Ok, so I felt that I should weigh in on what I believe to be the best albums of the year, as well as some disappointments. I am basing these on the albums that I preferred to listen to the most, and would also listen over another album. So we start with the best, in descending order: 10. Theory of a Deadman- Scars & Souvenirs (April 1, 2008) From the initial single "Bad Girlfriend", I knew I was going to thoroughly enjoy this album. And I was not disappointed. Other favorites on this album include "Crutch", "So Happy", and "End of the Summer". The album is very well produced and the rhythms maintain the listener's attention the whole way through. An excellent album to throw on for a road trip. 9. Airborne Toxic Event- Self Titled (August 5, 2008) I really wouldn't have picked up on this band if it wasn't for the combination of XM (I miss Ethel) and The Fratellis concert I attended in NYC. I heard "Sometime Around Midnight" and thought it was decent, but when I heard the band was opening for The Fratellis, I gave the whole album a listen. And I was very impressed. Sometimes I feel bands can get too Indie, but The Airborne Toxic Event is exactly the type of music I like. And as an added bonus, they are excellent in concert and I suggest seeing them. 8. Oasis- Dig out Your Soul (October 6, 2008) With all of the fanfare surrounding this album, it was set up to fail. The initial single was excellent, but how many times does a band have one good song on an album? Sadly, that answer lately is too many times. However, Oasis have never misstepped, and I feel this is an excellent continuation to their previous album, Don't Believe the Truth. Every song is excellent, and my favorite song on the album is "Ain't Got Nothin'", as it has a very classic Oasis feel. 7. Raconteurs- Consolers of the Lonely (March 25, 2008) I thought the first single "Salute Your Solution" was a decent track, but there are definitely better songs on this album that made me really enjoy listening to the album. My favorite is the title track, as the varying tempos in the song give it a very original, classic feel. "Attention" is another one of my favorite tracks to listen to, especially in the car. 6. Weezer- Self Titled (Red Album) (June 3, 2008) This Weezer album is solid from beginning to end, and most of it is excellent to throw on the mp3 player while running. My favorite track on the album is just hitting the radio waves: "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations on a Shaker Hymn)". But there really isn't a bad song on this album. Some of the songs threw me off with other members of the band taking the lead vocals, but I believe this shows how talented the band is as a whole. 5. The Offspring- Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace (June 11, 2008) I really enjoyed "Hammerhead" when it hit the airwaves as the album's first single. But the album has so many more enjoyable songs than just this one. "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid" became my favorite immediately after listening to the album. But I thoroughly enjoyed all but one song on this album. My least favorite song on the album is "Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?" I just can't get into this song. 4. Rise Against- Appeal to Reason (October 7, 2008) I really enjoy Rise Against's music, and was excited to hear they had a new album coming out. I feel that everytime I listen to a Rise Against album, I've known each song for a very long time. They have a way to make the listener attach to the songs as if they grew up listening to them. It's very difficult to pick a favorite song on the album, but if I were to pick, I would choose "From Heads Unworthy". 3. Alkaline Trio- Agony & Irony (July 1, 2008) I had occasionally listened to Alkaline Trio, especially Crimson. However, once I picked up this album, I found it very difficult to put down. All of the songs are excellent, starting off with the first single "Help Me". This album stayed in my car CD player all summer long and was used on every trip I took since picking it up. I really did not expect the album to be this good, but I am very glad it was. I find myself listening to the band more often because of it. 2. The Fratellis- Here We Stand (June 10, 2008) I expected somewhat of a sophomore slump from The Fratellis after their groundbreaking freshman debut Costello Music. The Fratellis made this album perfect. At first, I wasn't sure if I really liked it as much as the first album, but after a few listens, it became one of my favorite albums. I feel that the best albums take a few listens for the listener to fully appreciate them. I can't get this CD out of my player, and can't stop listening to "Acid Jazz Singer" and "Tell Me a Lie". This album exceeded expectations, and so did the band when I saw them live. Go see them. Now! 1. Innerpartysystem- Self Titled (September 30, 2008) So I really hope anyone from Philadelphia that may read this has checked out this band. They are from a suburb of your city, and really know how to rock. The sound of Innerpartysystem is very different from what is hitting the radio right now, but I absolutely love it. "Last Night in Brooklyn" became an instant favorite of mine, and this album is always being played in my car. Often, I jump to "Don't Stop" at the house when people are over because it really gets people going. I really hope the follow-up to this album is even in the same ballpark as the self-titled album. Also receiving votes: Saving Abel, The Kooks, Jet Black Stare, Akon, Bloc Party, N.E.R.D. Ok, so now for my biggest disappointments of 2008. This does not meant that the albums are the worst I have ever heard, but I had high expectations for and they severly let me down. Panic at the Disco- Pretty. Odd. Really? This lame thing that you put out after your fantastic debut album is supposed to keep me listening to you? I hope the third keeps me around. Guns 'N Roses- Chinese Democracy Axl, get over yourself. This album was not even close to the wait that you put everyone through. You think it would have been perfected during the long layoff. Nine Inch Nails- The Slip Ok, so I'm not going to hate on any NIN album. This is a decent album, especially for free. However, it could have used a little more. Some songs are amazing, but there are let-downs. The Faint- Fasciinatiion I like The Faint, and after hearing "Geeks Were Right", I thought I was going to love this album. As a whole, it's not that great. But "Geeks" gets a repeated listen from me. Kanye West- 808s and Heartbreak Stop manufacturing your voice and rap like you do best. There are some good songs on here, but they are the beat-laced ones with more rapping than fake singing. Please come back, Kanye of old. Well, tell me what you think. Agree? Disagree?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Top 10 Albums of the Year + Disappointments
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