10. Cat Power - Jukebox Chan Marshall’s tribute to the music that has most influenced her - from Joni Mitchell - Boby Dylan - Frank Sinatra.
9. Beck - Modern Guilt Produced by Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton (Gnarls Barkley) combining Beck’s simple melodies with some incredible sound production and background vocals (supplied in part by Chan Marshall, a.k.a. Cat Power).
8. Welcome Wagon - Welcome Wagon A sweet folksy-gospel CD produced by Sufjan Stevens.
7. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive Excellent straightforward rock album filled with energetic, catchy rock anthems.
6. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago A brilliant folk album filled with stories of pain and loneliness, recorded in a cabin in Wisconsin.
5. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend Ivy League-educated indie band with a unique, and relatively simple “Afro-pop” sound.
4. Feet Foxes - Fleet Foxes Incredible debut album from this Seattle-based group filled with a beautiful mix of folk and rock.
3. Sigur Ros - Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust A much more approachable album from the mysterious Icelandic ensemble.
2. Envy Corps - Dwell Incredible debut album from the boys from Ames, IA. Listen and be amazed.
1. Jeremy Messersmith - The Silver City This is an absolutely gorgeous record, masterfully produced by Grammy Winner Dan Wilson. Sounds like being in the Twin Cities.
Honorable Mention: Jack’s Mannequin - The Glass Passenger, TV On The Radio - Dear Science, and Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst
No Coldplay??
Posted by: Jon | December 22, 2008 at 11:16 AM
I'm love'n Bon Iver!!!! Danka
Posted by: Tory | December 24, 2008 at 11:06 AM
ew, of course no Coldplay. When they release another "Rush of Blood..." then we can talk.
Paul,
What do you get when you ask two quasi-hip-midwestern-white-male-post evangelical-pentecostals what their favorite albums of the year are? Really similar lists :)
Posted by: Tony | December 31, 2008 at 03:08 AM