10 Best Overlooked Albums of 2008
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Human HighwayMoody Motorcycle (Suicide Squeeze) |
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The much-deserved praise garnered by Nick Thorburn's primary outfit, Islands, overshadowed this elegant side-project, crafted with former Islands bandmate Jim Guthrie. Docile and concise, these songs feel like beachside bonfire jam sessions bolstered only minimally by electric guitar and studio embellishments. Jeez, Nick. Stop being so good at, you know, everything.
Listen: Human Highway, "Moody Motorcycle" |
Ida MariaFortress Around My Heart (RCA) |
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This Norwegian pop-punk lady's debut is riotous yet affectionate, addressing God, self-destructive behavior, late-night parties and the relationships they bloom. Anthemic choruses and snappy guitars convince on power-popper "OhMyGod": "You think I'm in control? You think it's all for fun!?" she shouts. (Note: The U.S. version of Fortress gets a U.S. release in April, but the import version is available now)
Listen: Ida Maria, "Keep Me Warm" |
Kassin +2Futurismo (Luaka Bop) |
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Conjuring images of breezy beaches and pool-side cocktails, this eclectic set -- sung in Portuguese -- from Brazil's Alexandre Kassin sounds cool. But it isn't just a "Brazilian" record: Kassin fuses the traditional and experimental, employing jazzy drums, folk, curious rhumba-line-marching electronics, and bossa-nova-on-speed rhythms. It's equal parts chill-out and freak-out.
Listen: Kassin +2, "Ya Ya Ya" |
Land of TalkSome Are Lakes (Saddle Creek) |
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At the crossroads of Evan Dando's tender power-pop, Dinosaur Jr.'s gritty guitar heroics, and Sonic Youth's experimentalism, this album derives fortitude from Elizabeth Powell's hyper-melodious voice and undeniable songcraft. "Some Are Lakes" is a melodramatic classic-in-the-making. And "Corner Phone" is a foot-to-the-floor riot with crazed guitars and screams. Effortless. Excellent.
Listen: Land of Talk, "Corner Phone" |
The Week That WasThe Week That Was (Memphis Industries) |
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The third side-project on our list comes from Peter Brewis, late of Northeast England's minimalist songsmiths Field Music. Brewis' lush brand of intricate, orchestral pop -- stylistically on par with '80s aesthetes like Tears for Fears and Crowded House -- reaches an apex on the album-closing "Scratch the Surface," a twitchy jam crafted during a self-imposed, two-week embargo on mass media consumption.
Listen: The Week that Was, "Scratch the Surface" |
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- Posted By Peter Gaston
12.22.08 8:12 PM
- Conor Oberst and the Kills...much bigger, more exposed bands than the ones we were considering for this list. We picked side-projects and smaller, new bands, mostly.
- Posted By Dread
12.23.08 4:14 AM
Blood Red Shoes (UK only. Still really good)
The Hush Sound
Paper Rival
Earlimart
What Made Milwaukee Famous
Arizona
Andy Yorke (UK only physical release. iTunes everywhere)
Sleepercar
- Posted By Peter Gaston
12.23.08 10:55 PM
- What Made Milwaukee Famous was on my short list :)
- Posted By strokesjunkie
12.26.08 8:25 PM
good list. I really like the Gaslight Anthem and I have been obsessively following the Helio Sequence since I saw them open up for Minus the Bear. another great album I'd add here is Wild Sweet Orange's We Have To Be Uneasy
- Posted By taylorcseymour
03.26.09 8:23 PM
What about the Dodo's or She & Him? That fits your criteria for consideration and they were incredible albums.
12.22.08 6:24 PM
THE KILLS?? The Origami Llamas? Gosh.