Hey look, its another end of the year list.  I am not sure if there is a difference between “best” album of the year and “favorite” album of the year, but I am pretty sure I could make another list that covers what I think were the best albums of the year, even if they weren’t my favorites.  Anyways, in no particular order, the following are my favorite albums of 2008.  Favorite meaning I found myself listening to these albums the most. 

 

Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes

MP3: Fleet Foxes: Ragged Wood

 

 

 

What can I say? I got obsessed with these guys the first moment I heard them. I probably annoyed the crap out of my friends by preaching how good this album was. My typical line: “Can you believe this guy is only 21 years old and he is singing and writing songs like this?!?!?!” Definitely not over-rated. All the praise for this band is warranted. Robin Pecknold is the best young songwriter we have seen in years and I can’t wait to hear what they put out next.

 
Get it on Amazon.

YouTube:  Two little swedish girls cover Tiger Peasant Mountain Song

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Cut Copy
In Ghost Colours

MP3: Cut Copy: Hearts On Fire

 

 

 

Ever since The Rapture’s Echoes came out, I have been a huge Dance Punk, Disco Punk, etc. fan. I love rock bands with a dance beat. I love going to concerts where people actual dance and have a good time instead of crossing their arms and staring at the stage. In Ghost Colours is my favorite “dance rock” album of the year. Invite some friends over and have a dance party.

 
Get it on Amazon.

YouTube:  Hearts on Fire Live

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Department of Eagles
In Ear Park

MP3: Department of Eagles: No One Does It Like You

 

 

 

This shouldn’t be viewed as a Grizzly Bear side project. In Ear Park is an insanely well produced album evoking the finest baroque pop of the 60’s.

 
Get it on Amazon.

YouTube:  No One Does It Like You Live on Conan O’Brien

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Gang Gang Dance
Saint Dymphna

MP3: Gang Gang Dance: House Jam

 

 

 

I have only recently discovered this album in the last couple weeks but it has quickly grown as one of my favorites of the year. I don’t even know how to describe this music. At times it sounds like M.I.A singing over Out Hud. Warped sounds, strange synths, oddly plucked guitars and heady dance beats. Awesome.

 
Get it on Amazon.

YouTube:  House Jam Live in Tokyo 08

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Grouper
Dragging A Dead Deer Up A Hill

MP3: Grouper: Heavy Water/I’d Rather Be Sleeping

 

 

 

This is a beautiful album. From start to finish, the album flows flawlessly in a relaxing haze. Perfect to take a nap to on a summer day. And I mean that in a good way.

 
Get it on Amazon.

YouTube:  Heavy Water/I’d Rather Be Sleeping Live 08

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Q-Tip
The Renaissance

YouTube: Q-Tip: Getting Up

 

 

 

It takes a lot for me to get into a Hip Hop album. I need the backing tracks to be catchy and the flow needs to make my head bounce. I actually have no idea what I am saying. This album is great.

 
Get it on Amazon.

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Tv On The Radio
Dear Science

YouTube:  Tv On The Radio: Golden Age

 

 

 

I never really understood the whole TV on the Radio thing. I didn’t like their first album and I only liked some songs on Return to Cookie Mountain. Their production has always been too cluttered and messy and the combination of Kip Malone and Tunde Adebimpe’s vocals annoyed me. To top it off, I had seen them live twice which cemented them as one of the most overhyped live bands in my eyes. I then heard Dear Science and I thought to myself, “finally!!” Unlike their previous efforts, the production is dense but spaced out, allow room for each sound to be heard a la Talking Heads Remain in Light. Top that off with songwriting that is melodic and poppy and you have yourself an amazing album.

 

Get it on Amazon.

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The War On Drugs
Wagonwheel Blues

MP3: The War On Drugs: Taking the Farm

 

 

 

Is it just me or is this one of the most under-looked albums of the year? Hypnotic and catchy, Wagonwheel Blues chugs along in a pleasant bliss.

 
Get it on Amazon.

YouTube:  The War On Drugs Live

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Okkervil River
The Stand Ins

MP3: Okkervil River: Lost Coastlines

 

 

 

I loved The Stage Names but I think The Stand Ins has become my favorite of the two. Good tunes, good lyrics, good times.

 
Get it on Amazon.

YouTube: A.C. Newman of the New Pornographers and Will Sheff (Okkervil River) Perform Lost Coastlines

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The Walkmen
You & Me

MP3: The Walkmen: In The New Year

 

 

 

You & Me was definitely a grower for me. It took multiple listens to start deciphering the melodies. This is a “feel” album. For some reason it reminds me of hanging around a fire in the winter. It is cozy music. Holiday music? Hamilton Leithauser has a “crooner voice” on this one. “In The New Year” is one the best songs I have heard in a long time.

 

 Get it on Amazon.

YouTube:  In the New Year Live 2008