Best of 2008...

By thePatrick

So, it seems to be the popular thing to do to list a bunch of things at the end of the year. Best new sitcoms. Best restaurant entrees eaten. Best Wal-Mart bathroom stories. Me, I like music. Lots. Some of it you have heard of. Some of it, you have not. Unless you are Norte and Christy, then you have heard of all of them, because I make you. Either way, I present my list of top 10 CD releases in 2008. EPs don't count, only full length releases. How did I come up with this list? I simply looked at which ones I listened to the most throughout the year. If I'm listening to it, it must be good. And my apologies to Norte again for not putting Get Set Go in the top 10.

10) Headlights - Some Racing, Some Stopping
This has been a favorite band of Christy and mine ever since the Photo Atlas didn't show up to a show. Self described as "Indie Pop with a Shoegazy Aftertaste," they're good enough that Tegan went to two of their concerts before she was born. Plus, they're really down to earth people and will chat with you after a show about being an angsty teenager. (Favorite Track - Get Your Head Around It)

9) Lightspeed Champion - Falling Off the Lavender Bridge
Former guitarist for Test Icicles (yes, that was a real band) left the angular sound behind and picked up an acoustic guitar and started making some folky rock tunes. By all means, you really should check out the video on Youtube for Galaxy of the Lost. Nothing says fun like watching a man with the worst hair ever sing along with muppets. Plus, he sings to a kitten. (Favorite Track - I Could Have Done This Myself)

8) The Mars Volta - The Bedlam in Goliath
A word of warning: If you are not already familiar with The Mars Volta, then this album will sound like a bunch of stuff/noise going on all at the same time. However, if you have already listened to their earlier albums (Tremulant, De-Loused in the Comatorium, Francis the Mute, Amputecture) then this album will build on the admiration you have for their talents. (Favorite Track - Metatron)

7) Bayside - Shudder
I don't know why, but I love me some Bayside. I love the energy that is put off by their songs. For those of you that remember, they released an album last year that also made it to My Top 10 of 2007. Bayside makes me smile. Maybe it's because their name makes me think of Saved By the Bell, maybe it's because they just rule and everyone should deal with that fact. (Favorite Track - I Can't Go On)

6) Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst
Bright Eyes singer Conor Oberst finally left the stage name behind and made an album as himself. This is one of the most relaxing yet rocking CDs I heard this year. I can't count the times that I was walking around campus with this playing in my earphones. There is just something about growing up while your favorite artist grows up too. Oddly, this album is mature, but keeps the Bright Eyes vibe. (Favorite Track - I Don't Want to Die (In a Hospital))

5) Portugal. The Man - Censored Colors
Yes, there is a period. I'm sure there's a reason. I don't know why. What I do know is that these dudes can wail. Seriously. And they sport a toy piano. Like Bayside, they sported an album last year that rocked my socks off. They again rule. If you ever get to see them live, go. It's worth it. Plus, a fact that I cannot overemphasize, their keyboard/bongo player looks like George Michael Bluth. (Favorite Track(s) - Colors/And I)

4) Ben Folds - Way to Normal
Earlier this year, I was able to do something I'd wanted to since I was a freshman in high school, see Ben Folds live. Christy and I, Norte and Catherine, and my parents (yes, my parents) went down to SLC and saw Ben Folds rawk the "Great Saltair." For real, it was one of the best concerts I've ever seen. Plus, I've already posted a music video on the blog. (Favorite Track (and Christy will vouch for it)- You Don't Know Me)

3) Jaguar Love - Take Me To The Sea
The fact that I can rate them as #3 is a testament to the love my wife has for me. Christy hates, and I mean HATES this band. In her eyes (and ears) there is no redeeming quality they have. Yet she lets me listen to them. A lot. Usually with headphones. But boy do they make me happy. My ears dance a happy little jig whenever I hear them. So, I rate them third, and nominate Christy for "Wife of the Year" in the same sentence. (Favorite Track - Jaguar Pirates)

2) The Faint - Faciinatiion
The Faint make me smile. They make me dance. They make me wish I had more talent with a synthasizer. And when you go to their concert, you are treated to their lead singer dressing like Dr. Horrible himself. Norte and I went to their concert this year, and I'm going to speak for him and say it was one of the best shows I've ever been to. This album could cure leprosy. (Favorite Track - The Geeks Were Right)

1) Reggie and the Full Effect - Last Stop Crappy Town
Reggie is angry. His last CD was all about his divorce. This is angrier. Like, going to Wal-Mart angry. Like getting cut off in traffic angry. Like getting called into work on your day off angry. All of that. Combined. And multiplied by a brazillion. Best. Reggie. CD. Yet. And since he has now "quit" (see the air quotes? I stole them from Leathermouth) you should get him while you can. (Favorite Track - V Train)

Good Listening!