Best of 2008

by Shaker Mike

Hello, Shakers! My name is Mike and I'm a longtime lurker who's been tapped to provide a little bit of "musical" content for the website. What are my qualifications, you ask? Well, really I don't have any, other than that I know some Scottish guy who knows the editor.

Along with this, I have a job that allows me to listen to a couple of hours of music during the day, I attend as many live shows as possible, and I've got gigs upon gigs of music. I have, and my wife will back me up on this, WAY too many CD's; our apartment is covered in them. I pride myself in finding new bands and turning people onto artists they've not heard before. I listen to everything I can get my hands on—though with the thousands of albums coming out each year, I am sure to miss some, so I appreciate recommendations, too.

My hopes for writing these posts is to get some discussion going, and hopefully introduce and discover some new music…

Since everyone and their mother is putting out "Best of 2008" lists, I figured that I would start by reviewing what I thought were the best albums of 2008. (Please let me know in comments what you think and what I missed.) I was going to rank them; however, coming up with them was tough enough, so these are in no particular order.

One note: I would like to point out that many of these CD's are not "family friendly" and may have some lyrics that some would find offensive. I know there have been conversations at Shakesville before about appreciating art that isn't in perfect alignment with one's personal politics, and I don't necessarily agree with every expressed opinion in the music I listen to—so I apologize if anyone gives something a listen and finds something objectionable.

That all being said, here we go…


Kanye West: 808s & Heartbreak

From what I've read online, this is definitely a love/hate album. If you like Kanye and appreciate an artist taking a chance, then you will enjoy this CD; if you are not a fan of Kanye, or you are a hip-hop purist, then I would suggest not even giving this one a listen. I just read another article today that said this was the WORST album of the year—while that is a bit harsh, I could see their points, too. Still, there is just something about this album that makes me want to listen to it whenever I have a chance.



Portishead: Third

Over a decade in the making, this album was definitely worth the wait. The vocals on this CD had me mesmerized for the entire length of the album. The audio is mixed beautifully and the entire CD just comes together. In summary, LISTEN to this CD.



Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes

I was not sure about this CD when I first got it, but after a few listens and after seeing them live at Austin City Limits, I could not stop listening. The harmonies on here are amazing—and with their being so young, I'm hoping for some great things from them in the years to come. If you have an aversion to the burnt-out hippy look, don't judge this band by its cover. They are mesmerizing performers.



Black Keys: Attack and Release

The Black Keys have been around for quite awhile, but on this one they choose to use Danger Mouse as their producer and it shows. Their sound is fresh, and has a bit of a hip hop edge to it, and it really works. Also, the fact that this band is just the guitar player and the drummer makes their sound all the more amazing.



Atmosphere: When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold

The album title alone should get this one on any "best of 2008" list, but the content is what solidifies its spot. This isn't the best Atmosphere CD out there, but it was a pretty weak year in hip-hop and this was one of the bright spots. Also I have to appreciate any hip hop artist that comes from Minnesota (not exactly a hotbed of hip hop moguls).



Beck: Modern Guilt

Again another Danger Mouse produced album. It's Beck, I'm a Beck fan, enough said.



Jenny Lewis: Acid Tongue

Seeing as I was a huge Rilo Kiley fan, I figured this album would be worth checking out, and I was not disappointed. Lewis is able to jump from genre to genre, while keeping the album from sounding like a random mixtape, and once you’re done with this one, go and check out the Rilo Kiley albums as well as Jenny's other solo CD.



Cold War Kids: Loyalty to Loyalty

Cold War Kids had a great CD in 2006 with Robbers & Cowards and this CD is no different. Solid CD from a solid band. Some say that rock is dead, but hearing a CD like this allows me continue to call those people crazy.



TV on the Radio: Dear Science,

I'll admit when TV on the Radio won Spin's CD of the year in 2006 with Return to Cookie Mountain, I was not a fan; however, this new CD won me over. This is a great CD to spice up a lazy afternoon or to get rid of a case of the "Mondays." Also, it looks like this was named Rolling Stones' album of the year, and, while I do not really respect that magazine much anymore, that's still a notable accomplishment.



The Cool Kids: Bake Sale EP

I've been waiting for this one for about a year, and the Cool Kids did not disappoint. They are bringing back "old school" hip hop with the heavy bass beats and the non-violent lyrics. This is a must-have. Also they are from Chicago, so I need to show some love for the hometown!



Lupe Fiasco: The Cool (end of 2007)

This CD came out a little too late to be on most 2007 "best of" lists, and while it was technically not released in '08, I'm putting it on my list. Just you try and stop me. There is no better lyricist out there right now better than Lupe. Again, I may be a Chicago homer, but this is one of the best hip-hop albums in a long time. I've seen Lupe perform a few times in concert as well, and if you are not sold on the CD, then go see a live show—definitely worth the ticket price.



Girl Talk: Feed the Animals

When an artist feels strong enough about his product that he can offer it up as a "pay what you like," I have to give him credit. I've heard many critics downplay this album since "all he is doing is putting together other artists' work," but that's not easy, and Girl Talk is one of the best out there doing it. I challenge anyone to stay seated at a party if this CD is thrown on.



Dr. Dog: Fate

I was a little late on the Dr. Dog bandwagon, but I'm glad I hopped on. This is just a solid CD throughout—great lyrics and nice music. This is great for relaxing after a tough day at office.



Conor Oberst: Conor Oberst

I was not really a huge fan of Bright Eyes before hearing this CD, but I have since gone back and found out that I am a big fan. This is the frontman's first foray into a solo CD and he did a great job. He is also another artist that I saw live at Austin City Limits, and he put on a great show.



Ida Maria: Fortress Around My Heart

I had never heard of Ida Maria until I opened my year end issue of Paste Magazine (this is a great magazine by the way) and took a look at their top 50. I'm not really sure how I would describe the music on this CD, except that when I listen I can't help but be in a good mood. And of course who can argue with song titles like "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked"?



The Hold Steady: Stay Positive

The Hold Steady are a rock band out of Brooklyn and they are amazing. Their sound is tight and the lead singer's voice is like nothing I've ever heard. I've heard some reviewers say that these guys are the next coming of Bruce Springsteen, and I just hope that they are able to make half of his impression on rock music.



Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago

This CD was the byproduct of Bon Iver locking himself in a cabin in northern Wisconsin last winter, and it is quite impressive. This may not be the best CD to put in if you're feeling down, but otherwise an excellent CD.



Vampire Weekend: Vampire Weekend

This may be my "sell-out" CD, but I am still listening to this CD, and if you know me, that's impressive. These guys were a big hit on college radio and they were finally able to jump over to the mainstream. Also, these guys put on what was probably my favorite show at Austin City Limits, and now I'm hoping that they just come out with some new music already!



Estelle: Shine

I'm going to call this one my fun pop record of the year. The first time I heard "American Boy" I was in Florence at an outdoor pub, and I knew right away that this may be the hit of the Summer. I know the music purists don't like to say they enjoy anything on the Billboard Top 100, but I am not afraid!



N*E*R*D: Seeing Sounds

I love N*E*R*D. I'll listen to whatever they put out, and I'll probably be able to make an argument that it is great. This CD is no different. There is no other act out right now that sound like these guys, and even though Pharell may not be the best vocalist, it just seems to work. Also, these guys put on a heck of a stage show; it almost seemed like we were watching a 70's punk band.


All right, so that's my 2008 wrap-up. Leave your recs in comments, solicit my opinion on other albums, offer your opinions, tell me I'm brilliant, tell me I'm wrong, but get talking, Shakers!