10. The Shivers – Beaks To The Moon
There aren’t many sites placing The Shiver’s fantastic release, Beaks To The Moon, on their 2008 lists. That’s probably due more to a lack of exposure than any real critique of their music. I’ve written several times about The Shivers, and will be doing so again–Keith Zarriello is one of the most thoughtful, honest songwriters you will find today, and he is an equally talented musician.
9. Death Vessel – Nothing Is Precious Enough For Us subpop
I have to admit, Death Vessel’s album, Nothing Is Precious Enough For Us , took some time to grow on me, but the more I listened, the clearer it became that this was going to be one of the best releases of 2008. Joel Thibodeau is the man behind Death Vessel, and his high falsetto gives the album a really unique sound. The folk arrangements are top-notch. If you haven’t given this album a chance yet, check it out.
8. Dr. Dog – Fate park the van
This is another album that I’m surprised hasn’t hit more end of the year lists. I dove into Fate after instantly falling in love with the first track on the album, “The Breeze.” The song displays Dr. Dog’s talent as a songwriter, and it’s one of the best tracks of the year. The rest of the album has great instrumentals, powerful vocals, and it’s a perfect album for the winter… or summer. It’s just a fantastic album.
7. The Mountain Goats – Heretic Pride 4ad
If you like the Mountain Goats, you’ll understand why this is on my list. If you don’t like them, you probably won’t.
The Mountain Goats – San Bernardino
The Mountain Goats – Tianchi Lake
6.The Raconteurs – Consolers of the Lonely third man records
Consolers of the Lonely is my favorite rock album of 2008. When I’m looking for something a little more upbeat than the altenative/folk crap we kids listen to now-a-days, I put on the Raconteurs. Jack White is the ultimate badass (especially for taking Meg White’s surname after marriage), and I like to think his badassness wears off a little on me everytime I listen to this album. In fact, The Raconteurs are so badass they didn’t even tell anyone about this sophomore release until a week before it released. Also in Australia, there is a small band called the Raconteurs, who wanted to be paid off for the rights to the band name in Australia. The Raconteurs said, whatever, we’ll just be “The Saboteurs” down there. Badass.
The Raconteurs – Consoler of the Lonely
5. My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges ato records
I was at Bonnaroo right around the time Evil Urges released. I hadn’t heard most of My Morning Jacket’s new songs until I saw them perform their 4 hour set, from 12 am – 4 am, on Which stage at the festival. It was a surreal experience, and the second I got home I bought the album, and gave it a listen through. I don’t care what Pitchfork says, Evil Urges is great.
My Morning Jacket – Touch ME I’m Going to Scream
4. Fleet Foxes – S/T subpop
Huge shocker, right? Go read why it’s on every 2008 list somewhere else. Or just listen to the album. If you like the Fleet Foxes, check out The Bowerbirds if you aren’t familiar with their music. I like The Bowerbirds even more than the Fleet Foxes, and they released their album, Hymn for a Dark Horse in 2007, which gives their sound even more cred, in my opinion. Nonetheless, this is a really solid album.
Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal
Fleet Foxes – Tiger Mountain Peasant Song
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3. Born Ruffians – Red Yellow & Blue warp records
The Born Ruffians debut album, Red Yellow & Blue, blew me away. Their clever incorporation of harmonies, hand claps, and doo-wop back-up vocals make this an album that is not easily forgettable. They are incredible live, check em out next time they hit the road!
Born Ruffians РLittle Gar̤on
2. Deerhunter – Microcastle kranky
Same with Fleet Foxes. Just listen.
Deerhunter – Saved By Old Times
1. Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago jagjaguwar
Okay, so I realize last year I declared this my favorite album of 2007, when Justin Vernon technically released For Emma, Forever Ago in limited quantity. Many people consider it to be a 2007 album. I did. But many people also consider it to be a 2008 release, when Jagjaguwar re-released it to the masses. I agree with that, too. I know the same could be said for Radiohead’s In Rainbows, which physically released January 1st, but I’m not going to worry myself with semantics. This is a beautiful album, and it’s unbelievable how a guy can go out to a cabin in the middle of nowhere Wisconsin, record an album, and get his music heard by so many people. Meet the best album of 2007 and 2008, For Emma, Forever Ago.
i’m glad i checked out some of these bands, they’re all fantastic.
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Thank you so much for remembering to put the born ruffians on this list. I first heard about them on this website, and I really enjoyed their album a lot. I am disappointed that I haven’t found Throw Me The Statue’s album anywhere. Certainly not Rolling Stone, or Pitchfork, but I first learned of them on this website too, and those two albums are probably my top two for the year.
Thanks for the blog!
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for including Fleet Foxes. They have become one of my favorite bands and they really are just amazing. Bon Iver, too, deserves the No. 1 Spot!