Top 50 Albums of 2008
This was a close year, as there were a handful of fantastic albums released, but the winner goes to Seattle’s Death Cab for Cutie for creating an album whose sound fits perfectly with our modern times. It’s all washed out and fuzzy, with bleak tracks like “Pity and Fear,” and “Grapevine Fires.” What’s so miraculous about the album is the way Ben Gibbard is able to marry dark lyrics with almost absurdly happy music, as on “No Sunlight” and “You Can Do Better Than Me.” Just like our society, songs and meanings are conflicted, often leaving the listener without any answers, like the narrator at the end of “Bixby Canyon Bridge.” This is an album to immerse yourself in as a check on where we are in the nation’s psyche. Start climbing the stairs.
2. Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends – Coldplay
After coming dangerously close to releasing the same kind of album over and over again with X&Y, Coldplay took a step back, got a new producer and a new sound, and released their best album to date. There’s more world-music influenced numbers on the album and less of the love-drenched ballads that have been the band’s bread and butter. Incredibly catchy cuts like “Viva la Vida” and “Lovers in Japan” are standouts, but this is the first time since Parachutes, that Coldplay has crafted an album as an album, not just a collection of singles. With all the U2 comparisons – most of them dead-on – this could finally be the beginning of a new level for Coldplay.
3. Evil Urges - My Morning Jacket
It’s interesting that the album that is My Morning Jacket’s mainstream debut is undoubtedly their most experimental, dabbling in James Taylor acoustics, Prince-esque R&B driven numbers, and progressive southern-rock. Jim James has never sounded more primal or like he’s having more fun. His insane giggle on “Highly Suspicious” will send shivers down your spine, while the longing in “Librarian” will grab your heartstrings and twist. Evil Urges is the band’s Ok Computer and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. My Morning Jacket is in good company.
4. Tha Carter III – Lil Wayne
2008 was a pretty slow year for hip-hop, but even if it had been a gold year, Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III would still take the cake. Featuring killer productions by hit-makes like Kanye West and visits by A-listers like Jay-Z, there’s something for everybody on Tha Carter. Of course, the main draw is Wayne’s voice, which is at times nasal, cocky, giggly and confident. Listeners can get lost just trying to keep track of his moods and his words at the same time. No matter. This is the year’s hip-hop classic, and will no doubt go down as one of the game’s best records. For those who are just now jumping onto the Lil Wayne bandwagon, hurry up – there’s no telling where he can go from here.
5. The Bootleg Series Vol. 8: Tell Tale Signs – Rare and Unreleased 1989-2006 – Bob Dylan
For any who believe that Dylan’s best material was in the 60s and 70s, and everything he’s done since has been sub par hasn’t been paying attention to such great albums as Oh Mercy, Time Out of Mind and Modern Times. The unreleased and altered cuts on this album show that Dylan is still in full possession of his poetic powers; you think you know a song and it’s meaning, like “Dignity,” but then you listen to how the song evolved and realize there’s so much more behind it that goes unsaid. Dylan’s not the best living songwriter for nothing, and this gem of unreleased material shows it in spades.
6. 808s & Heartbreak – Kanye West
Cut Kanye West a break. With this album’s release, a lot of people complained that it wasn’t full of the cocky, funny songs that have made West one of hip-hops leading MC’s. True, he doesn’t really show his best lyrical control on the album, and does more singing than rapping, but that doesn’t mean what he’s creating isn’t any less immediate or listenable. He proves he can still make the hits with songs like “Love Lockdown” and “Say You Will.” I think as West continues to evolve, this album will be looked on as a turning point in his career. Dylan going electric its not, but it’s certainly something worth paying attention to.
7. Attack & Release – The Black Keys
The two-man duo from Ohio have been the best blues band that no one knew about for years, but since their strictly blues debut, The Big Come Up, The Black Keys have been changing into something more experimental. It certainly doesn’t hurt to have Danger Mouse as a producer, and what at first would seem like an odd combination, instead gave birth to something both familiar and unusual. Attack & Release has the most instrumentation of any Black Keys album, like “Psychotic Girl” and “Same Old Thing” and manages to still sound like The Black Keys. Keep an eye on where these guys go from here.
8. Only by the Night - Kings of Leon
Probably the catchiest album of the year, Kings of Leon has finally broken onto the mainstream with Only by the Night, and after listening to the album with such hook-filled numbers as “Sex On Fire,” “Use Somebody” and “Revelry” it’s easy to understand why people are finally paying attention to these southern boys.
9. Where the Light Is - John Mayer
The best live album of the year, which was recorded at a show where Mayer showed his fans his evolution on stage: starting with acoustic coffeehouse troubadour, to blues man, and finally blending the two together to create his own sound, the album is full of wicked guitar solos and Mayer’s soulful voice. Listen to his fiery version of “Everyday I Have the Blues,” and you can hear that the blues isn’t going out of style anytime soon.
10. Cardinology - Ryan Adams and The Cardinals
2008 was a pretty quiet year for Ryan Adams, only releasing one album, but what an album it is. It’s the perfect combination of Adams’ alt country leanings and his rock sensibilities. Adams has finally managed to balance the two together to create his strongest collection of songs yet. As long as he stays in this musical vein, he can release as many albums a year as he wants.
11. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
This was the debut album of the year, and after one listen it’s easy to understand why. The album is a gorgeous mixing of Beach Boys harmonizing, My Morning Jacket southern rock and Appalachian folk. Just by describing the album doesn’t sound like it would work, but man, does it. Arguably the prettiest album of the year, I can’t wait to see what they do next.
12. Dear Science – TV on the Radio
TV on the Radio is the one band that got the mixing of rock and techno that has become so prominent, exactly right. It’s something you can dance to, or pay attention to the lyrics that show a world in chaos and confusion. It doesn’t sound like anything else that was released this year, and there’s hardly a higher compliment that can be given.
13. Flight of the Conchords – Flight of the Conchords
Quite possibly the most eclectic album of the year - definitely the funniest - the full LP from New Zealand’s folk duo is so choc-full of lyrical gems that it’s like rifling through a treasure chest. The songs are funniest when you’ve seen them performed live – to be sure – but this album shows why they are so popular in the first place.
14. Jukebox - Cat Power
Chan Marshall’s second full album of covers is so heavily drenched in atmospheric organs and steel guitars that it actually sounds like a grey night in the city. As usual, Marshall’s voice is where the money’s at, and an artist who can take Frank Sinatra’s “New York” and turn into a lonely wail in the night is an artist to revere.
15. Keep your Eyes Ahead - The Helio Sequence
The most underrated album of the year, The Helio Sequence is following in the footsteps of such indie greats as Death Cab for Cutie and Band of Horses, while throwing in a little Nick Drake for good measure. A lovely album full of luminous hits, culminating in “Broken Afternoon,” keep your eyes on The Helio Sequence.
16. Gossip in the Grain - Ray LaMontagne
Despite having a reputation for singing only sad, lonely songs, LaMontagne showed on his third album that he has a lot more soul in him than most had thought. As beautiful as his music is when it’s sad, it’s even prettier when it’s glad.
17. Wheels - Dan Tyminski
The best bluegrass album of the year, featuring Tyminski’s rich vocals and racing guitars and banjos, displays exactly why he’s risen to such prominence since his time playing with Alison Krauss and doing the singing for George Clooney in O Brother, Where Art Thou?
18. Med Sud I Eyrum Vit Spilum Endalaust – Sigur Ros
All of Sigur Ros’ albums are gorgeous collections of long, swirling cuts sung in a language that is almost impossible to understand, which hasn’t done anything to make them less appealing. They’ve hit their peak on this album, which has some of their happiest songs and most beautiful ballads. You don’t need to understand the words to be touched by the music.
19. Day & Age – The Killers
Returning to their captivating, 80s style rock numbers on Day & Age, shows that The Killers can write a hook when they want to. Dancing back and forth over the line between Bowie-esue numbers and danceable club hits, the album displays that the group is still as infectious as ever.
20. Stay Positive – The Hold Steady
The Hold Steady sounds the most like early Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, and on Stay Positive they’ve fully embraced that sound, creating an album as rich and full of stories as The Wild, The Innocent and The E Street Shuffle. Songs like “Sequestered in Memphis” prove that storytelling in the style of Dylan and Springsteen is alive and kicking.
21. 19 – Adele
One of the slew of new British songstresses to be hailed as the “new Amy Winehouse,” Adele is without a doubt the most soulful and smoky. Adele’s soaring voice carries the single “Chasing Pavements” and the Bob Dylan cover “Make You Feel My Love.” For someone so young, this is one hell of a debut – more Aretha than Amy.
22. For Emma, Forever Ago – Bon Iver
Recorded by himself in the Wisconsin backcountry, Justin Vernon – also known as Bon Iver – has crafted an album so gorgeous in its brevity and heartbreak that it’s impossible to listen to it and not remember how you felt after you had your heartbroken for the first time. If only all heartbreak created such art.
23. Feed the Animals – Girl Talk
Girl Talk – or Greg Gillis, as he’s also known – is a DJ of the highest order, using samples from artists as widespread as The Band, Kanye West, Black Street, Mark Mothersaugh to fashion the club album of the year. All the songs flow into each other seamlessly, creating the perfect album for playing during a party, or just to appreciate what a real DJ can do.
24. Rockferry – Duffy
She may have the looks to be some kind of 60s pin-up girl, but Duffy sounds like Dusty Springfield at her best. Hits like “Mercy” may get you dancing, but slow burners like “Warwick Avenue” are what really set Rockferry apart from the Amy Winehouse’s of the world.
25. When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold – Atmosphere
One of underground hip-hop’s top names, Atmosphere has made the album of their career, mixing their insanely smart lyrics with some unique samples and beats. Only Slug could rap about the love for his daughter and make it sound so sincere.
26. Lust Lust Lust - The Raveonettes
The Raveonettes have taken a major cue from The Jesus and Mary Chain on their latest album, and the payoff is a pinnacle of synth music, hitting the peaks of how gorgeous and compelling the music can be. Awash in waves of guitar fuzz and reverb, Lust Lust Lust will leave you lusting for more.
27. Orange Blossoms - JJ Grey & Mofro
JJ Grey and Mofro sound like the soul band that Jack Bruce would be in if he got started today. Orange Blossoms is the perfect blend of soul and blues, in the old school sense. The best retro album of the year is also an exhibition on how soul-stirring the blues can be.
28. Seventh Tree - Goldfrapp
Taking a break from the dance hits that have made Goldfrapp famous, Seventh Tree sounds just like a summer afternoon. It’s a gorgeous collection of songs for both the dusk and the dawn.
29. Fate - Dr. Dog
Fate wins the award for the album that sounds the most like The Band. Using a wide range of instruments and vocal styles to make an album that sounds like something record in a barn in Woodstock, Dr. Dog may have just the right sensibilities to be this generations The Band.
30. Modern Guilt – Beck
The second great album that Danger Mouse produced this year, has Beck stepping away from his quirky Guero-type music, and has him more in the vein of his classic Odelay! It seems like eventually Beck would have to make a bad album, but if he keeps churning out material like this, that won’t be happening any time soon.
31. Conor Oberst – Conor Oberst
The lead singer of Bright Eye’s first “official” solo release sounds like a somber ode to the road that Jack Kerouac wrote about so passionately. Oberst’s road is more Cormac McCarthy than Kerouac – dark and myseterious – but more fascinating due to that fact.
32. Off With Their Heads – Kaiser Chiefs
The most wry and political album to come out of Britain this year, the Kaiser Chiefs return to their gritty, sarcastic sound after a less than stellar outing on Yours Truly, Angry Mob. They may not be the next Clash, but they’re certainly on their way.
33. You And Me – The Walkmen
The Walkmen have always been one of the indie scene’s most dependable bands for fuzzy guitars, clever writing and moving singing. They certainly don’t disappoint on You And Me, which smacks a bit of The Velvet Underground and The Arcade Fire. A mix like that is bound to be interesting.
34. Volume One - She & Him
No doubt one of the oddest pairings of the year, Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward have created one of the most unlikely musical feats of the year: an album that sounds like it could have easily been recorded during the 60s soul movement. Deschanel and Ward may be young, but Volume One proves they are two very old souls.
35. Consolers of the Lonely – The Raconteurs
The Raconteurs are the band most likely to be the new Led Zeppelin. On Consolers, with its guitar driven songs and wailing vocals, Jack White and Brendan Benson have created the perfect album for the Guitar Hero generation. This one’ll have you playing air guitar all night long.
36. Intimacy - Bloc Party
Bloc Party has always been one of Britain’s most interesting bands, and they continue to hold that reputation on Intimacy, a release that at times sounds like the bastard child of TV on the Radio discothèque and The Cure balladry.
37. Little Honey - Lucinda Williams
William’s sunniest album, Little Honey shows that she can do a happy love song just as well as she can do an embittered one. Her cover at the end of AC/DC’s “It’s A Long Way to the Top,” is the perfect ending for an album that shows Williams certainly knows how to rock and roll.
38. Something for All of Us… - Brendan Canning
Another release from a member of Broken Social Scene, Something for All of Us… is choc-full of catchy riffs and great singing. The music keeps your toe tapping and Canning shows that he’s not just any lyricist. It’s certainly not just any side project.
39. April - Sun Kil Moon
Sun Kil Moon has been making quiet acoustic albums on his own for years, but he’s reached a new high with April, which not only features some of his loveliest ballads, but some of his best guitar playing to date. Who says a sad song has to be a quiet one?
40. The Rhumb Line – Ra Ra Riot
The heir-apparent to The Arcade Fire, Ra Ra Riot’s The Rhumb Line has gotten orchestral rock down to a science. Engaging and expansive, there’s a lot of music to get lost in.
41. Hideaway – The Weepies
One of the best bands you don’t know about, The Weepies have perfected their melancholy music and lyrics and added a new level of depth to craft an album that is perfect for a cloudy day at home.
42. Nouns – No Age
The best release by what was a whole list of bands to re-embrace the new lo-fi scene, Nouns sounds like the kind of rock recorded recorded in someone’s basement during the 70s. Bands like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols would be proud.
43. Firesight - Jessie Baylin
Baylin’s luminous voice playing over elegant piano and guitar ballads make for one of the most striking releases of the year. “Lonely Heaven” is a standout on an album that ranks up there with Norah Jones’ best.
44. Harps and Angels - Randy Newman
Proving that Newman still has his sarcastic wit about him after all these years, Harps and Angels is not only a sly finger pointed at all the phonies in the world – see “A Few Words in Defense of Our Country” – but a love song to the music of New Orleans. It’s a warm welcome to an old friend.
45. NaS – NaS
NaS’ best – and most political – album since Illmatic shows that the MC still has it. Despite his previous statement that hip-hop is dead, NaS either doesn’t believe it, or is dead-set on bring it back. Either way, it’s a thirlling welcome back to one of the games best players.
46. Oh! Mighty Engine - Neil Halstead
Recorded for Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records, Halstead’s album feels more like Harvest Moon Neil Young than Johnson, with lovely layered guitars and a strong voice driving home such numbers as “A Gentle Heart.”
47. Elephant Shell – Tokyo Police Club
For an album where there is maybe one song longer than three minutes, there are a lot of memorable cuts and hooks; enough to make you wonder if the Tokyo Police Club can accomplish so much in so short a time, what can they do with more?
48. She Ain’t Me - Carrie Rodriguez
The best country album of the year features some of the best singing and writing to come out of the country scene in ages. In a genre that seems more like rock with violins, it’s nice to hear a voice with so much soul and sincerity as Rodriguez’s.
49. Songs For You, Truths For Me – James Morrison
Morrison’s sophomore effort is one hook after another, and it all comes together to create one of the best pop records of the year. The standout is his duet with Nelly Furtado on “Broken Strings,” a break-up song that is instantly relatable.
50. Hey Ma - James
It’s been a while since the band James has released a record, but if they were saving time to work on out all the kinks on Hey Ma, than it was time well spent. James may have been out of the game for a while but, as this album demonstrates, they haven’t lost touch yet.
Top 100 Songs
1. “Lollipop” – Tha Carter III - Lil Wayne featuring Static Major
This year’s top song goes to what is undoubtedly the catchiest thing to hit the airwaves in years. Lil Wayne is at his most clever and goofy here, oscillating back and forth between satirizing other stars hits and making very thinly veiled hints about oral sex. I mean, what else could “like me like a lollipop” mean? In this case, it’s the year’s sweetest treat.
2. “Bixby Canyon Bridge” – Narrow Stairs – Death Cab for Cutie
Unseating “The New Year” as Death Cab’s best album opener, “Bixby” also takes the cake for the best album opener of the year. The mix of atmospheric guitar waves – courtesy of Chris Walla – and the Radiohead-esque middle section is the recipe for an immediate attention grabber. And the way it cuts out at the end? Perfection.
3. “Sex on Fire” – Only by the Night – Kings of Leon
This one just gets under your skin, and doesn’t come out until you’ve been listening to it on repeat for days. Take my word for it. Caleb Followill’s howl matches beautifully with the lyrics. I can’t say how many times I’ve listened to this song, however, and still have no idea what it means; is it a guy praising himself on his prowess under the covers, or wailing over a disease he’s caught? I’m leaning towards the latter, because like a disease, this one is catchy as hell.
4. “Death and All His Friends” – Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends – Coldplay
This closer on Coldplay’s best – and most adventurous - album to date has the band doing what it does best: a quiet build up to a foot-stomping, crowd-singing close. When that close has the aptly prophetic lines, “I don’t want to cycle, recycle revenge, I don’t want to follow death and all his friends,” you know you’ve got something special on your hands.
5. “Love Lockdown” – 808s & Heartbreak – Kanye West
The techno beat of this destined-to-be club classic blends perfectly with West’s computerized voice. This is West acting as the hit-maker that fans have come to rely on for years. He nails it on this one.
6. “Mississippi (Previously Unreleased Version #2)” – The Bootleg Series Vol. 8: Tell Tale Signs
- Bob Dylan
This quieter, solo version of Love and Theft’s “Mississippi” is as lovely and ragged as Dylan can be. It’ll pull at your heartstrings while echoing such classics as Randy Newman’s “Sail Away.”
7. “I Will Posses Your Heart” – Narrow Stairs – Death Cab for Cutie
The eight-minute lead single from Death Can’s Narrow Stairs let every fan know what they were in for: new sounds and directions from one of modern rock’s – indie or otherwise – best bands. Just try to listen to the first lyric free moments without tapping your toes and bopping your head.
8. “Same Old Thing” – Attack & Release – The Black Keys
Thanks to Danger Mouse’s production, this cut from the blues boys from Ohio shows that while their roots are permanently dyed blue, their music isn’t just the same old thing.
9. “Evil Urges” – Evil Urges – My Morning Jacket
Opening tracks were on a roll this year, as “Evil Urges” demonstrates. It shows My Morning Jacket playing to their strengths: crafting crazy, psychedelic lyrics around catchy southern rock.
10. “Cath…” – Narrow Stairs – Death Cab for Cutie
This was Death Cab’s year for memorable cuts, and “Cath…” may well be their hookiest song since “Sound of Settling.” What makes it even better is the band’s ability to take a marriage right out of a John Updike novel and have you humming it on your way to work.
11. “Viva la Vida” – Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends – Coldplay
Perhaps the most infectious string-driven song since The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony,” “Viva la Vida,” proves that despite the lyrics, Chris Martin is still king.
12. “Gravity” – Where the Light Is – John Mayer
This live cut is the perfect example of what Mayer has perfected; taking beautifully searching lyrics, and melding them with blues and soul melodies. Opening the track with a cover of Otis Redding’s “I’ve Got Dreams to Remember” is the icing on the cake.
13. “You Are the Best Thing” – Gossip in the Grain – Ray LaMontagne
LaMontagne had built himself a reputation as a Nick Drake type songwriter, steeping himself in melancholic acoustic guitars. This cut, with the addition of a blazing horn line, shows that LaMontagne has found that there’s light in every darkness.
14. “Use Somebody” – Only by the Night – Kings of Leon
A completely relatable song about trying to get noticed by someone gets extra weight thanks to the bands pulsing guitars and the unforgettable harmonizing of the chorus.
15. “Against Privacy” – Loyalty to Loyalty – Cold War Kids
Tinkling cymbals and fuzzy guitars serve as the perfect backdrop as Nathan Willett wails about what the band is for and against. Let’s hope their for more songs like this.
16. “Chasing Pavements” – 19 – Adele
Written after breaking-up with – and punching – her ex, British singer Adele lets her soaring voice carry this gorgeous number, one you’ll be singing on your own pavements.
17. “Golden Age” – Dear Science – TV on the Radio
The band that did the best job of melding rock with techno beats earns its stripes with this discothèque gem. Just listen as the band lays down it’s best “Stayin’ Alive” beat and bounce along with it.
18. “Ramblin (Wo)Man” – Jukebox – Cat Power
The steel guitars and fuzzed out organs allow Chan Marshall’s blues drenched voice to totally steal the show on this cover song. Rearranging the name makes the song even more her own. This is girl power at its peak.
19. “Time the Conqueror” – Time the Conqueror – Jackson Browne
Browne picked a damn good year to get political, but this song transcends politics to hit on a human level. If there was a better song released this year – or any, really – that deals as beautifully with the inevitability of time as this one, I haven’t heard it.
20. “Sentimental Heart” – Volume One – She & Him
The opening track to the unlikely paring of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward’s joint effort grabs the listener and shows that Deschanel is more than just a talented actor. She’s got an old soul.
21. “Fix It” – Cardinology – Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
This cut from this years only Adams release shows just how twangy and gorgeous his music can be when sets his mind to it. And the chorus and hook? His best in years.
22. “Ragged Wood” – Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
A perfect blend of The Beach Boys, My Morning Jacket and Appalachian folk, this track makes it abundantly clear why Fleet Foxes is the debut band of the year. Listen and get swept away.
23. “The Most Beautiful Girl (In the Room)” – Flight of the Conchords – Flight of the Conchords
This side-splitter from New Zeland’s “fourth most popular folk duo” is the quintessential modern love song. If playing this one doesn’t get you any, you’re doing something wrong. Or your name is Bret or Jermaine. Either or.
24. “Lately” – Keep Your Eyes Ahead - The Helio Sequence
Following in the steps of Death Cab and Band of Horses, this luminous opening track about the hubris of covering up a broken heart is the year’s best break-up song, and a brilliant introduction to a band that should have received more attention years ago.
25. “Mr. Carter” – Tha Carter III – Lil Wayne featuring Jay-Z
Lil Wayne and Jay-Z share more than just a common last name, as they both exhibit in spades on this horn driven classic. With cuts like this, Wayne comparing himself to “Pac, Biggie and Jay-Z” sounds just right.
26. “Warwick Avenue” – Rockferry – Duffy
This slow burner from the “new Amy Winehouse” is actually more reminiscent of Dusty Springfield, and that’s for the better. Duffy’s heart-broken voice and the gorgeous background music make this the best on a brilliant debut.
27. “Valium Skies” – Forth – The Verve
This is the best Oasis song never written, and The Verve is the band to carry it off. Richard Ashcroft’s voice seems to be channeling Bono, but it’s all about the soaring music here. This is more silvering lining than cloud at it’s most breathtaking.
28. “You Found Me” – The Fray – The Fray
The first single from the Colorado band’s album to be released in February is the perfect reminder of what fans have been missing: great hooks with wonderfully searching lyrics. This is just one of the reasons the band’s sophomore effort is so highly anticipated.
29. “Rag Doll” – She Ain’t Me – Carrie Rodriguez
Pretty doesn’t begin to describe the beauty of this torch song from the best country album of the year. Listen to the agony in Rodriguez’s voice, and tell me she hasn’t lived this song. Haven’t we all?
30. “I’m Yours” – We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. – Jason Mraz
Mraz has always had a talent for writing songs that don’t get out of your head in any hurry, but he’s outdone himself on this pop gem. Radio rightly couldn’t find a catchier – or sweeter – summer hit.
31. “Robocop” – 808s & Heartbreak – Kanye West
The mix of techno and strings here snatches the listener instantly as West laments a dying relationship. It’s also the best use West has made of strings since “Jesus Walks."
32. “Roll On” – Rock and Roll Jesus – Kid Rock
Kid Rock he can craft a perfect summer hit without all the ego that usually comes along with his music. This is the type of track that Bob Seger could be proud of. Pop this one on as you’re driving on a sunny day, and just roll on.
33. “Green Light” – Evolver – John Legend featuring Andre 3000
Legend yet again shows why he’s the best voice in soul right now, matching his velvet tones with an instantly catchy hook. Andre 3000 of Outkast does him proud with his appearance. This one is a definite go.
34. “Blindsided” – For Emma, Forever Ago – Bon Iver
This track sounds exactly like what it was: recorded alone in the wilderness of Wisconsin, with nothing more than a guitar and a broken heart. Apparently, for Bon Iver, raw beauty in nature translates into music.
35. “Psychotic Girl” – Attack & Release – The Black Keys
The first Black Keys track that features a leading string instrument other than a guitar demonstrates that a banjo can be a wonder in the right hands. The creepy, tingly piano and the hilarious lyrics – when you think about them – prove how wonderful trying something new can be.
36. “Librarian” – Evil Urges – My Morning Jacket
A shout out to book nerds – or nerds who dig women who like books – is a gem of simple guitar work that James Taylor would be proud of. Jim James is at once both funny and sweet in this song that tackles a hot librarian and the destructive power of modern technology. Who else could do it so sweetly?
37. “In Your Atmosphere” – Where the Light Is – John Mayer
The first time this long time fan favorite has been officially released captures Mayer as he first was: a lone man singing his heart out with nothing but an acoustic guitar. While he’s certainly gone onto bigger and better things, with songs like this, there’s nothing wrong with revisiting one’s roots.
38. “Wheels” – Wheels – Dan Tyminski
The opening track from the best bluegrass album of the year is just the right blend of blazing finger-work and bittersweet lyrics. Give it to Tyminski, with his uniquely smooth voice, and you’ve got a bluegrass winner.
39. “Think About It” – Flight of the Conchords – Flight of the Conchords
In a year where political songs were flying around as much as campaign ads, it takes a duo from New Zealand to put it all in perspective for the country. Sort of Quick, go to the acapella jam!
40. “Let the Beat Build” – Tha Carter III – Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne is this year’s best MC to show the world how to build a beat. He does it to perfection on this incredibly catchy number. All those aspiring hip-hop artists out there: take notes.
41. “Ara Batur” – Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust – Sigur Ros
Sigur Ros can do sweeping, swirling ballads like nobody’s business, but they bring their A-Game to the table on this positively gorgeous song. It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand the words; the music says it all.
42. “Going On” – The Odd Couple – Gnarls Barkley
Nobody does infectious quite like Gnarls Barkley, but the touching of sweet soul singing on this song brings their artistry to a whole new level. Try and get this one out of your head. I dare you.
43. “Go Easy” – Cardinology – Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
Taping into his rock side for this love song, Adams delivers the perfect mix of heartbreak and hope. Adams has been doing this for so long, he’s a pro; here’s the proof.
44. “Judas” – Forth – The Verve
This is the closest you’re coming to come to the musical equivalent of shimmering any time soon. Just close your eyes and let the sweeping sounds take you away.
45. “Wildflower” – Rattlin’ Bones – Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson
Chambers is has garnered worldwide acclaim for her country-blues mix, but this album of duets recorded with her husband shows that she’s just getting started. The interplay between the two creates the prettiest duet of the year.
46. “Live Your Life” – Recapturing the Banjo – Otis Taylor featuring Keb Mo’
Taylor is a whiz with the banjo, but what sets this cut apart from his other work is the simple interplay between the banjo, guitar, trumpet and the ruggedness of Keb Mo’s voice. Country perfection.
47. “Still Here” – Feed the Animals – Girl Talk
All of Girl Talk’s songs are crazy-fun mixes of a wide range of musicians spliced together, but mixing Blackstreet with The Band? What more can I say? Just give it a listen.
48. “Dead Sound” – Lust Lust Lust – The Raveonettes
The best synth band since The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Raveonettes use this song to show just how luminous that sound can be when done right. The music is in good hands.
49. “Sequestered in Memphis” – Stay Positive – The Hold Steady
The Hold Steady are the closest the modern generation is going to get to the sound of early Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, and this is the gem on the band’s best album yet. Catchy and great lyrics do the Boss proud.
50. “Broken Afternoon” – Keep Your Eyes Ahead – The Helio Sequence
The perfect song for sitting and watching the sun set on a summer evening, or getting introspective alone in the middle of the night, this shining song recalls Nick Drake at his best.
51. “Lost +” – Prospekt’s March – Coldplay featuring Jay-Z
It’s amazing how well Coldplay fits with hip-hop. Chris Martin was on Kanye West’s Graduation and this is their second outing with Jay-Z. As usual, HOVA lays down a killer rhyme to a slightly remixed of “Lost!” I just can’t wait for a duet album.
52. “Yesterday” – When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold – Atmosphere
An old-school soul beat is the backdrop for Atmosphere’s song about the absence of Slug’s father. The two blend perfectly and Slug raps with nostalgia about his dad. Daddy issues never sounded this good.
53. “Tessellate” – Elephant Shell – Tokyo Police Club
The name for the song is almost longer that the actual song itself, which features a driving drum beat and head-banging guitar riffs. You may not be able to correctly pronounce the name, but you’ll sure be able to sing along to the song.
54. “Can You Tell” – The Rhumb Line – Ra Ra Riot
Exhibiting why all those comparisons to the Arcade Fire are apt indeed, “Can You Tell” sounds like The Cure’s Robert Smith at his most desperate. Lines like “my bed’s too big for just me,” shows a perfect understanding of the little things that make loneliness so painful.
55. “Lost Verses” – April – Sun Kil Moon
A nine-minute album opener, “Lost Verses” is Sun Kil Moon – or Mark Kozelek – at his prettiest and most expansive. The final minutes which is just an acoustic guitar is as stirring an ending as you could hope for.
56. “Gone in the Morning” – Hand Built By Robots – Newton Faulkner
Just a little ditty from England’s Newton Faulkner perfectly displays why he made such a big splash when he crossed the pond: clever lyrics played over an infectious guitar line and an even catchier chorus. It may not be particularly deep, but it’ll get in your head.
57. “Like A Fire” – Like A Fire – Solomon Burke
Burke has been a major figure on the soul and blues scene for years, and the title track from his latest release proves that he still has plenty of soul to spare. The guitar lines are as smooth as his voice, and Burke certainly doesn’t show any signs of burning out any time soon.
58. “India/Mountain Time” – Live from Nowhere in Particular – Joe Bonamassa
A long, guitar solo introduces this lovely song about the eternal girl who got away. In this case she lives in the mountains, and Bonamassa’s impassioned howls have the ache of separation that words can’t convey. You just feel it.
59. “Lonely Heaven” – Firesight – Jessie Baylin
Baylin’s voice is what this song is all about. It’s beautiful, emotional and when it is laid over a simple piano ballad, you have the perfect recipe for a classic torch song.
60. “Moab” – Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst
A rockin’ number about the road has Oberst at his most Dylan-esque, telling his jilted love story that can only be healed by the road. Kerouac would be pleased.
61. “Spaceman” – Day & Age – The Killers
Returning to their 80s sound, “Spaceman” is about as big of an anthem as any album could ask for. The song smacks of “Mr. Brighstide” with more organ, but just as engaging.
62. “You Got Me” - Hello…X – Tristan Prettyman
Prettyman has made her mark playing relatively simple songs, but her lyrics and voice elevate them more to just a girl being in love. There’s an edge to her voice that makes her hard to forget, and “You Got Me” shows why.
63. “Up All Night” – Free Somehow – Widespread Panic
The killer horn line is what makes this such a memorable song from Widespread Panic’s best album in years. It’s the perfect party song from the band you would least expect to write it.
64. “Feels Like Home” – Angels and Harps – Randy Newman
Everyone knows Newman can write social satire with so much wit that it’ll knock you on your ass, but this simple love song shows that the man can go for the heart with as much vigor as he goes after the government.
65. “Something Good This Way Comes” – Seeing Things – Jakob Dylan
Jakob has never sounded more like father than on this cut from his first solo release, but Bob has never written something this radio friendly. It’s been a while since he wrote something this optimistic as well.
66. “Staying With Me” – Forgiven – Los Lonely Boys
Proving that their hit “Heaven” was no mistake, Los Lonely Boys layer this one with doo-wop style harmonizing and a killer guitar solo. This is a love song that could have been written by the Everly Brothers and been just as popular.
67. “If I Never See Your Face Again (Paul Oakenfold Remix)” – Call and Response – Maroon 5 featuring Rihanna
Proving that Maroon 5 can work with practically anyone, Oakenfold’s remix of Rihanna’s remix shows just how durable Maroon 5’s music is. I have no doubt they’ve played clubs before, but this one is ready made for club immortality.
68. “Leave Our Boyfriends” – Thirteens – Leona Naess
Less a call for girl power than a statement of strength, “Leave Our Boyfriends” sounds like the hit Feist wished she wrote. At once catchy and emotional, it’s a treat for either sex.
69. “It Can’t Rain Everyday” – When Angels and Serpents Dance – P.O.D.
P.O.D.’s most hope driven on their latest album is also the most memorable. The band artfully takes a simple idea and turns into a comfort. That’s an idea worth holding onto.
70. “You Can’t Stop Us Now” – NaS – NaS featuring Eban Thomas of the Stylistics and The Last Poets
NaS came back this year to prove that hip-hop isn’t dead yet, at least not if he has anything to say anything about it. The simple beat lets NaS rap about powerful the movement of a people can be.
71. “Many Shades of Black” – Consolers of the Lonely – The Raconteurs
While Jack White may be one of the modern guitar gods, this piano driven cut shows that there’s more to The Raconteurs than just Guitar Hero licks. This is blues as it should be played.
72. “Everyone Needs A Home” – Field Manual – Chris Walla
The best song of Death Cab for Cutie’s guitar/producer Chris Walla proves that Ben Gibbard isn’t the only strong songwriter that the band has. For a sweet love song, he should keep his band mate in mind for the next album.
73. “Living Well is the Best Revenge” – Accelerate – R.E.M.
Recalling the power and drive of their early years, “Living Well” shows just what can happen when you’re mad as hell, and not about to take it any more. The most fist pumping song they’ve written well since “It’s the End of the World” shows these boys still have it.
74. “More Than Friends” – Shine – Estelle
John Legend’s British find is a soul star of the first degree, using Motown style hooks to pull the listener into a song about a girl who’s sick of being stuck in the friend zone. Any bloke who hear’s this song would be a fool not move on it quick.
75. “Letter to My Son” – Intimacy – Bloc Party
Probably the sweetest song Bloc Party has ever written, “Letter” proves these punk boys can wear their hearts on their sleeves when they want to. It’s a song you can dance to and think about at the same time. That doesn’t happen often.
76. “Uncovering the Old” – Fate – Dr. Dog
The Band could be proud of this cut from Dr. Dog’s best release to date. It’s a simple idea, but the driving guitar lines and use of strings makes it instantly unforgettable. It will take a while for this one to get old.
77. “Dream Catch Me” – Hand Built by Robots – Newton Faulkner
The first single from Faulkner’s album quickly climbed the U.S. radio charts, and it’s not hard to understand why once you give it a lesson. A song of simple hope – even if it’s just in dreams – it fits perfectly in a time when we could all use some hope.
78. “Chemtrails” – Modern Guilt – Beck
If you ever wanted to know what Beck would sound like if he was a member of The Beach Boys, here’s your answer. It’s lush and features some of the best drumming of the year. This is a style Beck could make some real use of in the future.
79. “Losing Keys” – Sleep Through the Static – Jack Johnson
The closing number on Johnson’s first electric album shows that he can still be as warm and comforting as banana pancakes. He may have changed his sound a little, but he’s the same surfer at heart.
80. “Just Blue” – Hideaway – The Weepies
With a sound that is like a sweeter version of The Shins, “Just Blue” shows that The Weepies can take heartbreak and make it as pretty as falling love in the first place.
81. “Valentine” – The Way Out West – Michael Tomlinson
An extremely relatable song from singer/songwriter Michael Tomlinson – who took off from the mainstream music scene years ago – is so true to life and lovely it’s hard to not tear up at it. It’s a time machine in a five-minute song.
82. “Love Bomb” – Seeing Sounds – N*E*R*D*
On their most sonically advance album, N*E*R*D* proved they could be just as soulful as Gnarls Barkley if they wanted. A fitting song for the political season, “Love Bomb” is the only kind of bomb we need right now.
83. “Never Stop” – Solo Acoustic Vol. 2 – Jackson Browne
Browne’s power has always been in his solo material – just a man with a guitar or piano, and some truly remarkable words – and this live version of “Never Stop” hammers that idea home with the lightest touch imaginable.
84. “Remember You’re A Girl” – Off With Their Heads – Kaiser Chiefs
The title alone makes the song worth mentioning, but it’s a perfect example of how dynamic the Kaiser Chiefs can be – both politically savvy and catchy at the same time.
85. “Baby I Want You” – Last Days at the Lodge – Amos Lee
It doesn’t get any simpler than the idea for this song, and the lyrics go hand in hand with that. However, Lee’s earnest voice and jazzy guitar playing shows the power of simplicity.
86. “Orange Blossoms” – Orange Blossoms – JJ Grey & Mofro
The blue song Jack Bruce wishes he could have written – even if JJ Grey actually sounds like Bruce when he sings – “Orange Blossoms” is powered by a great backing band a wicked horn line. What more can you ask for from a blues band?
87. “Dark End of the Street” – Dark End of the Street – Cat Power
Chan Marshall’s cover of an Aretha Franklin song is just another vehicle for the raw power of Marshall’s voice. The added emphasis on the organ, and you’ve got everything you need for a perfect cover.
88. “Prayer for Spanish Harlem” – Giving Up the Ghost – Jackie Greene
Elton John wrote that Spanish Harlem “are not just pretty words to say” and Jackie Greene has taken the idea to heart, turning it into an elegant, haunting song that would do Elton proud.
89. “Rarity” – Little Honey – Lucinda Williams
An eight-minute love song from Lucinda Williams without any bitterness or anger? It’s something new, but on Little Honey, it fits like a glove. If love produces songs like this, let’s hope she stays with her new husband for the rest of her life.
90. “Broken Strings” – Songs for Me, Truths for You – James Morrison featuring Nelly Furtado
The catchiest song on an album full of infectious grooves, “Broken Strings” is helped along by Felly Furtado’s lovely voice. She’s done several duets by this point in her career, but it’s obvious why she’s in such high demand. This should be the slow dance number at this summer’s proms for sure.
91. “I Need You So” – Days Are Mighty – Jeb Loy Nichols
A simple love song in the vein of James Taylor – in fact, Nichols sounds quite a bit like Taylor – “I Need You So,” is another simple premise that is given flower by Nichol’s warm voice. Sometimes minimal is maximum.
92. “Engines” – A Hundred Million Suns – Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol’s music always seems to be stretching for the stratosphere, and they nearly get their with the choir-like opening to this head-bopper of a ballad. It’ll keep you moving, even as you gaze toward the stars.
93. “Caravan Girl” – Seventh Tree – Goldfrapp
The most upbeat song on an album that is tailor-made for summer, “Caravan Girl” has just the right amount of atmosphere and vocals. It’s the perfect song for a summer bar-b-que or just spending time with friends.
94. “Wichita Lineman” – Covers – James Taylor
James Taylor is the perfect person to take this Jimmy Webb song and add his own western-melancholic tone. Listening to it sounds like it could have just as easily been written by Taylor as by Webb, and that’s the sign of a well-executed cover.
95. “Perfect Symmetry” – Perfect Symmetry – Keane
“Perfect Symmetry” is Keane doing what they do best – playing a piano-driven ballad with Tim Chaplin’s vocal’s full of emotion and longing. Only a handful of bands can do longing like Keane, and it’s nice to be reminded of that every now and then.
96. “Time Has Come Again” – The Age of the Understatement – The Last Shadow Puppets
The perfect acoustic closer to an album made Arctic Moneky’s lead singer, “Time” is about as sparse and lovely as most of the music is rambunctious and fun. It’s just the right way to end almost any album.
97. “A Gentle Heart” – Oh! Might Engine - Neil Halstead
With guitar work that could have been done by Neil Young circa Harvest Moon, Neil Halstead sounds like Nick Drake doing what he does best on this heart-tugger.
98. “Oh My Heart” – Hey Ma – James
James reaches new sonic heights with this cut. The music sounds like something Coldplay would have written and the spiraling vocals will send shivers down your spine, in the best way possible.
99. “Too Much Water” – Pass It Around – Donovan Frankenreiter
A perfect summer song from a man who knows summer music, this cut by Frakenreiter is exactly what a night at the beach needs. If you can’t have the beach, this one will do instead.
100. “Broken Man’s Lament” – All I Intended to Be – Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris’ version of this standard exhibits that Harris has more than enough experience being broken by love to carry the song.
Top Reissues
1. The Bootleg Series Vol. 8: Tell Tale Signs – Rare and Unreleased 1989-2006 - Bob Dylan
2. Otis Blue (Deluxe) - Otis Redding
3. Strangers Almanac (Deluxe) - Whiskeytown
4. It’s Too Late to Stop Now (Live) - Van Morrison
5. This Year’s Model (Deluxe) - Elvis Costello
6. Something About Airplanes (Deluxe) - Death Cab for Cutie
7. A Night in San Francisco (Live) - Van Morrison
8. Pacific Ocean Blue (Deluxe) - Dennis Wilson
9. Moon Safari (Deluxe) - Air
10. Stardust (Deluxe) - Willie Nelson
Top Live Albums
1. Where the Light Is - John Mayer
2. It’s Too Late to Stop Now - Van Morrison
3. Live from Nowhere in Particular - Joe Bonamassa
4. Under a Blood Red Sky – U2
5. A Night in San Francisco - Van Morrison
6. Sugar Mountain – Live at Canterbury House 1968 - Neil Young
7. HAARP - Muse
8. Live at Mile High Music Festival – Dave Matthews Band
9. Two Men With the Blues - Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis
10. Solo Acoustic Vol. 2 - Jackson Browne
Top Music DVDs
1. Where the Light Is - John Mayer
2. Live from the Crystal Ballroom - Black Keys
3. Under A Blood Red Sky - U2
4. Live at Artists Den - Swell Season
5. Shine A Light – The Rolling Stones
6. At Kilburn: 1977 - The Who
7. Austin City Limits - Norah Jones
8. Live at Wembley Stadium - Foo Fighters
9. Live from Austin, TX - Amos Lee
10. A Hundred Miles Or More - Alison Krauss
Top Soundtracks
1. LOST – Season 3 - Score
2. Mad Men - Various Artists
3. Wall-E - Score
4. Heroes - Various Artists
5. Shine A Light – The Rolling Stones
6. My Blueberry Nights - Various Artists
7. Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - Score
8. Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist - Various Artists
9. Vicky Cristina Barcelona - Score
10. City of Ember - Score
Top Box Sets
1. Kind of Blue 50th Anniversary - Miles Davis
2. Live in Folsom Prison - Johnny Cash
3. Still on Top - Van Morrison
4. The Power of Negative Thinking - The Jesus & Mary Chain
5. War - U2
6. Definitive Collection Mini LP Replica - Led Zeppelin
7. To Be Free - Nina Simone
8. Perception - The Doors
9. Unreleased Recordings - Hank Williams
10. The Bootleg Series Vol. 8: Tell Tale Signs – Rare and Unreleased 1989-2006 - Bob Dylan
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