It's impossible to listen to every album that comes by our desk in the span of a year, but we did manage to come up with 10 musical efforts in 2008 that will be taking up critical computer space well into 2009.
10. THE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS
The Age of the Understatement
(Domino)
Alex Turner temporarily breaks away from the rest of his Arctic Monkeys and puts out this fine little early 60's-era ditty, with his pal Miles Kane along for the ride.
ESSENTIAL TRACKS: "Standing Next to Me," "The Age of the Understatement," "Calm Like You."
WATCH: "Standing Next to Me."
9. BRITISH SEA POWER
Do You Like Rock Music?
(Rough Trade)
We're thinking the title to the U.K. band's third album is full of sarcasm, of course, since it's not what we would associate with your typical rock fare. Think old Joy Division with a tinge of the Pixies thrown in.
ESSENTIAL TRACKS: "Waving Flags," "Atom," "No Lucifer."
WATCH: "Waving Flags."
8. THE RACONTEURS
Consolers of the Lonely
(Warner)
No, we're not about to say that whatever Jack White touches turns to gold, but it's damn near close (Well, except that god awful James Bond track). Their second full effort shows the band is a lot tighter and leaner -- pretty much the complete opposite of their debut, which sounded like they recorded it in one take.
ESSENTIAL TRACKS: "Salute Your Solution," "You Don't Understand Me," "Rich Kid Blues."
WATCH: "Salute Your Solution."
7. BECK
Modern Guilt
(Geffen)
Unlike most Beck albums, this one didn't particularly strike us as a keeper at first, but after multiple listens, it all made sense. Another gem.
ESSENTIAL TRACKS: "Orphans," "Chemtrails," "Modern Guilt."
WATCH: "Orphans."
6. BLACK MOUNTAIN
In the Future
(Scratch)
Yes, fellow Canucks, one of the best band's around is in your own backyard. The second full-length from these Vancouver hippies is a wonderful blend of straight-ahead rockers and slow-burning psychedia. Far out, indeed.
ESSENTIAL TRACKS: "Wucan," "Tyrants," "Stormy High."
WATCH: "Wucan."
5. MGMT
Oracular Spectacular
(Sony-BMG)
Another one of those innovative bands from New York that the U.K. has caught on to first, while stateside, they're virtually ignored -- for now. "Weekend Wars" gets our nod for catchiest track of the year.
ESSENTIAL TRACKS: "Time to Pretend," "Weekend Wars," "Kids."
WATCH: "Time to Pretend."
4. THE BLACK KEYS
Attack & Release
(Nonesuch)
Forget the White Stripes for now, and crank up this album from this rockin' duo from Ohio. Led Zep, Queens of the Stone Age, ZZ Top, and Radiohead are all fans of the band, and you should be too.
ESSENTIAL TRACKS: "Strange Times," "Same Old Thing," "I Got Mine."
WATCH: "Strange Times."
3. KINGS OF LEON
Only by the Night
(Sony-BMG)
After impressing us last year with "Because of the Times" (No. 5 on our '07 list) KOL don't let up with their latest. After opening for heavyweights such as U2 and the Strokes (remember them?), the band shows that they are ready to take the reigns as a premiere act in rock circles.
ESSENTIAL TRACKS: "Sex On Fire," "Crawl," "Closer."
WATCH: "Sex On Fire."
2. DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE
Narrow Stairs
(Atlantic)
In an interview last year, DCFC guitarist Chris Walla described their new album a "curve ball." He wasn't kidding. On their six album, the Washington rockers drop the lighter fare in favour of more deeper, darker tracks -- some of which would make make Coldplay envious.
ESSENTIAL TRACKS: "I Will Possess Your Heart," "Cath," "Bixby Canyon Bridge."
WATCH: "I Will Possess Your Heart."
1. KANYE WEST
808s and Heartbreak
(Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam)
Kanye singing? WTF, you say? Well, you need not be scared. What could have been a disaster turns out to be a pot o' gold. Kanye substitutes his usual dance hall fare and subs in some fuzzbox vocals, simple percussion, and 11 of the most powerful tracks of the year.
ESSENTIAL TRACKS: "Love Lockdown," "Amazing," "Heartless."
WATCH: "Love Lockdown."
ALERT: You've heard from the critics, now it's your turn to tell us YOUR top albums of 2008. SUBMIT THEM HERE.
