It’s that time of year; everybody is coming out with his or her lists of favorite things. Here are my favorite six albums of 2008. Much has been written about each of my selections and I don’t presume to say anything new.
Blitzen Trapper – Furr
Kinda rootsy, some of it reminds of the best of The Grateful Dead. I can’t stop listening to the opening track, “Sleepytime in the Western World.” Also good is the title track.
Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago
Bearded guy writes emo-y songs with his acoustic guitar. Yeah, it’s a meme. But Bon Iver is the real thing. “Flume” is the standout track.
Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
Some more bearded guys. Very tight harmonies. “White Winter Hymnal” is a great song.
TV on the Radio – Dear Science
This album is just perfectly produced. It sounds beautiful. And the songs are great also. I really like “Family Tree.”
Amanda Palmer – Who Killed Amanda Palmer?
Thank you, Neil Gaiman for turning me on to Amanda Palmer. Punk cabaret. Brechtian Goth. Sure, it sounds just like The Dresden Dolls (for the most part) but I’m fine with that. My favorite tracks are “Guitar Hero” and “Point of It All.” As I pointed out in an earlier post, you really check out her video cycle for this album.
The Hold Steady – Stay Positive
Bruce Springsteen. There, now that’s out of the way. This is rock and roll – these songs are about drinking and drugging and rocking and maybe getting a little tired of it all. It’s just damn good stuff. The title track, “Sequestered in Memphis” and “Constructive Summer” are my favorites I guess but all the songs are great, really. I wish they had come through Birmingham on their tour with The Drive-By Truckers. Why didn’t they? In fact, the reason DBT’s Brighter Than Creation’s Dark is not on this list is because I think they’ve forgotten about the Magic City that they once seemed to love.
