A disclaimer to those of you reading. These choices are based on opinions of music I had available. Sure, Metallica's new album may have been rockin. And maybe the new Guns N Roses album was great - but I haven't heard. This list is just formulated from the discs I thought were entertaining and inspiring for the year. If nothing else, I can look back at this list this time next year, just to see what was hot (and what was not). Last year, I was knee-deep in the Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem. So let's see what 2008 had in store for me...
(if you make it all the way through, please feel free to share something I may have missed. I'm always open to new music or suggestions.)
xo
Carrie's Best of 2008 Lists
1. Band of Annuals - Let Me Live
Movies of the Year (in alphabetical order)
Milk
Rachel Getting Married
The Dark Knight
Wall-E
Young @ Heart
Book (series) of the Year
Twilight
TV Shows of the Year
Friday Night Lights
Intervention
Milk
Rachel Getting Married
The Dark Knight
Wall-E
Young @ Heart
Book (series) of the Year
Twilight
TV Shows of the Year
Friday Night Lights
Intervention
Lipstick Jungle
Weeds
Best "Maybe You've Never Heard of Them But You Should" Artist
1. Band of Annuals
2. Missy Higgins
3. Lykke Li
4. The Tallest Man on Earth
5. Justin Nozuka
6. Frightened Rabbit
7. Girl Talk
8. Jason Reeves
9. Rachael Brady
10. City & Colour
Best Live Shows of 2008
Celine Dion @ the Prudential Center (Newark, NJ)
Spice Girls @ the Prudential Center (Newark, NJ)
Band of Annuals @ Union Hall (Brooklyn, NY)
Ray LaMontagne and Leona Naess @ Radio City (New York, NY)
Songs of the Year (in alphabetical order)
Anouk - "Lost"
Augustana - "Hey Now"
Band of Annuals - "Lower"
Bon Iver - "Skinny Love"
City & Colour - "Sleeping Sickness"
Duffy - "Syrup and Honey"
Ernie Halter - "Pretty Girl"
Ha-Ash (ft. Brandi Carlile) - "Already Home"
Ingrid Michaelson - "The Chain" (live at Webster Hall)
Jason Mraz - "I'm Yours"
Jem - "You Will Make It"
Jon McLaughlin - "We All Need Saving"
Justin Nozuka - "Criminal"
Lisa Hannigan - "Ocean and a Rock"
Missy Higgins - "Sugarcane"
Pink - "Glitter in the Air"
Ray LaMontagne - "Let It Be Me"
Best "Maybe You've Never Heard of Them But You Should" Artist
1. Band of Annuals
2. Missy Higgins
3. Lykke Li
4. The Tallest Man on Earth
5. Justin Nozuka
6. Frightened Rabbit
7. Girl Talk
8. Jason Reeves
9. Rachael Brady
10. City & Colour
Best Live Shows of 2008
Celine Dion @ the Prudential Center (Newark, NJ)
Spice Girls @ the Prudential Center (Newark, NJ)
Band of Annuals @ Union Hall (Brooklyn, NY)
Ray LaMontagne and Leona Naess @ Radio City (New York, NY)
Songs of the Year (in alphabetical order)
Anouk - "Lost"
Augustana - "Hey Now"
Band of Annuals - "Lower"
Bon Iver - "Skinny Love"
City & Colour - "Sleeping Sickness"
Duffy - "Syrup and Honey"
Ernie Halter - "Pretty Girl"
Ha-Ash (ft. Brandi Carlile) - "Already Home"
Ingrid Michaelson - "The Chain" (live at Webster Hall)
Jason Mraz - "I'm Yours"
Jem - "You Will Make It"
Jon McLaughlin - "We All Need Saving"
Justin Nozuka - "Criminal"
Lisa Hannigan - "Ocean and a Rock"
Missy Higgins - "Sugarcane"
Pink - "Glitter in the Air"
Ray LaMontagne - "Let It Be Me"
Sara Barielles & Ingrid Michaleson - "Winter Song"
Sugarland - "It Happens"
Best Album
Honorable Mentions:
Rachael Yamagata - Elephants...Teeth Sinking into Heart, Jack Johnson - Sleep Through Static, Cloud Cult - Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes), Justin Nozuka - Holly
15. Adele - 19
She is compared to a sober Amy Winehouse, and I wouldn't disagree. But give her credit. I think that if she had broke prior to Amy and her shenanigans, she could be even bigger. She's got a great voice with a really rich quality and tone to it. I love this for a nice chill album. I also like that fact that she doesn't care what people have to say and she doesn't mold to the Hollywood norm. Amen sister.
Standout track: Make You Feel My Love
14. Jessie Baylin - Firesight
Until the Music Lounge this year, I had not heard of this Jersey girl (represent, what?!), but I sure am glad that changed. She has a very unique, soulful voice. When you see her, you don't expect the voice that comes out, and I kinda dig that. The album is solid, in my opinion, and is easy to play from beginning to end. Look for her music cameos in movies/television like The Women and Lipstick Jungle.
Standout track: Was I On Your Mind?
13. Kate Nash - Made of Bricks
It's common knowledge that if you have a British accent, you are just that much cooler. Granted, there are exceptions to this rule, but not in Kate Nash's case. The album is a gamut of emotions - love, heartbreak, loss, and rebellion. She's cute, but a little vulgar. I mean, if you can sing about birds shitting on your head and have it be a beautiful love song, well you've got my vote.
Standout track: Birds
12. Grace Potter & the Nocturnals - Live in Skowhegan
Yes. It is a live album. Yes - that probably shouldn't count for an album, because there really isn't any new material not found on other albums. Yes. It is beautiful. Yes, it's true I had tickets to go see them upstate this year, but couldn't make it because of a freak snowstorm and a beautiful baby shower - so this is the next best thing. My goal of 2009? See them live.
Standout track: Ragged Company (live)
11. Coldplay - Viva la Vida
Probably one of the most hyped albums of 2008, and for good reason, I was pleasantly surprised. Of course, I was rooting for them all along, but I was afraid of a flop. Silly me. I have to admit that there isn't much I can say about this album, I just enjoy it. Chris Martin and friends were up for the challenge, and it's safe to say they got it right.
Standout track: Lost!
10. Sugarland - Love on the Inside
Don't panic too much. I haven't jumped (completely) over to the country side of things. This year was about the music, and hey - I cannot deny good tunes. I have to thank Lindsay for sending me my first Sugarland song and that's where the love began. Jennifer Nettles has a unique voice and it just is catchy as hell. It's an album I can listen to at work all day and doesn't get old.
Standout tracks: It Happens, All I Want to Do
9. Girl Talk - Feed the Animals
This is one of those cases where you see the name EVERYWHERE on music blogs and you end up giving in and checking them out to see what the big deal is. Then you hit yourself because you finally see what everyone is talking about. I really thought I wouldn't like something on a laptop, as we all know I prefer my acoustic guitars and such, but this album is probably the most fun of the bunch. I mean if you take Fergie and Kenny Loggins and throw them together? You sold me. Sign. Me. UP.
8. Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Isn't it true that natural resources eventually will run out? I mean it's realistic, right? Is artistic talent like a natural resource? Because, honestly, I do not see a dry bottom to the Death Cab barrell. It's easy to make assumptions about songs sounding the same after a while, but this album was more than I could have expected from them. I recommend listening to the opening track at high decibels in your vehicle.
Standout tracks: Bixby Canyon Bridge, The Ice is Getting Thinner
7. Sia - Some People Have Real Problems
I almost forget that this album was released this year because it seems like I've been listening to it forever. The album itself is amazing, but when you see her live, it gives new meaning to all of the songs. She is an amazing performer, but the best part is her personality. She's super nice and very friendly, and just a goofball. All of that combined with that voice? Money.
6. Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the Grain
There really isn't much else to say when it comes to describing his music - anything other than GENIUS that is. The man with the raspy voice, who looks like he could be a homeless man on the streets. I finally got to see him live this year at Radio City, and it was like a week before the album came out, so I heard him perform the new songs live, and what a way to introduce them. I picked up the album at the show and it hasn't come off my "most played" list since. One of my all time favorite musicians coming through with yet another solid body of work.
5. Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
Another case of me seeing a name on many music blogs and finally just checking them out, and bam. Found me a gem. Lead singer Scott Hutchison's vocals bare a definite resemblance to Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody, which is a good thing of course. I would best describe this album as a lyrically and aesthetically pleasing piece of work. Considering that prior to about a month or two ago, I had never even heard the band, and they are number 5 on my list? I think that is worth you checking them out.
Standout track: Poke
4. Lady Antebellum - Lady Antebellum
I credit Band of Annuals with getting me back in tune with my country roots. Oh yes, back in the day, I was a country music fan. I had all of the Garth Brooks, Clay Walker, and Alan Jackson albums you could think of. Those days have come and gone, and while I venture in and out of musical genres, I found myself hanging out with an old friend again. Only the old friend lost the cowboy hat and ugly button-downs. I welcomed this friend in the form of Lady Antebellum. Seemingly coming out of nowhere and taking country (and pop) music by storm, the Nashville trio combines country, pop, and a little bit of rock and roll. The album is point blank a good time, from start to finish. My only complaint is that New York City doesn't have any kind of a country music life, so therefore I am unable to see them live. Guess this just puts one more check under the "go visit Lindsay in Nashville" column.
Sugarland - "It Happens"
Best Album
Honorable Mentions:
Rachael Yamagata - Elephants...Teeth Sinking into Heart, Jack Johnson - Sleep Through Static, Cloud Cult - Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes), Justin Nozuka - Holly
15. Adele - 19She is compared to a sober Amy Winehouse, and I wouldn't disagree. But give her credit. I think that if she had broke prior to Amy and her shenanigans, she could be even bigger. She's got a great voice with a really rich quality and tone to it. I love this for a nice chill album. I also like that fact that she doesn't care what people have to say and she doesn't mold to the Hollywood norm. Amen sister.
Standout track: Make You Feel My Love
14. Jessie Baylin - FiresightUntil the Music Lounge this year, I had not heard of this Jersey girl (represent, what?!), but I sure am glad that changed. She has a very unique, soulful voice. When you see her, you don't expect the voice that comes out, and I kinda dig that. The album is solid, in my opinion, and is easy to play from beginning to end. Look for her music cameos in movies/television like The Women and Lipstick Jungle.
Standout track: Was I On Your Mind?
13. Kate Nash - Made of BricksIt's common knowledge that if you have a British accent, you are just that much cooler. Granted, there are exceptions to this rule, but not in Kate Nash's case. The album is a gamut of emotions - love, heartbreak, loss, and rebellion. She's cute, but a little vulgar. I mean, if you can sing about birds shitting on your head and have it be a beautiful love song, well you've got my vote.
Standout track: Birds
12. Grace Potter & the Nocturnals - Live in SkowheganYes. It is a live album. Yes - that probably shouldn't count for an album, because there really isn't any new material not found on other albums. Yes. It is beautiful. Yes, it's true I had tickets to go see them upstate this year, but couldn't make it because of a freak snowstorm and a beautiful baby shower - so this is the next best thing. My goal of 2009? See them live.
Standout track: Ragged Company (live)
11. Coldplay - Viva la VidaProbably one of the most hyped albums of 2008, and for good reason, I was pleasantly surprised. Of course, I was rooting for them all along, but I was afraid of a flop. Silly me. I have to admit that there isn't much I can say about this album, I just enjoy it. Chris Martin and friends were up for the challenge, and it's safe to say they got it right.
Standout track: Lost!
10. Sugarland - Love on the InsideDon't panic too much. I haven't jumped (completely) over to the country side of things. This year was about the music, and hey - I cannot deny good tunes. I have to thank Lindsay for sending me my first Sugarland song and that's where the love began. Jennifer Nettles has a unique voice and it just is catchy as hell. It's an album I can listen to at work all day and doesn't get old.
Standout tracks: It Happens, All I Want to Do
9. Girl Talk - Feed the AnimalsThis is one of those cases where you see the name EVERYWHERE on music blogs and you end up giving in and checking them out to see what the big deal is. Then you hit yourself because you finally see what everyone is talking about. I really thought I wouldn't like something on a laptop, as we all know I prefer my acoustic guitars and such, but this album is probably the most fun of the bunch. I mean if you take Fergie and Kenny Loggins and throw them together? You sold me. Sign. Me. UP.
8. Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow StairsIsn't it true that natural resources eventually will run out? I mean it's realistic, right? Is artistic talent like a natural resource? Because, honestly, I do not see a dry bottom to the Death Cab barrell. It's easy to make assumptions about songs sounding the same after a while, but this album was more than I could have expected from them. I recommend listening to the opening track at high decibels in your vehicle.
Standout tracks: Bixby Canyon Bridge, The Ice is Getting Thinner
7. Sia - Some People Have Real ProblemsI almost forget that this album was released this year because it seems like I've been listening to it forever. The album itself is amazing, but when you see her live, it gives new meaning to all of the songs. She is an amazing performer, but the best part is her personality. She's super nice and very friendly, and just a goofball. All of that combined with that voice? Money.
Standout track: Soon We'll Be Found
6. Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the GrainThere really isn't much else to say when it comes to describing his music - anything other than GENIUS that is. The man with the raspy voice, who looks like he could be a homeless man on the streets. I finally got to see him live this year at Radio City, and it was like a week before the album came out, so I heard him perform the new songs live, and what a way to introduce them. I picked up the album at the show and it hasn't come off my "most played" list since. One of my all time favorite musicians coming through with yet another solid body of work.
Standout tracks: Meg White, Let It Be Me
5. Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ FightAnother case of me seeing a name on many music blogs and finally just checking them out, and bam. Found me a gem. Lead singer Scott Hutchison's vocals bare a definite resemblance to Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody, which is a good thing of course. I would best describe this album as a lyrically and aesthetically pleasing piece of work. Considering that prior to about a month or two ago, I had never even heard the band, and they are number 5 on my list? I think that is worth you checking them out.
Standout track: Poke
4. Lady Antebellum - Lady AntebellumI credit Band of Annuals with getting me back in tune with my country roots. Oh yes, back in the day, I was a country music fan. I had all of the Garth Brooks, Clay Walker, and Alan Jackson albums you could think of. Those days have come and gone, and while I venture in and out of musical genres, I found myself hanging out with an old friend again. Only the old friend lost the cowboy hat and ugly button-downs. I welcomed this friend in the form of Lady Antebellum. Seemingly coming out of nowhere and taking country (and pop) music by storm, the Nashville trio combines country, pop, and a little bit of rock and roll. The album is point blank a good time, from start to finish. My only complaint is that New York City doesn't have any kind of a country music life, so therefore I am unable to see them live. Guess this just puts one more check under the "go visit Lindsay in Nashville" column.
Standout tracks: One Day You Will, Home is Where the Heart Is
3. Lykke Li - Youth Novels
I am lucky enough to be a part (albeit a small part) of a really cool music blog - (see: Killer Lemonade). The brainchild and head-hauncho of this blog is none other than the one and only Burgermeister herself. All of the credit goes to her for this choice on the list. I had not heard of this songstress until Danielle posted a track and a video on the site, raving about her sound. I have all the faith in her taste, so I checked it out. Boom, next thing you know, Lykke Li is in my top plays, and constantly on repeat for my morning walks to work. The tracks on this album, no matter the lyrical content or tempo, all just exude fun. They have a playful, catchy undertone, and you can't help but find yourself tapping along. It always puts me in a good mood, which is why I play it on my way to work. Do yourself a favor, and pick this one up. It was a big year for Swedish indie/pop singers, and Lykke Li is no exception.
3. Lykke Li - Youth NovelsI am lucky enough to be a part (albeit a small part) of a really cool music blog - (see: Killer Lemonade). The brainchild and head-hauncho of this blog is none other than the one and only Burgermeister herself. All of the credit goes to her for this choice on the list. I had not heard of this songstress until Danielle posted a track and a video on the site, raving about her sound. I have all the faith in her taste, so I checked it out. Boom, next thing you know, Lykke Li is in my top plays, and constantly on repeat for my morning walks to work. The tracks on this album, no matter the lyrical content or tempo, all just exude fun. They have a playful, catchy undertone, and you can't help but find yourself tapping along. It always puts me in a good mood, which is why I play it on my way to work. Do yourself a favor, and pick this one up. It was a big year for Swedish indie/pop singers, and Lykke Li is no exception.
Standout track: Dance, Dance, Dance
2. Missy Higgins - On a Clear Night / The Sound of White
Last year, one of my top songs of 2007, was from an Australian girl I randomly happened to come across on the web. Eventually, "Where I Stood" appeared on Grey's Anatomy, One Tree Hill, and the Hills. Little did I know that this song was only the tip of the iceberg. I hadn't even touched the brilliance that could be found in Missy Higgins. Brilliance seems like a pretty strong word, but understand that I am aware of this, and frankly don't care. I put both of these albums together, because I ended up getting them both at the same time, regardless of when they originally were released.
2. Missy Higgins - On a Clear Night / The Sound of WhiteLast year, one of my top songs of 2007, was from an Australian girl I randomly happened to come across on the web. Eventually, "Where I Stood" appeared on Grey's Anatomy, One Tree Hill, and the Hills. Little did I know that this song was only the tip of the iceberg. I hadn't even touched the brilliance that could be found in Missy Higgins. Brilliance seems like a pretty strong word, but understand that I am aware of this, and frankly don't care. I put both of these albums together, because I ended up getting them both at the same time, regardless of when they originally were released.
Missy just has a subtle, yet powerful voice. She comes across as sweet but powerful. My favorite part about these albums are the stories. The songs illustrate something different and allow the listener to visualize the image that is intended. When you combine the lyrical content with that smooth, soulful voice, you just can't go wrong. She is a big hit down under, but is finally getting her credit over on US soil. I can't wait until this March, when she comes to NYC with Justin Nozuka and Lenka, which is sure to be on my list of favorite concerts from 2009.
Standout tracks: Sugarcane, Going North, The Special Two
1. Band of Annuals - Let Me Live If you have followed this blog at all over the last year, spoken to me about music at all, or received any of my mix cds, this choice should not be much of a surprise. It feels as if I have known these songs forever, even though it has been less than a year. I'm quoting myself from a previous blog post by saying, "I have found a band that makes me fall in love with music all over again. and if you know me one bit - if you have ever exchanged wonderful conversations with me - you know the value of this statement. I don't just use it willy nilly, something's gotta grab this little heart of mine and scream "this is why you do it. this is why you don't give up on the dream." Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you - Band of Annuals." If you have not heard them before, you can think of them in the same vein as Cowboy Junkies or even a bit of Ryan Adams. The selling point for me, the moment I heard them, is the harmonies. Vocalists Jay Henderson and Jeremi Hanson literally sound like they were made to sing together. The vulnerable and downright heartbreaking lyrics meshed with these two voices should be enough, but oh no - there's more. I have heard it before, but 2008 was the year that I will always remember falling in love with the instrument known as the pedal steel. It seals the deal for me. As if all of this wasn't plenty to write home about, the fact that this group is genuinely nice and appreciative of their fans, makes them all the more appealing. I do believe they are supposed to be recording a new album this Spring, and I for one could not be more excited. They not only claimed my choice for album of the year, but Band of Annuals has solidified a spot as one of my favorite bands of all time. But what do I know? Find out for yourself. Trust me.
Standout tracks: Lower, Thought I'd Have Learned
2008 was a great year for the tunes, but I have a feeling that 2009 holds many surprises in store, and not just in music. So raise your glass and toast with me - to one more year down, and to all the ones to come.
Please post your comments or your own personal suggestions in the comments. :)
