Henry’s Top Ten Albums Of 2008
Written by hKWAP on Wednesday, 17 of December , 2008 at 2:52 pm
10. The Mae Shi-HLLLYH
The Mae Shi have produced an album of raw energy. It’s exciting, fun and like nothing else I’ve heard this year. Their sound is unique yet accessible and the use of a Omnichord to supplement their genre-defying sound makes them a definite candidate for top ten honors. Look for them at the Tape’s own festival: Snow In LA!!
9. Beck-Modern Guilt
I feel this album has been unfairly judged. Too many people draw comparisons between this and Beck’s prime recordings(Sea Change, Odelay, Midnite Vultures) and of course Modern Guilt doesn’t quite stack up against such classic albums. However, an album should be judged on its own for it’s own value and consistency. In this regard, Modern Guilt most definitely succeeds especially in regards to the first 5 songs which demonstrate the height of consistency. It combines the somber ballads of Sea Change with the quirky electronic sounds that are a staple of Mr. Hansen’s music. The brilliant production provides some unbelievable subtle details and gives the album an overall ambient and psychedelic vibe.
8. Fleet Foxes-Fleet Foxes
Whether it was the crazy medieval cover art of the soaring vocal harmonies this is an unbelievable recording. It is a follow up to the previously released Sun Giant EP(with equally intricate cover art) and is reminiscent of Grizzly Bear and Bon Iver. Most “beats” which occur very sparsely throughout the album are produced by the strumming of acoustic guitars and vocal rhythms rather than a full drumset and the somewhat acapella sound is great.
White Winter Hymnal-Fleet Foxes
7. Girl Talk-Feed The Animals
One of the only things that cannot be said of Feed The Animals is that it is stylistically different than its predecessor. However, this is due to the fact that Girl Talk doest not have a definable style or genre. Instead, he combines just about every style imaginable into the musical tour de force that is Girl Talk. This album is pure power and demonstrates a unique style that is almost completely endemic to Mr. Gillis.
Play Your Part Pt. 2-Girl Talk
6. Man Man-Rabbit Habbits
In describing Man Man, i conjure up an image of dirty, brutal, dagger wielding pirates. However unruly and strange that picture may seem, anyone who has listened to Rabbit Habbits, or who has ever witnessed their live shows would agree that this is an accurate reflection of Man Man. Rabbit Habbits completely embodies this raw energy as it is packed, layered, and insane-very Zappa-esq.
5. Why-Alopecia
On first listen one might consider this album “indie” or “alternative”. However, Alopecia is steeped in Hip-Hop roots and lyricism. The band utilizes a variety of unconventional instruments to achieve their wildly unique sound like the chains featured on the opening track and as Tristan commented in a previous post, Alopecia may have the most consistent opening 4 or 5 tracks of any album this year(in close competition with previously mentioned Modern Guilt and In Ear Park).
4. Sigur Ros-Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust
Sigur Ros evokes a number of words in my mind, one of which is layers. Layered rhythms, melodies, harmonies, and orchestrations are the cornerstone of their incredible sound. This album showcases that style completely. Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust is simply a wave of angelic sound.
3. Bon Iver-For Emma, Forever Ago
Every single year end list that I’ve read lists this highly and for good reason. For Emma soft, and solemn with amazing melodies. Indeed, you wouldn’t expect such a crooning falsetto to come from burly and bearded mountain man(Justin Vernon) but he delivers such vocals throughout the album-seemingly with great ease. For Emma is unlike anything on this list and any and all followups will surly be incredible(Blood Bank EP excluded).
2. TV On The Radio-Dear Science
When this masterpiece was first released, I admittedly glanced at a few laudatory reviews and for whatever reason, never listened to it until very recently. So, while everyone else reveled in the glory that is Dear Science, I stood idly by writing it off as some tragically hip fad. In fact I hadn’t heard it in full until a few days ago. Needless to say, it is spectacular and deserving of whatever praise it receives. Call me a band-wagon fan or a conformist but this is definitely one of this years finest.
Dancing Choose-TV On The Radio
1. Department Of Eagles-In Ear Park
The best in all facets of the game. The MVP of 2008 albums. Incredible.
In Ear Park-Department Of Eagles
The Tape’s Full Review Of In Ear Park
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