&B-singers thing is gimmicky, but I loved Joss Stone in 2003, Amy Winehouse in 2006, and I dig Duffy now. It's Bill Clinton approved sexy. This is her best song.
Moab - Conor Oberst
Following up on "Four Winds" last year, this country-rocker from Mr. Bright Eyes proves how great he can be. A whole album of this and less moping would make me like him a ton more. The chorus sounds like an Irish folksong repurposed for the American west.
Time to Pretend - MGMT
The youth anthem of 2008. I cant lie; I dig it. It will be in every teen movie trailer in 2009, and in 20 years will be played at bars and people will look at each other and give that "OMG remember this song!" look. But for now, let's do what those sweaty hipsters say and find some models for wives.
(I Used To Couldn't Dance) Tight Pants - Eagles of Death Metal
EODM are a very guilty pleasure of mine. It's not death metal, it's garage-band dance-rock. All their songs smell of sex and booze and, well, tight pants, yeah! What's not to like? Hell, even I might dance to this.
In no particular order (except for the first one):
I'm Amazed - My Morning Jacket
The highest quality of American Music. Intricate but accessible, catchy but deep. It's musical happiness. This how enjoyable music should be to listen to. Best song of the year, no contest.
Many Shades of Black - The Raconteurs
Brandon Benson and Jack white deliver the most epic of rockers; it sounds like the centerpiece of a rock opera. The guitar work is as to be expects of JW, but the horns add that extra something.
Constructive Summer - The Hold Steady
Champions of the storytelling rock anthem, and heir to the restless narrative of Bruce and Bob; The Hold Steady are the tops.
You Are The Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne
If more "singer/songwriters" were like Ray, we'd be a lot better off. The horns in this song prove that a brass section can add balls to any love song (BONUS, your girlfriend will love this song).
I Got Mine - The Black Keys
The most badass song of the year. Listen to this while walking at night and feel very evil, yet vindicated (like you're a killer, but you only kill to keep bad guys off the street. Or you're a mercenary and have no moral problems with blood on your hands. Or...I'll stop). It's dirty, dirty blues.
Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? - She & Him
The cutest singer all year, Zooey Deschanel (yes, the actress) let's out a country rocker with an amazing groove. The vocal layering gives it that retro feel of warmth that most new records lack.
Who Put The Fire Out - Electric Touch
I'm a sucker for pianos, especially when they're more of a percussion instrument than anything. This Spoon-esque hit is a pure pop gem.
Use Somebody - Kings of Leon
Though their new album is a complete departure from their past, and it's significantly less rocking, they've managed to churn out this sincere uptempo ballad. (Gossip Girl approved, so your girlfriend has already heard and loved it)
Carpetbaggers - Jenny Lewis (w/Elvis Costello)
I wont go too deep into my love for Jenny (she's a redhead), but let's just say that she knows how I work. This three-chord, country-rock, hook-laden tale is exactly the song I would want to play with her. Unfortunately, it's not me but Elvis Costello, the new "cool-uncle" of rock, who nails it as her verse-trading vocal partner.
Morning Tide - The Little Ones
California beach pop. Harmonies, sun-soaked organs and a very singable chorus. Cheer up music for sure.
Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution - The Black Crowes
I'm overly critical of some of my favorite bands from the 90's who release new music (Oasis, CAKE, Pearl Jam), and the brothers Robinson reserve some of my harshest criticism. Their newest album isn't great, but this song is fantastic, if not a bit too long at the end. A chorus straight out of "Southern Harmony," and great guitar work get this one to the top. Rainsberger gets the gold for finding this one.
Do The Panic - Phantom Planet
PP kind of suck. They have a knack for pop rock for the post-Jonas Brothers but not-quite-Kings of Leon listeners, yet are mostly unimportant overall. However this song to me is a very tongue-in-cheek sendup of 50's dance songs and 00's mope-rock, and contains some great instrumental work. (Girlfriend friendly, 'cause she used to watch The O.C.)
Wake The Sun - Matches
I woke up to this song every morning for 8 months straight and never once got sick of it. Maybe it was because I was in a subconscious trance as it played, and it's soft, light and fun pop was unoffensive and soothing. But it's monotonous main guitar line is very uplifting and happy. Smile.
Aliens & Rainbows - Ferras
This one's for Tom and Inky. There's a love for Queen and Elton John that this guy holds dear, and it shows on this track. This single sounds like the introspective "big showstopping number" by the lead actor in a Superhero-themed big budget Broadway musical. Seriously. It's great.
In My Room - Albert Hammond Jr..
Albert is the guitar player in The Strokes. Albert is a big part of their NYC hipster rock sound. But Albert has an emotional, California pop side to him. His second solo outing doesn't disappoint, and this is the best rocker on the album.
Brand New Start - Little Joy
Fabrizio is the drummer in The Strokes. Fabrizio is a big part of their NYC hipster rock sound. But Fabrizio has an emotional, California pop side to him. His first solo outing doesn't disappoint, and this is a throwback soft-rock hit missing from AM radio.
Profanity Prayers - Beck
Beck somehow escapes my aforementioned 90's-artist wrath. He's not always good, but he's always pushing himself somewhere musically. This song is a rock fest of guitars and tempo. The little breakdown towards the end is the signature-Beck curveball.
Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
I know it's overexposed and annoyingly predictable, but dammit it's catchy, fun, bouncy, and I have a feeling the lead singer is hot. Brodie gets the W for introducing me to this one.
A Few Words (In Defense Of Our Country) - Randy Newman
Different than everything else on this list, because I would NEVER want you to put this on a party playlist. But download this song and take 5 minutes out of your life to put on some headphones and enjoy Randy's lyrics. He is the Larry David of music; cringe worthy, true 'til it hurts, and funny as hell.
Dying Is Fine - Ra Ra Riot
Their drummer died surfing before they started to record their debut album. They had written this song (inspired by an e.e.cummings poem) before his death, but sounds like a group eulogizing their lost friend. Aside from that, its a deep pop song with a haunting violin, great guitar work, and a catchy chorus. Not as sad of a song as I may make it sound, but it's complex and a great listen.
Swing That Tambourine - Kristoffer Ragnstam
I don't love this song until about 1:10 into it. The beginning sounds a little too Jack Johnson meets Postal Service, but when the refrain kicks in, it starts rocking. Very catchy; very good chorus.
Mercy - Duffy
I know this whole throwback-R&B-singers thing is gimmicky, but I loved Joss Stone in 2003, Amy Winehouse in 2006, and I dig Duffy now. It's Bill Clinton approved sexy. This is her best song.
Moab - Conor Oberst
Following up on "Four Winds" last year, this country-rocker from Mr. Bright Eyes proves how great he can be. A whole album of this and less moping would make me like him a ton more. The chorus sounds like an Irish folksong repurposed for the American west.
Time to Pretend - MGMT
The youth anthem of 2008. I cant lie; I dig it. It will be in every teen movie trailer in 2009, and in 20 years will be played at bars and people will look at each other and give that "OMG remember this song!" look. But for now, let's do what those sweaty hipsters say and find some models for wives.
(I Used To Couldn't Dance) Tight Pants - Eagles of Death Metal
EODM are a very guilty pleasure of mine. It's not death metal, it's garage-band dance-rock. All their songs smell of sex and booze and, well, tight pants, yeah! What's not to like? Hell, even I might dance to this.
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