Top Albums of the Year
Bobby Goodwin
Issue date: 12/1/08 Section: Best of '08
Cut Copy
In Ghost Colours
Genre: Dance / Electronic
Release Date: 4/8/2008
Peak Position: #167 (#1 in Australia)
Honorable Mentions: Hot Chip, "Made In The Dark"; Girl Talk, "Feed The Animals"
Any 80's fan will love Cut Copy and their latest album, "In Ghost Colours." Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, the band gave 2008 a 15-track international electronic dance gem. Upbeat at all costs, Cut Copy combines three singles ("So Haunted," "Hearts On Fire" and "Lights & Music") with equally spectacular new wave tracks to create a favorite album for lovers and hipsters everywhere.
Cut Copy's overwhelming melodies and dreamy lyrics create an alternate universe. Spanning such genres as indie rock, house, electronica and psychadelia, "In Ghost Colours" remains optimistic throughout, eliciting well-deserved smiles.
Super-synth over electric guitar riffs makes tracks like "Nobody Lost, Nobody Found" super-fun. While "In Ghost Colours" may be too upbeat for some, the lesser-known "Strangers In The Wind" is a memorable break from the candy chaos on earlier tracks. Staying disco to the core, the song helps listeners consider the album as a whole, as do shorter transition tracks like "Visions" and "We Fight For Diamonds."
Although not a single, "Far Away" perhaps best characterizes the album's overall sound. Slow foot tapping inevitably builds to hands-in-the-air vertical leaps, complete with handclaps and synth interludes long enough to crack open a PBR.
The loveable "Unforgettable Season" can still be heard in malls everywhere. Extremely accessible - and danceable - In Ghost Colours is music to party, shop, drive and live to. Fabulous in every sense of the word, it's enjoyable from start to finish - without fast forwarding.
Lil Wayne
Tha Carter III
Genre: Rap / Hip Hop
Release Date: 6/10/2008
Peak Position: #1
Honorable Mentions: The Game, "LAX"; Kanye West, "808s & Heartbreak"
Upon its release, "Tha Carter III" instantly became the summer's hottest album. Lil Wayne's prior online mix tape sessions only added to talk surrounding the official release. Weezy ascended from moderate rap star to cultural icon overnight, appearing everywhere from MTV to Newsweek.
Barring the potential release of Dr. Dre's long-awaited "Detox", "Tha Carter III" should go down as 2008's best rap album. The album's delayed release made it one of the most anticipated albums of the year. It lived up to the hype.
Instant-classic club tracks like "Lollipop" and "A Milli" ensure radio play for "The Carter III" for years to come. Surprise gems like the infectious "Mrs. Officer," the unforgettable "Let The Beat Build" and the catchy, pro-marijuana bonus track "Kush" encourage multiple re-listens of the entire album.
Guest appearances on "Tha Carter III" include A-list hip hop artists Jay-Z, Kanye West, T-Pain, Robin Thicke, Babyface, David Banner, Busta Rhymes and others. The sheer amount of producers (many of whom are featured on their respective tracks) guarantee variety.
Not that Wayne doesn't throw listeners for some loops. The bizarre "Phone Home" finds the rapper denying he's a Homo sapien. ("We are not the same, I am an alien"). Weezy's wild lyrics may confuse listeners. Don't blame Wayne. He's admittedly, "higher than gas prices."
The album became the first since 50 Cent's "The Massacre" (2005) to sell over a million copies in one week. Taking just two weeks to become his best-selling album to date, "Tha Carter III" is currently certified as double platinum. Some may take issue with Wayne's self-claim as the "best rapper alive," but his cultural influence in 2008 remains immeasurable.
Albert Hammond Jr.
Como Te Llama?
Genre: Indie / Pop
Release Date: 7/8/2008
Peak Position: #145
Honorable Mentions: Of Montreal, "Skeletal Lamping", Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, "Pershing"
Hammond Jr.'s sophomore effort, "Como Te Llama?" ("What's Your Name?" in Spanish) is heavier than his clever, cutesy "Yours to Keep" (2007). Departing further from The Strokes' sound, Hammond Jr. teamed up again with bassist Josh Lattanzi (of Ben Kweller) and drummer Matt Romano (The Strokes' drum technician) for his backing band.
Recorded at Electric Lady Studios (NYC) in Oct. 2007 long before its under-the-radar release this past July, the self-produced CD feels more honest and disheveled than his prior work. It's as if Hammond Jr. would rather smoke a cigarette than take a shower. His detached, cool, breezy vocal delivery comfortably hides behind in-your-face electric guitars.
Clocking in at 46:30, the 13 new tracks bring a more organic, raw sound bordering on rock to the table than his more polished, head-bobbing solo debut, and is a full 10 minutes longer. Not even the first single, "GfC," is noticeably poppier than the rest, just another solid song on a stellar album.
The beautiful, dreamy "Spooky Couch" (7:19 - over 2 minutes. longer than the album's second longest track) further defies easy categorization. Featuring Sean Lennon on piano, the peaceful melody builds slowly before climaxing 6 minutes deep with simple, strong strings and drums.
The last track, "Feed Me Jack Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Peter Sellers" further complicates "Como Te Llama?" as a whole. The calm, controlled piano of the first 2 minutes erupts into fuzzy guitars by the end.
While some may feel these "surprise" tracks make the album disjointed and unfocused, no one can deny the development of Hammond Jr.'s songwriting skills, or fault his creativity. The uncompromising "Como Te Llama?" seems like the first album he wrote for himself.
As lead guitarist for The Strokes, if the raw noise and distortion of Hammond Jr.'s second solo CD indicates the direction his full band is headed towards, expect The Strokes to take over the world once again with the release of their fourth album, due out in 2009.
Conor Oberst
Conor Oberst
Genre: Country / Folk
Release Date: 8/5/2008
Peak Position: #15
Honorable Mentions: Punch Brothers, "Punch"; Jenny Lewis, "Acid Tongue"
After a dozen years without a solo release, Conor Oberst and his newly formed Mystic Valley Band fled to Tepotzlan, Mexico in Jan. 2008 to record the songwriter's fourth solo album. Oberst created a temporary studio to house his newly-formed band in Valle Mistico, a mountain villa on the outskirts of town.
Composed of Nate Walcott (trumpet / piano player; permanent member of Bright Eyes), Jason Boesel (Rilo Kiley's drummer), Nik Freitas, Macey Taylor and Taylor Hollingsworth, the Mystic Valley Band quickly assembled as Oberst's latest backing band.
If 2007's "Cassadaga" (Bright Eyes) marked the end of Oberst as emo icon, Conor Oberst follows the same direction, breathing new life into America's left-for-dead genre, rock & roll. Proclaimed as "the next Dylan," he continues to support ideas of travel and escape on Conor Oberst, fi rmly rooted in country music ideals. Moving past meditations on God and love, the singer-songwriter now looks to the present for answers.
The opener, "Cape Canaveral," begins with Oberst's trademark acoustic guitar, limited percussion and hushed vocals. The theme of looking for answers in unfamiliar places sets the pace for the 11 following tracks. The uniquely American folk rock sound began on Bright Eyes' "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning" (2005) and developed on "Cassadaga" presents itself here as Oberst's established style. Despite familiar sounds, Oberst's lyrics exhibit wisdom from years of tireless touring and travel. While he may not have all the answers, Oberst seems sure of his salvation, taking his careful observations to heart.
Kings of Leon
Only By The Night
Genre: Alternative / Rock
Release Date: 9/23/2008
Peak Position: #5
Honorable Mentions: The Raconteurs, "Consolers of the Lonely"; Beck, "Modern Guilt"
From southern garage rock to the next U2, these 4 Followhill relatives manage to change their sound with every album. "On Only By The Night", Kings Of Leon's latest release, they naturally progress from the stadium friendly anthems head on their last album - "Because Of The Times" (2007) - to similar-sounding, catchy, clean-cut tracks, intent on re-tackling their southern roots.
While a few "original" fans may yearn for the grungier Kings of old, no one can deny the band's skill or overpowering command they have when playing together (as three brothers and a cousin).
Lead singer Caleb Followhil attributes his pain medication postshoulder surgery for inspiring some of his lyrics. Maturing into one of rock's bigger stage presences a la past tourmates Eddie Vedder, Bono and Chris Robinson, Caleb has helped make Kings Of Leon capable of selling out arenas with live-friendly guitar-driven music.
On "Only by the Night", less is more. Gaps of silence replace former guitar thrashing. Precisely written songs like the album closer "Cold Desert," show a Kings more elaborate than ever. "Use Somebody" sounds nothing like the formerly wild Kings, now surprisingly tame.
This control has drawn mixed reviews despite shooting record sales. Emerging confidently to pursue inner growth, "Only By The Night" is the product of four mature musicians. The peaceful "Revelry," a quintessential windows-down track, features Jared's gentle bass line complimenting Caleb's reflective lyrics, Matthew's singing guitar and Nathan's relentless forward march on drums. All is well with the Followhills.
In Ghost Colours
Genre: Dance / Electronic
Release Date: 4/8/2008
Peak Position: #167 (#1 in Australia)
Honorable Mentions: Hot Chip, "Made In The Dark"; Girl Talk, "Feed The Animals"
Any 80's fan will love Cut Copy and their latest album, "In Ghost Colours." Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, the band gave 2008 a 15-track international electronic dance gem. Upbeat at all costs, Cut Copy combines three singles ("So Haunted," "Hearts On Fire" and "Lights & Music") with equally spectacular new wave tracks to create a favorite album for lovers and hipsters everywhere.
Cut Copy's overwhelming melodies and dreamy lyrics create an alternate universe. Spanning such genres as indie rock, house, electronica and psychadelia, "In Ghost Colours" remains optimistic throughout, eliciting well-deserved smiles.
Super-synth over electric guitar riffs makes tracks like "Nobody Lost, Nobody Found" super-fun. While "In Ghost Colours" may be too upbeat for some, the lesser-known "Strangers In The Wind" is a memorable break from the candy chaos on earlier tracks. Staying disco to the core, the song helps listeners consider the album as a whole, as do shorter transition tracks like "Visions" and "We Fight For Diamonds."
Although not a single, "Far Away" perhaps best characterizes the album's overall sound. Slow foot tapping inevitably builds to hands-in-the-air vertical leaps, complete with handclaps and synth interludes long enough to crack open a PBR.
The loveable "Unforgettable Season" can still be heard in malls everywhere. Extremely accessible - and danceable - In Ghost Colours is music to party, shop, drive and live to. Fabulous in every sense of the word, it's enjoyable from start to finish - without fast forwarding.
Lil Wayne
Tha Carter III
Genre: Rap / Hip Hop
Release Date: 6/10/2008
Peak Position: #1
Honorable Mentions: The Game, "LAX"; Kanye West, "808s & Heartbreak"
Upon its release, "Tha Carter III" instantly became the summer's hottest album. Lil Wayne's prior online mix tape sessions only added to talk surrounding the official release. Weezy ascended from moderate rap star to cultural icon overnight, appearing everywhere from MTV to Newsweek.
Barring the potential release of Dr. Dre's long-awaited "Detox", "Tha Carter III" should go down as 2008's best rap album. The album's delayed release made it one of the most anticipated albums of the year. It lived up to the hype.
Instant-classic club tracks like "Lollipop" and "A Milli" ensure radio play for "The Carter III" for years to come. Surprise gems like the infectious "Mrs. Officer," the unforgettable "Let The Beat Build" and the catchy, pro-marijuana bonus track "Kush" encourage multiple re-listens of the entire album.
Guest appearances on "Tha Carter III" include A-list hip hop artists Jay-Z, Kanye West, T-Pain, Robin Thicke, Babyface, David Banner, Busta Rhymes and others. The sheer amount of producers (many of whom are featured on their respective tracks) guarantee variety.
Not that Wayne doesn't throw listeners for some loops. The bizarre "Phone Home" finds the rapper denying he's a Homo sapien. ("We are not the same, I am an alien"). Weezy's wild lyrics may confuse listeners. Don't blame Wayne. He's admittedly, "higher than gas prices."
The album became the first since 50 Cent's "The Massacre" (2005) to sell over a million copies in one week. Taking just two weeks to become his best-selling album to date, "Tha Carter III" is currently certified as double platinum. Some may take issue with Wayne's self-claim as the "best rapper alive," but his cultural influence in 2008 remains immeasurable.
Albert Hammond Jr.
Como Te Llama?
Genre: Indie / Pop
Release Date: 7/8/2008
Peak Position: #145
Honorable Mentions: Of Montreal, "Skeletal Lamping", Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, "Pershing"
Hammond Jr.'s sophomore effort, "Como Te Llama?" ("What's Your Name?" in Spanish) is heavier than his clever, cutesy "Yours to Keep" (2007). Departing further from The Strokes' sound, Hammond Jr. teamed up again with bassist Josh Lattanzi (of Ben Kweller) and drummer Matt Romano (The Strokes' drum technician) for his backing band.
Recorded at Electric Lady Studios (NYC) in Oct. 2007 long before its under-the-radar release this past July, the self-produced CD feels more honest and disheveled than his prior work. It's as if Hammond Jr. would rather smoke a cigarette than take a shower. His detached, cool, breezy vocal delivery comfortably hides behind in-your-face electric guitars.
Clocking in at 46:30, the 13 new tracks bring a more organic, raw sound bordering on rock to the table than his more polished, head-bobbing solo debut, and is a full 10 minutes longer. Not even the first single, "GfC," is noticeably poppier than the rest, just another solid song on a stellar album.
The beautiful, dreamy "Spooky Couch" (7:19 - over 2 minutes. longer than the album's second longest track) further defies easy categorization. Featuring Sean Lennon on piano, the peaceful melody builds slowly before climaxing 6 minutes deep with simple, strong strings and drums.
The last track, "Feed Me Jack Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Peter Sellers" further complicates "Como Te Llama?" as a whole. The calm, controlled piano of the first 2 minutes erupts into fuzzy guitars by the end.
While some may feel these "surprise" tracks make the album disjointed and unfocused, no one can deny the development of Hammond Jr.'s songwriting skills, or fault his creativity. The uncompromising "Como Te Llama?" seems like the first album he wrote for himself.
As lead guitarist for The Strokes, if the raw noise and distortion of Hammond Jr.'s second solo CD indicates the direction his full band is headed towards, expect The Strokes to take over the world once again with the release of their fourth album, due out in 2009.
Conor Oberst
Conor Oberst
Genre: Country / Folk
Release Date: 8/5/2008
Peak Position: #15
Honorable Mentions: Punch Brothers, "Punch"; Jenny Lewis, "Acid Tongue"
After a dozen years without a solo release, Conor Oberst and his newly formed Mystic Valley Band fled to Tepotzlan, Mexico in Jan. 2008 to record the songwriter's fourth solo album. Oberst created a temporary studio to house his newly-formed band in Valle Mistico, a mountain villa on the outskirts of town.
Composed of Nate Walcott (trumpet / piano player; permanent member of Bright Eyes), Jason Boesel (Rilo Kiley's drummer), Nik Freitas, Macey Taylor and Taylor Hollingsworth, the Mystic Valley Band quickly assembled as Oberst's latest backing band.
If 2007's "Cassadaga" (Bright Eyes) marked the end of Oberst as emo icon, Conor Oberst follows the same direction, breathing new life into America's left-for-dead genre, rock & roll. Proclaimed as "the next Dylan," he continues to support ideas of travel and escape on Conor Oberst, fi rmly rooted in country music ideals. Moving past meditations on God and love, the singer-songwriter now looks to the present for answers.
The opener, "Cape Canaveral," begins with Oberst's trademark acoustic guitar, limited percussion and hushed vocals. The theme of looking for answers in unfamiliar places sets the pace for the 11 following tracks. The uniquely American folk rock sound began on Bright Eyes' "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning" (2005) and developed on "Cassadaga" presents itself here as Oberst's established style. Despite familiar sounds, Oberst's lyrics exhibit wisdom from years of tireless touring and travel. While he may not have all the answers, Oberst seems sure of his salvation, taking his careful observations to heart.
Kings of Leon
Only By The Night
Genre: Alternative / Rock
Release Date: 9/23/2008
Peak Position: #5
Honorable Mentions: The Raconteurs, "Consolers of the Lonely"; Beck, "Modern Guilt"
From southern garage rock to the next U2, these 4 Followhill relatives manage to change their sound with every album. "On Only By The Night", Kings Of Leon's latest release, they naturally progress from the stadium friendly anthems head on their last album - "Because Of The Times" (2007) - to similar-sounding, catchy, clean-cut tracks, intent on re-tackling their southern roots.
While a few "original" fans may yearn for the grungier Kings of old, no one can deny the band's skill or overpowering command they have when playing together (as three brothers and a cousin).
Lead singer Caleb Followhil attributes his pain medication postshoulder surgery for inspiring some of his lyrics. Maturing into one of rock's bigger stage presences a la past tourmates Eddie Vedder, Bono and Chris Robinson, Caleb has helped make Kings Of Leon capable of selling out arenas with live-friendly guitar-driven music.
On "Only by the Night", less is more. Gaps of silence replace former guitar thrashing. Precisely written songs like the album closer "Cold Desert," show a Kings more elaborate than ever. "Use Somebody" sounds nothing like the formerly wild Kings, now surprisingly tame.
This control has drawn mixed reviews despite shooting record sales. Emerging confidently to pursue inner growth, "Only By The Night" is the product of four mature musicians. The peaceful "Revelry," a quintessential windows-down track, features Jared's gentle bass line complimenting Caleb's reflective lyrics, Matthew's singing guitar and Nathan's relentless forward march on drums. All is well with the Followhills.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
Paula Todhunter
posted 3/12/09 @ 12:54 PM EST
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Sarah Killings
posted 4/08/09 @ 2:32 AM EST
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Caroline Mckinsey
posted 4/15/09 @ 3:07 PM EST
I like articles like this. Great Article! Thanks!
Andrea Loughlin
posted 6/20/09 @ 4:15 PM EST
A friend of mine directed me here and I wanted to comment and thank you for all your hard work.
Andrea Loughlin
posted 6/21/09 @ 2:43 AM EST
A friend of mine directed me here and I wanted to comment and thank you for all your hard work.
bobby goodwin
posted 6/24/09 @ 1:38 PM EST
hey guys. i just finally realized there were comments for this story. thanks for the compliments. i've sort of changed my mind for a couple genres after writing the story, but i'm glad you guys are reading. (Continued…)
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