Before we get to my top 20 of 2008, today we're simply going to do honorable mentions (because that is what Pitchfork did). And then list a few letdowns and finally the worst record of the year.
Honorable Mentions:
Bon Iver - For Emma, ForeverThis album is pretty solid, but it's not long before the dubbed falsetto starts to get irritating.
Shearwater - Rook
Slow Runner - Mermaids
Nada Surf - Lucky
Eureka Birds - S/T
Small Sur - We Live in Houses Made of WoodKind of a let down:
Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow StairsCan't win 'em all.
Drive By Truckers - Brighter Than Creations DarkA few great songs, one spectacular song and then a bunch of songs I am embarrassed to listen to. Just to preempt your "you don't understand because you're not from the south" crap Rick, this album makes me thankful I don't understand.
Denison Witmer - Carry the WeightPretty monotonous and cliche.
Centro-Matic/South San Gabriel - Dual Hawks
Joseph Arthur and the Lonely Astronauts - Temporary People
Ben Folds - Way to NormalI appreciate the references to Illinois but seriously Ben, it's time to get a new act. Can't bank on the whole, "I'm so nerdy and such a loser" act forever.
Horrible:
My Morning Jacket - Evil UrgesThis entire record is highly suspicious. I actually thought it was a joke, but it turns out they were serious. It's as bad as the album cover.
6 comments:
Iver only gets an honorable mention? Hm. I thought you were into all the introspective beard folk? That was in my top five for the year, easily.
You must spend a lot of money on music. And books. And coffee. ...I spend a lot of money on booze.
Bon Iver isn't dubbed falsetto, they sound the same live.
Maybe My Morning Jacket PURPOSEFULLY put out a crappy album so they could undo all of their popularity and they'll come back with a good one after this?
that's my only theory on the matter.
come on, evil urges has some high points! thanks for the e.b. mention btw...
That's certainly possible Justin but I had a hard time getting past Highly Suspicious! It's just hard when you love "At Dawn" My Morning Jacket and then you get an album like this. It's not that I want them to stay the same or anything, but I'm just not all that into the direction their headed.
In any case, I really enjoyed your album this year however. I hope things are going well for you guys and look forward to hearing more! Hope you guys make it out to Portland, OR sometime.
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