I have now successfully (I think) submitted five of my seven applications, and I can say with some surprise that I didn’t know just how much mental room this whole process has been taking up in my brain. I want this. I want this so much that the very prospect of failing to get in anywhere riddles me with doubt, fear, and a healthy dose of self-loathing.
All of which is to say that I’ve been so preoccupied that not even music has soothed this savage beast.
I say all of this, too, to explain (in part) why my list this year is a bit scatter-shot. True, every year has its challenges in regards to distilling the best sounds into a representative list, but this was the first year that I honestly share the “there wasn’t much good music” sentiment that my colleagues have begged to in previous years. This year I (halfheartedly) searched for that one album, that one new musical experience that enthralled me—the way, say, Red Devil Dawn did in 2003—but I don’t think it ever came. Sure, many of the albums on my list got heavy rotation, but not in the way Cease to Begin lodged itself in my brain last year and ever begged for one more listen.
In fact, I struggled with the number one spot this year. Last year, my top three all shared number one qualities—and the final decision came only after careful deliberation
This year, not so much. I actually flirted with the notion of forgoing a number one album altogether.
And so, this list represents what I was listening to in 2008, and it has some really excellent albums on it, but I haven’t approached this list with as much glee as I have in past years.
Since I knew this going in, the albums I’ve chosen represent a wide range of talents and moods—and the album in the top spot is one I may very well have disqualified in previous years. But I’ll get into that below.
I’ve listed down to ten, in traditional fashion, then followed up with a couple honorable mentions and other goodies. Enjoy!
Here we go.
10. Al Green – Lay It Down
Here’s the thing: I am too young to be a true Al Green fan. I fell in love with Al through a greatest hits Columbia House purchase many years ago. And, much like my love of John Lee Hooker, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Sam & Dave, and Cab Calloway, my love of Al is founded in a vague appreciation of soul. I think I get it. And I love to spin it. But I’m not sure I can say more than that.
So, here we are, in 2008, and we get a new batch of songs from Al—and they’re good. “Lay it Down” has a groove that’s anchored by a walking bass line. “Just For Me” is a classic party jam; the la la la’s of “Stay With Me (By The Sea)” are classic soul notes. “Take Your Time” is one of the best tracks on the album and really helped me slow down and relax through all the tension of the year. And so, Al makes number ten. There’s not much new ground here, but in many ways this throwback was just the thing for 2008.
9. My Brightest Diamond – A Thousand Shark’s Teeth
Okay, so Al Green was all about the groove and good soul. This one’s all about mood and the dark regions of the mind. My Brightest Diamond made my list in 2006, and so the release of this one I anticipated. It did not disappoint. Shara Worden’s voice is haunting and far reaching—from the soft lilting of “If I Were Queen,” to the soaring crescendos of “Ice And The Storm.” Just as Al Green’s “Take Your Time” reminded me to relax, Worden’s repetition of “I want to shake myself and turn my heart inside out” ran through my head like a personal mantra, a reprimand. The tinkling tempo of “Apple” is deeply reminiscent of Bjork, but where Bjork has disappointed me of late, this hit the spot.
8. The Whigs – Mission Control
My first thought: There’s nothing new here. This is all derivative. And, to some extent, this is true. The first track smacks of Brain Drain era Ramones. Track two launches straight and unabashedly into The Clash. The first chords of track three sound so much like Foo Fighters that when Parker Gispert starts singing, I have to remind myself that it’s not Dave Grohl. By track four, I can’t help but wonder who’s going to get nicked next. But that’s okay. And, not surprisingly, the trip down memory lane nets the gem that is “Right Hand On My Heart,” the best track on the album. From here on out, it is what it is—and it’s damn entertaining.
7. Sigur Rós - Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust
Mandy and I bought a few CDs before hopping on the plane to Finland this summer. This was one of them. What comes after “Gobbledigook” doesn’t matter (well, that’s not true…). Hands down one of the best songs of the year. Earlier this year, Mandy brought home Screaming Masterpiece, a documentary about Icelandic music. We watched it and it was really fascinating. This led us to watch Heima. Really, one can’t help but be mesmerized by these guys. The whole indecipherable lyrics thing is ultimately about either a pre- or post-linguistic phase—filling in the space between head and heart with raw sound. Good stuff.
6. The Hold Steady – Stay Positive
Okay, given what I’ve already written, this one should be here for the title alone. This was most definitely a year for the imperative: Stay positive. Personal trauma aside, this was a rough year for the world (or at least the world I live in; rough might be too positive for the rest of the spinning orb), and while many of us are thankful and hopeful for the coming Obama administration, we’ve still got some climbing to do.
Of course, the title doesn’t necessarily reflect the imperative that it implies. That’s the point, I’m sure, but… True, this album is not Boys and Girls. No one expected it to be. It is, however, a good follow-up. “Sequestered In Memphis” is an excellent song, reminiscent of all that is good about Springsteen and the E Street band, and The Hold Steady for that matter. Good piano, good sing-along chorus. “Both Crosses” is also an excellent track—eerie guitar and poignant lyrics, a winning combination.
5. Flight Of The Conchords – Flight Of The Conchords
While this album has songs that were clearly from last year, it transcends the HBO show. Transcends, of course, may sound too fancy for an album of silly songs, but I stand by it. The production value here is excellent. “Foux Du Fafa” is laugh-out-loud hilarious, but it’s also quite beautiful and sonically deep. Take away the riff on faux French and you have a hot dance track. And that’s what makes the album work: It’s a perfect blend of satire and honest songwriting. I’ll add that I was surprised by the overall funkiness of the album. For a show about two guys making stripped down, awkward music, this offering is well rounded and downright groovy. “Business Time” was on my list of best tracks last year—and it still stands as a great song this year, on this album. Way to go Brett Jemaine! Quincy Jones would be so proud!
4. She & Him – Volume One
This is a novelty that works. M. Ward, who made my list in 2006, teamed up with actress Zooey Deschanel and made a lovely little throwback album. Some of the songs on here are downright jarring in their jingle-jangle attempt to recall Patsy Cline, but “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?” is another of the great tracks of the year—it harnesses a manic energy that is infectious. The song’s video offers a fitting, repetitious bloodletting that is even more frightening couched in upbeat tempo and “do do do”s. I surprised myself with the heavy rotation of this one.
3. Aimee Mann – @#%&*! Smilers
On our way out of Finland, Michael burned a copy of this one for me and Mandy. He’d asked if I had it. I said no, thinking about how disappointed I’d been with The Forgotten Arm. But hey, a free CD is a free CD. And Lost In Space was so good. Surely I’d be entertained. Turned out to be worth the nicking. Last year, Brian gave up on Iron & Wine (or at least came to a ‘one trick pony’ conclusion). I defended The Sheperd’s Dog because I’d found something in it that I’d previously found lacking. To some extent, that’s what happened here with Smilers. I didn’t expect much from it; was not terribly impressed initially (except, of course, for “Freeway”); wound up loving it.
I’ll add that while I’ve mentioned some stand out songs so far, I think “Freeway” may just take top honors this year. Much like “Man O’ War” was 2006’s best song (for me at least), “Freeway” seems to epitomize 2008. Sure there were better songs—sonically and lyrically—but “Freeway” captures the essence of the year: “You got a lot of money but you can’t afford the freeway.” In a year that saw gas above four dollars a gallon, was there really a better line? I think back to the Hummer Mandy and I saw at a Hobby Lobby—with its “0 MPG” license plate and American eagle spare tire cover—and shake my head.
2. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
The question is, who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma? Yeah, that one line sold the album for me. If this hadn’t been such a strange year, then this one would probably be number one. Truth is, though, after the honeymoon phase, I haven’t really gotten back (in)to this. There is a certain jauntiness to the album that’s refreshing. “Mansard Roof” has got to be the biggest delight of the year—its off-kilter beat just the thing for playing croquet out on the lawn. And what was that about an Oxford comma? Literate alt-pop at its best. This is a spring/summer, roll the windows down, enjoy life kind of spinner.
Problem is, I don’t feel much like dancing these days.
Plus, there’s the age thing. I think I’m a bit put off by the fact that these guys are a bunch of Columbia kids oozing with pep and youth. Depressing, really…
1. Colin Meloy – Colin Meloy Sings Live!
And then there’s this one, number one and only. An album of mostly Decemberists songs. An album of one man and a guitar. I’m reminded of Ben Folds Live, the audacity of a one man show and all it represents. Good but a bit too self-involved, a bit too myopic. But that’s the joy here. This year, which has been so consumed by my own self-discovery, my own self-consumption, seems best summed up by an album that stands as a testament to the individual.
Don’t get me wrong: I have been—am—a proponent of the group. In the past, I’ve championed the band over the individual. But this year was really about self-salvation, about the individual’s response to the yawning of apocalypse. After all, we are alone. It is our loneliness that drives us into each other’s arms—but it is also our loneliness that calls out for solitary salvation, for one savior.
That’s it, you know. This was not only my self-involved year, but it was a year defined mostly by another man.
This was the year of Barack.
I guess that’s the root of my choice: Colin Meloy’s solitary stage performance reflects the year’s overall messianic predilection. I have to admit my own surprise at where this is going, where this has gone. This was a year where we looked to a man to save us. Funny how misleading that is, given the fact that it was votes of thousands, millions that really saved us. Funny how it all turns back around on us. We strive to be individuals while we seek comfort and safety in others. We long for the one god, one savior—knowing that we need more, that we need to take part in the making of salvation—but, but, but…
All this aside, I found much to admire in this recording—from classic Decemberists tracks to Morrissey and Shirley Collins, this one man show is more than the one man. I’m also reminded of the ‘74 Tom Waits’s gem of a live show that came out as Dime Store Novels, Volume 1. True, there are better recordings (of both Tom Waits and Colin Meloy songs), but I find great comfort in this stripped down format, one that makes clear the genius at the mic.
Honorable Mentions
Ra Ra Riot – The Rhum Line
This one deserved more time from me, and probably a place in the top ten. I listened to it quite a bit, and I am convinced it’s good. But it’s also caught up with some of my GRE mental baggage and I’ve had a hard time separating the two—which means I haven’t listened to it much in the last month or so.
It’s good because it feels familiar, but I need more time.
MGMT – Oracular Spectacular
This was an early 2008 treat that unfortunately didn’t hold up. Actually, it’s more the holes in it that kept it from the top ten: There are a handful of excellent tracks here, one in particular that makes my year end mix, but these highlights are caught between some bits and pieces I could do without. “Time To Pretend” is the one great track that will find its way onto many future mixes.
Best EP of the Year - Andrew Bird – Soldier On
“Sic of Elephants” is a great song. The rest of the EP is pretty damn good, too.
The Curious Case of the Failed
Here’s the thing, I’ve already mentioned that it’s been a strange year. Below, you will find albums that didn’t quite work for me. In some cases, it’s clearly due to a flawed construction—one that I’m not the only one to have picked up on. In others, it’s more me than anything else—more my cold, indifferent turn of head to a child pleading for affection.
Crooked Fingers – Forfeit/Fortune
Clearly the biggest disappointment for me this year—though I have to admit my desire to include it in the top ten despite its flaws. “What Never Comes” gave me hope, but the sharp turn into “Luisa’s Bones” made me cringe on my first listen through. The opening of “Phony Revolutions” was promising, but didn’t pay off. And then, well, that seems to be the case for the album. I love “Run, Lieutenant, Run” and the last two tracks, but… Is this one just undercooked? I think so.
Conor Oberst – Conor Oberst
I’ve tried to like this guy. There’s a charm and appeal to his voice and songs, but I can never quite buy into it. There was a time when Ryan Adams held sway in my musical soul, but his dogmatic persistence began to grate—to the point of his pooping of his own party. I get the same vibe from Oberst. And while I enjoy “I Don’t Want To Die (In The Hospital),” I can’t help but wonder if Paul Westerberg is getting royalties every time this kid opens his mouth.
Death Cab For Cutie – Narrow Stairs
Production-wise, it’s good. “I Will Possess Your Heart” gave me pre-purchase hope. But then I stopped giving a shit. Bottom line: Ben Gibblets has jumped the shark for me.
I wanted to like this album. It was time for some more Cutie. I mean, Benny boy took two spots (a la Postal Service and Cutie) on my 2003 list. Surely Narrow Stairs should have been a much needed balm this year?
It wasn’t. Again, this could just be because I’m a bitter old fart who has become his job, but I don’t think so. Two reasons: “Your New Twin Sized Bed” and “You Can Do Better Than Me.” What was once lyrical honesty replete with real suffering and empathetic open-heart-emo now comes off as creepy and lame. I mean, really, what’s with the beds? Didn’t we get enough of that on Plans?
Coldplay – Viva La Vida
I tried to like this one, too. I was surprised to find it in Michael’s CD player (recently reclaimed from Peugeot anti-theft silence) on the way to the Helsinki airport. I had to do a double-take. You see, I’d already decided I wasn’t into it. When we got back to Greensboro, I took Aimee Mann and Mandy took Viva La Vida. A few days later, Mandy commented that she was really digging it. I decided to give it another try. Was I missing something? Much like a wealth of this year’s offerings, I just couldn’t get there… I don’t really know why I couldn’t get into this one. Maybe it’s because Chris Martin sweats so much when he performs…
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks – Real Emotional Trash
Pitchfork recently re-reviewed the re-release of Brighten The Corners. In ten years, it went from an 8.6 to an 8.7. I would like to think this a sign of the album’s sustainability. I remember when it came out and the cries from Pavement fandom that it was no Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain—or Slanted and Enchanted. But I liked it. In fact, I still think it’s probably my favorite Pavement album. You see, I was a late-comer to the Malkmus scene and the polish and shine that often mars a band’s last album helped clarify what it was that I enjoyed about the band: Malkmus’s ability to craft wonderfully catchy off-kilter tunes.
It’s what I love about indie rock: the place where irony bridges the gap between craft and disenchantment. Good indie rock is not just sloppy and disaffected; it’s art in spite of the anxiety of influence. It’s the all the best bits of postmodernism without resorting to Simpsons yellow (whatever that means).
All of which is to say that the jammy quality of Real Emotional Trash turns me off. Yeah, there’s good solid guitar crunch here, but I can get that anywhere. I want my Malkmus mocking Yule Brynner.
I’m Too Old To Keep Up With All This Shite
Two weeks ago, I did something I never thought I would do: I cancelled my eMusic subscription. This was the thing that was keeping me plugged in, my link to fresh new music. I had a good deal. I was grandfathered in—getting my 65 downloads a month for a steal of a price.
It was becoming a waste of money, though. I just couldn’t keep up. I’ve got so much stuff downloaded that I haven’t really listened to. I couldn’t justify keeping up the subscription—even though it was a really good deal.
So here’s a list of things I downloaded but didn’t really listen to. Yeah, there’s a few Pitchfork picks that I wish I hadn’t downloaded, but no Fiery Furnaces award this year:
British Sea Power – Do You Like Rock Music?
Okkervil River – The Stand Ins
The Lovely Sparrows – Bury The Cynics
The Mae Shi – Hlllyh
The Strugglers – The Latest Rights
Tapes n Tapes – Walk It Off
Tricky – Knowle West Boy
The Week That Was – The Week That Was
My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges
The Rogue Wave Award
Mates of State – Re-Arrange Us
Last year, I completely forgot there was a new Rogue Wave album—until I read about it in Brian’s list. Same goes for Mates of State this year. I wound up really digging Asleep At Heaven’s Gate. Here’s hoping the same will be true about Re-Arrange Us.
Two, Too Late Entries
Adele – 19
She was really good on SNL. Found out shortly before cancelling my eMusic subscription that I could get it through them. Did, but haven’t really listened to it yet.
Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago
Was listening to Bob Boilen’s song picks of the year and discovered the great track “Skinny Love.” Downloaded the whole album, but haven’t gotten past “Skinny Love” yet.
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
Three I wanted to buy, but didn’t: Martha Wainright, I Know You’re Married But I’ve Got Feelings Too; Kanye West, 808s & Heartbreak; The Cure, 4:13 Dream.
The 2008 Mix Tape
2. Lay It Down – Al Green
3. Lights Out For Darker Skies – British Sea Power
4. I Don’t Want To Die (In The Hospital) – Conor Oberst
5. What Never Comes – Crooked Fingers
6. I Will Possess Your Heart – Death Cab For Cutie
7. Time To Pretend – MGMT
8. Sequestered In Memphis
9. Lamb And The Lion – The Mae Shi
10. Inside A Boy – My Brightest Diamond
11. I’m Amazed – My Morning Jacket
12. Singer Songwriter – Okkervil River
13. You Cheated Me – Martha Wainright
14. Each Year – Ra Ra Riot
15. Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? – She & Him
16. Gobbledigook – Sigur Ros
17. Right Hand On My Heart – The Whigs
18. Sic Of Elephants – Andrew Bird
19. Skinny Love – Bon Iver
20. Chasing Pavements - Adele
1 comment:
Yes, I'd like to comment on your Sir's blog. It was Renault, NOT Peugot. And could you please finance my next album? 2009, baby! I liked the part where you mentioned my name twice. Good luck with the Ph.D. stuff.
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