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Top 25 Albums of 2008
12.29.2008

25. A Skylit Drive - Wires and the Concept of Breathing

24. Afterglow Radio - Find Yourself Again

23. Lykke Li - Youth Novels

22. Hot Chip - Made in the Dark

21. The Dodos - The Visiter

20. Coldplay - Viva la Vida

19. The Streets - Everything is Borrowed

18. TV on the Radio - Dear Science,

17. The Tallest Man on Earth - Shallow Grave

16. Sun Kil Moon - April

15. Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III

14. Kings of Leon - Only By the Night

13. Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the Grain

12. Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping

11. Mugison - Mugiboogie

10. Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning

09. Girl Talk - Feed the Animals

08. Sigur Ros - Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust

07. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

06. Santogold - Santogold

05. My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

04. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

03. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

02. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend

01. Adele - 19

Posted byLogan Lenz at 11:12 1 comments  

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#1: Adele - 19
12.25.2008


#1: Adele - 19

Hopefully this "big reveal" doesn't come as too much of a surprise to you. Adele, the nineteen year-old British superstar, has gallivanted throughout mainstream media this year - causing a stir, but not a major reputation. For me, her debut album 19, is flawless and filled with utter perfection. The thought of this album being overlooked as one of the best has left me flummoxed. Did these critics skip this album?

I kid you not, Adele is THE BEST female singer around today. It's a shame that imports like Duffy and Americans like Katy Perry got the recognition this year, when Adele has the talent and the material to take over the nation.

One listen to "Daydreamer" will make you realize her talent. Onward to "Chasing Pavements" and "Cold Shoulder," you will begin to wonder why these singles never reached pop radio. While these songs did get some airplay, they never became glorified "hits." This is very strange to me.

I could go on and on. Compared to 2007, Adele's 19 trumps every release of the last two years. I believe she has a little bit of something for everybody, but overall offers a natural "unpolished" talent that is hard to find these days. Not to mention the fact that she is only 19 years old. Watch out for Adele and check out this album to listen to the best music of the year.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 04:21 0 comments  

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#2: Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
12.24.2008

#2: Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend

Coming in at #2 is the breakthrough sensation of 2008, Vampire Weekend. Their debut self-titled album struck gold with the release of the hit single "A-Punk." Aside from that, it's the funky quirkiness of tunes like "Oxford Comma," "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa," and "I Stand Corrected" that makes VW's music so desirable.

To think that a few years ago, these guys were nobodies with everyday jobs is pretty amazing. It has been recited all year that lead vocalist Ezra Koenig was a science teacher one day, and had a record deal the next. The band's fame took off so fast that it seems as if they came out of nowhere.

Now, VW is a staple in indie music. They have been selling out shows across the nation and playing some of the largest festivals in the world. Their music fits in perfectly anywhere. There is no question that VW is here to stay for a while.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 19:32 0 comments  

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#3: Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
12.23.2008


#3: Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

As sad as it may sound, we all owe DeYarmond Edison a big thank you. DeYarmond Edison, the name of Justin Vernon's indie folk group, broke up, causing Justin to put his thoughts on tape by himself. The recording process turned into Bon Iver, and the beauty he was omitting would soon become For Emma, Forever Ago. Just like all us fans, I am sure Justin is now very content with the series of events that led him to such delight.

I must admit, I have a weakness for singer songwriters with just acoustic guitars. I love Rocky Votolato, Joey Eppard, Damien Rice, and Iron and Wine more than you know. But my bias does not seem to be a solid argument for Bon Iver's favorable positioning on this countdown. If you look around, For Emma, Forever Ago, has been celebrated as this year's top album by a ton of different properties. There is no denying the raw beauty and art that he has created on this album.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 12:05 0 comments  

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#4: MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
12.22.2008


#4: MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

Open your mind. MGMT is the new outrageous duo of indie rock. Their debut album, Oracular Spectacular, is a rollercoaster of electronic sounds, bizarre themes, and fantastical scenarios. Some people believe you must be on drugs to enjoy MGMT, but they aren't completely correct. While the band endorses a hippy lifestyle of freedom and drug-use, their music transcends such boundaries. Everybody can get a kick out of their crazy style.

Some of my favorite songs of the year came from Oracular Spectacular. Songs like "The Youth" and "Electric Feel" remind me most of Beck during his Odelay days. The soul and the funkiness in these tunes is contagious, especially when you're affected by the sexy falsetto vocals.

I can't wait to hear more stuff from MGMT in 2009. This group has a great future ahead of them. Hopefully, they don't let me and their tons of new fans down with their next release.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 14:40 0 comments  

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#5: My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
12.21.2008


#5: My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

My Morning Jacket has been recognized as a talented group since the turn of the 21st century.
I remember when a friend of mine had me listen to their stuff before nobody had any idea who they were. Needless to say, I was not a big fan at that time, but I definitely knew to keep an eye out for them at that point. Jim James, MMJ's vocalist had one of those "love it or hate it" voices, similar to that of Coheed's Claudio Sanchez. I've always liked voices such as these, so as years passed, I became more and more of a fan of MMJ.

Fast forward to 2008. Evil Urges was being hyped as one of the best albums of the year months before it even came out. I knew I was going to hear something special, but I didn't expect it to be as good as it actually was. More than ever before, the band displays their ability to craft an amazing song. They remind me a lot of The Carpenters and Captain and Tenille in that sense. They don't stick to a certain formula of songwriting, they just pen songs from their mood and their hearts.

I sadly must admit that I have yet to witness MMJ perform live. I have been suffering through the amazing reviews on their live performances, with the inability to see them here in Orlando, Florida. It seems that every time they have been here, I haven't been able to attend. Sad, I know.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 22:56 0 comments  

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#6: Santogold - Santogold
12.20.2008


#6: Santogold - Santogold

Don't you dare call her R&B. Don't call her rap. Don't call her reggae. Don't even call her pop. If I had to pigeonhole Santogold's musical style, I would call it "Interesting," because it incorporates almost all of the aforementioned genres. On her debut album, there are songs like "Creator" that glorifies her comparisons to hip-hopper M.I.A. Then there are songs like "Lights Out" that could be featured on pop radio. Finally, there is "L.E.S. Artistes," which always seems to remind me of Tegan and Sara.

As an ex-A&R rep and pop songwriter, I must thank her for taking the plunge to the forefront and expressing herself through her own musical journey. Santogold has a long-lasting future ahead of her. But that's only if she accepts the offer. I am a little worried that fame will get the best of her and she will not become the superstar and historical figure that she could become.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 18:29 0 comments  

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#7: Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
12.19.2008

#7: Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

2008 was a year of surprises in music. Britney Spears came back, The Police called it quits, and Fleet Foxes stunned the world. It seemed as if this band had come out of nowhere to take the music industry by storm. This self-titled album has been raved as one of the best of the year by almost every major publication. What makes it so good, you ask? Listen for yourself.

They have a very unique indie folk sound that takes advantage of harmonies and backing vocals. If this countdown was based strictly around vocal harmonies and melodies, it would be #1. And I love harmonies.

This is without a doubt a "must have" for 2008. For those of you that haven't heard of Fleet Foxes until now, consider yourself warned. Check them out right now.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 14:05 0 comments  

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#8: Sigur Ros - Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust
12.18.2008

#8: Sigur Ros - Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust

As a long time Sigur Ros fan, this long-titled album was one of the most anticipated of the year for me. After I heard the first single "Gobbledigook," I knew this album was going to be one of their best to date. It has always been their strange creativity that has gained them such an immense cult following.

This album features more of the same appealing sound that Sigur Ros has offered in the past. This time around, though, there seems to exist more maturity and cohesion within the band. Perhaps this is due to the change in their recording process. This album was the first time they recorded outside of Iceland and featured the first time they "played by the rules" by recording, releasing, and touring all within the same year.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 23:41 0 comments  

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#9: Girl Talk - Feed the Animals


#9: Girl Talk - Feed the Animals

In June of this year, Girl Talk released Feed the Animals in the same vein as Radiohead's In Rainbows the year before. Without releasing to the mass public, GT offered exclusive purchasing availabilities online to "pay-as-you-like" customers. Ultimately, this idea worked for Girl Talk, just as it did for Radiohead. Obviously, though, it wasn't AS successful.

While I don't completely agree that the selling style was necessary for this album, I do feel that the content on Feed the Animals is priceless. By utilizing samples of old songs, mashing them together and creating new versions of the classics, Girl Talk has become more of a household name in the DJ world than ever before. This album has received rants and raves all year long and is being analyzed as one of the best of 2008.

There really is no reason to list some of the best songs on the album. All of the tracks feature amazing clips from all of the past hits. No matter who you are, I am sure you can find enjoyment in a certain part of all of the songs. All around, it's good stuff - especially at parties.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 01:40 0 comments  

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#10: Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning
12.17.2008

#10: Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning

Liam Finn was promoted as an "Upcoming Artist to Watch" this year. Even throughout all of the hype, I didn't expect for I'll Be Lightning to impress me very much. Much to my pleasure, I was incredibly wrong. Not only did I discover that the album was enjoyable, but as you can see, it ended up being one of the ten best of 2008.

Liam Finn's sound encompasses all indie rock sounds. A perfect description of him would probably be a mash-up between Ben Kweller, Sufjan Stevens, and Loney Dear. I don't know about you, but those are three of my favorite artists, and therefore, that is why I enjoy his music so much. Throughout all of the surprise albums of the year, this one was the most rewarding by far.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 01:10 0 comments  

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#11: Mugison - Mugiboogie
12.15.2008


#11: Mugison - Mugiboogie

As if being signed to Ipecac Recordings wasn't a good enough description, Mugison's sound can only be described as foreign to American ears. Now that this Icelandic pop star has shown his face in the States, he is going to have to continue to release jaw-dropping music, as he has done on Mugiboogie. The album can't be described nor explained appropriately. You just have to hear it for yourself.

I don't know what it is about these imported artists and their debut albums every year. Mika, Kate Nash, Loney Dear - the list goes on and on. For whatever reason, they seem to top all of the "Best of" charts - at least lately. I'm not disgruntled by this - don't get me wrong. I am into more outlandish and obscure music anyway.

The song "To the Bone" is good enough to be on rock radio. "Deep Breathing" and "The Animal" could be seen as favorites of others as well.

Mugison is undoubtedly the best thing to come out of Iceland since Bjork. Give this artist a few more years and he could perhaps surpass Bjork as the master of the country.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 16:27 0 comments  

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#12: Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping


#12: Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping

Skeletal Lamping, the latest creation by the cult sensation Of Montreal, has been dubbed by many as "their craziest yet." If you aren't familiar with Of Montreal's material, that is quite a statement. Of Montreal possesses the most indie and abstract pop sound imaginable, and its that poppy catchiness that has built their following over the years.

Aside from the oddly titled album name, the songs don't lack creativity either. "Gallery Piece" is an eloquent rendition of the band's unique pop sound while "And I've Seen a Bloody Shadow" shows the slower side of their creativity.

All in all, this is a great offering by a relentless band that does not seem to be showing any signs of slowing down.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 01:26 0 comments  

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#13: Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the Grain
12.13.2008


#13: Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the Grain

If I had to name the best male vocalists around today, I would recite names like Jamie Lidell, Joey Eppard, and definitely Ray LaMontagne. Ray, quite possibly, may actually possess one of my favorite male voices of all-time - alongside Stevie Wonder and Freddy Mercury. For whatever reason, Ray hasn't gained the fame of a Josh Groban or Jack Johnson, but I would like to blame it primarily on American stigma.

Ray LaMontagne has a very "throwback" sound to his voice. His voice alone make his albums sound as if they were recorded in the 70s. Gossip in the Grain is no exception as it features more of the same vintage style that I adore so much. There is no question that Ray is one of my favorite singer-songwriters around today - next to the likes of Iron and Wine and Rocky Votolato.

You will probably hear songs like "You are the Best Thing" and "I Still Care For You" in movies and commercials, like you have so many Ray tunes in the past. For some reason, though, you will not see Mr. LaMontagne on the cover of any magazines or being followed by the paparazzi anytime soon. And that to me, is the greatest astonishment.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 17:06 0 comments  

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#14: Kings of Leon - Only By the Night
12.12.2008

#14: Kings of Leon - Only By the Night

What can I say? Kings of Leon is simply one of the best new bands around. Their Southern blues rock feel is unique and their songwriting is next-to-perfect. Their career thus far has been smooth, landing amazing opening slots on tour with the likes of Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Mars Volta.

Only By the Night is more of the same impressive Kings of Leon that have taken the music world by storm several years back. Songs like "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody" are two of my favorites, although I can't stress how great the entire recording is.

Sorry for the short post. Gotta hit the road. Check back tomorrow.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 13:33 0 comments  

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#15: Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III
12.11.2008


#15: Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III

I must preface this post with my admittance of a bias that I possess in musical genres. As in any opinion driven countdown, you are bound to see some sort of skewed result. Some people like heavy rock; some people only like hip-hop. As the Music Mastermind, I'd like to say that I try to give everything a chance and listen to as much music as I possibly can. However, I am a human being with specific tastes.

With all that being said, I know how good Lil Wayne's latest record is. Do I listen to it a lot, though? No. His style of hip-hop is not my favorite, but I can understand how it could be others'. The album is very polished and filled with addicting tracks. It's, by far, the best hip-hop record of the year, which is a major achievement in itself.

Need I speak about the ingredients in the album? You have an appealing edgy image, controversy, cleverly written lyrics, and powerful beats in the equation. Not to mention the insane amount of special guests that appear on the record. "Tie My Hands" featuring Robin Thicke was the pleasant surprise of the album to me. But all in all, its an enjoyable all-around listen - especially for any hip-hop fan.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 23:42 0 comments  

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#16: Sun Kil Moon - April
12.10.2008


#16: Sun Kil Moon - April

I don't need to say much about this album. All you need to know is that it is worth your consideration. April features long anthems and artistic craft. They have been compared to Radiohead in the past, but I don't really like that too much. Sun Kil Moon is definitely very original.

The opening track, "Lost Verses" is 10 minutes long. With that being said, it's obvious that this album may not be for everybody. Songs like "Lucky Man" and "Unlit Hallway" are shorter versions of the same ingenious music. Check the band out and let me know what you think.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 23:53 0 comments  

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#17: The Tallest Man on Earth - Shallow Grave
12.09.2008


#17: The Tallest Man on Earth - Shallow Grave

What if Bob Dylan played the banjo? The result would sound a lot like The Tallest Man on Earth, an acoustic folk sensation out of Sweden. His writing is as advanced and ingenious as Dylan's, and his guitar playing probably exceeds that of his. There is something very special about his music. Its imperfection and care-free feel is a breath of fresh air in today's overproduced music industry.

I must admit - when I heard about TTMOE, I shrugged it off and figured that I wouldn't like it very much. Much to my surprise, his music struck as me as very mature and extremely artistic. Trust me, I know folk music with a country twang is not for everybody - and it's usually not for me. I can only suggest you listen to this Swedish folk with an open mind and a knowledge for what is true artistic expression.

Shallow Grave was by far my unexpected sleeper hit of the year. It's actually pretty hard to find in stores. Apparently, the CD hasn't even officially been released in the U.S. yet. It really is THAT good to still be included on this countdown, though.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 22:41 0 comments  

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#18: TV on the Radio - Dear Science,
12.08.2008


#18: TV on the Radio - Dear Science

To me, TV on the Radio has always been one of those "do no wrong" bands. In a sense, they are almost identical to a Radiohead - a band that could shit into a package and sell millions. There is just something about TV on the Radio that is so mysterious, and so stimulating at the same time. There is no question that they are different. They look different, sound different, and act very strangely. This is why they are so appealing to me.

Dear Science, their 2008 release, may not be their best effort, but it is still TV on the Radio. During tracks like "Family Tree" and "Halfway Home," dancing is deemed mandatory and singing along is very hard to dismiss. While no song on the album lives up to old classics like "Staring at the Sun" and "King Eternal," the collection of tunes are still very well-packaged and synergistic toward the end goal.

I wouldn't be surprised to find out how many of you have failed to pick up on TV on the Radio yet. Their underground success has been hidden just as much as their identities have. After having a chance to see them live a few years ago, my intrigue and admiration for them has escalated, as I think yours would to.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 14:00 2 comments  

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#19: The Streets - Everything is Borrowed
12.07.2008


#19: The Streets - Everything is Borrowed

Despite the mixed reviews on the Streets' latest release, Everything is Borrowed, I, for one, happened to thoroughly enjoy the theme and overall demeanor of the album. You may already know the Streets for the signature "talk-rap" style of Mike Skinner, the care-free British musician behind the group's artistic flair. He may not be as clever on this record as he was on the 2002 debut, Original Pirate Material, but his ability to write entertaining and meaningful lyrics should be commended. It seems that he can surprise just as much as he can delight these days.

My favorite song on the album is the titular opener, which features a tremendous organ-based hip-hop groove. The verse is laced with intelligent stories, while the chorus remains fun and exciting. This trend continues throughout the entire album.

If you can smile and not take this record very seriously, you should enjoy it very much. All of you hip-hop fans should find some intrigue in the backing music just as much as the inventive verbiage. While you are at it, you should check out all of the Streets' recordings. You won't regret it.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 21:26 1 comments  

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#20: Coldplay - Viva La Vida
12.06.2008


#20: Coldplay - Viva La Vida

Coldplay's Viva La Vida was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated albums of 2008. While at first I felt that it didn't deliver on its long-awaited promise, the Spanish inspired collection of songs really ended up growing on me. Even if you don't like the album too much, there is no denying the band's talent for writing and crafting great songs.

Their craft is most prevalent on this album in songs like "Lost" and "42." Coupled with the strategic release of two singles prior to the release of the album in June, you have an album laced with great material and instant classics. Hopefully, the CDs lack of length can be overlooked. The ten songs, one of which is an instrumental intro, almost leaves the listener feeling "ripped off."

Although there were mixed reviews of this record, Viva La Vida is, in fact, a tremendous album. If you didn't approve after first listen, I recommend you take it out and review it once more. I guarantee you will begin to hear things you missed during the first go-round.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 23:02 1 comments  

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#21: The Dodos - Visiter
12.05.2008


#21: The Dodos - Visiter

I have to be honest and admit that I was unaware of the Dodos' brilliance prior to this year. When I stumbled upon their latest release, Visiter, I was completely taken by surprise. It was hard for me to believe that a band that hadn't reached a form of "success" as we know it could come out of nowhere and spawn a magical creation such as this.

I love the song "Fools." Its quick tempo and nonstop action makes it a very listenable track. So much so, that I caught myself listening to it on repeat several months ago. Other songs like "Eyelids" and "Jodi" standout among the rest as well. However, it is important to note how exceptional the entire album actually is.

You can tell this countdown is beginning to get down to the nitty-gritty because there were just so many impressive albums released this year. I am happy to say that the Dodos is from California, and that at least a few entrants in the top #25 will be representing our country.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 14:55 0 comments  

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#22: Hot Chip - Made in the Dark
12.04.2008


#22: Hot Chip - Made in the Dark

One of this year's greatest British imports had to be Hot Chip's Made in the Dark. I know that electronic and techno music isn't for everybody, but the appeal of Hot Chip exists inside their integration of melodic harmonies and versatile vocal sounds. There is no question that Hot Chip is an innovative group that incorporates a wide range of influences into their songwriting process.

The single "Ready for the Floor" happens to be one of my favorite tunes of the year. Aside from that, other songs such as "Shake a Fist" and "Touch Too Much" are perfect examples of the group's unique style. If you are into melodic electronic music, check this album out. It may just become your favorite new album to dance to.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 17:19 0 comments  

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#23: Lykke Li - Youth Novels
12.03.2008


#23: Lykke Li - Youth Novels

It was hard to miss this year's international phenomenon Lykke Li. It seemed she was just about everywhere. Youth Novels, the young Swedish star's debut LP, has received amazing reviews all year and I still haven't met an individual that had anything negative to say about it. What can I say? She is sweet and bizarre at the same time. In a way, she essentially became 2008's Kate Nash.

Her eclectic contradictions in sound between soft pop and electronics is done beautifully throughout the entire album. Aside from the singles "Tonight" and "Little Bit," it's tunes like "Dance, Dance, Dance" and "This Trumpet in my Hand" that really won me over.

There is no question that Lykke created an "album" and not just a collection of songs. And if you know the Music Mastermind at all, doing just that is what ultimately lands you on this countdown.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 15:46 0 comments  

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#24: Afterglow Radio - Find Yourself Again
12.02.2008

#24: Afterglow Radio - Find Yourself Again

It’s almost mandatory for me to include at least one local independent act in this countdown. Last year, I included great groups like Triggerslip and Caveman Theory in the latter part of the countdown not only to symbolize my love and devotion to our thriving Florida music scenes, but because the albums were exceptional as well. I listed Orlando’s Afterglow Radio this year because their full-length debut, Find Yourself Again, is outstanding any way you look at it.

Its tracks like “Wasted” and “I’m Running” that exemplify Afterglow’s alternative rock style the most. They offer the perfect sound for any and all rock radio stations. Expect big things from these guys in the near future.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 22:32 1 comments  

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#25: A Skylit Drive - Wires and the Concept of Breathing
12.01.2008


#25: A Skylit Drive - Wires and the Concept of Breathing

Every so often, you stumble upon an unknown artist that you unexpectedly fall in love with. For me, I never expected to be swooned by another “fashion-core screamo” band. I like a few bands in the genre, but none have ever earned a space in my top albums of the year. A Skylit Drive’s first album, Wires and the Concept of Breathing, conquered the unthinkable by taking my stereo by storm this year.

Songs like “Knights of the Round” and “Eris and Dysnomia” completely embody the utter power and passion behind the band’s style. The music is well performed, while the screams and melodies of the vocalists take everything to the next level. The choruses are big and catchy.

If you like Coheed and Cambria and Underoath and want to hear a perfect fusion of the two, A Skylit Drive is deserving of your time. As long as you can overlook the spotty production and less than perfect sound quality throughout the album, you should become a fan.

Posted byLogan Lenz at 12:10 0 comments  

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