1. Regina Spektor Far
What started out as a great soundtrack to the summer became much more as the year progressed. The catchy melodies, her soaring vocals, the spot-on production, will all stay with you. Always one to embrace her quirky side, Regina continues to push the boundaries while still staying true to herself.
2. Tori Amos Midwinter Graces
For those that don’t know, I am a big fan of holiday music. I am also a big fan of Tori Amos and this combination creates some real holiday magic. This is not your typical rendering of seasonal songs. In her own unique way, she takes on the traditional holiday songs (along with a few originals), melding them into one another, and making them her own. At times, you forget you’re listening to holiday music as these gorgeous arrangements captivate you, making this one of Tori’s best albums in a long time and one that you can enjoy all winter long.
3. Built To Spill There Is No Enemy
For many, this album flew way under the radar. While it didn’t seem all that special at first, that changed on repeated listens. For a band that has been making music for the past 16 years, they kept the focus where it’s always been: Melodies and guitars.
4. Grizzly Bear Veckatimest
This Brooklyn-based band hit their stride in 09 mixing the lush, floating, psychedelic sounds of the Beach Boys with melodies and harmonies reminiscent of CSN. Strangely beautiful but weirdly accessible.
5. Bat For Lashes Two Suns
Haunting, sparse, ethereal, and danceable? This record has it all and it goes together beautifully.
6. Yeah Yeah Yeahs It’s Blitz!
I normally wouldn’t consider myself a big fan, however, they mix things up on their third release with Karen O channeling her inner Terri Nunn (à la Berlin). The songs would be at home on the dance floor, a rock club, or a tv series. Lots of range from a band showing some maturity.
7. Phoenix Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
There was so much hype with this band that I almost didn’t give them a chance. I’m certainly glad that I did. While it didn’t grab me right away, when it did, it didn’t let go. Believe the hype.
8. Fanfarlo Reservoir
Yes, this London-based indie-pop band sounds like a mix of Arcade Fire and Beirut, but there’s nothing wrong with that. A strong debut from a band that I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more from in the years to come.
9. The Bird & The Bee Ray Guns Are Not The Future
This album has an underlying retro vibe with modern beats layered over it. They cover all genres here including pop, dance, and even ragtime. Is there nothing they can’t do?
10. Florence & The Machine Lungs
This year’s critics’ darling delivered. Florence Welch leads a soul-inspired indie rock band that provides the perfect accompaniment to her bluesy vocal style.
11. The Avett Brothers I And Love And You
Produced by Rick Rubin, this album features piano-based songs that have both heart and substance.
12. Wilco Wilco (The Album)
Another great record from a great band. While it’s not quite the perfection they reached on “Sky Blue Sky,” this album is a testament to their craft. Like a fine wine, they continue to get better with age.
13. Miike Snow Miike Snow
This is the album fellow Swedes Peter, Bjorn & John wished they had made. Full of fun, upbeat melodies, this one just makes you smile.
14. Animal Collective Merriweather Post Pavilion
It took me a while to get into this album... a good thing it came out in January. There is a lot of space on this record and often times I would get lost, but ultimately, the music would draw me back in. Not always an easy listen, but one that is definitely worth the effort.
15. Imogen Heap Ellipse
Following up on her stellar album “Speak For Yourself” would seem like no easy task. However, she exceeds expectations, sticking to the same formula of layering vocals, beats, and samples, and it works, yet again.
16. Rocco DeLuca & The Burden Mercy
Channeling his inner Jeff Buckley, Rocco uses his impressive voice to explore some real range throughout his songs. The result is captivating.
17. Andrew Bird Noble Beast
On his fifth solo album, the multi-instrumentalist and whistling fool crafts songs that are both subdued and affecting. Subtlety at its finest.
18. Julian Casablancas Phrazes For The Young
On his solo debut, the lead singer for the Strokes finds himself sounding like an 80s throwback. There are traces of New Order, A Flock Of Seagulls, and even Cyndi Lauper. But don’t despair, he makes the synthesizer work in his favor.
19. Dirty Projectors Bitte Orca
This is one of those records that is really hard to describe. At times experimental, folky, and funky. Don’t waste time trying to categorize it, just listen and let the music do the talking.
20. Dan Auerbach Keep It Hid
On his solo debut, Auerbach (one half of The Black Keys), doesn’t stray far from the blues-rock music the band is known for. However, songs like “When The Night Comes” show some real tender moments that you don’t get from the duo. Sometimes less is more.
Overlooked Albums Of 2008
Rachael Yamagata Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart
The Ting Tings We Started Nothing