Best of 2008

At long last, and because I know you cared, here are my picks for the best albums of 2008. That doesn't, of course mean that they ARE the best albums of 2008, as we all know how subjective people's music tastes are. Just that they are my favorite. Anyway, here goes...

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
- Body of War: Soundtrack (some filler, mostly good, partly great)
- Liam Finn: I'll Be Lightning (would be ranked higher if the sound of the album captured the energy and intensity of his live show)
-Foo Fighters: Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace (sounds, well, like the Foo Fighters. not exactly blazing any sonic trails here)
- Jeff Ament: Tone (would be much higher if not for Doug Pinnick - he kills the album)
-Steven Malkmus: Real Emotional Trash (maybe higher someday - I haven't listened to it enough)

#10 - The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound. I really like their sound. They definitely have a throwback sound for a modern, post-punk band. I just wish the sound was a little meatier, but I think that's a production thing. I expected more from Ted Hutt (see later).

#9 - Pennywise - Reason To Believe. For an album released in a gimmicky style (free download through MySpace), this is a damn solid album. Return to their early-90s sound, and sorta reminds me of Unwritten Law (before they really started sucking). Solid punk rock album.

#8 - Flogging Molly - Float. Dynamite album. Definitely their best. More "punky," more political, a little darker. None of the sea shanties. Awesome from start to finish.

#7 - Josh Ritter - Live at the 9:30 Club. At this point, Josh Ritter could probably record himself slaughtering puppies and it would make my top ten list. Great live EP - I just wish it was longer. Captures his live sound very accurately, and it's the only live thing he's put out to date that captures music from his best, and most recent, studio album.

#6 - Lupe Fiasco - Lupe Fiasco's The Cool. Okay, technically it came out in December 2007, but it's close enough. I've gotten away from a lot of hip-hop in recent years, but Lupe is the real deal. I like his flow, I like what he is rhyming about, and I like the beats, especially those by Soundtrakk. Look it up.

#5 - Kings of Leon - Only By the Night. I only caught on to these guys late in the year, so otherwise it may be higher, but this is a great album.

#4 - Street Dogs - State of Grace. This album is a home run. Mike McColgan was the best thing to ever happen to the Dropkick Murphy's, and this album proves why. Better than anything that DKM have done in a decade. There isn't a weak song on this album. If you think you like DKM, listen to this album. Lyrically, it's probably the best album of the year.

#3 - Trever Keith - Melancholics Anonymous. Maybe I'm biased because I'm of anything Trever (and Chad) do, but I really think this is a great album. First album I've really heard in what I'd call the post-emo genre. Really shows Trever's influences (heavy on The Cure). Too bad this one hasn't been widely released (though it is available for download at treverkeith.com).

#2 - Jackson United - Harmony and Dissidence. I really can't understand why JU hasn't blown up. This is a hell of an album, with a great sound and great songs. Better than the other major album Chris Shiflett was featured on this year, that's for sure.

....DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

#1 - Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs. I listened to this album once when it first, and then I didn't listen to it again for a few months because I wasn't thrilled the first time through. I'm not sure what I was thinking, because once I dusted it off, it's been hard to put down. It is louder than older stuff, and there are some really great bass grooves on this album (and you know my affinity for really great bass grooves). It's not their best-selling album, but it's certainly their best album.

There you have it, kids. Now gotta clear some space for 2009. I hear there is new Pearl Jam coming out this year, so guess what #1 will be.....

Cheers.