Has 2008 left your head spinning?
Are you still pinching yourself when you see 'Chinese Democracy' in stores, or rubbing your eyes at the sight of a fit, sane Britney Spears?
Tinseltown has definitely thrown some curve balls at us over the past 365 days, but as sure as David Duchovny is a real life sex addict - we all know we can count on some good tunes to get us through the year's highs and lows.
Here are some of the CDs that stood out in 2008, and helped us all make some sense out of a crazy year in entertainment.
Lil Wayne “Tha Carter III”
LOVE IT: Because just when Wayne’s sexually explicit and juvenile rhymes make you want to write an angry letter to the FCC, the fierce beat of the chorus kicks in and you write a fan letter instead.
PLAY IT: At a very loud party, where drinks are a-plenty, and no one can hear that “Swagger tighter than a yeast infection” line on track 6.
LISTEN TO IT: A Milli, Mr. Carter, Mrs. Officer.
Santogold “Santogold”
LOVE IT: Because no one else this year has mixed hip hop, pop, punk, new wave and country so fearlessly and seamlessly. Brooklyn-born Santi White makes other artists look so isolated.
PLAY IT: When you’re walking down an alley coloured with graffiti and littered with smashed beer bottles. Hey, her music is nothing scary, so take your alley walk during the day.
LISTEN TO IT: Say Aha, I’m a Lady, L.E.S. Artistes.
Black Kids “Partie Traumatic”
LOVE IT: Because with today’s sagging economy, no one should feel guilty about a fun, catchy party album with songs specifically designed for belting-out jamboree style.
PLAY IT: In your bathrobe and slippers with a brush as your microphone.
LISTEN TO IT: I’m Making Eyes at You, Hit the Heartbrakes
Coldplay “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends”
LOVE IT: Because Coldplay took some sonic risks on this album, mixing Indian, Latin and even country elements – without coming off as pretentious. No, really, it’s true!
PLAY IT: When you're reflecting on the year that was and need a soundtrack that's as layered and varied as your year was.
LISTEN TO IT: Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love, Violet Hill
Last Shadow Puppets “The Age of the Understatement”
LOVE IT: Because that punk from Arctic Monkeys really knows how to meld his cockney accent with a sweeping ‘60s era string section.
PLAY IT: When you’re watching reruns of “Match Game,” and eating a TV dinner by the aluminum Christmas tree.
LISTEN TO IT: Standing Next to Me, The Meeting Place, The Age of the Understatement
