SĒN Baltimore Magazine - Nightlife, Local Music, Events and Podcasts

It wasn’t hard for me to decide what were the top five albums of 2008.  All I had to do was think about what albums I played most on my Ipod.  They are the albums that kept me company on my forty-five minute drives to and from work.  They are the albums I listened to when I needed comfort or I just wanted to dance.  They are the albums that if you have not heard them yet you need to check them out right away.  Here they are in no particular order.

The Fleet Foxes-Fleet Foxes and Sun Giant (EP)

Now I included the Fleet Foxes EP Sun Giant in addition to their self-titled album because they were both released this year.  Together they compromise 16 tracks of music that can cover you in a warm blanket on cold winter day.  If you are a fan of four part harmonies or of music that is reminiscent of the days of Crosby, Stills, and Nash then this is a band for you.  Now this is not the limit of their sound.  Some of their songs will bring you images of the mountains, big blue skies, forest, and bright summer afternoons.  The album and the EP are a good combination to listen to on a road trip as they are excellent driving music.

Ra Ra Riot-Rhumb Line

This is yet another band like the Fleet Foxes that released their debut album this year.  It was a good year for new bands and debut albums.  Anyone who has spoken to me over the past few weeks or read my review of their show knows I’ve been singing this bands praises and for good reason.  Rhumb Line is an album that possesses a depth of emotion and maturity that are surprising for a band that has only been together for three years.  Ra Ra Riot's ethereal sound includes the orchestration of the cello and violin that provide depth, but is it the up beat arrangement of their more conventional instruments that will have you dancing.  Some have compared their sound to Morrissey at his best.  I think this comparison has been made because of the soft syrupy vocals of Wes Miles.  This is definitely an album you need to add to your collection.

Bon Iver-For Emma, Forever Ago

This is yet another debut album and it comes to us from Justin Vernon.  The story of this album may sound like marketing of a record company to sell more records but it begs to be told in order to understand the poignancy of this album.  Vernon recorded this album in a cabin in upstate Wisconsin, his home state, after the break up of his band in Raleigh, North Carolina and a break up with a girlfriend. He did not intend to write an album while in the cabin.  It was meant to be a cathartic time, in which to move on from events of the previous year.  He had recording equipment with him because he had just helped the Rosebuds complete some recording.  During his time alone an album began to take shape that has become some of the most emotionally raw and honest music these ears have ever heard.  Sung in all falsetto, with straightforward acoustic arrangements this album proves that some of life’s most complex emotions and profound events are communicated best in simple packaging.  If this album does not move you, I’m not sure what will.

The Walkmen-You & Me        

I know what you are thinking, “finally an album that is not a debut.”  The fourth full length album from the New York City band brings us more of the same that they have given us in the past but this time the sound is more developed.  This album is recorded much like their past albums to sound echoey and spacious as if recorded in a large room.  This sound coupled with new instruments and lyrics that speak of love and loss bring us an album that sounds more fleshed out then their last three.  Evidence of this is found  in songs like In the New Year and Red Moon.  Do not let me mislead you this is not an album in which you will only find a few songs that you like, rather you will enjoy it from start to finish.  This album foreshadows what is to come from the Walkmen.  What this album tells me about the Walkmen is that they have not yet reached their peak but will soon, and the result when they do will be nothing less then fascinating.

Radiohead-In Rainbows
                                
What can I say? They have done it again.  The Beatles of our time have yet again released an album of not only musical importance but commercial importance as well.  I don’t need to tell you they released this album on their own, without a label, and offered it for a price you determine for download from their website. You already knew that, right?.  Not only have Radiohead continued to broaden the musical landscape and push the boundaries of artistry, they are also attempting to reinvent what it means to be rock stars in the twenty-first century.  This album is uncomplicated, melodic, resonant, and above all beautiful.  I can’t say more that you probably haven’t already read this year or decided for yourself so I’m gonna stop here.