MOTM’s Best Albums Of 2008
So here they are, my most-loved albums of 2008. As always, no numbers, just the different categories… each of these could be a number 1 of its own! Here we go:
Absolutely cool, and it has that certain something that makes you come back to this album over and over again.
Although not quite the class they showed back in their heydays, but a more than welcome return from one of my favourite Britpop-bands.
Sadness has seldom sounded so depressing and positive at the same time. Friend Of Ours is one of the most touching singles of the year, and I still can’t get enough of One Day Like This.
Hard to miss this one in 2008; you can find it on top of many best-of-lists this year, and it really is a very special album that united critics and listeners alltogether.
Last year it was Duné, this year it’s their fellow Danes from Veto. Catchy and energetic ElectRock that instantly makes you want to get up and dance!
This one should really have gotten more attention in 2008. A collection of uplifting, catchy and witty songs that should leave no one cold. It worked for me!
Porcupine Tree-mastermind Steven Wilson’s first solo effort is as creative and interesting as all the output of his band, but still maintains a very distinctive feeling. More of that, please!
After last year’s solo-album from singer Michael Moller, Moi Caprice return to form with another album full of dreamy melodies… fits perfectly into their previous work!
Keane – Perfect Symmetry
Coldplay – Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
The Killers – Day And Age
Although the competition was not that big, the debut-album by these young lads really showed off their talent. The little brother of Mew!
Albums that made a big impression on me, but just missed a tiny thing to be in the top spot:
Sigur Rós – Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust
It includes two new SR favourites (Festival and Ara Batur), but Takk remains my fav album.
Delays – Everything’s The Rush
A great effort from the Brits; includes some great new tunes (One More Lie In, Keep It Simple).
Neon Neon – Stainless Style
Told Her On Alderaan is a perfect synth-pop-hymn, but there’s stuff on here that is simply unlistenable!
Death Cab For Cutie – Narrow Stairs
Close, but no cigar; it failed to convince me overall, but also includes some great work.
Spleen United – Neanderthal
Same here; the debut was smashing, this was just ok.
Anathema – Hindsight
The accoustic versions of their greatest hits are a very pleasant affair, at least most of them.
Calexico – Carried To Dust
Back to form for Calexico; not yet Feast Of Wire form, but on the right path.
Gladshot – Burn Up And Shine
A surprisingly good debut from this New York duo; a name to keep in mind!
Washington – Rouge/Noir
A very difficult album by the Norwegians, but also very rewarding once you get your head around it.
Your Vegas – A Town And Two Cities
Catchy and uplifting songs that you can listen to over and over again; a close contender for debut of the year.
yes, they might have defined Trip-Hop 15 years ago; and yes, they might be a cult-band. But I still think that Third is just plain boring…
Lost a lot of the debut’s charm; and it’s a bit sad that a remix from a Danish band outshines each and every song on the album.
Perfect melodies, great songwriting, but hugely overproduced. Less would have definitely been more!
Hype 1: it came, it played, it went… and it did absolutely nothing for me.
Hype 2: same here… nothing that I haven’t heard before (and better, for that matter!)
And that’s it. Oh, wait… there’s still the Best Album Of The Year missing. Well, you might remember last year’s battle, and it looks like I have the same again this year. So a bit more patience is in order; the contestants are getting ready as we speak, and you will get to see the fight soon!
Until then, I wish you a very merry Christmas time!
