Суббота 20 Дек 2008, 18:03
The year is coming to its end and all kinds of top album 2008 lists are popping out all over the web. Some are crap some are class. Regardless of to which of these categories this one belongs to, I decided, inspired by the flow, to do my own one from the best albums I have come up with released during the fine year of 2008. Maybe somebody will get some tips from this list or be inspired to do a list of his/her own. Anyway, no use keeping this secret. Here it comes.
1. The Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride
I actually only discovered this band this fall. It’s kind of surprising because they have been out there since the early 90’s. Anyway, I’m ever so happy I did eventually find them. I have been totally blown away with this band for the last few months. This album released last spring isn’t as lo-fi as most of the previous works the band has done. The main man, John Darnielle, has added up some extra instruments and done a bit more rocking tunes than usually. The lyrics are, nevertheless, as imaginative as ever and the songs are among the catchiest ones Darnielle has written to this date. I recommend this for everyone. Check out: Heretic Pride, Marduk T-Shirt Men's Room Incident
I managed to see this Japanese math-rock gem last year while living in Ireland. Otherwise I probably would never have heard about them in my lifetime. Their recent album is a pretty mind blowing experience from the very first listen. An absolute must for fans of instrumental melodic math-rock or post-rock. Check out: Infinite Mirror, Ef
3. Fight Like Apes - Fight Like Apes And The Mystery Of The Golden Medallion
In my opinion, this rising Irish act is one of the best live bands there is to see out there. I would probably describe their music as shoegaze. This is their great debut album released this fall. It is is really catching, uplifting and fun to listen to. Excellent party stuff. One of those albums, that while listening, you find your head automatically starting to nod with great acceptance up and down with the rhythm. Check out: Jake Summers, Lend Me Your Face
4. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
The Australian electronic/synth pop act has done here perhaps a bit more mainstream second album than their first one was. Anyway, I like their sophomore album more. The tunes in this new release are melodic, catching, uplifting and they get you in a good mood. A regular visitor in Finland too. Check out: Hearts on Fire, Unforgettable Season
5. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
A beautiful debut lo-fi album from the American indie singer-songwriter. I remember reading some review where it was said that this album catches the spirit of being alone in a cottage in the woods. Well, the reason for this could possibly be that the album was recorded during four months in a remote cabin in Wisconsin. Great and touching stuff. Just add some logs to the fireplace, light a candle and do whatever you do in a remote place. Check out: For Emma, Skinny Love
6. Joensuu 1685 - Joensuu 1685
In my list, this is the best Finnish album released this year I have come around. The opening track is probably one of the greatest openings you could possible ever imagine for an album. A must for any fan of shoegaze or psychedelic rock. A great live band also. Check out: (You Shine) Brighter Than Light, Nothingness
7. Paavoharju- Laulu laakson kukista
More Finnish stuff. I guess this is band located in the scary sounding freak folk subgenre. The tracks vary quite a lot from each other but in overall the album is a calm and relaxing experimental journey. Just sit back and relax. Check out: Tyttö tanssii, Pimeänkarkelo
This Swedish act is quite special in my opinion. I would describe this as Yann Tiersen Amélie-era influenced toy instrument stuff played with a cool electronic twist. Check out: Om du möter varg, Life/Universe
9. Mogwai- The Hawk is Howling
The masters of instrumental post-rock are back better than ever. Well, this isn’t their best album but a good one it is, and a must for fans of the band and melodic post-rock. Check out: I’m Jim Morrison, I’m dead, Batcat
10. Murmansk- Chinese Locks
One of the most promising albums released in Finland this year in my opinion. I would perhaps like to call this band post-punk. Some call it shoegaze. Anyway, the tracks are great and catchy (work even better live). I predict a great future for this act. Check out: Melvin Told Me, Pale