Montag, 22. Dez 2008, 18:48

So here we go… These aren't all strictly 2008 albums - some are borderline or I purchased them in 2008. In some kind of rough order:

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1. Alanis Morissette - Flavors of Entanglement.
Despite a shockinly bad title, this is by an absolutely massive way-ahead-of-the-pack my album of the year. Alanis + Guy Sigsworth thrilled me. And so many songs. It felt like a treasure chest. Such a shame the album didn't get the exposure it deserved.

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2. Camille- Music Hole
Camille is a total joy and this album didn't disappoint. Best track is "Home is where the hurt is". Seeing her live at the Roundhouse was probably my gig of the year. Yes, even better than Bjork at Hammersmith Apollo.

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3. Climber- I Dream In Autoplay
I love Climber. I actually emailed them to say so and that I thought this album is better than Radiohead's (see below). They posted me a CD of demos and early tracks. I'd love to see them take off. Really crunchy, melodic and quirky rock.

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4. Artymove- Bones
This is such a cold CD, I love it. It's shiver-ry electropop but it warms you at the same time. Bittersweet? Seek it out.

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5. Radiohead- In Rainbows.
Yes, I know. But I held off even listening to clips of this until 2008 when it was released on CD. I wanted the high definition treatment and I was pleased I waited. Slightly disappointing (but still very good) gig in London this summmer, but another amazing album to add to their catalogue.

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6. Guillemots- Red
These were a total surprise for me, having missed the hype a few years back. Again, crunchy, quirky, poppy rock. I just love all the clanging percussion and orchestra sounds.

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7. Alphabeat- This is Alphabeat
Alphabeat were a long time coming for me and eventually they came to the UK and I loved it. Are they a guilty pleasure? Probably, but I don't care. Fascination has got to be one of my top songs of the year.

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8. Bloc Party - Intimacy
This was the year that I finally GOT Bloc Party. I still think the vocal is too compressed, but the songs and crunchy guitars are great. Best tracks are Trojan Horse, Signs, Zephyrus and Talons.

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9. Sam Sparro - Sam Sparro
This guy is not a one hit wonder as people are starting to say. Well he shouldn't be. The album is a solid piece of work and his gig at Koko (iTunes festival) was probably my second best gig of the year. He just oozes energy and charisma on stage. He's also a real vocal talent. "Pocket" is surely a hit in waiting. Sick is a tune too.

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10. Uh huh her - Common Reaction
This is a new addition to my collection so may well deserve a higher placing, but I don't know yet. It grows with every listen. Kind of reminds me of the Killers but not sure why.

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11. The Killers - Day and Age
I still can't decide where this should go in my list. I wanted to like it more than I do, but I do really like it. If it was a debut I would probably have it my top 5. Very good job but could be even better.

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12. Goldfrapp- Seventh Tree
I just love A&E and the ridiculous way she sings Clowns. Lyrics to clowns are marvellous. Goldfrapp have shown they can do many styles and pull it off. I want a rock album next.

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13. Girls Aloud - Out of contol
I never think this is as good as it is until I put it on in the car. Turn to Stone, Miss You Bow Wow and Love is Pain are my faves. Xenomania pulls it out of the bag again!

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14. Sara Bareilles - Little Voice
This is what I'd call a very charming album. It's quite posh really. Kind of like going for an expensive meal with someone clever who is going to entertain and marvel you with how sophisticated and funny they are. It's one that is going to stick with me and it gets better each time.

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15. Britney Spears - Circus
Some people will scold me for this but it's a brilliant album. It's the opposite of Sara's album at 14. I don't care about Britney the celebrity, and I'd never really cared for her at all up until the last 2 albums. What we have here is a bunch of really great songs produced really well. Ideally we'd have a different singer as Britney isn't the best vocalist, but she manages ok with a bit of help. She's a dancer and Showgirl. Besides if it wasn't Britney, chances are these songs might never be heard. Best tracks are Mannequin and Lace and Leather. They won't be singles as they are too quirky. Trouble was a great extra track too.

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16. Adele- 19
I booted Adele's album off this list but then added her back on cos I remembered how good the album is. It's not pop music - just good songs that sit nicely in your ear. She didn't deserve all the hype before her album was released, in fact I think it spoiled her a bit. The whole Duffy comparison was pointless - so they are both young women - so what? Let's see what she does next.

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17. Keane- Perfect Symmetry
I'm cheating slightly here. I loved Spiralling so much that I wanted this on my list. It's a very very good album and great to see them develop some new sounds.

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18. Unklejam- Unklejam
This was my "new car" album and I listened to it loads at the time. I had to get it from Japan cos I was stubborn and wanted a CD copy with the extra tracks. It was released last year and completely flopped. Shame - it's funky!

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19. Lady Gaga - The Fame
I'm not 100% that she deserves this spot at the expense of others such as Elbow and Coldplay…. but I'm currently caught in the hype!

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20. Beyonce- I Am...Sasha Fierce
Really Elbow should be here but I'm giving to Beyonce for totally surprising me this year. I disliked Beyonce as a solo artist but then she decided to record some proper songs. There is of course some total rubbish on here (Video Phone and Diva, which will probably be radio singles) but there's enough tracks to untick those ones. Best ones are "Halo", "Radio" and "Sweet Dreams."

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B*ll*cks - Elbow should be at about number 12 and Coldplay at 15.

Honourable mentions for keeping me entertained in 2008 should also go to Neon Neon, Natalie Walker, Natasha Beddingfield (the US album), The Saturdays, Sugababes, Sia, Solange Knowles, Ting Tings, Ladyhawke, Hercules and Love Affair, Matinee Club, Luciana (compilation album), Sarah McLachlan (greatest hits), Emiliana Torrini, Christina Aquilera (greatest hits), The Bird and the Bee (2006????), The Hoosiersand One Night Only!

Rihanna released some of the singles of the year (was it even this year - there's been so many I can't remember. Anyway, I'm talking about Disturbia and Please Don't Stop the Music - possibly '07)

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Oh and Frankmusik too!!! He only didn't make the list because he hasn't released an album yet. But he is probably my favourite new artist of 2008 by far!

It has been a good year to be a music-lover!