mary's favorite albums of 2008

True full-length albums that were important this year were few and far between, but I found a few gems... :)
here are my top albums for 2008, in actual order…


My Morning Jacket ~ Evil Urges (ATO Records)

How can a band always put out such wonderfully eclectic, melodic, AM-Gold loving albums and grow at the same time? I have no idea but Jim James and the boys did it beautifully and have released a terrific, consistently schizophrenic collection of songs that make up "Evil Urges". a true soundtrack to the year for me.


Kings of Leon ~ Only By the Night (RCA Records)

Another case of a band growing consistently and putting out an outstanding career record. i like the fact that you can hear every word on this one too...Jacob said he did that so his grandmother could finally enjoy one of their records... :) for me, it's the purest southern comfort.

The Black Keys ~ Attack & Release (Nonesuch)

I will never get tired of hearing this record. the whole piece has a perfectly produced blues rock sound without getting cheesy. guitar, guitar, guitar....mmmm.....Strange Times indeed....

Earlimart ~ Hymn & Her (Major Domo)
A dreamy, warm record of great harmonies. "God Loves You Best" sounds like Eliott Smith happy and in love with himself and is a beautiful dedication from the band to their mentor. there is a phrase called "desert guitar" that applies here and it's always something I love to hear (see Calexico below)

MGMT ~ Oracular Spectacular (Columbia)

In all honesty, the album is 'top-heavy' to me. the first half of the record is really the outstanding portion and I dare say, I could live with just the first 6 tracks. i look at it as a treat for myself in the future when i go back and listen to the record again and the second half fits in with my life as well as the first half did in 2008. "love must be forgotten, life can always start anew"


The Clash ~ Live at Shea Stadium (Epic/Legacy)

It's the Clash, it's live and it's amazing. you can hear the adrenaline and the crowd...if you don't know what's going on, just ask your neighbor what that's all about....


Robot Tank – Regret EP

all 5 songs will get stuck in your head at some point over the course of a few months. original but familiar melodies that are incredibly catchy. poignant lyrics and amazing, talented musicians creating this new sound from arizona.


Radiohead ~ In Rainbows (ATO Records)

it came out on vinyl and CD this year, in my world that’s where it counts. This album is what I was waiting for as a Radiohead fan. OK Computer is a personal favorite of mine and this album feels like a more mature, non-robot talking follow-up in many ways. either that's emotional or i'm reaching....either way, it fits me just fine.


Does It Offend You, Yeah? ~ You Have No Idea What You're Getting Into (Virgin)

I'm not really sure why I love this record so much....oh wait, could it be the spaz energy of "Let's Make Out" or the pure '80s melodic treat of "Dawn of the Dead"? this album is a shot in the arm.


Adele - 19 (Columbia)

it's the voice that just can't be overlooked. this is one of those records that if you play, people always ask about because it's actually good and intriguing. "hometown glory" alone carries the record and is a great reflection of 2008...."shows that we ain't gonna stand shit, shows that we are united, shows that we ain't gonna take it"

The Whigs ~ Mission Control (ATO Records)

I adore this record. It's a driving kind of album and lyrics you sing along to at the top of your lungs.

The Night Marchers "See You In Magic" (Vagrant)
Calexico "Carried To Dust" (Quarterstick)
Santogold "Santogold"
Girl Talk "Feed The Animals"
Mitch Hedberg "Do You Believe In Gosh?"
The Ting Tings "We Started Nothing"
Weezer "Red Album"
Puscifer "V is for Vagina"