2008 was a pretty great year for music and this only made it harder for me to compile a best of list. The bulk of the great stuff this year seemed to come from outside of the mainstream. This is evident by the appearance of only three, maybe four, "mainstream" artists appearing on my top 10 list.
Before we get to the list I wanted to point out that I decided not to do a worst of list this year. I really don't think it's necessary to point out who was the worst *cough*lil wayne*cough*. I also decided to break up the best off stuff a bit more than last time. So you'll see a best of games, movies (hopefully soon), books, podcast, etc each day this week.
Okay, business is out of the way. Let's see the albums that make up the Best in Music for 2008!
I always make room for one big pop album on the list (last year was Britney Spears pseudo comeback album Blackout) and this year belongs to Katy Perry. There is no denying the utter catchiness of this album's singles so far. I Kissed A Girl is near impossible not to enjoy. The entire disc is packed with great songs.
#9
Adele - 19
Hailing from England, Adele delivered one of the most surprising albums of the year. I was all set to chock her up as a Joss Stone wanna be blues singer (how's that for journalistic objectivity?) but when I popped the disc in I was captivated from the first note. She has such a pure and elegant voice that pretty much knocks Joss Stone out of the water. Her album is gorgeous and got a significant sales boost after her SNL appearance.
#8
Kings of Leon - Only By The Night
This is another album that caught me by surprise. I hadn't heard of Kings of Leon before and was made curious by their appearance on SNL. I can now consider myself a fan. This album is full of great rock tunes, both fast and mid tempo. I love the kind of album that transcends mood and environment. Something you can just pop in and enjoy. Only By The Night fits that bill perfectly.
#7
Creaky Boards - Brooklyn Is Love
This is most likely a band you've never heard of. Too be honest, I hadn't heard of them until a few months ago when the band caused some uproar by pointing out the similarities between Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" and their song "The Songs I Didn't Write". I can't say anything came of it except publicity and a fantastic album full of quirky pop music. This is a band that is definitely worth checking out.
#6
Kanye West - 808's & Heartbreak
Kanye West's stunning album 808's & Heartbreak was probably one of the biggest surprises to me. It's pretty brave as one of the biggest rap artists of our generation releasing an album with hardly any rap at all. That said, it's the best hip hop (is it even really hip hop though? Kanye calls it 'Pop Art') album of the year. Some people got down on him for utilizing Auto Tune but I think it sounds great. The album is really quite emotional and everything down with the record accentuates that. I hope I don't get an angry blog about Kanye being at #6 on this list.
#5
The Submarines - Honeysuckle Weeks
The Submarines are a band you don't know but in fact really do know. At least by sound. You'll remember their awesome song "You Me and the Bourgeoisie" from the IPhone Applications commercial. Honeysuckle Weeks includes that song as well as nine other songs of alt pop gold.
#4
Okkervil River - The Stand Ins
Indie Folk Rock at its best. I can't really say more than that. It's a luminous collection of songs that I've been addicted to since I first put the album on. A great collection of eclectic sounding music. A lot of people are put off by anything related to folk but Okkervil River are extremely accessible to any music lover.
#3
Margot & The Nuclear So And So's - Animal/Not Animal
Technically, it's two albums. Not Animal is the label's choice of songs while Animal is the bands choice. Honestly, it's two full albums of amazing music from what is probably my favorite band right now so the more the merrier.
#2
Jake Walden - Alive and Screaming
A gorgeous collection of emotionally rich and touching songs. Alive and Screaming is a prime example why Jake Walden is one of the most promising new artists to come along in a while. End to End, this album is amazing.
#1
The Pop Culture Beast Best Album of 2008
Jay Brannan - goddamned
Hands down, Far and away the best album released this year belongs to Jay Brannan. There is nothing out that compares to the sheer beauty and raw emotion on this disc. It is an incredible piece of work that I cannot get enough of. It makes you cry and laugh and think and fall in love with every song. It's the kind of album that makes you want to hunt down every possible live performance or you tube song you can get your hands on. goddamned is an example of a brilliant singer/songwriter at work and leaves you begging to hear more. This is undeniably the greatest album I have heard this year.
***
That's it gang. My picks for the best albums of the year. I was surprised when I was going through all this that the list was so indie heavy. I think it is a good list though and if it introduces even one person to some new music they acn enjoy than I am certainly satisfied.
I wanted to point out a few albums that didn't make the list but certainly deserve some recognition as they were pretty great in their own right.
Honerable Mentions:
Janet Jackson - Discipline: Her best album since the best album of her career, Velvet Rope.
Coldplay - Viva La Vida: Coldplay would be hard pressed to make a bad album and Viva La Vida is no exception.
Lucinda Williams - Little Honey: Lucinda is the queen of alt country if you ask me and this album is another example of her greatness.
Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs: Death Cab...honestly, this album just barely missed the list. Stunning album from a stellar band.
Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things: This guy does not get near the credit he deserves. This album features my absolute favorite single of the year "I'm Yours" and the beautiful "Details In The Fabric"
Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue: The 2nd solo album from the Rilo Kiley front woman. She could sing the phone book and I'd be first in line to hear it. The large amount of guest stars only boost this albums appeal.
RAWR(for more)
Katy Perry's newest album, 
