In Rainbows by RadioHead
Hands down, the best album of 2008 (minus the fact that it was released independently in 2007). Sarah and I got to see these guys for the first time this summer and they truly live up to all the hype. Everyone talks about the marketing and PR that went into the “name your own price” strategy but the bottom line is this album's success was based on the fact that the music is amazing... it exudes confidence and is full of energy.
Consolers Of The Lonely by The Raconteurs
The guys did a two night run here in Nashville before they kicked off the tour. It was one of those moments when you wondered if this is what it must have felt like to have seen one of the great rock bands before anyone really appreciated them. The guys rock and are great story tellers. If you don’t believe me, check out “Carolina Drama”. "I'm not sure that there's a point to the story but I'm going to tell it again," "So many other people try to tell the tale, not one of them knows the end." Guess the point of the story is in the telling Mr. White.
Only By The Night by Kings Of Leon
The most played album in our office this year (other than our own releases of course)! Moving past the fact that some of the songs were a bit confusing lyrically and I couldn’t tell if the song, “Use Somebody”, was a NEEDTOBREATHE song or one of their own, the band offers up an overly addictive (gritty pop rock) album. I might be a little bias due to the fact that these guys are from Nashville.
Viva La Vida by Coldplay
I’ll keep this one short as this is either (a) the most obvious choice for inclusion or (b) you’re a music snob and can’t acknowledge the fact that you like Coldplay. From start to finish, Viva La Vida was worth the money spent. I bought it on vinyl and digitally and thought the guys really stretched their sound while remaining true to their roots.
Self Titled by Fleet Foxes
The best way to describe this Seattle based quintet is Appalachian folk meets classic rock meets AM country with a side of SoCal pop. The album opens with "Sun It Rises", which sure enough sounds like someone's idea of a sunrise over an evergreen mountain. All that's missing are the crackles and hisses of an old LP. (Fortunately, Sub Pop, is issuing it on vinyl.) Fleet Foxes' harmonies remain the primary draw, and they've written and arranged these songs to showcase their shared vocals. Very good listening for 4 hour trips to the west coast.
Swallow The Sea by Matthew Perryman Jones
Again... from Nashville, and one of my most played albums of the year. Matthew delivers a great sounding album with dynamic crescendos, moody guitars, and catchy melodies. One of the most moving performances this past year was the timeless song, “Motherless Child” live at the Rutledge. First time I’ve seen my wife cry at a show. Other favorites include, “Save You”, “Without A Clue”, and “Feels Like Letting Go”.
The Seldom Seen Kid by Elbow
If you are not moved by relaxed soulful lullabies then this album may not be for you (as it is very chill). It was entirely self-produced, mixed and recorded by Elbow without any outside help. This was another album that I found helpful for long flights and raining afternoons on Music Row.
(Red Album) by Weezer
An opening Rogaine reference on “Pork and Beans” pretty much establishes the overall theme of a self-described “old man” reliving his lost youth. Be that as it may, Coumo (a Harvard Grad) delivers another album full of simple, fun, pop ballads with mass appeal. I found “Trouble Maker”, “Pork and Beans”, and “Everybody Get Dangerous” in frequent “running mix” rotation (which means I haven’t listened to the album since June).
