Wednesday, December 31, 2008

13 Great Albums From 2008

I'm starting off my year-end lists for 2008 with a list of thirteen great albums that should be listened to but weren't lucky enough (get it? 13?) to make the top 10 (which I will post tomorrow, along with the top 20 tracks and the superlatives.) These albums aren't in any particular order (except alphabetical), as it's hard to distinguish them because they're all really good but also not perfect. Here goes:

Alegranza! by El Guincho: Pablo Diaz-Reixa's album of sample-based Spanish pop draws from various styles, such as Tropicalia, afrobeat, and dub. His sound is so similar to last year's Person Pitch through its similar use of loops that he is sometimes called the "Spanish Panda Bear."

Alopecia by Why?: The latest work from one of the better artists on the anticon label, Yoni Wolf's album of underground psych influenced hip-hop strikes a different chord with each track, most notably with "Good Friday."


Dragging A Dead Deer Up A Hill by Grouper: Refer to an earlier post for a full review of this wonderful gem of sleep-inducing noise pop.



Heretic Pride by The Mountain Goats: The latest addition to the mountain of a discography from a very endearing (and sometimes rather whiney) lo-fi indie folk rock group. The songs are very simple and honest; both immediately catchy and also ripen with repeated listens. It's a shame its January release left it forgotten on most other year-end reviews.

HLLLYH by The Mae Shi: The proper debut from Las Angeles pop-punk band combines Dan Deacon-esque electronics with catchy riffs and grating vocals, creating a fine collection of quirky and exciting songs like "Run To your Grave."

Let The Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel by Atlas Sound: An incredible shoegaze/dream-pop solo record from the incredibly prolific frontman of Deerhunter, Bradford Cox. Comprised of beautiful layers and textures of repeated melodies, such as on the phenomenal "Winter Vacation."

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson by Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson: A great freak-folk debut from MBAR and his collaborators, which include Kyp Malone of TVOTR and Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear and Department Of Eagles. How could it not be good?

Saint Dymphna by Gang Gang Dance: The long-awaited follow-up to 2005's masterpiece, God's Money, this album sees GGD go electronic. This album blurs the boundaries between house, dance, jazz, punk and folk music, resulting in another groundbreaking, genre-defying record from a very adventurous group of musicians. Plus, "First Communion" is ridiculously good.

Sea Lion by The Ruby Suns: An exciting collection of pop songs from a group of hip youngsters from New Zealand. The record seems to draw heavy influences from Animal Collective and twee groups like Architecture In Helsinki, and it works quite well.

The Stand Ins by Okkervil River: A continuation of last year's excellent The Stage Names, this album sees Okkervil River produce even more catchy, upbeat tunes. However, the emotion is still genuine and raw, especially on the phenomenal track "Starry Stair."

Visiter by Dodos: Another record inspired by the psychedelic folk of Animal Collective, Meric Long and friends perfect the formula of tribal drumming and rapid guitar strumming to craft a set of wonderful songs, including the increasingly popular "Fools."


Women
by Women: Again, see an earlier post to read a full review of this short-but-sweet set of catchy noise-pop melodies blended among beautiful sound art experiments.


You & Me by The Walkmen: There's nothing too interesting about The Walkmen's music, as it's basically just the typical indie rock formula of rock instruments and average-quality vocals, but these guys really have a knack for writing songs, both with the fast-paced and exciting such as "On The Water" and the toned-down introspections of "Red Moon."

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hello. And Bye.