Top Albums of 2008

It would have been nice to have a top 10, however my lethargic nature prevents me to look through my entire music collection to see what was actually released this year. So instead, here is a list of the albums that have a solid place in my heart and mind for years to come. There is no number one, they are all equally and indisputably awesome.

Ladyhawke - Ladyhawke
(Modular Records)
A very late discovery, but possibly the happiest record of 2008. Contemporary candy pop disguised as 80's New Wave. Although the Stevie Niks' influence sounds all to familiar, this has a distinct and unique resonance to it, a perfect soundtrack for those lonely walks and slow motion party montages that you see in your mind...or maybe that's just me.

Deerhunter - Microcastle
(4AD/Kranky)
Their previous efforts on Cryptograms was a noisy but lush experiment. Mature is an apt but patronizing description of the new album. All together more coherent with added longevity, this release wraps your ears in glowing melodies and washes of brittle guitars chords with every track seamlessly intertwining along the impeccably produced journey.

Pivot - O, Soundtrack My Heart
(Warp)
Just awesome. Tears your face off with bone crushing force and militant rhythms, a subtle hypnosis of cellophane encased synths and unceasing riffs. For fans of Battles searching for their filthy nemesis.

Yeasayer - All Hour Cymbals
(We Are Free)
People fail to see the sense in my '80's Gospel Folk-Rock' tag for this band, however i can see no greater description. Hall and Oates meets Boston in a Medieval battle of the bands is perhaps an accurate but confusing metaphor. Regardless, this album is an uplifiting and exoctic endevour i continue to enjoy.

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
(4AD/Jagjaguwar)
Frosted whispers and chain rattling apparitions haunt your speakers as Justin Vernon and his angelic chorus swell your heart with effervescent voices. An inescapable numb, a warming chill down your spine so achingly beautiful it cannot be justified by cheesy reviews.