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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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