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| Tyler Wilson |
Best music of 2008
List season has arrived. Get ready for several weeks of "best of," "worst-of," and lists made of clay.
It means I can rehash material from old articles, apply an arbitrary ranking system and pass the finished product as something exciting and relevant.
I open with the year's best music. Since I didn't hear much new stuff (darn poverty!), the following list is a sampling of the tunes that didn't send me into a Bruce Banner-caliber fit. Apologies to Katy Perry and Jonas Brothers fans.
Flight of the Conchords, "Flight of the Conchords"
If I'm being honest, the full-length debut of New Zealand's fourth most popular folk-parody duo is the album I listened to most in 2008. Compiling the best songs from their hilarious HBO comedy series, Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement sing about robots, inner city pressure and David Bowie.
Catch the first season on DVD, buy the CD and prepare for season two in January.
TV on the Radio, "Dear Science"
An album crammed with so many different sounds and styles it will take you several sessions to fully appreciate its brilliance. Rolling Stone magazine named it album of the year, and for once, they make a solid case.
Vampire Weekend, "Vampire Weekend"
Strong pop hooks backed with worldly sounds and lyrical depth. Their Internet buzz didn't translate into strong album sales, but at least now you're still cool for liking them.
She and Him, "Volume One"
Actress Zooey Deschanel starred in "The Happening," one of the worst movies of 2008. Good thing she also made this pleasant, unpretentious folk/alt-country album with guitarist M. Ward. Note to Scarlett Johansson: This is how you dive into the music biz without irritating everybody under the sun.
Coldplay, "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends"
Fueled by dynamite singles, "Viva la Vida" and "Violet Hill," Coldplay's ambitious effort is far superior to their overproduced third album, "X&Y."
The Hold Steady, "Stay Positive"
Catchy, eloquent songs about women and booze. Really.
Kaylee Cole, "We're Still Here Missing You"
Taking the obligatory local artist slot. This Spokane singer/songwriter penetrated the souls of North Idaho coffee drinkers with intimate performances at Calypso's. Visit myspace.com/kayleecolemusic to sample her work.
Beck, "Modern Guilt"
Does a Beck album ever disappoint? I honestly can't remember the last dud.
Kate Nash, "Made of Bricks"
While Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen spent the year getting in trouble, fellow Brit Kate Nash made her lively pop debut.
Sia, "Some People Have Real Problems"
It lacks a standout track like "Breathe Me" (heard in the haunting final scene of HBO's "Six Feet Under"), but "Real Problems" is snappier and far less depressing than her earlier efforts.
Aimee Mann, "@#%&*! Smilers"
No explicit lyrics. Just another solid collection from one of the industry's most unappreciated songwriters.
Britney Spears, "Circus"
I haven't heard it, but kudos to Britney for scoring a hit after a tough few years of whatever she was doing.
Tyler Wilson can be reached at twilson@cdapress.com.
