We’re knee deep into the top 25 albums of 2008 and this batch features two bands from Alive Records – Left Lane Cruiser and Hacienda. The Rural Alberta Advantage was arguably our biggest surprise of the year, building buzz with nothing more than their music – no label, no publicist. The Morning Benders and Sam Champion were both in our live session studio, so make sure to check out those tracks if you have a few extra seconds.
21. The Morning Benders – Talking Through Tin Cans (our review)
The Bay Area quartet have hints of The Beatles, a dash of Pet Sounds sound, and a little Zombies tossed in for good measure. Thankfully they don’t come off as cheap imitators and instead put forth an excellent effort. A good shot of melodic California pop.
The Morning Benders – Damnit Anna (Hear Ya Live Session version)
The Morning Benders – Waiting on a War (Hear Ya Live Session version)
Hear more from our live session with The Morning Benders.
22. Left Lane Cruiser – Bring Yo’ Ass To The Table (our review)
Its filthy, but underneath the bluesy grime are two extraordinarily talented musicians.
23. Okkervil River – The Stand Ins
A step down from The Stage Names, but that was to be expected. You’ll find a few gems – just not the transcendent album that its predecessor was. Okkervil’s b-sides are still good enough to land in the top 25.
Okkervil River – Lost Coastlines
24. Hacienda – Loud Is The Night (our review)
Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys produced this album and is preparing his solo tour with Hacienda as his backing band. Dr. Dog performs backing vocals on the album. It’s safe to say that they have the seal of approval from some of music’s finest.
Hacienda – She’s Got A Hold On Me
25. The Rural Alberta Advantage – Hometowns (our review)
Imagine Neutral Milk Hotel with the drummer from The National. Yes, its that good.
The Rural Alberta Advantage – Don’t Haunt This Place
The Rural Alberta Advantage – Frank AB
26. Silver Jews – Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea
David Berman continues to put wry, smart, and often humorous lyrics into his most musically ambitious and tightest effort to date.
Silver Jews – Strange Victory, Strange Defeat
27. Black Crowes – War Paint
The Robinson boys deliver their best album since Amorica. Maxim can fuck themselves.
Video: The Black Crowes – “Wounded Bird” on Letterman
28. Sam Champion – Heavenly Bender (our review)
Rolling Stone described Sam Champion’s sound like Ryan Adams covering Pavement’s Wowee Zowee. Need I say more?
Sam Champion – Be Mine Everyone
Hear more tracks at our live session with Sam Champion.
29. Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson – Self Titled (our review)
MBAR was homeless and strung out on drugs before cleaning up and focusing on music. The result is folk album with his signature lazy, organic vocal delivery.
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson – Buriedfed
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson – The Debtor
30. Black Mountain – In The Future (our review)
Best appreciated in a live setting, Black Mountain perform amazingly good psychedelic rock songs that either punch you in the face or get you in a slow groove.
