The best part of doing these year end lists is rediscovering every album we loved in 2008. While we chose Blitzen Trapper as the best album of the year, it may as well be a three-way tie. How do you choose between Blitzen Trapper, Fleet Foxes and The Black Keys?
Hopefully y’all liked our choices. I’m always interested in hearing about what we overlooked. So, what were your favorite albums of the year that we missed?
1. Blitzen Trapper - Furr (our review)
The cover art is made of wood and that’s what the album gives me. I don’t have enough good things to say. It’s my favorite album of 2008 and “Black River Killer” is my favorite song right now.
Blitzen Trapper - Bread for Gold
Video: Blitzen Trapper - Furr (Live on Conan)
2. Black Keys - Attack and Release
After Magic Potion, how do the Akron boys take it to the next level? They let Danger Mouse take over production and add in more instruments like banjos and flutes. The results are wondrous.
Video: The Black Keys - I Got Mine (Live on Letterman)
3. Fleet Foxes - Self Titled (our review)
As stunning a debut as you’ll see in years. Woody saw them at SXSW and said “I thought angels were singing to me.” I called him a pussy at the time, but he’s right. So angelic. To say I am looking forward to their 2nd release is as big of an understatement.
Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal
Fleet Foxes - He Doesn’t Know Why
Video: Fleet Foxes - Tiger Mountain Peasant Song (Live In London)
4. Dr. Dog – Fate
Jeff Tweedy loves Dr. Dog and so do we. Production is getting tighter and the songs are taking on bigger, often biblical themes. See them live to really appreciate the band.
Video: Dr. Dog - Hang On
5. Justin Townes Earle - The Good Life
Justin Townes Earle is what country music needs right now. If you’ve had enough of the mainstream pop garbage, listen to the music as Hank, Townes, Kris, Willie, Waylon and Johnny intended it to be heard. Justin has a voice and bravado that’s a throwback to country music’s legends.
Exclusive: Justin Townes Earle - Lone Pine Hill (from the HearYa Live Session)
Exclusive: Justin Townes Earle - Who Am I To Say (from the HearYa Live Session)
Hear more from our live session with Justin Townes Earle.
Video: Justin Townes Earle - Lone Pine Hill (Live)
6. Drive-By Truckers - Brighter Than Creations Dark
DBT’s first album without Isbell and, although I miss him dearly, Hood and Cooley show that the show will certainly go on. It’s 19 tracks deep and “Ghost To Most,” “Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife,” and “Daddy Needs a Drink” have all become favorites. I’m also craving more Shonna Tucker after hearing “I’m Sorry Huston.”
Drive-By Truckers - Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife (Live)
Drive-By Truckers - Opening Act (Live)
Drive-By Truckers - Ghost To Most (Live)
Video: Drive By Truckers - Ghost To Most
7. Calexico - Carried to Dust (our review)
In our review, I compared these guys to the scene in Young Guns when the gang visits the spirit world. Calexico are true musicians that explore new sounds and bend genres. This album comes with some spicy, southwestern flavor.
Video: Calexico - Two Silver Trees
8. My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
Do I even need to write anything about My Morning Jacket? This would have been higher on the list, but there are one or two tracks on Evil Urges that I can’t even listen to - “Highly Suspicious” is one of them. I still respect the constant experimentation and will remain a captive listener with each release.
My Morning Jacket - I’m Amazed
Video: My Morning Jacket - Librarian (Live)
9. Port O’Brien - All We Could Do Was Sing (our review)
Lead singer-songwriter Van Pierszalowski is an Alaska fisherman (think Deadliest Catch) and All I Could Do Was Sing always feels inspired by a bit of cabin fever with soft, sweet, finger-picked tunes like “Fisherman’s Son” offset by extended jams and heavy guitar riffs on “Pigeonhold” and “The Rooftop Song.” Damn good people too.
Port O’Brien - I Woke Up Today
Hear more at our live session with Port O’Brien.
Video: Port O’Brien - I Woke Up Today (recorded exclusively for HearYa.com)
Port OBrien I Woke Up Today for Hearya.com - Port OBrien
10. Langhorne Slim - Self Titled (our review)
I’m not sure what the rebel side of heaven looks like, but I hope when I’m bellied up to the bar at The Big Guy in the Sky’s Bar and Lounge, that Langhorne strolls up in his fedora so I can buy him cocktail.
Langhorne Slim - Rebel Side of Heaven
Exclusive: Langhorne Slim - Collette (from the HearYa Live Session)
Exclusive: Langhorne Slim - Restless (from the HearYa Live Session)
Hear more tracks at our live session with Langhorne Slim and The War Eagles.
Video: Langhorne Slim - Restless (Live on Letterman)
