Top 10 CDs
1.“Dear Science”—TV on the Radio: Everyone’s favorite Brooklyn art-rockers return on “Dear Science,” their third album and second straight masterpiece. Filled with danceable guitar riffs and bouncing percussion, this is a far cry from 2005’s “Return to Cookie Mountain.” Everything comes together in what seems like a magical, euphoric sound, but these guys have it down to a “Science.”
2.“Evil Urges”—My Morning Jacket: For years, these long-haired Kentucky boys have been pigeonholed as a Southern Rock revival band. With “Evil Urges," it sounds like they’re sick of it. Mixing in their patented Southern Rock with soul, electronic, funk and prog, this is an album filled with left turns. But you’re willing to take each turn just to see where it’s all going.
3.“Viva la Vida”—Coldplay: These crooning Brit-rockers finally deliver their magnum opus. Their most experimental album also happens to be their best. Chris Martin and company take global influences, from the Latin dance beat of “Lovers in Japan” to the sweet Afro-pop sound of “Strawberry Swing.” Never has this band sounded better or more eclectic.
4.“Chinese Democracy”—Guns N’ Roses: This album deserves to be on this list solely because it actually came out. Nearly 15 years in the making, Axl Rose finally delivered his masterpiece. And while it may not be as good as “Appetite for Destruction,” it is one of the most ambitious, bombastic rock albums made in the last decade. Amen.
5.“Feed the Animals”—Girl Talk: Greg Gillis may just be a genius. Or insane. “Feed the Animals” is a schizophrenic mash-up of every genre imaginable (Wanna throw Kelly Clarkson’s voice over the thrash from Metallica? Go ahead.) Without a doubt, it’s one of the best club records of the year and one of the most creative sounds you’re bound to hear from 2008.
6.“Stay Positive”—Hold Steady: With their fourth album, the Hold Steady are now four for four. "Stay Positive" is another set of hyper-literate bar rock. Frontman Craig Finn is one of the best lyricists in rock, filling his tales with Biblical allusions, sly one-liners and tales of drunken debauchery. The Hold Steady makes bar rock for the Kerouac crowd.
7.“Narrow Stairs”—Death Cab for Cutie: After 2005’s "Plans" went awry, this band went back to the drawing board. The result is “Narrow Stairs,” an album filled with modulated bass lines, distorted guitars and singer Ben Gibbard’s tales of the lonely. The change suited them - never have they sounded so fresh and so vital.
8.“Fleet Foxes”—Fleet Foxes: These bearded folkies from Seattle made the best debut of the year. A throwback to the days of Crosby, Stills and Nash, “Fleet Foxes” features delicate acoustic guitar, light percussion and some of the most beautiful harmonies recorded in 2008. Their hushed, lush, gorgeous sound is a breath of fresh mountain air in the ultra-produced pop landscape.
9.“Modern Guilt”—Beck: On paper, mixing Beck with Danger Mouse sounds like a great idea. It sounds even better on record. Danger Mouse’s brilliant production shines and allows for Beck to make some of his freshest music in years. These two great minds have made the perfect psychedelic album for the modern age.
10.“Accelerate”—R.E.M.: When’s the last time R.E.M. has been relevant? Since the mid ‘90s this band has been sliding, but with “Accelerate” they step on the gas and sound revived. Peter Buck’s guitar is loud, Mike Mills’ bass is rocking and Michael Stipe is angry once again. Welcome back.
2.“Evil Urges”—My Morning Jacket: For years, these long-haired Kentucky boys have been pigeonholed as a Southern Rock revival band. With “Evil Urges," it sounds like they’re sick of it. Mixing in their patented Southern Rock with soul, electronic, funk and prog, this is an album filled with left turns. But you’re willing to take each turn just to see where it’s all going.
3.“Viva la Vida”—Coldplay: These crooning Brit-rockers finally deliver their magnum opus. Their most experimental album also happens to be their best. Chris Martin and company take global influences, from the Latin dance beat of “Lovers in Japan” to the sweet Afro-pop sound of “Strawberry Swing.” Never has this band sounded better or more eclectic.
4.“Chinese Democracy”—Guns N’ Roses: This album deserves to be on this list solely because it actually came out. Nearly 15 years in the making, Axl Rose finally delivered his masterpiece. And while it may not be as good as “Appetite for Destruction,” it is one of the most ambitious, bombastic rock albums made in the last decade. Amen.
5.“Feed the Animals”—Girl Talk: Greg Gillis may just be a genius. Or insane. “Feed the Animals” is a schizophrenic mash-up of every genre imaginable (Wanna throw Kelly Clarkson’s voice over the thrash from Metallica? Go ahead.) Without a doubt, it’s one of the best club records of the year and one of the most creative sounds you’re bound to hear from 2008.
6.“Stay Positive”—Hold Steady: With their fourth album, the Hold Steady are now four for four. "Stay Positive" is another set of hyper-literate bar rock. Frontman Craig Finn is one of the best lyricists in rock, filling his tales with Biblical allusions, sly one-liners and tales of drunken debauchery. The Hold Steady makes bar rock for the Kerouac crowd.
7.“Narrow Stairs”—Death Cab for Cutie: After 2005’s "Plans" went awry, this band went back to the drawing board. The result is “Narrow Stairs,” an album filled with modulated bass lines, distorted guitars and singer Ben Gibbard’s tales of the lonely. The change suited them - never have they sounded so fresh and so vital.
8.“Fleet Foxes”—Fleet Foxes: These bearded folkies from Seattle made the best debut of the year. A throwback to the days of Crosby, Stills and Nash, “Fleet Foxes” features delicate acoustic guitar, light percussion and some of the most beautiful harmonies recorded in 2008. Their hushed, lush, gorgeous sound is a breath of fresh mountain air in the ultra-produced pop landscape.
9.“Modern Guilt”—Beck: On paper, mixing Beck with Danger Mouse sounds like a great idea. It sounds even better on record. Danger Mouse’s brilliant production shines and allows for Beck to make some of his freshest music in years. These two great minds have made the perfect psychedelic album for the modern age.
10.“Accelerate”—R.E.M.: When’s the last time R.E.M. has been relevant? Since the mid ‘90s this band has been sliding, but with “Accelerate” they step on the gas and sound revived. Peter Buck’s guitar is loud, Mike Mills’ bass is rocking and Michael Stipe is angry once again. Welcome back.
Updated January 13, 2009
