Post by rachel on Jun 13, 2008 4:50:45 GMT -5
Another year, and tons of good albums. This year was really tough for me. I started out with a list of almost 25 albums that I loved this year, and had a pregnant dog of a time narrowing it down to ten. Putting them in an order was another story... After maybe a month or two of serious thought this is what I narrowed this years music down to. It's pretty poppy this year, which really surprises me...
10. Linkin Park - Minutes to Midnight:
I think a lot of people hated this album. I think I liked it cause I'm emo at heart and love the fact that a non-emo rock band that I loved got all emo on us. Linkin Park has always been awesome, and always rocked hard. But this album is very different. It's darker and more chill rather than hard. There are still a couple quintessential LP songs, but for the most part, I guess you could call it... mature? I respect it though, when bands try to take a step in a different direction and make a different sound that actually works out well. This album really did that for Linkin Park. A lot of the tracks are just very beautiful and well, emotional. This is really a great album for any emo-at-hearters, and it is also a great driving album. It is obviously something I have listened to in the cold weather!
Best Songs: 'Leave Out All The Rest', 'Shadow of the Day', and 'In Pieces'
9. The Killers - Sawdust:
Yes, this album almost doesn't count because it's a B-sides, covers and remixes album, but I do not care. It is still a very well put together compilation, and definitely has been one of my top ten favorites to listen to out of everything created in the past 12 months. It's typical Killers sound obviously, not much anything new other than the remixes and a couple tracks with a bit more of techno-ish vibes. This band just has that sound that is becoming THEE sound to have, I guess, I just think they do it best. As much as I hate remix albums, and don't particularly ever care for B-sides because all that really means is "tracks that were too nutsty to make it on the real album" I truly do like all of the songs on this album, and I also like that they didn't take one path, but instead combined a bunch of B-sides, mixes, and new songs. I suppose if you're a hardcore Killers fan, you don't need this album because you've got all the songs from other sources, but if you like the Killers and want to get a big easter basket of all their excess good nuts, I recommend this album.
Best Song(s): 'Sweet Talk', and 'Glamorous Indie Rock And Roll'
8. Thrice - The Alchemy Index (Fire & Water):
This album got bumped into my top ten very last minute. I've always liked Thrice, I know their singles and a couple other songs from all of their albums, but I've never actually purchased an entire Thrice album until now. I saw them open for Brand New last month and couldn't believe what I heard. Every time they mentioned a song being from their new album, I was blown away by the type of songs I was hearing. As soon as I got home from the second show I bought the whole first half. It's an awesome four part concept EP type thing that they're doing. The first half consists of the fire and water volume's of the entire set. The first six songs, from the fire album, all have to do with fire. Cool huh? These six songs are more of the normal Thrice, but once you switch to the six song "water" volume, you really have to question if your even listening to the same band. There's tons of synth and piano and its all very, very relaxing. My favorite thing used here (which I only know because I saw Dustin do it live) was that he sings through a CB Radio. I don't know if that's common, but I've never seen anyone do it before, and I've been to a lot of shows. What Thrice does with the concept of this album amazes me. Because before I really knew what was going on, the water songs I heard just gave me that feeling of... water. Weird but true, just like, you're listening while floating in a pool in the dark, or on a boat or beach at night kind of feeling, it really is amazing. I'm really looking forward to the earth and air volumes. I can only imagine.
Best Song(s): Fire - 'Firebreather', Water - 'Digital Sea', 'Open Water', and 'The Whaler'
7. The Starting Line - Direction:
After seeing TSL for the first time in my life and meeting Kenny Vasoli a couple months ago, even though I've been a pretty big fan for over five years, really put me back into a huge Starting Line kick. In fact, if it wasn't for that show, I don't think I would have even learned the single off of this album, let alone the whole thing. After the show, in full blown Kenny mode, I listened to Direction for two weeks straight and grew to love it so much. Kenny is such a cool kid and I love how sincere he is. The whole album revolves around the idea of their band being unbelievably grateful for what they have achieved. Most artists lose sight of that, and from what I hear in Ken's lyrics, and the way he treated his fans at the show, im sure that TSL are not soon to do the same. As always, Kenny's singing here can only be summed up to be "cute," he always throws out those little quirky lines like the "All that she wants is another bay-bay" reference. It's almost hard for me to put this album so far back in my count. I somehow wish it could be sharing all of the top spots, but I know that is based on the kindness of the band, and not the quality of the songs (and im not meaning to downgrade the quality in the slightest). "To all those that love me so much, I'd like to return the favor...". Kenny, I love you. You do a great job everyday of returning the favor.
Best Song(s) - 'Something Left to Give', 'Direction', and '21'
6. Kanye West - Graduation:
I know right. What drugs am I smoking? A hip-hop album? Wait, wait, I don't listen to hip-hop. Is this even classified as hip-hop?? Well, all I know is that I love this album. I bought it the day it came out, and I still beg for party hosts to put this album on at parties where the last thing anyone wants to listen to is emo. Kanye had balls for some of the samples and featured artists he used and I respect that big time. I don't think I could have ever sat down, asked myself "Gee, if Chris Matin could make a song with anyone who would I want it to be?" and said Kanye! Never. But d**n they pulled it off. Kanye knows a respectable artist, and they obviously respect him enough to work with or allow him to use their stuff. That is pretty neat. 'Stronger' still makes me scream every time it sneaks up on my car radio or pod. Yeah, so I like rock....and Kanye West? Yeah.
Best Song(s): 'Homecoming', 'Big Brother', and 'Champion'
5. Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger:
This one, as Liz Kelly will vouch for, was an eassssyyyyy breezy choice. Although I cannot truly compare this album to any of his others in terms of "best of the year" (because I heard all of his albums only this summer) I am picking Easy Tiger as number 5, because Ryan Adams was probably my favorite new-to-my-collection artists of the year, and coincidentally he put out an album for me to throw in here! I'm so grateful to finally have listened to what this amazing musician has to offer! This album got released right before I road tripped 11 hours to Memphis, totaled a car, and paid $100 for a cab ride just to see him perform. Now it not only gives me serious nostalgia, but gives me one more amazing artist to look forward to hearing with each new album. He makes the perfect combo of country and rock, all while making you feel like you just belong driving down the streets of Tennessee (or one of those serious southern states). I crammed a lot of Ryan Adams into a few months, and am glad that I did. Easy Tiger is a great compilation of songs just like all the rest of his albums. There's fun catchy songs like 'Halloweenhead', and then my favorite Ryan Adams sappy style in the tracks 'The Sun Also Sets' and 'I Taught Myself How to Grow'. I know you've heard of him, if you haven't listened to him, what are you waiting for??
Best Song(s): In addition to the three mentioned above, 'Oh My God, Whatever, Etc', and 'Two'
4. Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank:
So, I don't think this album got enough credit. Has there been a single since 'Dashboard'? If so, I haven't heard about it. And anyway, 'Dashboard' is one of my least favorites on the album. This fact caused me to also not really give it a chance. I basically came to like this album by leaving my iPod on shuffle and having different tracks pop into my ears over a period of months before I was like "wow this nuts is really good." Now it's an album I listen straight through at least once a week. Apart from Isaac Brock's always awesome out there vocals, this album mostly impresses me because they've put out so many albums in years past and this one is one of my faves. It takes great musicians to continuously produce good music over the years and not run out of steam or stray from uniqueness and conform to that mainstream sound, like many artists do. The whole album makes great use of the melodic guitar sound that gets me every time, it just meshes so well with Isaacs voice. If you like Modest Mouse, you probably love this album, but if you were never really a fan, this album is a good place to get acquainted with them for now!
Best Song(s): 'Little Motel', 'Florida', 'Missed the Boat', and 'People as Places as People'
3. Fall Out Boy - Infinity on High:
Before you cuss me out, give me a second to explain this. I f**king like Fall Out Bot a LOT, and always have. I don't care what anyone says about them, their fans, or their music. They are TALENTED to me. Yes I think Petey might be a bit mentally handicap, but the boy can write. Although Fall Out Boy lyrics seem to deteriorate with each album release, they still remain amazing. Their lyrics are almost hip-hop flowing when you read them, but yet are sung to cheesy punk emo. It's awesome! I know that it is almost impossible for any human with an ear drum to not tap their foot to any Fall Out Boy song, especially this album. They are my favorite band to love to hate! Once I forced myself through this album a couple times, I couldn't turn it off and that is a fact. They know how to write hooks and they know how to write hits, and though that may take away from their true potential as musicians, I don't care because the hooks they write reside in my head for hours at a time. Patrick Stump works his voice like no artist around, he makes it so fun to sing along and always has, this album is no exception. Fall Out Boy will always be my guilty pleasure. No I am not ashamed to put them top 3!
Best Song(s):'Thriller', 'Bang The Doldrums', and 'Hum Hallelujah'
2. Say Anything - In Defense of the Genre:
In Defense of the Genre was definitely a piece of art from this band. One, because it's kind of like Max Bemis' statement of recovery. And two because, well, the man's a genius. He's almost Jesse Lacey status in my eyes, in terms of music writing. A double disc, 27 track release, that isn't a greatest hits, or pointless remix type album is not something that comes around often, especially from a fairly young band. This was only the bands second big album release and I have to say they did a pretty d**n awesome job on it. In addition to the hour and a half playtime, your ears can be gracefully visited by basically every current bomb-ass-phenomenal-genius artist of the genre, i.e. Kenny Vasoli of the Starting Line (another myself proclaimed musical genius), Hayley from Paramore, Chris Carrabba, Adam Lazzara of Taking Back Sunday, and most importantly. Max's all time idol (and one of mine), Chris Conley of Saves The Day. You can't really go wrong with that kind of collaboration. So, usually I think that bands who have too many members can really go wrong, but I think the combo of all six members of this band is really what makes them so good, and vocally sets them apart from other bands. And, they make good use of their harmonizing on most of this album's tracks. Although I've heard from more than one person that they think this album is somewhat contrived, I completely disagree and would argue that I think Max does a perfect job of projecting the emotion of this album. I really couldn't even begin to describe specific tracks, because they are all so good and each have their own little hook of amazingness.
Best Song(s): 'Plea', 'The Truth is You Should Lie With Me', 'Sorry Dudes My Bad', and 'Have At Thee!'
1. Jimmy Eat World - Chase This Light:
Choosing my number one this year was harder than ever. I decided to go with JEW. My main reasons for this were because I feel this album is flawless from start to finish, every song is catchy and awesome, and Say Anything offered so many tracks that it was hard to quickly find complete perfection in all 27. I knew this album was going to be awesome when they first released 'Big Casino'. Considering that this band has been around for over ten years and has released about six albums and a couple EP's and splits, but still has the ability to make a flawless album, I think they deserved number one. As I always tell everyone who questions it, Jimmy Eat World is the kind of band you need albums of. I rarely find their singles to do them justice (exceptions being 'Sweetness' and 'Work'), their golden stuff is on the albums. On Chase This Light, you can find that in every track. 'Dizzy' was my first track (as it already hit the top 10 most played songs of my 4,457 on my iPod) obsession, and since then it has become 'Carry You'. JEW always finds a way to write lyrics that are somehow so relatable, and 'Carry You' has felt amazingly realistic to me lately. If you don't have this album, you really need to check it out. Anyone who has listened to it (or seen them live recently) can attest to the fact that Chase This Light is very worthy of number one. I can't wait to see the calls of those 97x DJ's!
Best Song(s): 'Dizzy', 'Somebody Else's Blues', and 'Carry You'
(Oh yeah, and a 2007 bonus haha)
Top 5 Songs of the Year:
5. Thrice - Digital Sea
4. Bright Eyes - If The Brakeman Turns my Way
3. Sigur Rós - Hljómalind
2. Angels and Airwaves - Breathe
1. Jimmy Eat World - Dizzy
10. Linkin Park - Minutes to Midnight:
I think a lot of people hated this album. I think I liked it cause I'm emo at heart and love the fact that a non-emo rock band that I loved got all emo on us. Linkin Park has always been awesome, and always rocked hard. But this album is very different. It's darker and more chill rather than hard. There are still a couple quintessential LP songs, but for the most part, I guess you could call it... mature? I respect it though, when bands try to take a step in a different direction and make a different sound that actually works out well. This album really did that for Linkin Park. A lot of the tracks are just very beautiful and well, emotional. This is really a great album for any emo-at-hearters, and it is also a great driving album. It is obviously something I have listened to in the cold weather!
Best Songs: 'Leave Out All The Rest', 'Shadow of the Day', and 'In Pieces'
9. The Killers - Sawdust:
Yes, this album almost doesn't count because it's a B-sides, covers and remixes album, but I do not care. It is still a very well put together compilation, and definitely has been one of my top ten favorites to listen to out of everything created in the past 12 months. It's typical Killers sound obviously, not much anything new other than the remixes and a couple tracks with a bit more of techno-ish vibes. This band just has that sound that is becoming THEE sound to have, I guess, I just think they do it best. As much as I hate remix albums, and don't particularly ever care for B-sides because all that really means is "tracks that were too nutsty to make it on the real album" I truly do like all of the songs on this album, and I also like that they didn't take one path, but instead combined a bunch of B-sides, mixes, and new songs. I suppose if you're a hardcore Killers fan, you don't need this album because you've got all the songs from other sources, but if you like the Killers and want to get a big easter basket of all their excess good nuts, I recommend this album.
Best Song(s): 'Sweet Talk', and 'Glamorous Indie Rock And Roll'
8. Thrice - The Alchemy Index (Fire & Water):
This album got bumped into my top ten very last minute. I've always liked Thrice, I know their singles and a couple other songs from all of their albums, but I've never actually purchased an entire Thrice album until now. I saw them open for Brand New last month and couldn't believe what I heard. Every time they mentioned a song being from their new album, I was blown away by the type of songs I was hearing. As soon as I got home from the second show I bought the whole first half. It's an awesome four part concept EP type thing that they're doing. The first half consists of the fire and water volume's of the entire set. The first six songs, from the fire album, all have to do with fire. Cool huh? These six songs are more of the normal Thrice, but once you switch to the six song "water" volume, you really have to question if your even listening to the same band. There's tons of synth and piano and its all very, very relaxing. My favorite thing used here (which I only know because I saw Dustin do it live) was that he sings through a CB Radio. I don't know if that's common, but I've never seen anyone do it before, and I've been to a lot of shows. What Thrice does with the concept of this album amazes me. Because before I really knew what was going on, the water songs I heard just gave me that feeling of... water. Weird but true, just like, you're listening while floating in a pool in the dark, or on a boat or beach at night kind of feeling, it really is amazing. I'm really looking forward to the earth and air volumes. I can only imagine.
Best Song(s): Fire - 'Firebreather', Water - 'Digital Sea', 'Open Water', and 'The Whaler'
7. The Starting Line - Direction:
After seeing TSL for the first time in my life and meeting Kenny Vasoli a couple months ago, even though I've been a pretty big fan for over five years, really put me back into a huge Starting Line kick. In fact, if it wasn't for that show, I don't think I would have even learned the single off of this album, let alone the whole thing. After the show, in full blown Kenny mode, I listened to Direction for two weeks straight and grew to love it so much. Kenny is such a cool kid and I love how sincere he is. The whole album revolves around the idea of their band being unbelievably grateful for what they have achieved. Most artists lose sight of that, and from what I hear in Ken's lyrics, and the way he treated his fans at the show, im sure that TSL are not soon to do the same. As always, Kenny's singing here can only be summed up to be "cute," he always throws out those little quirky lines like the "All that she wants is another bay-bay" reference. It's almost hard for me to put this album so far back in my count. I somehow wish it could be sharing all of the top spots, but I know that is based on the kindness of the band, and not the quality of the songs (and im not meaning to downgrade the quality in the slightest). "To all those that love me so much, I'd like to return the favor...". Kenny, I love you. You do a great job everyday of returning the favor.
Best Song(s) - 'Something Left to Give', 'Direction', and '21'
6. Kanye West - Graduation:
I know right. What drugs am I smoking? A hip-hop album? Wait, wait, I don't listen to hip-hop. Is this even classified as hip-hop?? Well, all I know is that I love this album. I bought it the day it came out, and I still beg for party hosts to put this album on at parties where the last thing anyone wants to listen to is emo. Kanye had balls for some of the samples and featured artists he used and I respect that big time. I don't think I could have ever sat down, asked myself "Gee, if Chris Matin could make a song with anyone who would I want it to be?" and said Kanye! Never. But d**n they pulled it off. Kanye knows a respectable artist, and they obviously respect him enough to work with or allow him to use their stuff. That is pretty neat. 'Stronger' still makes me scream every time it sneaks up on my car radio or pod. Yeah, so I like rock....and Kanye West? Yeah.
Best Song(s): 'Homecoming', 'Big Brother', and 'Champion'
5. Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger:
This one, as Liz Kelly will vouch for, was an eassssyyyyy breezy choice. Although I cannot truly compare this album to any of his others in terms of "best of the year" (because I heard all of his albums only this summer) I am picking Easy Tiger as number 5, because Ryan Adams was probably my favorite new-to-my-collection artists of the year, and coincidentally he put out an album for me to throw in here! I'm so grateful to finally have listened to what this amazing musician has to offer! This album got released right before I road tripped 11 hours to Memphis, totaled a car, and paid $100 for a cab ride just to see him perform. Now it not only gives me serious nostalgia, but gives me one more amazing artist to look forward to hearing with each new album. He makes the perfect combo of country and rock, all while making you feel like you just belong driving down the streets of Tennessee (or one of those serious southern states). I crammed a lot of Ryan Adams into a few months, and am glad that I did. Easy Tiger is a great compilation of songs just like all the rest of his albums. There's fun catchy songs like 'Halloweenhead', and then my favorite Ryan Adams sappy style in the tracks 'The Sun Also Sets' and 'I Taught Myself How to Grow'. I know you've heard of him, if you haven't listened to him, what are you waiting for??
Best Song(s): In addition to the three mentioned above, 'Oh My God, Whatever, Etc', and 'Two'
4. Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank:
So, I don't think this album got enough credit. Has there been a single since 'Dashboard'? If so, I haven't heard about it. And anyway, 'Dashboard' is one of my least favorites on the album. This fact caused me to also not really give it a chance. I basically came to like this album by leaving my iPod on shuffle and having different tracks pop into my ears over a period of months before I was like "wow this nuts is really good." Now it's an album I listen straight through at least once a week. Apart from Isaac Brock's always awesome out there vocals, this album mostly impresses me because they've put out so many albums in years past and this one is one of my faves. It takes great musicians to continuously produce good music over the years and not run out of steam or stray from uniqueness and conform to that mainstream sound, like many artists do. The whole album makes great use of the melodic guitar sound that gets me every time, it just meshes so well with Isaacs voice. If you like Modest Mouse, you probably love this album, but if you were never really a fan, this album is a good place to get acquainted with them for now!
Best Song(s): 'Little Motel', 'Florida', 'Missed the Boat', and 'People as Places as People'
3. Fall Out Boy - Infinity on High:
Before you cuss me out, give me a second to explain this. I f**king like Fall Out Bot a LOT, and always have. I don't care what anyone says about them, their fans, or their music. They are TALENTED to me. Yes I think Petey might be a bit mentally handicap, but the boy can write. Although Fall Out Boy lyrics seem to deteriorate with each album release, they still remain amazing. Their lyrics are almost hip-hop flowing when you read them, but yet are sung to cheesy punk emo. It's awesome! I know that it is almost impossible for any human with an ear drum to not tap their foot to any Fall Out Boy song, especially this album. They are my favorite band to love to hate! Once I forced myself through this album a couple times, I couldn't turn it off and that is a fact. They know how to write hooks and they know how to write hits, and though that may take away from their true potential as musicians, I don't care because the hooks they write reside in my head for hours at a time. Patrick Stump works his voice like no artist around, he makes it so fun to sing along and always has, this album is no exception. Fall Out Boy will always be my guilty pleasure. No I am not ashamed to put them top 3!
Best Song(s):'Thriller', 'Bang The Doldrums', and 'Hum Hallelujah'
2. Say Anything - In Defense of the Genre:
In Defense of the Genre was definitely a piece of art from this band. One, because it's kind of like Max Bemis' statement of recovery. And two because, well, the man's a genius. He's almost Jesse Lacey status in my eyes, in terms of music writing. A double disc, 27 track release, that isn't a greatest hits, or pointless remix type album is not something that comes around often, especially from a fairly young band. This was only the bands second big album release and I have to say they did a pretty d**n awesome job on it. In addition to the hour and a half playtime, your ears can be gracefully visited by basically every current bomb-ass-phenomenal-genius artist of the genre, i.e. Kenny Vasoli of the Starting Line (another myself proclaimed musical genius), Hayley from Paramore, Chris Carrabba, Adam Lazzara of Taking Back Sunday, and most importantly. Max's all time idol (and one of mine), Chris Conley of Saves The Day. You can't really go wrong with that kind of collaboration. So, usually I think that bands who have too many members can really go wrong, but I think the combo of all six members of this band is really what makes them so good, and vocally sets them apart from other bands. And, they make good use of their harmonizing on most of this album's tracks. Although I've heard from more than one person that they think this album is somewhat contrived, I completely disagree and would argue that I think Max does a perfect job of projecting the emotion of this album. I really couldn't even begin to describe specific tracks, because they are all so good and each have their own little hook of amazingness.
Best Song(s): 'Plea', 'The Truth is You Should Lie With Me', 'Sorry Dudes My Bad', and 'Have At Thee!'
1. Jimmy Eat World - Chase This Light:
Choosing my number one this year was harder than ever. I decided to go with JEW. My main reasons for this were because I feel this album is flawless from start to finish, every song is catchy and awesome, and Say Anything offered so many tracks that it was hard to quickly find complete perfection in all 27. I knew this album was going to be awesome when they first released 'Big Casino'. Considering that this band has been around for over ten years and has released about six albums and a couple EP's and splits, but still has the ability to make a flawless album, I think they deserved number one. As I always tell everyone who questions it, Jimmy Eat World is the kind of band you need albums of. I rarely find their singles to do them justice (exceptions being 'Sweetness' and 'Work'), their golden stuff is on the albums. On Chase This Light, you can find that in every track. 'Dizzy' was my first track (as it already hit the top 10 most played songs of my 4,457 on my iPod) obsession, and since then it has become 'Carry You'. JEW always finds a way to write lyrics that are somehow so relatable, and 'Carry You' has felt amazingly realistic to me lately. If you don't have this album, you really need to check it out. Anyone who has listened to it (or seen them live recently) can attest to the fact that Chase This Light is very worthy of number one. I can't wait to see the calls of those 97x DJ's!
Best Song(s): 'Dizzy', 'Somebody Else's Blues', and 'Carry You'
(Oh yeah, and a 2007 bonus haha)
Top 5 Songs of the Year:
5. Thrice - Digital Sea
4. Bright Eyes - If The Brakeman Turns my Way
3. Sigur Rós - Hljómalind
2. Angels and Airwaves - Breathe
1. Jimmy Eat World - Dizzy