Best Movies:
In Bruges
The Dark Knight
WALL – E
The Visitor
Slumdog Millionaire
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Best Albums:
12. MGMT – Oracular Spectacular: Hopefully the rest of pop music will take a cue from these 2 guys and stop making shit songs. Thank god this was popular on the radio this year, less time to play Britney and Justin. This is one record I wouldn’t mind being forced to listened to non-stop.
11. Snow Patrol - A Hundred Million Suns: A soothing and relaxing album perfect for rainy days. Ok, so their sound hasn’t evolved too much, but hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
10. The Black Keys – Attack & Release: I don’t typically go for blues, but I took one listen to this and could not stop bobbing my head. It’ll do that to ya.
9. The Fireman – Electric Arguments: Uhhh, its Paul McCartney, clearly this was going to make my list. But really, this is a very interesting sound from Paul and Youth. Some moments harken back to “Helter Skelter”. Bottom line, Paul is still making great music in his 60s.
8. Jamie Lidell – Jim: very soulful, and I am surprised he isnt more popular. Brilliant songwriting and such a smooth, uplifting voice.
7. Wolf Parade – At Mount Zoomer: Great sophomore effort. Innovative and interesting indie rock. They never disappoint.
6. Mason Proper – Olly Oxen Free: An under-appreciated band that made one of my favorite and most-listened-to albums of the year. They create soundscapes like no other and every song is catchy, with an almost etherial quality.
5. The Hold Steady – Stay Positive: Rock and roll is alive and well and the Hold Steady is one of its finest bands. Poetic lyrics and bountiful sing-along moments throughout.
4. Kings of Leon – Only By the Night: I don’t care if they sound more mainstream or if they now have more fans. Kings of Leon are making some of the best music of the decade, popular or not. This was the album I listened to the most this year, other than my top 2. Just such a raw, southern, rocker sound. Essential.
3. Frightened Rabbit – The Midnight Organ Fight: An enjoyable listen, though its nothing new really. The lyrics are deep and heartfelt and I love the Scottish accent.
2. Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago: I love folk music and this is the genre at its best. The mood the album sets is haunting and beautiful, making the listener want to sit wrapped in a blanket in front of a fire. Justin Vernon’s raw emotion definitely shines through. A classic.
1. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes: the single most enjoyable album for me this year. Proof that, although hipster bloggers can be annoying…sometimes they are completely right. I just know I will be listening to this for years to come.
Honorable Mentions:
Department of Eagles – In Ear Park
The Rural Alberta Advantage – Hometowns
Friendly Fires – Friendly Fires
The Submarines – Honeysuckle Weeks
Margot & the Nuclear So & So’s – Animal!
The Dodos – Visiter
Ra Ra Riot – The Rhumb Line
Most Overrated of 2008:
T.V. on the Radio – Dear Science: I didnt get Cookie Mountain and I don’t get this. Just doesn’t do it for me.
No Age – Nouns: OUCH, MAH EARS
Born Ruffians – Red, Yellow & Blue: Modest Mouse rip offs. Just not as good.
The Killers – Day & Age: I just don’t like them, they are unoriginal and uninteresting and they DEFINITELY think they are better than they actually are.
Coldplay – Viva la Vida (and blah blah blah): Most overrated band in the history of music. period. I dislike them so much. They are whiney, boring, U2 wannabes and their robbery of other artists’ music is despicable. So is the price they charge for a concert. Chris Martin, you are no Bono.
