This one barely sneaks into the Top Ten. These former Christian rockers get down secularly (is that a word?). Yes, the lead singer sounds like Robert Smith. Don't hold that against him. Download these: "I Wanna Be Your Limousine" & "Listen To Your Body Tonight"
#10
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
Did you believe the hype? I didn't. These college jerks, who describe their sound as "Soweto Meets Upper West Side (oh you mean the Soweto with the shantytowns and poor people?), opened 2008 with mucho fanfare. Luckily, this album backed up the press. My kid's favorite song is the opener. Download these: "Mansard Roof" & "M79"
#9
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Another duo of spoiled college fucks who decided to make an album on a whim. Dammit. It just so happened to be good. These jackasses remind me of those skateboarder kids in the movie "High Fidelity." I'd like to slap their pretty faces with a golf shoe. Download these: "Electric Feel" & "Time To Pretend."
#8
The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely
This might be the 6th straight year that a Jack White project makes it into the top ten. I'm not biased! Really! He's just that good. Best show at Bonnaroo this year. Download these: "Salute Your Solution" & "Top Yourself"
#7
Girl Talk - Feed The Animals
Greg Gillis did it again. He made the mashup record of the year. Download all of it (and pay what you want).
#6
Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid
Ever heard of them? They have been around as long as Radiohead and they continue to put out stellar work. This album deservedly won the Mercury Prize in 2008. Gorgeous music. Download these: "Grounds For Divorce" & "The Bones Of You.'
#5
TV On The Radio - Dear Science
EVERYONE'S album of the year. Arguably THEY are right. Download these: "Halfway Home" & "Golden Age"
#4
Duffy - Rockferry
This chick is hot and is the least likely to become Stinky Winehouse. Speaking of Winohouse, what do you want to bet that she bathes once a month? I'll bet she could knock a buzzard off a shitwagon. Oh wait, Duffy. Yes, she good. Download these: "Warwick Avenue" & "Rockferry."
#3
Bob Mould - District Line
The first of the two best comebacks of the year. Ok, Bob hasn't gone anywhere. He's living in DC and he DJ's at the 9:30 Club once a month. Still, this record is his best since 1989's Workbook. This might also be the break-up album of the year. I think I had this on the ipod for 5 months straight. Almost a record for me. Download these: "Again & Again, Shelter Me" & "Who Needs To Dream."
#2
Q-Tip - The Renaissance
Surprised? I sure was. Mr. Tip decided to wait ten years between solo albums. In the meantime he's been pondering a Tribe reunion, guesting on other people's songs, and getting buff. The title says it all here. There isn't a bad song on this record. Even the song with Norah Jones where Tip pedantically lists off rapper's names is a gem. He has never sounded better. Buy this soon.
#1
