1. Modest Mouse | We Were Dead
Before the Ship Even Sank (Sony)
There is no question in my mind
that the best album of the year was from Modest Mouse. The album is filled from
beginning to end with sharp lyrics that are matched with skilled and catchy
music. The songs are infectious. The words are meant to dog you at all hours,
and they do. This album-length essay on quests for the unachievable (yes, Moby
Dick, this one is for you) is beautifully done.
2. PJ Harvey | White Chalk (Island)
3. The Good the Bad & the
Queen (Virgin)
4. Interpol | Our Love to Admire
(Capitol)
5. Spouse | Relocation Tactics
(Pigeon)
6. Arcade Fire | Neon Bible
(Merge)
7. Radiohead | In Rainbows
(download; released in '08 on ATO/Red)
8. British Invasion Pt. 2
The Rakes | Ten New Messages (V2); Arctic Monkeys | Favourite Worst Nightmare
(Domino); Kaiser Chiefs | Yours Truly Angry Mob (Universal)
These bands all released second
albums that were follow-ups to very strong debuts. Out of the three, Arctic
Monkeys shined the best, but all three are bands that, even when not putting
out their best (or paling in comparison to their initial efforts), still offer
creative and appealing music.
9. Eleni Mandell | Miracle of
Five (Zedtone)
10. Beirut
| The Flying Club Cup (Ba Da Bing)
| Jim Dunn
|
