2008 was another great year in music, particularly for impressive debuts. In fact, three of The Scenestar’s Top 5 albums of the year are by new artists.
As with last year, the staff lists varied quite a bit, with choices ranging from Tha Carter III by Lil Wayne to The Slip by Nine Inch Nails … and everything in between.
But in the end, The Scenestar selected as our No. 1 2008 album the debut from Seattle-based Fleet Foxes, who got our attention with EP Sun Giant and further surprised us with the band’s stunning self-titled. Here’s to more great music in 2009.
1. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes: The transcendent debut from Seattle’s Fleet Foxes defies any of the genres that it has been labeled: pastoral folk, freak-folk, indie Americana, et al. The glorious tracks on this album and its companion EP, Sun Giant, range from solemn and reflective to joyous and celebratory, all neatly woven together by harmonies that sound like they came from the heavens.
What is it about this album that compels its listeners to become completely addicted, hitting repeat while wearing a foolish grin on their faces? Perhaps it’s because Fleet Foxes feels pure and genuine, unlike so much of the overproduced, manufactured stuff out there. It is refreshing in a time when what we all need is a blast of crisp Pacific Northwest air in our faces to invigorate us and remind us that music can still inspire. —Mychelle Peterson
2. Evil Urges – My Morning Jacket: Is Evil Urges one of My Morning Jacket’s best albums? No, it most certainly isn’t. But the album does showcase something that none of the band’s previous works does: diversity. Upon first listen, it’s a bit of a head scratcher, especially with lead singer Jim James hitting falsetto notes on “Evil Urges.” Upon repeat listens, however, things start to make sense, and you can see why certain decisions were made in the production. Evil Urges really hits its stride with “I’m Amazed,” and even when the band segues back to its alt-country roots in “Thank You Too” and “Two Halves,” it doesn’t completely abandon the previous experimentation. MMJ saves the proverbial best for last with “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Part 2,” an eight-minute-plus track that makes you want to scream and shake your ass simultaneously. —Greg Caruso
3. Third – Portishead: After a decade-long hiatus since Portishead’s last album, many didn’t know what to expect when the Bristol, U.K., group announced its reunion. But after teasing fans with new material during their first live set in 10 years at All Tomorrow’s Parties in 2007, Beth Gibbons, Adrian Utley and Geoff Barrow treated fans to the long anticipated release of Portishead’s third album, the aptly titled Third. From the the mechanical beats of “Machine Gun” to the haunting “The Rip,” Portishead didn’t disappoint. In fact, it seemed like the band never really left. —Oscar Rangel
4. Santogold – Santogold: Though some might categorize Santogold’s self-titled debut as befitting the DJ/electronic genre, the album transcends such categorization. Rather, the songs on Santogold take key components from DJ and pop music, mixing them with other influences, specifically grunge rock and hip hop. The obvious stand-out tracks include “L.E.S. Artistes,” “Creator” and “Lights Out,” but all of the songs offer their own dance appeal. “Shove It,” which features Spank Rock, and dignity-filled “I’m a Lady” are more reasons to get into this album, if you haven’t already. By bringing together different genres and offering meaningful lyrics, Santogold is a true rarity. —Katie Seaton
5. Vol. One – She & Him: While ScarJo’s Tom Waits cover album landed on several Worst Albums of the Year lists, fellow actress Zooey Deschanel and her side project with M. Ward, She & Him, recorded one of the most critically praised albums of the year. Entitled Vol. One, this debut album reflects a range of influences, including ’60s girl-group pop, country and folk rock. The enjoyable simplicity of the songs, which mostly ruminate on love lost, made them seemingly timeless and instantly addictive. Zooey obviously has talent to spare. Let’s hope for Vol. Two. —Charlotte Moss
2008 was another great year in music, particularly for impressive debuts. In fact, three of The Scenestar’s Top 5 albums of the year are by new artists.
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