Best Albums of 2008 (So Far)
July 22nd, 2008 | by Scott |I know that I am a little late in doing this but I was on hiatus at the end of June. I know that my blog friends Greg and Matt have already published their lists. However, looking at them I don’t see a whole lot of overlap outside of the Mountain Goats and Vampire Weekend.
I’m not going to do a ranked list at this point for a couple of reasons: first, it always changes between this point and the end of the year list and, secondly, there hasn’t been the definitive release so far for me this year. By this point last year we had heard from McDermott and the Avett Brothers. Two years ago, we had Ritter’s Animal Years. Nothing I have heard so far comes close to those offerings, although by the end of the year I might put Matthew Barber in that group.
That is not to say that this year has been disappointing. There are a number of great recordings out there to snatch up. But you have to go looking for it. I’m not a Coldplay fan. I was disappointed in the REM release (although it grows on me with each subsequent listen) and I thought the latest Counting Crows was absolutely atrocious.
Anyway, here is a sampling of the albums released so far that will contend for my end of the year list and that I wholeheartedly recommend:
Tobias Froberg–Turn Heads
This is an off-beat folk from the Swedish Froberg. His lyrics are beautiful but it is the melody that will slowly worm its way into your skull. This is “Just Behind a Brick Wall”
She & Him–Volume One
I absolutely adore Zooey Deschanel and her work here with M. Ward is eccentric and catchy. This is strictly off-beat fare but one that sticks with you. This is “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?”
Tift Merritt–Another Country
If there is an artist that can pick up the torch carried by Emmylou Harris and Joni Mitchell it is Tift Merritt. Fall in love with that voice as you listen to “Broken.”
Carrie Newcomer–Geography of Light
Newcomer is one of the shining lights of socially aware music. With a grounding in the Quaker tradition and a sense of justice that embraces love and nonviolence her music speaks with an urgency that transcends music and lifts the soul. She is a true poet and one of the best songwriters out there today. Her music speaks with the spirit of Christ in a fallen world. This video is a good introduction to her and her latest album:
Dolly Parton–Backwoods Barbie
Seriously, I love Dolly and you won’t find a better line this year than “I’m not the Dolly Lama”
Flogging Molly–Float
Just pure rollickin’ fun. This album rocks.
Great Big Sea–Fortune’s Favour
One of my favorite bands, these Newfoundlander’s are a lot of fun and play with tremendous intensity. This is their first single “Walk on the Moon”
Idina Menzel–I Stand
I am absolutely in love with Idina Menzel. For those of you who aren’t familiar with her work in Rent or Wicked she was also the jilted fiancee in last year’s Enchanted. She has a powerhouse of a voice. She could sing the phonebook, dawg.
The Mountain Goats–Heretic Pride
You either get them or you don’t.
Matthew Barber–Ghost Notes
If I had to pick my favorite album so far this year it would be this one. This is one of the reasons that eMusic is such an essential source in being able to discover tremendous talents such as Barber. He was working on his master’s in philosophy when he decided to take music seriously. Here he is with his sophomore offering that has blown me away.
12 Responses to “Best Albums of 2008 (So Far)”
By greg on Jul 22, 2008 | Reply
I was listening to Matthew Barber again just last night. I downloaded both it and Froberg’s a few months ago, but they kind of got lost amongst a bunch of the other stuff I got around that time. I need to give them some more attention.
I downloaded the new Radiohead yesterday. I like it, it’s good, but I guess I don’t get it enough to think it’s great like so many of the reviews I’ve read.
I have Great Big Sea in my saved list.
By Scott on Jul 22, 2008 | Reply
I don’t get Radiohead at all. I’m glad it’s not just me.
I encourage you to delve deeper into Great Big Sea’s sound. The single is somewhat atypical as there is a strong Newfoundland feel to what they do.
By Matt on Jul 22, 2008 | Reply
I’ve already decided that I moved a bit too quickly with some of the choices on my list. While I still like the My Morning Jacket album, the more I listed to it, the more about 1/3 of it grates on me. Oh well, I’ll fix it at the end of the year.
I’ll have to check some of your choices out. I have The Mountain Goats and some of the She & Him album, but I may need to download some of your other picks.
By Martin Pitcher on Jul 22, 2008 | Reply
Dude,
I can get into some of these songs. Thanks for turning me on to The Mountain Goats and Matthew Barber
By Scott on Jul 23, 2008 | Reply
My Morning Jacket is another band I don’t get.
Martin, welcome to the blog. Glad you like the suggestions.
By greg on Jul 23, 2008 | Reply
I like MMJ’s Evil Urges, but some songs more than others. But for me, it didn’t quite live up to most of the reviews I read, either.
By happytheman on Jul 23, 2008 | Reply
Scott you’ve given me a great list to work through, thanks. I’m enjoying Fleet Foxes, Abigail Washburn, Ben Sollee, The Weepies, Eliza Gilkyson & Emmylou’s album. I’m not diggin Tift at all and to make a reference that she can carry the torch of Emmylou and Joni well may you be beaten by a wet noodle until you take back that blaspheme.
By happytheman on Jul 23, 2008 | Reply
Cool blog thought you might like it.
http://houstonramblings.typepad.com/ramblings/
By Jeff B. on Jul 23, 2008 | Reply
I’ve been waiting on this post! I’ll be checking some of these out. I’m surprised not to see the “Once” soundtrack and The Ringing Bell by Derek Webb on your list.
By Scott on Jul 23, 2008 | Reply
Those were 07 releases
By Jeff B. on Jul 23, 2008 | Reply
Also, are you aware of Derek Webb’s new venture — http://www.noisetrade.com? Another good way to get music.
By Jeff B. on Jul 23, 2008 | Reply
Wow. They came out that long ago? I really need to catch up.