My favorite albums of 2008

I have never done year end accolades, but I have never had a music blog before.  These days purchasing an album in it’s entirety seems almost archaic. I feel there are two types of albums now…those that are concept albums and kind of need to be listened to in whole and those gems that have a bunch of really good singles. For this list, I have considered good EP’s too, because it seems a more expedited way, with more rapid turnover to feed our A.D.D. (at least mine) need for new music.  In no particular order….

Viva La Vida/Prospekts March EP - Coldplay  So Coldplay and Brian Eno nuff said. The late year add on EP showed a different side of Coldplay. BTW, they have rescinded there retirement threat.

Turning Down Water For Air  -  James Yuill  Folktronica fans rejoice. This guy is great. Blips and bleeps and scratches can be warm and fuzzy. One of my favorite new artists in a long time.

Youth Novels- Lykke Li     Thank you 90210. Lykke is vulnerable, yet demands your attention.

Emergence- Trifonic   Organic electronica with guitar riffs and everyday sounds, from proteges of BT.

Random Album Title – Deadmau5  This Canadian musician has changed the landscape of dance music. Really!!!

Down to Earth- Jem  Jem invokes gospel, rap and folktronica in spite of poor record label relations. Thankfully they didn’t ruin it for everybody.

Eyes Wide Open – Olivia Broadfield  Just love her. Accessibly. Female best new artist of the year for me. This years “TV made me” winner.

Elephants…Teeth Sinking Into Heart – Rachel Yamagata   Usually a little toasted on stage she is raw and powerful and makes Chicago proud.

Robyn – Robyn  Sugary pop that took 3 years to make it to our shores. Can you handle her?

Elevate- Morgan Page  Tasty originals and remixes including personal favorite Jenny Owen Youngs.

Last Night – Moby  Returning to his roots…no glow sticks necessary.

Strobelite Seduction – Kaskade  His Chicago connection won him resident of the year at Smart Bar. Accessible and always evolving…enter collaboration with Deadmau5

 We Sing, We Dance. We Steal Things – Jason Mraz   Hello – Tristan Prettyman  Cute, fun, poignant and Left Coast love.

Feed The Animals – Girltalk  This is my internal monologue after just one cup of coffee. How anyone cannot have fun listening to this is beyond me.

 

posted by : cooper