The Best Albums You Didn’t Hear This Year
So much is written at the end of the year about great albums that came out. So what’s the point in saying that _________ (insert your favorite album that was popular and well publicized) was a great album. Everyone’s already heard it (I’m looking at you Lil’ Wayne, TV on the Radio).
So lets talk about what are probably some of the best albums that came out last year, but were virtually ignored by those in charge of making us aware of such albums. I’ll give you four.
4. Adam & the Amethysts – Amethyst Amulet (Bumble Bee.mp3)*not available at SJCPL
Beautifully written songs, playful attitude, and indelible harmonies. Some compare this Montreal based duo’s songwriting to Sufjan Stevens. The writing, though about specific places, seems to carry more weight in personal meaning than Stevens narratives about specific locations which can lose meaning for those not familiar with the area being written about.
3. The Avett Brothers – The Second Gleam (Murder in the City.mp3)
Much has been written about the Avett Brothers’ ability to write folk tunes with a sort of punk rock ethic. This album is their coming out as true folk musicians. None of the songs on this EP have the same yelling or frantic nature of their earlier albums. It seems they are now content to let subtlety and caring production guide you through a trek of five simple ballads about love, death, and regret.
2. Nada Surf – Lucky (See These Bones.mp3)
Most people remember Nada Surf for when they had a video on MTV way back in 1996 with the song “Popular.” After being dropped by their label, most of America lost track. Lately, many have rediscovered Nada Surf and their more mature, less angst-driven music blend of pop music. Lucky shows quite a mix of feelings for the listener to dive into. Many songs hint at sadness through lyrics, while having a soundtrack that is far too sunny to make any sense. What you are left with are dueling roles in your mind of the good and the bad, the bitter and the sweet. As the title of the album suggests, you should feel Lucky.
1. The Gaslight Anthem – The ‘59 Sound (Great Expectations.mp3)
This album came out of nowhere to me. A quick mention on a music blog I read and I quickly suggested we order this album for the library. Vocally the sound is blue collar. The easiest comparison would be Bruce Springsteen. Musically they have punk rock written all over them. Don’t let the punk rock scare you, though, as this band should definitely be listened to. The lyrics, dealing mostly with the themes of dying young, growing old, or leaving home, combined with the vocals give the music a sense of urgency and importance that no band, for me at least, even came close to this year. All these parts melt together and make a great album from a band that I can’t wait to hear more from.
January 27th, 2009 at 11:24 am
If I only was to choose one, which one should it be?
January 27th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Choose You & Me by the Walkmen, best album I’ve heard. I’ve been meaning to check out that Gaslight Anthem album, I love the Hold Steady and they sound like they might be similar in sound
January 27th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Jake’s been on my case about listening to Gaslight Anthem (as was his wife, Amy) so do that one first!
January 28th, 2009 at 8:50 am
I’ve been seriously digging the Gaslight Anthem since we got it in @ the berry. So much so that I will probably be making a trip to Chicago to catch them in April.
January 30th, 2009 at 8:50 am
I think you should add UNKLE’s End Titles … Stories for Film to this list.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End_Titles…_Stories_for_Film
Also check out Ken Andrew’s Secrets of the lost Satellite
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secrets_Of_The_Lost_Satellite
It came out in dec of 2007 but I consider it a 2008 release.
Both on my top ten for the year.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Chad VanGaalen’s album “Soft Airplane” is amazing. I highly recommend it… http://www.flemisheye.com/chad.php