Top 10 Albums of '08

And no, In Rainbows is not in the running, because it was released in '07. But that's an argument for a different day.

10. The Rural Alberta Advantage- Hometowns
Well I'm certainly glad this found its way to my ears. When it was said that they channeled Jeff Mangum and Neutral Milk Hotel, it was necessary for me to take a listen. It barely made the cut due to the number of cds I wanted to squeeze into the top 10. But it's just too good to leave out. I'm giddy with excitement for what they'll bring in the future, and hopefully they keep from vanishing like Mangum and the rest of NMH.

The Rural Alberta Advantage- Sleep All Day


9. Starfucker-Starfucker
I don't care if anyone else has this in their top cds or not, this just makes me happy. Nothing revolutionary here, just synth and guitar, and two drum kits. But damn, do they do it right. While there are weaker songs present on the cd, the stronger ones certainly make up for it. If you can't enjoy this, I just can't help you.

Starfucker- Isabella Of Castile



8. Department of Eagles- In Ear Park
Proving that Grizzly Bear dominates the indie rock scene, Department of Eagles takes Dan Rossen from the band and turns out a spectacular album. Does it sound a lot like Grizzly Bear? Yes. Does it matter? No. Much like Starfucker, listening to this just makes me feel fuzzy inside. And a lot of times, that's all you need when you're listening to music.

Department of Eagles- No One Does it Like You



7. Hercules and Love Affair- Hercules and Love Affair
Well, either you hate them or you love them. In my case, I can't imagine this year without them. Can disco really make a comeback in this day and age? Probably not, because it died long ago. But if someone can do it, it's these guys. Not by resurrecting it, but by morphing it so it adjusts to the times. And they've started off on the right foot here. Another album that challenges you to stand still, permitted you're into it.

Hercules and Love Affair- Hercules' Theme


6. Foals-Antidotes
Foals found itself deeper than I initially thought it would be in my top 10. With repeated listens, I find myself liking almost every song. Though some may say it's a bit repetitive, I wouldn't mind even more songs with a similar formula on this album, because it just works that well. Again, nothing overwhelmingly innovative here, just music that's easy to get into, and hard to get out of.


Foals- Two Step Twice



5. MGMT- Oracular Spectacular
It sounds selfish, but I was disappointed that MGMT got as big as they did, because I wanted them all to myself. Why is this here? You guessed it: it's easy to move to and down right infectious. Synth and guitar blend perfectly for not only an amazing album, but a couple of fantastic singles. Listen and enjoy while you fend off the people asking, "Hey, what movie is this song from?"


MGMT- Electric Feel



4. Bon Iver- For Emma, Forever Ago
It doesn't get easier than this, just a guy and an acoustic guitar. In a way, I'm kind of glad that Justin Vernon got a stretch of bad luck and secluded himself in a cabin, otherwise we wouldn't have this. Despite the unoriginality, Vernon finds a way to make this his own, mainly through his rather soulful voice. It's hard to not feel for the guy, and it's even harder not to like this.

Bon Iver- Flume




3. Why?- Alopecia
Here's the oddball of the bunch. This is a classic example of a cd that's alright at first, but gets better and better with more listens. This album is made great by lead man Yoni Wolf, whose lyrics flow perfectly with the music. I really can't explain what makes this so good, it just has to be experienced. Not for everyone, but certainly for me.

Why?- A Sky for Shoeing Horses Under




2. TV On the Radio- Dear Science
How do you follow up a great cd like Return to Cookie Mountain? Exactly like this. It is a bit pop-ish, but it's just too good to deny it a high spot like this. TVOTR managed to make each song compelling and catchy, while still making them different from one another. Absolutely fantastic album, and the only reason it's not number one is because Fleet Foxes also made an album this year.


TV On the Radio- Halfway Home



1. Fleet Foxes- Fleet Foxes
This was a shoe-in for album of the year for me. Not a bad song on the album. Filled with the best vocal harmonization you can get today, accompanied by relaxing, yet catchy melodies, the baroque tunes these guys produce is breathtaking. Collecting comparisons to My Morning Jacket, The Beach Boys, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, the only place Fleet Foxes can go is up. This isn't just the best album of the year, it also needs to be in the discussion for best debut album. Period. It's just that good.

Fleet Foxes- He Doesnt Know Why
Fleet Foxes- Blue Ridge Mountains

Well, that does it. In addition to these, honorable mentions need to go to: Deerhunter, Metronomy, Erykah Badu, Women, Ra Ra Riot, She and Him, Takka Takka, and The Dodos.

Overall, a solid year for music filled with great cds, not to mention some fantastic EP's. *cough* Passion Pit. While I'm a little sad to see this year pass, '09 looks to have some highly anticipated releases which are sure to please.

Top singles of '08 coming soon.