December 31, 2008 - Top 10 Albums of 2008!

This morning's show featured songs from my Top 10 Albums of 2008 list. This list was actually really hard to make... there were lots of albums that came out, but not a lot that I really thought "Oh yeah, this is going on my Top 10 list." I really had a Top 1 and the other 20 albums are kind of jumbled up, depending on my mood. However, I had to make a decision and the following list is what I came up with. I should give some honorable mentions to: Sloan's best album in year "Parallel Play," Fleet Foxes' self-titled album, and Jack Johnson's album "Sleep through the Static." Here are the albums, which is opposite of how I played them on air (with #10 being at 6am and #1 being around 8am).

See you on the air next year!

1. Blitzen Trapper - Furr
The first time I heard this band was at Amgio's when they opened for Stephen Malkmus. They blew me away. I bought their album promptly after their set. When I heard their album for the first time I couldn't believe how good it was. It kicked me in the pants it was so good! It has rarely left my regular cycle of music-listening since I heard it in October. I knew immediately that this would be my #1 album of 2008. Everything paled in comparison. Great songwriting, great musicality, and wicked arrangements. Amazing!
God + Suicide
Not your Lover
Love U
Furr

2.The Breeders - Mountain Battles
I did not expect to like this album as much as I do. However, the album as a whole is so fantastic! I'm glad that they are back and making great music!
We're Gonna Rise
Istanbul

3. Ladyhawk - Shots
I love this band - its raw, grunge sound with melodic vocals is just so wonderful. It's harsh and beautiful at the same time. Plus, the guys in this band are super nice and just really love music.
I Don't Always Know What You're Saying

4. Elliott Brood - Mountain Meadows
Elliott Brood is one of the best live bands that I've ever seen. This album isn't as dark as "Ambassador," which I am happy for. I could listen to this album on repeat for days... if it wouldn't drive the rest of the people in my life mad.
Write it all Down for You
Miss you Now

5. Farideh - Symphony of Chemistry
A great album by a local Saskatoon artist. Her beautiful voice and down-to-earth lyrics make this album simply wonderful. Heartache and winter... yes, they go hand-in-hand.
Prison of our Love

6. The Black Keys - Attack and Release
I love The Black Keys. I can't see myself missing out on having them on a Top 10 Albums list ever. This album was produced by Danger Mouse and is less raw than Magic Potion, but the guys got a little more creative and branched out into other instruments. Don't get me wrong, I love the guitar-drums duo, but sometimes an album just needs a little more. This album gave a lot more.
All You Ever Wanted
Strange Times

7. The Gruff - A Trail of Missing Thoughts
I was introduced to this band later this year and was glad to have bought their album at their show. This album is a good mix of Phaedra and Jenny's songwriting, both with different styles and both awesome. Gotta love the ladies that play and sing about whiskey! Also, Phaedra drums while standing up and singing - now THAT'S talent!
The Make
Holes in my Jeans
Five Star

8. Hey Rosetta! - into your lungs
I love this album because of the ups and downs that seem to mirror my life. The musicians in this band are great and together they put out a great album. You can hardly even tell that they are from The Rock! (ie. Newfoundland)
i've been asleep for a long, long time
there's an arc

9. Hawksley Workman - Between the Beautifuls
I have fallen in love with Hawksley this year - his live show is amazing, his albums this year are amazing, and he is a great producer. I couldn't not have this album on my Top 10 Albums. It came out earlier in the year and I almost forgot about it, but I re-listened to it over the past couple of weeks and knew it had to be on here. Gotta love his quirky style and amazing talent!
all the trees are hers
alone here (ballad of bunches of things)

10. Serena Ryder - is it o.k. (Maple Music)
I think that Serena Ryder looked into my soul and then wrote this album. Apparently we were both going through break-ups at the same time. Hers, however, turned into an amazing album... mine... well, hasn't turned into anything quite as spectacular. This album is so emotional and heart-wrenching that sometimes I have to turn it off and just think about what she has just sang. Even though Serena has kind of "sold out" to commercial pop-whatevers, there will always be a special place in my heart for this artist that I got to interveiw a few years ago and watch go from playing small pubs to large crowds and make a living! She's just a great woman with an awesome voice and amazing song-writing abilities. I &hearts you, Serena!
Why Can't I Love You
All for Love
Little bit of Red