The Liner Notes

Music in 2008, like the economy, was disappointing. 

It seems as if the last album to really warrant any acclaim was Radiohead’s “In Rainbows” released in Dec. 2007.  

In the past 12 months there have been some big names with high expectations to release some so so albums. 

Kayne West’s “808’s and Heartbreak” is the first to pop to mind. However, amid the reels and reels of rubbish released this year there were some bright spots that leave a sense of hope for creativity, progression and the art of music. 

Here are the top ten albums of 2008: 

10) When life gives you lemons you paint that sh@! Gold by Atmosphere

 The year of 2008 witnessed a new Slug; a happier lighter Slug, which earns Atmosphere a spot on the list. When life    gives you lemons… is just plain fun. The rhymes are still highly personal, but tracks like “You” add a stylized sweet  flavor to the masterful beats mixed by Ant. This album launched the duo into a new spotlight taking part in larger  shows like the Monolith festival.   

9) Viva la Vida by Coldplay

 Coldplay has a formula. They are very very good at it, and it works. Viva la Vida is no exception. The band put  together another powerful group of songs here including, “Violet Hill,” and “Viva la Vida” and “Cemeteries  of  London.” Polished as ever, Coldplay is still on top of their musical game five albums later, and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

8) Ghosts I-IV by Nine Inch Nails

 Ghosts is just that, a little glimpse into the mind of Trent Reznor. Following Radiohead’s template, Reznor gave away  Ghosts I for free and it was good enough to hook fans for II-IV. With no lyrics, Reznor is free to focus on his mixers,  stabilizers, faders, guitars, beats and a plethora of other toys that combine to make Ghosts an album to rival Burial.    

7) Third by Portishead

 Brooding, dark, beautiful and powerful, Third is all of these and more. It was the album of 2008 that would surmise a  bad day, provide a soundtrack to a rainy night or simply numb everything. Its sound seeps into the pores, and  sweeps over the body.

6) Modern Guilt by Beck

 With the infusion of Dangermouse’s creative beats Beck’s still manages to brave new sonic ground on his 10^th album.  Full of creative catchy songs, Modern guilt is a mix of Beck’s off the wall antics and social commentary on today’s  world. While short, the work is sure to stand the test of time as one of 2008’s brighter moments.

5) Only by the Night by Kings of Leon

 Perhaps with Kings of Leon’s shift from hard southern rock to a more polished sound with this album, placing them  at No. 5 is generous. But, Only by the Night is a sound album from start to finish. It is filled with standout songs like  ”Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody.” Different, yes, but regardless the music speaks for itself.

4) Tha Carter III by Lil Wyane

 Obligated to make the list? Yes. However, it took years of collaboration, hard work and writing to create “Tha Carter III.” And it’s arrival signified a paradigm  shift in the world of hip-hop. Wyane is really ahead of his time with this. It will take years before the effects of this  album are really seen in the industry.   

3) Dear Science, by TV on the Radio

 This is a grandiose sweeping album for this Brooklyn band that shows a band really coming into its own here. TVOTR  set its sights high with this effort and connected on all targets. The music flows smoothly from one song to the next  painting a sonic soundscape for the listener that is both relaxing an intriguing at the same time. Perhaps the most  intriguing aspect of Dear Science is how effortlessly TVOTR makes this album appear.

2) Forth by The Verve

 After a 11 year hiatus The Verve seemed to seamlessly appear out of the clear blue sky depicted on Forth’s cover.  Since the band’s massive success with “Urban Hymns” there was a sense that this was a last ditch effort by a band  past its prime. For that reason it flew under the radar receiving little press. The truth is this album is a  masterpiece. It is composed with the utmost care to detail. Every note speaks to the listener on a personal level.  The intricacies of how the music is blended, takes a minimum of 10 listens to even begin to dissect. High point “Love is Noise.”  

1) The Bedlam in Goliath by The Mars Volta

 This album is louder, faster and more composed than anything Mars Volta has released to date. And that is saying  something. These West Texas boys know how to let loose. From its first song, “Aberinkula” through “Wax Simulacra”  and the title track “Goliath” the pace leaves little room to breathe. Delving into new terrain, Mars Volta turns it up to  11 on Bedlam earning it this year’s No. 1 spot.