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December 04, 2008
Posted by kramer
5) Coldplay "Viva La Vida"
I reviewed this disc earlier this year and I had a hard time getting past all of the sounds and structures that were common amongst earlier U2 releases. Due to the production, this is hard to avoid. However, this is still a progression for Coldplay in regards to song writing and just plain musicianship. Martin and company have definitely improved, album to album (with the exception of X&Y which was more of a "B" side release of AROBTTH). I love Chris Martin's voice, even if it is mainstream and a faux paus nowadays.
4) Vampire Weekend "Vampire Weekend"
I can't believe this album came out in 2008. It seems like it has been out forever (or at least in 2007). I remember seeing the SPIN cover declaring these guys "the next big thing" before I had even heard their disc. I bought into the hype though. Some people call them a passing fad and just this year's "freshman dorm cd." I KNOW they have more talent than that. The hooks that they write are raw and it is obvious there is tons of talent amongst the Ivy Leaguers. You can't help but bounce around the room and groove to their sound and that is exactly what indie pop/rock is supposed to do....get you out of your seat.
3) Fleet Foxes "Fleet Foxes"
The harmonies on this album are so lush and vast it is hard to even describe in words. I still can't believe that the lead singer is only 21. No one today is layering harmonies like these guys are doing today. It is a kick back to the 60's scene with male harmony and melody. Each song paints a picture for you like you are there in the mountains or in the winter season with them. You experience the music, not just hear it. This is the type of material that rock and roll hall of fame careers are based upon....at least that is my opinion.
2) Mates of State "Re-Arrange Us"
I didn't get into this album until post Lollapalooza and sad it took me that long. This married couple really gives Spoon a run for their money in regards to who can write the most consistently good pop songs. From start to finish, the album is one pop gem after another. The funny thing is that I don't really even like pop music that much. But I do know great music when I hear it (I listened to THRILLER non-stop even though I would get nightmares from the Vincent Price rap) and this is GREAT MUSIC. I believe that all of the top 5 cd's will remain in the rotation for a while but I know this one will for sure.
1) Sigur Ros "Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust"
I was talking to friend yesterday about how I was torn between this disc and Mates of State for my top slot this year. I always have a hard time picking a "best" disc when one of my favorite bands produces an album on any given year. The thing with Sigur Ros is that they are not for every one. They are "art rock" or "experimental" or "minimalist." Whatever you want to label them you can't take one thing away from them. Talent. Even though my wife has burned out on them a long time ago, she still admits and readily acknowledges the talent. The band doesn't take steps from disc to disc, they makes leaps and bounds. I love this disc. I love every song on the disc. My favorite song of the year is on this disc (Track 7 Ara Batur). Listen to this song, in its entirety, and try to not have chills going down your spine or have goosebumps. Sigur Ros capture my emotions and place them in song form. They make me appreciate this life and make me more aware of the reasons why I'm living it.
These, and so many more reasons why, are the traits of a timeless disc.
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COMMENTS Ahh, I don't have to be SO embarrassed! Sigur Ros and Vampire Weekend also make my top 10. I really enjoy the Fleet Foxes CD but it doesn't quite make it into the top 10. I have to say, the Coldplay CD didn't do much for me - I should give it another chance now that I've let it sit for awhile. And I still need to get the new Mates of State. |
