It’s been a pretty good year for my tastes in music. So… what the hell, here’s my favorite ten albums of 2008 plus some other stuff.
Elsiane - Hybrid
Okay, so technically this was released in Canada in 2007, but its US release was in 2008 and that’s when I discovered it. Hybrid is also just too damn good for me not mention. Elsiane’s got a downtempo thing going on with some jazz influences and a dash of haunting vocals. Highly recommended.
Flying Lotus - Los Angeles
Flying Lotus reminds me of Burial and his dubstep stylings, but then I can’t seem to tell the difference between all these electronic-based sub-genres. Whatever his music might be called, it’s damned good stuff and Los Angeles delivers a very full album of it. I couldn’t even pick favorite tracks as once this thing starts, it’s just a complete experience.
Girl Talk - Feed the Animals
If you’re not familiar with Girl Talk, it constitutes a single man taking a whole lot of samples from hits of today and yesteryear and turning them into kinetic dance tracks. It’s mashups taken to an extreme. Perfect as a seamless hour-long party mix that never gets boring or wears out its welcome with any single sound. There’s also something fun about picking out specific samples and enjoying the unique ways in which they’re combined.
Hercules and Love Affair - Hercules and Love Affair
This debut features a disco flavor with modern sensibilities. Antony (of Antony and the Johnsons) contributes vocals to five tracks. He was also the other half of the two duets on Björk’s Volta. Really fun and lively album with a lot of catchy tracks.
Jem - Down to Earth
I’ll continue to enjoy the hell out of Jem, just as long as I can ignore the fact that this abum’s lead single debuted in Sex and the City: The Movie. I don’t understand why she hasn’t found success in the pop charts. Great voice, upbeat and catchy tunes, and not strictly fluffy lyrics. Maybe that last part is the problem. “Down to Earth” and “Aciid!” are probably my favorite tracks.
Ladytron - Velocifero
Their fourth album is the best yet in my book. Velocifero maintains a dark yet danceable mood throughout. Generally a harder sound than past works. “Ghosts,” “They Gave You a Heart, They Gave You a Name” and “Predict the Day” are particular highlights, but they’ve also crafted a wonderful album, and not just a collection of singles.
Martina Topley-Bird - The Blue God
Firstly, this has unfortunately not yet been released in North America. I was hopeful it’d get out here, even if they had to push the fact that Danger Mouse produced it. Her second album moves away from trip-hop a little to dabble in pop. Her voice is as good here as it was on Tricky’s Maxinquaye thirteen years ago. “Poison” is a standout for me.
Morgan Geist - Double Night Time
Another highly electronic album for me, with a bit of a dance edge. There’s definitely something to the title, as this easily fits the mood of the late night. Or, if the mood’s not already present, this’ll help create it. Everything kicks off with an ode to Detroit and the music loving doesn’t stop from there.
Neon Neon - Stainless Style
What’s not to love about concept album detailing the life of John DeLorean? Yes, the man behind the car immortalized as a time machine in Back to the Future. The album is an extremely retro affair, recalling the music of the ’80s, but also includes three more modern rap tracks. Catchy doesn’t even begin to describe Stainless Style. Heck, it’s even a little humorous at times in how it tells the man’s life.
Portishead - Third
Portishead has returned! All hail Portishead! I don’t even know what to say, I love this album. It’d be unfair to pick favorite tracks, but “The Rip” and “Machine Gun” can really hit the spot. I can get lost in these 49 minutes every time I start from the beginning. Anticipation and hype were high, but Portishead delivered.
Other notables:
- 2562 – Aerial
- Coldplay – Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
- Gnarls Barkley – The Odd Couple
- Goldfrapp – Seventh Tree
- The Herbaliser – Same as it Never Was
- Mt. Sims – A Grave EP
- Nine Inch Nails – Ghosts I-IV
- OceanLab – Sirens of the Sea
- Sigur Ros – Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust
- Slumdog Millionaire
- Tricky – Knowle West Boy
I’ve yet to grab but sound great from what I’ve heard:
- Cancer Conspiracy – Omega
- Coldplay – Prospekt’s March
- Enigma – Seven Lives Many Faces
- The Killers – Day & Age
- M83 – Saturdays = Youth
- Mt. Sims – Happily Ever After
