My Iron Lung

Ok, I had to do it. A Top 10 list. Not the definitive best. Not my favorite (although they mostly apply). Simply my attempt at objectively relaying what I found to be the 10 best records of 2008.

Criteria for this list includes instrumentation, lyrics, recording (mixing and mastering), originality and the collection of solid songs throughout the record.

On the list you will not find Bon Iver, She & Him, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Girl Talk or The Hold Steady (much of what you'll find on lists compiled by Rolling Stone, Paste, Spin and other like and narrow-minded folks. Yeah, I went there).

First let me speak to Relevant selecting Bon Iver, For Emma Forever Ago, as their No. 1 record of 2008. Well, that's just ridiculous. Seriously. Not No. 1. Not number 15. Top 20, maybe. And, while it's a well written, haunting and passionate album, it lacks depth in most songs (the occasional trombone won't cut it) and is overall one-dimensional. Let me point out that I really liked this record, but this is my attempt to be objective even at the risk of putting down something I like.

Second, let me talk about Kanye West's, 808 and Hearbreaks. The only positive about this thing is West' non-superficial lyrics. But his heartfelt and very personal lyrics can't compensate for a very musically poor record and the monotonous tremble of synth and auto-tune. He did stick to his guns, which was bold and requires a tip of the hat, but as a whole, not one of the best of 08.

Now we're ready. On to my Top 10.

10.1) Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue
Simplicity - both vocally and musically - stripped some of Jenny Lewis' ego out of her music and allowed a strong grouping of songs to really shine. Taking hints from the like of Emmylou Harris and Elvis Costello, Lewis put together a record that will make you pine for the good ole days of music.

10.2) Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Hey, it's my blog and I'll have two number 10's if I like. I just listened to this one again and cannot deny the power behind Ben Gibbard's lyrical composition and generally perfect storytelling. On top of that, DCFC really did what most bands don't: they took all the strongest parts of their last several records and pulled them together to make a series of great tunes.

9) Kings of Leon - Only by the Night
Keep in mind that I have never been a fan of King of Leon. I honestly despised their last two records. I thought they were lame and mildly pretentious. However, 2008's Only By The Night made me a believer. Every song is not only well written and performed but also very enjoyable. The kids from Columbia, TN sure took a turn for the better this year.

8) M83 - Saturdays = Youth
L'homme Francais, Anthony Gonzalez, did this year what many talented artists dare not do: make a thematic, concept record. Based on the film and music of the 1980's, Gonzalez took it upon himself to create a record of songs that walk you through the halls of The Breakfast Club, make you want to slow dance in a shower costume at Daniel Larruso's high school dance and make you feel as though you are giving Molly Ringwald her sweet 16th birthday cake. And, save one track, the entire record consists of amazing and enjoyable songs. And he did it very blatantly with no hidden agenda. If you haven't, pick up this homage to John Hugh's movies and Psychedelic Furs songs.

7) The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
Jack White and a cast of Greenhornes. It's awesome. Enough said.

6) Norma Jean - The Anti-Mother
This is not a joke, my friends. Perhaps this could fall a bit closer to the 10 spot, but nonetheless, this record is metal-core at its best. Daring chord progressions, collaborations with Chino Moreno and Page Hamilton, and a slew of deep and personally aching lyrics make this one hit my list.

5) Coldplay - Viva la Vida
I'm not too proud and certainly not too indie to say that this legitimately is one of the best records of the year. If you disagree, I would beg to check your ears. Produced by ambient music great, Brian Eno and combining a world of different influences, Viva la Vida hit the nail on the head. Let's not forget that Coldplay is an insanely talented quartet who've composed a comprehensively great record.

4) Portishead - Third
Strange, beautiful and powerful. This record was worth the wait. Oh, and it's really, really great, too.

3) Al Green - Lay It Down
This collection of all new and original material stands out among every other record released this year. You may never assume that hiding behind the drums and the mixing board is ?uestlove - a man whose addition to this record are remarkable. And man does Al Green bring it. His vocal performance is unparalleled in music this year.

2) MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
This one is a stretch for me, because I didn't really fall in love with this record, but in my attempt to be as close to objective as possible, I had to put this one near the top. It's a well-written, well-produced and a really fun record. It definitely stands alone as one of the best of the year, no doubt.

1) Sigur Ros - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust
An unbelievable departure from their previous recordings and a shift in thinking musically, this record pulled Sigur Ros from their comfort of shoe-gaze, post-rock into a musical world of celebration and praise. The diversity in song styles combined with an impressive collection of compositions are what drive the album. And while - with the exception of the last track "All Alright" - the lyrics are all Icelandic, the vocal progressions and hints of imperfection actually make the record better and truer to form. It just so happens that this great compilation of songs is what I've been enjoying week on end since its release.

We made it. I'm done. Comment or email me to discuss.