| Everyone and their mother does a year-end best-of list. But there are never any lists throughout the year. Sure, magazines will do best-of lists, but there isn't a list for current music until the end of the year. Well, that's all changing today. I'm doing a best-of list for the 1st quarter of 2008. What follows are some of the best albums that I've found so far this year. Of which there have been many. I also have some stinkers listed here, and several that fall in the middle. Just about all of these albums are worth your time, some more than others. Top 5: These are the best albums from the 1st quarter of 2008 |
 The Gutter Twins Saturnalia (3/4/08) - I got a hold of this album about a week after it came out. Looking back, that week was hollow for not having this album. I can't believe how good this collection of songs is. A desolate look into the abyss with Greg Dulli (Afghan Whigs) and Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees/Queens of the Stone Age). These two are true survivors of the grunge era. They have seen many friends fall to drug use, and many more bands fall to slumping sales and in-fighting (including their own). This album shows why these two were chosen to make it through. It is so dark that it's scary. This is what I imagine heroin sounds like, and with the pasts that these two have it makes perfect sense. Lanegan has a talent for projecting despair that is uncanny, and he uses that talent to the extreme on this album. Songs like "Idle Hands" with the line "There’s nothing I can do/But be the Devil’s plaything/And know that I’ve been used" make you feel that Lanegan really has been the Devil's plaything and it couldn't have been easy to escape. Or when Dulli sings "It’s all right to drag the lake/And find the things you love" you think that he has had to do just that, and probably did not like what he found. The pair take turns singing, and often join forces within one song. However, I don't see myself leaning toward songs by one or the other. They're all just so damn good! theguttertwins.com, myspace.com/theguttertwinsStandout tracks: Idle Hands, Circle the Fringes, Seven Stories Underground, Front Street |
 Vampire Weekend Vampire Weekend (1/29/08) - These guys are so damned good that I can't help but gush about them. These four guys got together almost by accident at Columbia University and it's been a whirlwind of a ride. They recorded these songs wherever they could: dorm rooms, borrowed studios, etc. Slowly they pieced together this artful collection of Afro-Caribbean influenced indie-pop. They exploded in the blogosphere last year and continue to grow in popularity with the near constant radio play of single "A-Punk". This is one of those albums that, when you listen to it the first time, you know that it will be around for a long time. There are going to be hipsters spinning these songs for years to come. I had the occasion to see this band live in December and fell further in love with their music. I'll be seeing them again on the 31st, in a bigger venue, and simply cannot wait. If you haven't listened to this band yet, you really need to get up off your duff right now and check them out. Trust me, you will be glad you did. vampireweekend.com, myspace.com/vampireweekendStandout tracks: Oxford Comma, A-Punk, M79, Walcott |
 Hot Chip Made In the Dark (2/5/08) - I didn't really get into Hot Chip's last album, The Warning. I liked it, I just never really go into it. That isn't the case with this one. There are so many good jams on this album that it's almost an overload. How did they fit all that awesomeness into one album! Right from the get go they knock you out with "Out At the Pictures". Its slow crescendo buildup starts the album with such a feeling of anticipation that when the beat finally hits, you already know that you're in for quite a ride. Then there's stadium ready "Shake A Fist" which I'm sure will be an amazing moment at Coachella that I'm already disappointed I'll miss. Hot Chip also illustrates a real diversity on this album with slowed down tunes "Made In the Dark" and "Whistle For Will". The idea for the former having been borrowed from a Feist song. Even if you don't like electronic music, you're sure to dig this album. It will make you shake your booty involuntarily. hotchip.co.uk, myspace.com/hotchipStandout tracks: Shake A Fist, Ready For the Floor, One Pure Thought, Wrestlers |
 Airbourne Runnin' Wild (1/29/08) - If you thought Jet sounded like AC/DC, then you're going to think this band actually IS AC/DC. They're Aussies, like AC/DC and Jet, but pull it off so much better than Jet did. Jet always seemed entirely too pompous and English to be a good AC/DC ripoff. These guys aren't pompous, they just kick your ass with the rock spewing from the speakers. Right out of the gates they tell you to "Stand Up For Rock N Roll" and you never feel the urge to sit back down. I discovered this band after reading a review of the album in SPIN. One of my rituals with SPIN is reading their reviews and downloading albums that pique my interest. I'm really glad they had a decent review of this album. I'd be pissed if I never heard this one. If you're jonesing for some pure cock rock, this is your fix. airbournerock.com, myspace.com/airbourneStandout tracks: Blackjack, Let's Ride, Fat City, Too Much Too Young Too Fast |
 Black Mountain In the Future (1/22/08) - I first posted about this band in my Meet the Bands blog on the 10th. I've done a lot of listening to this album since then, and like it more and more with each listen. This is quintessential stoner rock. Not 311 stoner rock, think Queens of the Stone Age-meets-Iron Butterfly. Blows your mind, doesn't it? There are several great songs on this album, and one nearly 17 minute opus ("Bright Lights"), which stands alone on this album as a testament to what is right and good with indie-rock today. Then there's the 8 minute mini-epic ("Tyrants"), that reaffirms the ability of this band to blow up conventional songwriting and create a suspenseful song longer than 3 minutes that is equal parts good, catchy, and listenable. blackmountainarmy.com, myspace.com/blackmountainStandout tracks: Stormy High, Tyrants, Wucan, Queens Will Pay, Bright Lights |
Honorable Mentions from 2007: These were released last year, but I discovered them this year, so they get included |
 A Place To Bury Strangers A Place To Bury Strangers (11/7/07) - Even though this album came out in 2007, I'm including it here because I didn't discover this band until I saw them live. They also appeared in my Meet the Bands. These guys are fuzzy like their amp has a massive tear. I've said it before, and I have no shame in repeating myself: They're like Sonic Youth with a back beat. This is noise rock you can shake your booty to.Standout tracks: I Know I'll See You, To Fix the Gash In Your Head, Missing You |
 Holy Fuck LP (10/23/07) - Another album that came out late last year, that I didn't discover until early this year. I saw Holy Fuck live the same night I saw A Place To Bury Strangers. I actually had downloaded this album earlier that same day and seeing the band live really helped me get into it. The cool thing about this band is that, though they make electronic dance music, they do so without any loops or samples. They use no computers. All the sounds you hear are from various random sources. Besides that, though, the music is really good. If you can past the name, you'll enjoy the music.Standout tracks: Safari, Choppers, Echo Sam |
Other Good 1st Quarter Releases: These are albums that, while they didn't make my top 5 of the quarter, are good enough to bother with |
 The Raconteurs Consolers of the Lonely (3/25/08) - This album leaked online, like so many before it. What's unique about this particular leak was the source. Consolers of the Lonely first appeared on iTunes Friday, a full four days before it's release date. But besides that, it's a good album. This likely would have made it into the top 5 if it had been released early in the year. It's similar to the previous Raconteurs album, but not so much that you think it's just rehash. I like this album, already, more than I did their last. I thought "Steady, As She Goes" and "Level" were pretty good, and they had a couple other gems, but it wasn't a record I ever rocked on it's own. I can see that happening with this one. |
 Gnarls Barkley The Odd Couple (3/18/08) - There are some really good songs on this album. Not the least of which is "Going On," which I think is the duo's best chance at coming close to the success they had with "Crazy". Gnarls Barkley's Dangermouse and Cee-Lo continue to push the boundaries they had their hands on with St. Elsewhere, the only problem is that they are pushing them in the same direction. This isn't necessarily a sophomore slump, because there are several good tracks here, but it doesn't stand up to the monument of St. Elsewhere. |
 Nine Inch Nails Ghosts I-IV (3/4/08) - The only surprising thing about this album is that it took so long for Trent Reznor to do it. This is a collection of instrumentals, 36 in all, that could easily be the soundtrack to a movie. I would really like to see the movie that would fit in with this music. A lot of it is down tempo, and this isn't something you'll put into your stereo for a road trip. But if you're a fan, it's definitely worth the while. ghosts.nin.com |
 Howlin Rain Magnificent Fiend (3/4/08) - This band channels Iron Butterfly and other stoner rockers of the 60s and 70s. There are two songs over seven minutes, another two over six, and except for the intro track, none are less than five. If you like classic rock, you'll dig this album for sure. |
 The Kills Midnight Boom (3/18/08) - I have a hard time describing what this band sounds like. They aren't your typical indie/lo-fi/garage band but they wouldn't fit cleanly into any other category either. There is a definite hip-hop influence heard in the rhythm section, and there is an experimental feel to many of their songs. At the same time, they can get sweet and acoustic ("Goodnight Bad Morning"). Florida-born Alison Mosshart has a sultriness to her voice that is reminiscent of Karen O. Guitarist Jamie Hince has a very plucky style that morphs into sweeping and spacey landscapes at the flip of a switch. They aren't the most accessible band, it took several listens to really get into this album, but they have some serious talent that cannot be denied. |
 She and Him Volume One (3/18/08) - When I first heard about this band my curiosity was piqued mostly because I figured the Redhead would really enjoy it. Actress Zooey Deschanel teams up with M. Ward on this piece of indie singer/songwriter heaven. The first track "Sentimental Heart" is a little abrasive, Deschanel's voice is not immediately satisfying. However, if you can make it past that song, you'll find some real gold in this collection. They also perform a couple covers, most notably the Beatles' "I Should Have Known Better". My favorite track, though, is a tune Deschanel penned with, of all people, Jason Schwarztman. |
 Black Tide Light From Above (3/18/08) - Let me just say, "Holy crap." That sums up this album surprisingly well. It's a group of teenagers (the lead singer is 15!) that make metal like they're longtime veterans. I first saw these guys in a SPIN feature, and didn't download the album until I read a review in the same mag. They're like Metallica with Sebastian Bach fronting. This band is not for the faint of heart. |
 Bell X1 Flock (2/19/08) - This album is the US debut for Damien Rice's former band, and a strange one to review. The first half is upbeat and poppy indie-rock, then they completely switch gears and go into Snow Patrol-mode and knock out some really good sappy love songs. They do Snow Patrol as good as anyone not called Snow Patrol, but that doesn't seem to be their strong suit. Songs like "Flame" and "Rocky Took A Lover". But they do shine with the slower numbers, too. Especially, "Natalie". I just can't help but compare the slower tunes to Snow Patrol. |
 Dead Meadow Old Growth (2/5/08) - I don't have the whole album yet, I downloaded the first 7 tracks and don't have any more eMusic credits, so I'm stuck waiting until April to get the rest. But I have a good idea about this album just off those songs. This is a good album, not great, but good. It's one of those albums where you know the songs are good, you know you'll listen to it again, but none of them wow you, or make you say, "This song owns!" It's stoner rock that got lost in the forest and can't quite find it's way out. Stuck there strumming and confused without ever really getting to where it's going. |
 The Whigs Mission Control (1/22/08) - I'm still not completely sure how I feel about this album. On the one hand are songs like "Right Hand On My Heart" and on the other, pretty much all the other ones. I want to like this album, but something is blocking me like a screen door you can't quite open. Give it a listen, you may just be able to break through to the creamy center better than I can. |
 Flogging Molly Float (3/4/08) - Their most diverse outing yet. This is one of the most talented bands around, and yet they continue to be ignored by rock radio. There are few bands better live than Flogging Molly, and I can't wait to hear the new tunes in that setting. |
 Kate Nash Made Of Bricks (1/8/08) - Do you like Lily Allen at all? If so, you'll like Kate Nash. She is Lily Allen with a little more attitude. A little more abrasive, and little bit better voice. But the music is just as catchy and just as poppy. |
 Born Ruffians Red, Yellow & Blue (3/4/08) - Some of the songs on this album remind me a lot of Panda Bear, a band that I fell in love with after being introduced to them by my buddy Austin and was prominently featured in my 2007 year end top 10 list. In particular, I really like "Badonkadonkey," which reminds me the most of Panda Bear. This is an album that when I first listened my reaction was, "Meh." But the more I listen, the more I like it. I'm willing to bet you'll feel the same way. |
 Bauhaus Go Away White (3/4/08) - Prior to Coachella 2005, the extent of my knowledge of Bauhaus was "Bela Legosi's Dead" and that's about it. When I got back from that amazing weekend, I got their greatest hits and realized just how much every goth band owes to these pioneers. Bauhaus are the Godfathers of goth, and they do nothing to tarnish their legacy here. This album isn't Earth shattering, or mind-blowing, but it is good. If you're familiar with Bauhaus or any of their solo projects and splinter groups (Tones on Tail, Love and Rockets) you'll enjoy this as an updated piece of history. It's classic sounding Bauhaus (with a good taste of Murphy's solo sound for good measure) with better production than was available in the early 80s. This is a grinding, slithering collection of dark, gothic tunes for the shoe-gazer hiding in your soul. Buy the album on iTunes and you get a bonus video of the band performing "Bela Legosi's Dead" at Coachella. That alone is worth getting this album. |
 Crystal Castles [Update: It has come to my attention (by some anonymous turd box), that this is a bootleg, not the real album. The album is self-titled, but this bootleg has about half the songs from the album, so I stand by what I said.] |
 Mountain Goats Heretic Pride (2/19/08) - Reminds me a lot of the Decemberists. Like, a LOT. |
Upcoming Releases: I download leaked albums, it's part of the job description, and these are albums that aren't out yet |
 Tokyo Police Club Elephant Shell (4/22/08) - This group is having the same difficulty with this album that Gnarls is having with their new album. Tokyo's debut EP, A Lesson In Crime, was so unique and different that it's hard to duplicate the feeling. Again, like Gnarls there are several good songs on here, including "Juno" and "Sixties Remake". They just aren't as good as the ones from the EP. What is probably my favorite song from this Canadian trio resurfaces here after being released as a single last summer. "Your English Is Good" is the best song on the album, but I had it more than 6 months ago. |
 Duffy Rockferry (5/13/08) - Think Amy Winehouse, minus the crack, and with much greater diversity. Unlike Winehouse, Duffy does more than one style of soul singing. Winehouse seemed trapped in her cabaret persona, Duffy seems to both embrace and escape that trap with equal abandon. She was featured in SPIN, and more recently in Rolling Stone. This girl is a shooting star, and one you will want to keep your eye on as the year progresses. |
Dishonorable Mentions: These are albums that are pretty bad, no matter how much SPIN or Stereogum would like you to think otherwise |
 R.E.M. Accelerate (4/1/08) - Early reviews are that this is a pretty good album. It's okay. Accelerate certainly doesn't suck as much as their last couple efforts, but the bar was set pretty low by Around the Sun in 2004, Reveal in 2001, and Up in 1998. Not since Bill Berry left has this band made an album that matters. This is close, but I'm not sure it actually counts. |
 Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks Real Emotional Trash (3/4/08) - I want to like this album. I really do. But I don't. And moreso, I don't understand why so many music outlets think this album is so amazing. (Pitchfork being one of the few who agree with me.) I get that it's cool to like Malkmus, I like plenty Jesus Lizard songs. This album just doesn't really go anywhere, all the while telling you that when you get there you're going to love it. |
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These are albums that were released at the end of the quarter, or will be very soon, that I just didn't get in time to include in this review: |
 Pennywise Reason To Believe (3/25/08) - This album was the first album released free via MySpace. This is PW's 9th studio album and on first listen sounds like more of the same from these Hermosa Beach skate-punks. |
 Black Keys Attack & Release (4/1/08) - Produced by Dangermouse, this is a massive step forward for these purveyors of Led Zeppelin derivation. |
 Panic! At the Disco Pretty. Odd. (3/25/08) - They don't sound JUST like F.O.B. any more. |
 Does It Offend You, Yeah? You Have No Idea What You're Getting Into (4/15/08) - As a matter of fact, no, I don't know what I'm getting into with this album. |
 The Dirtboms We Have You Surrounded (2/26/08) - I've read some reviews, so I'm going to check it out. |
 Clinic Do It! (4/8/08) - Literally JUST got my hands on this album. Haven't even listened yet, but I'm excited to do so. |
If you do check out any of these artists/albums, let me know what you think of 'em. Grant. |
Genghis Tron Board Up the House (2/19/08) - When I read the review of this album in SPIN I thought, "That sounds like a damn good album. I will check it out." I wish I hadn't read that review. It said this band "conjure a uniquely strange and powerful landscape." The way I see it, they conjure a headache. I like several bands with screaming vocals, but this is not one of those bands. The drum machine doesn't work in this setting. It's difficult to be pummelling when you have the hollow sound of a robot keeping the beat.All album art stolen from Amazon.com.
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