The Eight Best Albums of 2008

Here are my favorite releases from this past year in music, and while you read, I've included a song for each from Imeem: 1. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend I got this album shortly after it's release in January and I've listened to it consistently ever since. A fantastic debut featuring an original sound that traces back to the original Western classical melodic/African rhythm fusion at the foundation of rock music. 2. Fate - Dr. Dog From my hometown of Philadelphia, I discovered Dr. Dog this year with this new album. A harkening back to the 60's progressive pop bands like the Beach Boys and the Band, they have a rich round that is both laid back and exspansive, like a folksier version of Arcade Fire. 3. Evil Urges - My Morning Jacket Another band I discovered this year was My Morning Jacket, and this album has a fantastic range. the title track is great, and how can you dislike a song which includes the line "peanut butter pudding surprise" in the chorus? Also, "Sec Walkin" sounds like vintage James Taylor, which amazing to pull off. 4. H.A.A.R.P. - Muse Everyone I know who has seen Muse in concert has proclaimed their amazing performances, and this live album recorded at Wembly Stadium lives up to this reputation. Featuring many cuts from their 2006 album, Black Holes and Revelations, this is the closest thing to being there as each song soars. 5. Modern Guilt - Beck I mentioned prior that "Gamma Ray" was my retroactive summer anthem, but the rest of the album is no slouch either. "Chemtrails" is breathtaking, and the contributions by Cat Power seem organic and not forced. "Youthless," streamed below, is my second favorite cut. 6. Day & Age - The Killers I recently reviewed this album, and three songs, "Human," "Dustland Fairytale," and "Spaceman." 7. Accelerate - R.E.M. Many high-profile comeback records this year, including AC/DC, Metallica (a CD ruined in production) and the long-awaited Chinese Democracy (would be #10, but this is an 8 item list), but I feel that R.E.M.'s was the best comeback of the year. Close to vintage while showing growth and new life, this is the new Exhibit A on how to do a comeback the right way. 8. Juno - Various Artists The soundtrack from the little movie that could is a fantastic record, filled with simple arrangements and the demented charm of Kimya Dawson. It's a great 'puppy love' album, full of mostly naive-sounding ("if you were the castle, I'd be your moat") hand-holding Beatles love that makes for great summer afternoons with lemonade. Plus, The Kinks, Sonic Youth, and Mott the Hopple. Best soundtrack of the year.