what best albums of 2008?

It’s that time of year again – the time when hipsters and critics and fairweather music fans can get snarky and either condemn the year’s new releases or laud them. I’m doing a little of both. This is pretty self-indulgent.

Instead of coming up with my own list, I thought it might be fun to check other lists and weigh in on the albums I was able to listen to that made those lists. Some got a number of repeats (and therefore may actually qualify as a ‘best of’ album), and some only got one mention. But hey, spice of life.

Taylor thinks that this year didn’t have any really big releases worth making a celebration of. No White Stripes or Crane Wife this year. I have to agree. There were some excellent releases, but nothing that really made a splash. At least, that’s our opinion. And that of Taylor’s History of Rock Music class.

Anyway – on with the list!

She & Him Volume One – A lovely and adorable album made by a lovely hipster chick and an adorable hipster boy. Maybe not the best (as Paste would like to think of it), but an enjoyable listen nonetheless. The Twee Album of 2008, regardless. The Smokey Robinson cover is what sold me.

Coldplay Viva La Vida – Months after it’s release, the only song I care to listen to now is “Lost!” It’s all about the Hammond organ and handclaps. Still ‘meh’ about the band in general.

Lucinda Williams Little Honey - Oh yeah. Awesome. She’s pretty b.a.. And her cover of AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top” is one of the best things I’ve heard in awhile. And the rawness of the title track really floored me when I listened to it again the other day. It’s rare to hear a mainstream chick who can rawk.

Katy Perry One of the Boys – WHAT? Um… after the novelty of “Ur So Gay” and “I Kissed a Girl” wore off (only took a day or two) I was so over this chick. So not a favorite of the year. Is this on lists because of the hype? That’s the not the same thing.

Amanda Palmer Who Killed Amanda Palmer? – Something I can stand behind! A Ben Folds-produced bundle of awesome. There is life beyond the Dresden Dolls, and it is very nice.

Raphael Saadiq The Way I See It – YES! It’s the old Motown sound with fresh air. It’s sexy. It’s SAADIQ. One of the very few albums in rotation at Chain Name Entertainment Store that hasn’t made our ears bleed. Excellent, excellent album.

The Killers Day & Age – Trusted music friends said this album sucked. Well, these guys are trying way too hard to be U2. And failing. Sounds like everything else they do. They either need to be on the road way more or way less and focus on development.

Girl Talk Feed the Animals – WOW. This took loads of talent to compile. However, waaay too much gangsta rap for my taste. Ease it up, fella. None of it could be played on college radio without considerable tweaking. But I can appreciate the effort.

M83 Saturdays = Youth – A definite summer fave. The soundtrack of my own John Hughes film. Haven’t listened to it much since, but it doesn’t make me cringe. “Kim & Jessie” speaks volumes to me in 5 minutes and 23 seconds.

Flight of the Conchords Flight of the Conchords – What’s not to like? Some of the best comedy songs this side of Monty Python and “Red Hooded Sweatshirt.” We’re all making a lasagna… for one. Even without the context of the show it’s superb.

Duffy Rockferry & Adele 19 – Sorry, ladies, my torch still shines for the drug-addled Amy Winehouse. But good efforts! I’d just like to see a little more raw power next time. You definitely have the soul down. Next albums should be awesome.

Dido Safe Trip Home – This was a new one?! Huh. Sounded like the rest of your catalog. *yawn* Do yourself a favor, hon, and get a better producer.

Radiohead In Rainbows – I thought this came out last year?

Johnny Flynn A Larum – Just based on the guy’s name I felt I would like the album. Folky without being too soft. Music you’d find yourself singing and dancing to in a pub with a stout old lady pouring the beers. Quite enjoyable.

REM Accelerate – Not being much of an REM fan, I really liked this album. Some fun rockers on this, and I appreciate the hometown boys hearkening back somewhat to their Athens heyday roots. Peter Buck needs to cut loose more often!

Jenny Lewis Acid Tongue – A case of the sophomore slump, though not that severe. Some good things on it, some promise, but not quite the level of awesome her first solo release led us to desire. I’ll be on the lookout, but this has caused me to wane a little.

Gnarls Barkley The Odd Couple – When I want Gnarls Barkley, I pull out St. Elsewhere. That album will stand the test of time. This one… not so much. Some excellent tracks, but another touch of the sophomore slump.

The Last Shadow Puppets Age of the Understatement – Another record in frequent rotation at Chain Name Entertainment Store that doesn’t cause our ears to bleed. That’s a pretty major endorsement, by the way. Lots of classic sounds reinvented.

Portishead Third – My writing music for the latter part of the year. “Machine Gun” is another song that speaks volumes to me in only a few short minutes. Blends well with their previous releases.

Honorable Mentions:
These didn’t make any lists, but I felt they were worth mentioning anyway.

Slow Runner Mermaids – My current favorite band. “Trying To Put Your Heart Back Together” has been a favorite since before the album came out. This one shows progression and sheer talent. The 2008 definition of lovely.

Bajofondo Mar Dulce – One of my favorite live shows of the year was this band in Millennium Park. I had an obessive phase with this album for a few weeks over the summer. Still get excited during the opening chords of certain tracks.

Ingrid Michaelson Be OK – She’s one of many artists with this sound in my record collection. There are highlights for sure, but this feels like a B-side record catered to fans. And that’s OK.

Amos Lee Last Days At the Lodge – Soulful young man with a Jack Johnson vibe. He does not reach the irritation level J.J. brings me, and therefore is way more awesome. A perfect lazy Sunday afternoon album.

Liz Durrett Outside Out Gates – She’s starting to branch out some more and I love it. She’s not just singing to her cat anymore. Some of the tracks, like “We Build Bridges”, really surprised me for that very reason. I’m pleased and hope she continues on this path.

Wild Sweet Orange We Have Cause To Be Uneasy – Paste said this band is for those mourning the loss of Jump, Little Children. To an extent I have to agree, and that actually had some bearing on me getting this. It’s excellent indie rock without trying too hard.

The Remus Lupins Nevermind the Furthermore – The opening track sounds like a late 1960′s John Lennon Beatles track. Dude. And “Oh Dear, My Dear” is just… so sweet. For the small fan niche that already loves Alex Carpenter, but way great within that niche.