Best Music of 2008

Here is my first post on yet another blog. This blog will be dedicated to the writings I produce continuously in journals and on scraps of paper throughout my life. I thought I would start with a little criticism. I hope you are so inclined to pick up any of the CDs I mention below (the titles provide links to Amazon.com) and I would love to hear your opinions and lists as well.

Best Music of 2008 – Top 15 and Honorable Mentions

1. Death Cab for Cutie – Narrow Stairs
Say what you will, but these guys can rock psychedelic or croon precious harmonies and melodies like no other. I anticipated this release more than anything else in recent years and I was not disappointed. From sprawling jams to tight pop, this record will not let you down.

2. Ben Nichols – The Last Pale Light in the West
Ben is the lead singer of one of my favorite bands, Lucero. His first solo release (and from what I hear a prelude to a broader release) is based on the Cormac McCarthy novel Blood Meridian. These songs are some of the strongest Ben has ever written.

3. Jenny Lewis – Acid Tongue
Formally known as the lead singer of Rilo Kiley, Jenny Lewis forever escapes the band’s shadow with her sophomore solo release. Acid Tongue is a beautifully complicated record. I was lucky enough to see Jenny and her band during her most recent tour and the songs were just as compelling live as on the record.

4. Drexel and the Bootleggers – Green Sky
One of my great pleasures in life is to be able to work with Drexel and his art. I have been listening to these songs as they developed for a couple of years and they are still fresh and new in the final recordings.

5. R.E.M. – Accelerate
Finally a return to basic rock from one of the bands who defined my youth. Accelerate is as strong as earlier releases such as Monster and Document.

6. Fleet Foxes –Sun Giant E.P.
Thanks to my friend Pete for turning me on to this release. Just a great collection of songs with no filler.

7. Nada Surf - Lucky
This band never gets the attention they deserve and at the same time will never disappoint. The lyrics and melodies are as beautiful as they can be poignant.

8. The Breeders – Mountain Battles
I have to admit that when I first heard there was going to be a new Breeders CD, I was suspicious that the Deal sisters were cashing in on the recent Pixies revival. Boy was I wrong. I was hooked from the early viral stream of the record via a recorded CD release party at the VFW in Columbus, OH. Understated and powerful, and as good as the first Breeders release only all grown up.

9. She & Him – Volume One
One of the undying rules of rock is that actors cannot make important music. Many can sing, but being an actor usually does not lend itself to study of personal inner thoughts and feelings that good music insists upon. Zooey Deschanel makes an exception here. Not only is she an incredibly unique vocalist, but the songs portray pure independent rock spirit. Take that Scarlet Johansson.

10. My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges
Although more experimental than previous releases, Evil Urges is still an incredible collection of songs and not to be missed.

11. Deer Tick – War Elephant
Rarely does an opening act that is unknown to me strike me the way Deer Tick did when I saw them open for Jenny Lewis. An amazing mixture of Americana and Folk and a lead singer with rare charisma in today’s “too cool” indie scene. This reissue of their debut sends shivers up my spine and echoes everything from the Woody Guthrie to Bob Dylan to Uncle Tupelo.

12. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
The full length follow up to the incredible EP mentioned above takes the group to the next level with a collection of entirely new songs.

13. Ryan Adams - Cardinology
Admittedly not the strongest release from Ryan Adams, but the first 4 songs could be on a future Best Of release.

14. Bob Mould – District Line
Bob’s releases over the last few years have run hot and cold. The latest is still a strong set of songs and will not disappoint the fan.

15. Whiskey Town – Stranger Almanac (Deluxe Edition)
From one of the all time best bands you may never have heard of (or at least listened to), this deluxe re-issue shows why they should be discussed alongside groups like Wilco and Son Volt.

Honorable Mention
1. Duffy – Rockferry
2. Paul Westerberg – 49:00
3. Joan as Police Woman – To Survive
4. Bob Dylan – Tell Tale Signs: the Bootleg Series, vol. 8
5. Lucinda Williams – Little Honey

Guilty Pleasure of the Year
Katy Perry – “Hot and Cold”

Told You So of the Year
Guns N’ Roses – Chinese Democracy

Enough Already of the Year
Weezer – (Red Album)

Biggest Disappointment of the Year
Ben Folds – Way to Normal