December 24, 2008

Top Albums of 2008

1. City and Colour- ‘Bring Me Your Love’. As hard as I try to resist there is something, well, irresistible about Dallas Green. Every song on this album is impressive, and the clunky, hollow, under produced manner in which is album is recorded lends it infinite personality and soul. Green’s delicate and airy vocals tear me up every. single. time.

2. The Gaslight Anthem- ‘The 59 Sound’. ‘Sink Or Swim’ was one of the greatest albums of last year so the anticipation building for this one was positively palpable and thank fuck- they delivered. With the affable ever-smiling Brian Fallon at their helm and massive hype fuelling their flame, these guys will be unstoppable next year.

3. The Bronx- ‘s/t III’ – Their first and second self titled effort were just flawless and while this is probably the weakest of the three, it still sits manages to qualify as a favourite for the year. Pretty sure these guys can do no wrong but their Mariachi album to be released next year soon tell.

4. Alkaline Trio- ‘Agony & Irony’- Many Alk3 fans have dismissed this one as if it never existed and it’s true, it’s not one of their best. Still, the deadly song writing combination of Dan Andriano and Matt Skiba kills me every time and though it’s obvious they went for an amped-up pop sound here, they totally nailed it, so it’s OK.

5. Polar Bear Club- ‘Sometimes Things Just Disappear’. Total breakout band of the year these guys have impressive word of mouth. They have the earnest sound of a small time band, and the relative anonymity that that grants them seems to make them even more appealing.

6. Metallica- ‘Death Magnetic’ – Metallica are so old school now that their classic musical nuances are now a little humorous but that just adds to these guys’ eternal appeal. Metallica’s riffs are so familiar and even Hetfield’s elongated snarl at the end of each sentence is pure cheese but it’s tasty cheese.

7. Murder by Death- ‘Red Of Tooth And Claw’. Despite some successes these guys remain criminally underrated. Their follow up to the outstanding In Bocca El Lupo is a little more sedate but every ounce as soothing and charismatic.

8. The Loved Ones- ‘Build and Burn’. Once again this, album isn’t quite Keep Your Heart but Dave Hause’s ability to write the most heartbreaking yet optimistic melodies puts this album in good stead. Sensational band.

9. Smoking Popes- ‘Stay Down’. Since Weakerthans decided not to release anything this year (and still no Australian tour fuckn!) this scratches that ever so nagging itch for intelligent, gentle folk/pop. And yet, no Australian release. Go figure.

EQUAL 10. Cancer Bats- ‘Hail Destroyer’. Different from the uptempo, rifftastic Birthing The Giant, the mighty bats went on a decidedly more metal route for their second album. Their sound is shaping to have the childish enthusiasm and vigour of Every Time I Die with a punch more metal ‘tood.
EQUAL 10. Bring Me The Horizon – ‘Suicide Season’. Jiminy Crickets where the shit did this album come from!? Nubile British lads unleash monster metalcore album that no one saw coming. Album opener The Comedown and it’s spasmodic booming industrial influences is one of the best songs of the year.