2008 In Music
Music, Review
Written by Pacdan
So, the year is gone…now the question is – which albums will reign supreme??? Umm…I mean, who will I choose for the best of 2008? Well here it goes:
1. Band’o – Huu
Stunningly beautiful, there’s just nothing quite like this. I’m not going to try to put it into words, just listen.
2. Angelspit – Blood Death Ivory
Wonderful album from front to back, great evolution for the band. You can read my full review over here.
3. Tearwave – Different Shade of Beauty
“…the single best shoegaze album to be released since fairy lights by Lush – almost 15 years ago. Brilliant in every since of the word, and an instant classic of the genre.” I’ve heard some other really great shoegazer albums since I wrote that…but I still stand by the sentiment.
4. Amanda Rogers – Heartwood
“By far her best album yet album yet, every track is simply a joy to listen to combining quality songwriting, Amanda’s pretty but never bland vocals, skillful piano, and sensible guitars and strings that never overpower the rest of the music. It’s simply a triumph of “indie pop” music, and definitely one of this year’s absolute must listen albums. Strongly recommended to anyone who doesn’t mind their music a bit on the lighter side, and anyone who is a fan of Rogers’ previous releases should love it.”
5. Ayreon – 01011001
Not the best of Ayreon, but still quite Christmas decorations brilliant. Great ending chapter, and of course…the vocalists. When you have Jorn Lande, Anneke van Giersbergen, Simone Simmons, Floor Jansen, Daniel Gildenlöw, and (the highly underrated) Marjan Welman all on an album written by Arjen Anthony Lucassen…how could things actually turn out badly? I’m not sure they could, and they certainly didn’t here. The Human Equation may be a more accessible starting point, but Ayreon fans should love this album…and non-Ayreon fans should find it quite enjoyable too, other than not being able to understand the story.
6. Marit Larsen – The Chase
Wait, you mean the Marit Larsen who was half of (Norwegian teen pop duo) M2M??? Yes, her. But hear me out, things have matured a lot since those days – the songs are solid, Marit’s voice is enchanting, and the sugary production is crystal clean. No, it’s not going to revolutionize anything – but that’s hardly a crime. What it lacks in moving power, The Chase more than makes up for simply being enchanting. Pop music at it’s best, and props to whoever arranged the album’s orchestration…it’s very well done Christmas lights.
7. Opeth – Watershed
Easily Opeth’s second best album after Blackwater Park – the unexpectedly quiet opener picks up into a full fledged brutal album that is…everything you could want in an Opeth album. Mikael Akerfeldt’s vocals are brilliant as always, and the perfect balance of acoustic and death metal that made this band famous is perfectly intact.
8. The Dresden Dolls – No, Virginia
The Dolls (who are unfortunately now on hiatus for…who knows how long) at their best! Great release, even better than Yes, Virginia. You can read my original thoughts here. Unfortunately, while still solid, Amanda Palmer’s solo debut doesn’t live up to this legacy.
9. Ani DiFranco – Red Letter Year
Radical lyrics? Check! Sharp vocals? Check! Acoustic guitar too often overpowered by studio production? Check! Yup, it’s a modern Ani DiFranco album. Fortunately, it’s also a significantly better one than her somewhat disappointing last few releases. Non-fans should probably start extra, but fans will eat this up…just like everything else she does, and for me – Red Letter Year is also a bit of a return to form after some fairly average releases.
10. M83 – Saturdays = Youth
To be honest, I only even listened to this because Morgan Kibby is on it. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find that in addition to some great use of her voice – even the tracks that don’t have her are really great. This album is incredibly addictive, and has become one of my default choices when I don’t know what I want to listen to.
Honorable mentions:
Rachael Sage – Chandelier (this might have gotten a place if I hadn’t forgotten about it, but I’m not going to rework the list)
Edenbridge – MyEarthDream
The Killers – Day & Age
Repo! The Genetic Opera Soundtrack
Lau Nau – Nukkuu
Amanda Palmer – Who Killed Amanda Palmer
Sarah Brightman – Symphony