Special: Ryan's Top 15 Albums of 2008

As the old saying goes, "better late than never." So without any further anticipation, here is my top 15 favorite albums of 2008. Take 'em or leave 'em.

15. The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of the Understatement

14. Underoath - Lost In The Sound of Separation

13. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

12. Bloc Party - Intimacy

11. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound

10. Apes & Androids - Blood Moon
Apes & Androids is, to say the least, one of the most interesting bands I’ve listened to in a long time. This five-piece glam-rock band has created a sexy, synth ridden experience with vocals that would be comparable to a modern day Freddy Mercury … ya know, if he wasn’t dead. The mood of the album is immediately set with opener “Blood Moon I” as the sounds of a space craft descending on earth sends society into disarray and chaos. This is Blood Moon, a completely unique and strange offering in a world that has yet to see anything of its kind before. Apes & Androids take the best tricks of the trade from classic rock acts like Queen, Bowie in his Ziggy Stardust days, and a twist of Prince, combining them with a unique and interesting sound.

Favorite Tracks: "We Don't Understand You," "Hot Kathy," "Doyle is Dead"


9. Eagles of Death Metal - Heart On
Baby Duck and Boots Electric have released their latest fabulous weapon on the wanting masses and it is the sexiest of their collection. Heart On takes the good-old-fashioned scuzz rock which made its predecessors so great and refines it just a bit more. The Eagles expand on their simple formula of making fun 70s style rock throughout the album with some deeper tracks like “Now I’m a Fool” and “How Can A Man With So Many Friends Feel So All Alone.” Unlike Peace, Love, Death Metal and Death By Sexy, EoDM’s self-proclaimed “sonic warhead sexually tipped for her pleasure” not only delivers the fun but also a sense of polish that has yet to be seen on an Eagels disc. Heart On further demonstrates the evolution and growth of these stellar gods of rock and sex while giving their fans some “Cheap Thrills” in the process.

Favorite Tracks: "(I Used To Couldn't Dance) Tight Pants," "Secret Plans," "Heart On"


8. Lower Definition - The Greatest of All Lost Arts
The date is July 29th, 2008. I pass the threshold into a small, dark establishment known as “Valentine’s” only to immediately be assaulted by some of the most furious and commanding post-hardcore this side of Glassjaw and Poison the Well. Everything on this album is tight, from the soaring guitar to the thumping, powerful bass work. Singer Matt Geise’s vocals are sure to amaze listeners and translate perfectly from their live performances. His ability to seamlessly jump from gentle melodic vocals to a gut-wrenching scream places him among the elite. The Greatest of All Lost Arts is definitely an album that should not be passed by any fan of the genre. Lower Definition offers nothing but a fully engaging piece of work in their debut full-length and a promise of great things to come.

Favorite Tracks: "Versus Versace," "The Ventriloquist," "The Weatherman"


7. Sigur Ros - Meo suo í eyrum vio spilum endalaust
Sigur Ros’ fifth studio release features relatively shorter, more playful songs with lighter guitars and a bit less of their established post-rock tone yet remains as serene and beautiful as the rest of the band’s discography. The album is seemingly divided into two halves, the first being far more joyous and whimsical than the latter half which is more in the vein of previous discs like 2005’s “Takk.” That point being made, this is what makes Meo suo í eyrum vio spilum endalaust one of the years best. It is able to appeal to a wider audience with accessible tracks like “Inní mér syngur vitleysingur” and “Vio spilum endalaust” without compromising the band’s original tastes. Mes sus … builds upon Sigur Ros’ musically style exquisitely, making it one of the best albums of 2008 as well as one of the best of their collection.

Favorite Tracks: "Inní mér syngur vitleysingur," "Vio spilum endalaust," "Suo i eyrum"

6. Nine Inch Nails - The Slip
No one can deny that Trent Reznor has been on a massive role recently. Since 2007, Reznor and his Nail Inch Nails have released FOUR full-length albums: Year Zero, Year Zero Remixed, Ghosts I-IV, and The Slip. On May 5th, 2008, the latter was released via the bands official website … for free. That’s a pretty good start for an album. The Slip immediately jumps into the fast, punk-infused track “1,000,000.” This gut-wrenching, heavy chorded track doesn’t loosen it’s grip until you’re led into the furious “Letting You,” which is very similar to those heard throughout Year Zero. The album continues in a similar, dark and brooding fashion, until the disturbingly peaceful “Lights in the Sky,” a track that features Reznor whispering over dramatic piano. The album’s closer, “Demon Seed,” isn’t easy to describe as it combines aspects of NIN’s entire discography: electronic beats comparable to those in Ghosts I-V, a smooth bass line accompanied by heavy handed guitar akin to those in With Teeth, and lyrics similar to those in Year Zero. The Slip was a sudden and unique album which can be described as the amalgamation of everything Nine Inch Nails has released to date. With his seventh studio release, Reznor once again proves to be a master of his craft.

Favorite Tracks: "1,000,000," "Letting You," "Echoplex"

5. My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
Do you remember My Morning Jacket’s critically acclaimed album Z released in 2005? If so, forget what it sounded like. Completely. This mostly bearded classic rock group have decided to switch things up a bit with their latest release, Evil Urges. For instance, on previous records, front man Jim James’ vocals sounded a lot more southern-rock than they do on Evil Urges, in which case James has adopted a piercing falsetto suggestive of Prince on a handful of tracks. This isn’t the end of the gamut of change MMJ runs through, however. During the course of the album, the band successful manages to delve into multiple genres of music left untouched beforehand. The albums begins with three tripped out and funked up tracks that would normally be considered out of the quintet’s playbook. The album doesn’t stop here, however, featuring slow, country-esque tracks like “Sec Walkin’” and “Look At You,” as well as the nicely place, deliciously poppy “Two Halves.“ Sure there are still a couple honest-to-god rock songs on the album in the form of “I’m Amazed,” “Aluminum Park,” and “Remnants” but, on the whole, each track is an exciting deviation of the one before. With their fifth studio album, Evil Urges, My Morning Jacket is able to prove that change isn’t always a bad thing.

Favorite Tracks: "Highly Suspicious," " Sec Walkin'," " "Touch Me I'm Going To Scream (Part 2)," and of course "Good Intentions"

4. She & Him - Volume One
Allow me to start this review by stating a simple desire; Zooey Deschanel, I wanna get on you. Not just because you’re exceedingly attractive, but because you have one of the most talented voices of any current female recording artist. When you listen to She & Him’s Volume One, you will feel as though your time machine broke down in the 1960’s. Deschanel’s voice carries with the a natural beauty and is the definition of cutesy 60’s bubblegum-pop while Him, guitarist M. Ward, provides a simple, yet fitting, background which carries a strong country twang. The album is a assortment of love songs essentially. Zooey’s magnificent pipes are able to deliver the emotions of complete and utter giddy excitement as well as desperate heartbreak picture perfectly. Thankfully, this album is called Volume One.

Favorite Tracks: "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?," "You Really Gotta Hold On Me," "Sweet Darlin' "

3. Does It Offend You, Yeah? - You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into
This four-man crew from Reading, England have accomplished quite a bit in their short time together. Since 2006, Does It Offend You, Yeah? have manufactured remixes for big-name bands like Bloc Party and Muse, become known amongst fans and critics alike for their raucous and wild live shows, and released one of the most widely acclaimed dance-rock albums of this year. With a sound similar to Klaxons and Justice, Does It Offend You, Yeah? shows their creativity and originality with songs like “We Are Rockstars,” a frantic and synth-laden romp, and “Epic Last Song” which is rightfully named to say the least. Overall, You Have No Idea What You’re Getting Yourself Into proves to be a boisterous rock record and an extremely fun, original electro disc that is guaranteed to offend.

Favorite Tracks: "With A Heavy Heart (I Regret To Inform You)," "We Are Rockstars," "Epic Last Song"

2. Kings of Leon - Only By The Night
Since the days of Youth and Young Manhood, Kings of Leon have shown great maturity and have gradually transformed their style a bit with each album. This change is most evident with the band’s fourth studio release, entitled Only By The Night. Trading in their rattling, fast-paced country rock beginnings for a calmer and more contemplative tone, Only By The Night features deeper vocals, warbling guitars, and some of the most epic Kings of Leon tracks since “California Waiting” and “Holy Roller Novocain.” Singer Caleb Followill has steered away from the scruffy vocals of previous albums, settling on a somber croon which reveals the true power and range of his voice. Caleb’s vocal shift makes songs like “Use Somebody” and “Cold Desert” especially exceptional tracks. These Tennessee kings take their time to seduce listeners with Only By The Night and the result is phenomenal.

Favorite Tracks: "Use Somebody," "17," "Cold Desert"

1. TV on the Radio - Dear Science,
I’m sure this comes as a massive surprise to anyone who has seen any other “Top Albums of ‘08”list but TV on the Radio’s Dear Science, is an astounding collection of tracks filled with uncharacteristically catchy beats as well as superb vocal work and beautiful lyrics. Dear Science, is the polar opposite of everything TVOTR has offered before it. At it’s heart, this is a record about immense optimism and love, even in times when it seems as though the human race is completely fucked. This message is pushed through with every word sung by Adebimpe and Malone and supported to perfection by the funky playing of guitarist David Sitek, bassist Gerard Smith, and drummer Jaleel Bunton. Each song’s lyrical content oozes with the contradiction of finding joy in the stern, merciless face of destruction and nothingness. In other words, facing inevitable Armageddon and telling it to fuck off. TV on the Radio offers a few options when dealing with this matter: you can keep faith that there is peace and love after death, dance your troubles away until they come knocking on your front door, or, in the words of closer “Lover’s Day,” “smash the walls, break the bed, and crash the floors” with the nearest member of the opposite gender. The peaceful, dreamy “Family Tree” is the best portrayal of option one, telling the tale of a love, quelled by racism, destined to carry on past the narrator’s hanging. Option two comes in the form of the extremely groovy “Red Dress” which advises listeners to look their snazziest and celebrate the coming of the “Whore of Babylon!!” However, with intent, the following track, “Love Dog,” is a touching piece about a lost and lonely dog, howling for his owner; Call me crazy, but I think there might be a deeper meaning behind it. If you haven’t noticed yet, I’m completely and madly in love with this album. Every single aspect of this disc is triumphantly woven together. You can hear the conviction and belief in Adebimpe’s voice; These aren’t just meaningless words written on paper. Dear Science, is a truly outstanding piece of art and, is without a shadow of a doubt, the finest of 2008.

Favorite Tracks: "Family Tree," "Love Dog, " "DLZ"

Special: Nick's Top 15 Albums of 2008

1. M83 - Saturdays=Youth
'Saturdays=Youth' is another step in the natural progression of electronic artist M83, moving from the ambient soundscapes and bombastic percussion of previous albums to synth-laden 1980s pop on this most recent entry. The album is a fresh take on a long-forgotten and much maligned genre, crafting catchy hooks and foot-stomping rythms while staying true to the etheral core that makes M83 what it is. Highlights of the album include "We Own The Sky", "Kim & Jessie", as well as "Couleurs", an 8:34 disco-era cut that is quite a treat to see live.

2. Portugal. The Man - Censored Colors
Taking cues from acts such as the Beatles, The Mars Volta, and what seems like several Southern Baptist Choirs along the way, Portugal. The Man has crafted a truly soulful and poignant album in 'Censored Colors'. Because of a shift to a folk/soul-like sound, the salt of the earth vocals of John Gourley are the focal point of the album, earning high praise on tracks such as "1989", "Created", and "Colors". If a record that combines melodic acoustic arrangements, powerful vocals, atmospheric keys, and the occasional choral backdrop sounds like your thing, then pick up 'Censored Colors'. The aforementioned "1989" and "Created" are good starting points, as is "Lay Me Back Down".

3. Woven - Designer Codes
Woven's 'Designer Codes', while bested by the two previous albums, is perhaps the most original and chilling release of 2008. You won't find any cheap hooks or recycled beats in 'Designer Codes', instead expect to find fourteen tracks that will hone your listening ear and send chills down your spine. "Perception *****" sounds like a Trent Reznor creation at its most perverted, while the CD closer "She Blows My Amplifier" is a wonderfully brilliant take on '( )' era Sigur Ros. 'Designer Codes' has drawn some underground comparisons to Radiohead's landmark 'Kid A', and I would not give it such high praise, however the originality, emotion, and complexity is certainly there to justify the claim. Do not listen to individual tracks, as you would be depraving yourself of the true experience, instead listen to the entire album.

4. The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound
Perhaps more than other years, 2008 has been a time for many bands to look back through annals of music history for artistic influence. With the 'The '59 Sound', The Gaslight Anthem has turned back the clock to a time when Bruce Springsteen anthem-rock was at the heart America's musical conscience. There is nothing particularly complex or original about 'The 59 Sound', except for the fact that it's able to meld catchy guitar hooks and rhythmic drum lines with the enveloping voice of frontman Brian Fallon in a way that hasn't been done since the Boss' hey-day. "The '59 Sound", "High Lonesome", "Film Noir", and "The Patient Ferris Wheel" are the best of the best on this consistent and well-rounded album.

5. Moving Mountains - Pneuma
Westchester, NY-based rockers Moving Mountains are utterly in touch with how to make, not to be redundant, moving alternative rock. Every one of the songs on their debut effort "Pneuma" packs an emotional punch, particularly the massively epic closer "Ode Will Bury Ourselves". Much of the instrumentation in the choruses' and bridges' uses post-rock elements such as crashing drums and sonic guitar walls, while the vocals are high-pitched and draw comparisons to Thursday's Geoff Rickly. I anticipate that fans of dredg, Kaddisfly, Circa Survive, and The Appleseed Cast will take to 'Pneuma' very well. "Ode We Will Bury Oursevles" is the best song of the year and an absolute must listen.

6. Apes & Androids - Blood Moon
About three tracks into 'Blood Moon', it becomes quite obvious that Apes & Androids are cut from a different sort of cloth than most other bands today. Catchy, non-sensical, and over-produced, the Queen-infused glam rock espoused on 'Blood Moon' is delightfully entertaining. Beat machines, synthesizers, and outlandish, Freddy Mercury-esque vocals are at the core of Apes & Androids, and help produce standout tracks such as "Golden Prize", "Nights of the Week", and "Doyle Is Dead". If you want a truly original and fun listening experience, check out 'Blood Moon'.

7. Thrice - The Alchemy Index, Vols. III & IV: Air & Earth
What do you get when Dustin Kensrue and the rest of Thrice are allowed to explore their experimental sides? The 'Alchemy Index' of course, more specifically, Vols. III & IV: Air & Earth, a double album that complements the 2007 release of Vols. I & II: Fire & Water. The first half, 'Air', contains six songs that are slower and highly reminiscent of "Red Sky", a hit off 2005's 'Vheissu'. The latter half, 'Earth', is pure acoustic and piano-laden folk. The top song off of 'Air' is "Daedalus", while "Child of Dust" closes out 'Earth' beautifully. Hopefully Thrice continues their foray into the world of experimental rock, as this material is easily some of their best.

8. Lower Definition - The Greatest of All Lost Arts
When I saw the last two songs of Lower Definition's set at a Dance Gavin Dance concert this past July, I had little idea what I was getting myself into. In the following days I listened to their debut "The Greatest of All Lost Arts" and was blown away by the versatile vocals of lead singer Matt Geise and his ability to shift from a melodic emo croon to a blistering scream in seconds (a trait which was still present live). Punchy guitar hooks, as well as chugga-chugga breakdowns are present throughout the album, and complement Geise's vocals to a tee. If anything, Lower Definition should strive to keep their versatility, but increase their diversity, as much of 'The Greatest of All Lost Arts' is hard to differentiate. "The Ventriloquist" is the stand out track, along with "To Satellite" and "If We Speak Quietly".

9. Damiera - Quiet Mouth Loud Hands
Damiera's 'Quiet Mouth Loud Hands' did not initially resonate with my musical senses, so I disregarded the album at first. Lest, upon further inspection, I found 'Quiet Mouth Loud Hands' to be a pleasing amalgamation of catchy bass grooves, quirky vocals (sung almost in a RHCP style at times), and prog-influenced guitar hooks. The album manages to stick to the same formula throughout without sounding repetitive or tired, building around tracks such as "Quiet Mouth Loud Hands", "Nailbiter", and "Teacher, Preacher", which facilitates thoughts of a Justin Timberlake pop tune. The entire experience clocks in at a manageable 31:31, with no tracks topping 3:43.

10. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
For whatever reason I was a little late to MGMT party, only listening to this album in the last month. However, that did not stop me from becoming intoxicated by the silky smooth synth-pop afforded by 'Oracular Spectacular'. "Electric Feel", "Time To Pretend", and "Kids" each summon images of running through a field of dandelions on a hazy summer day. Other songs on the album, such as "Of Moons, Birds & Monsters" and "The Youth" give off a more Pink Floyd-esque, psychedelic feel. And yes, I am cognizant of the fact that 'Oracular Spectacular' was released digitally in October 2007, however this list goes off the date of the label release!

11. Dance Gavin Dance - Untitled
Warning: pretentious indie intelligentsia move along. Dance Gavin Dance is not for the close-minded, or perhaps even for the open-minded, they are simply an acquired taste who offend the senses of many given their grating screamer and idiosyncratic lyrics. Dubbed 'The Deathstar Album' (notice the album art), DGD's latest release doesn't quite measure up to 2007's 'Downtown Battle Mountain', however makes up for it by fusing some more progressive elements into the music. "Caviar", featuring Chino Moreno of Deftones, is a highlight of the album and shows the more mature side of DGD, while "Hot Water on Wool" is complete with a minute long instrumental intro and sounds akin to Circa Survive. There are some throwaway songs, "Buffalo!" especially, however the album does a good job of differentiating itself from much of the ubiquitous post-hardcore genre.

12. Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Separation
The Florida-based Christian rockers Underoath have churned out another solid effort with 'Lost in the Sound of Separation', effectively taking a baseball bat and repeatedly slamming the listener over the head with it. The album opener, "Breathing in a New Mentality", is the best track and provides one of the most brutal breakdowns this side of Sky Eats Airplane's "Disconnected". "Desperate Times, Desperate Measures", "The Only Survivor Was Miraculously Unharmed", and "Anyone Can Dig A Hole But It Takes A Real Man To Call It Home" continue the sonic beatdown, juxtaposing Dallas Chamberlain's abrasive vocals against crunching guitars and the occasional Aaron Gillespie melodic verse. Perhaps the main fault of 'Lost in the Sound of Separation' is that Chamberlain's vocals, while intensely satisfying, can be become tedious by the latter portion of the album.

13. Foals - Antidotes
Foals' 'Antidotes' will immediately resonate with fans of British dance-pop, notably those who enjoy bands like Bloc Party and Late of the Pier. "The French Open", "Red Sock Pugie", and "Olympics Airways" contribute to this label and succeed in making the album an enjoyable listening experience. However, Foals sewed their seeds in math-rock, and that influence is clearly present on songs like "Heavy Water", "Like Swimming", and "Tron", with guitar loops suggestive of math-rock darlings Battles. The CD is solid from top to bottom, with many good but very few great tracks, nevertheless be sure to check out "Big Big Love (Fig.2)".

14. Sigur Rós - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust
'Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust' is Sigur Rós' most accessible work to date, abandoning some of the minimalistic aspects of their previous music in favor of some more (relatively) conventional song structure. This is not to say that the ethereal aspects of Sigur Rós are lost, as "Festival", "Ára bátur", and "Fljótavík" serve as extensions of the slow-motion rock of '( )' and 'Takk...' However, the strongest songs on the record come in the way of "Gobbledigook" and "Inní mér syngur vitleysingur", tracks that are centered around fanciful and stimulating rhythms that could garner the interest of even the most myopic audiophiles. Overall, 'Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust' is another worthwhile release from the Icelandic ensemble that will appeal to those with broad and limited palettes alike.

15. Neon Neon - Stainless Style
'Stainless Style' is certainly an ambitious concept - pit Super Furry Animals' Gruff Rhys and electronic artist Bloom Bip together along with a host of guest musicians to create a 1980s-sounding disco anthem about famed car designer John De Lorean. The foray was largely successful, as Neon Neon has crafted a multi-faceted and danceable record that is especially strong in the first fifteen minutes, with tracks such as "Dream Girls", "I Told Her On Alderaan", and "Raquel" setting the plate nicely. From there, Neon Neon enlists the services of Spank Rock, Fatlip, and Yo Majesty for some hit and miss rap ditties, the best of which is "Trick For Treat". Anyone looking for a catchy 1980s experience should definitely give 'Stainless Style' a listen, most notably the songs "Dream Girls" and "Michael Douglas".

HM:
Copeland - You Are My Sunshine
El Ten Eleven - These Promises Are Being Videotaped
Emarosa - Relativity
Eye Alaska - Yellow & Elephant (EP)
God Is An Astronaut - God Is An Astronaut
Russian Circles - Station