2008 Spotlight

Ben Folds - Way to Normal

* 4. You Don't Know Me
* 8. Free Coffee
* 10. Brainwascht

Ben Folds gets back to his verbal warfare in this album. Revealing the personal and allegorical circumstances of his own life, Mr. Folds seems to have disclosed the typical. I was pleased with the reminiscent sound of Songs for Silverman throughout the album. Needless to say, Way to Normal shows Ben Folds' creative progress...it is something truly different for him.






















My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

* 8. Librarian
* 12. Smokin' from Shootin'
* 13. Touch Me I'm Going to Scream Pt. 2

Simply put... a stunning follow up to Z. Jim James and the band don't let us down with this innovative stream of songs. Some reviews have called it "quirky" and "eye poppingly annoying", no matter, you will feel evil urges to dance in your car or sing in your shower.






















Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

* 1. Flume
* 3. Skinny Love
* 4. The Wolves (Act I & II)

The album was widely acclaimed, receiving spots on critics' end-of-the-year lists, as well as several awards. Bon Iver emerged after hiding away in a cabin in Wisconsin during 2007 with this brilliant compilation. It partners tales of heartache and remembrance, along with love and longing. With this album, Bon Iver has become one of my favorite musical artists. He's onto something.






















The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely

* 1. Consoler of the Lonely
* 3. You Don't Understand Me
* 8. Many Shades of Black

Jack White and his buddies bring a big sound to this album. It has an Americana feel with what others are echoing as "chaos". Just listen to it.






















Coldplay - Viva la Vida

* 3. Lost!
* 4. 42
* 9. Strawberry Swing

Coldplay swept the nation and many other places around the world with this meticulously orchestrated, beautifully animated album. It contains elegant sound and climactic groove. A very well rounded LP indeed. To my surprise and enjoyment, the band's creative momentum is just starting to build.






















Vampire Weekend - Self titled

* 4. Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
* 9. I Stand Corrected
* 11. The Kids Don't Stand a Chance

The band is influenced by both African popular music and Western classical music, describing their genre of music as "Upper West Side Soweto". This album certainly has a different feel to it than anything I've ever heard. It might take a listen or two or maybe even three before you can dig it, but I know you can dig it.






















Kings of Leon - Only by the Night

* 3. Sex on Fire
* 6. Revelry
* 7. 17

The only thing that can be said of Kings of Leon is, infectious. Their musicianship and song writing is phenomenal. From the beginning of this album 'til the end, you will be drumming your thighs. I'm a fan of the band's older stuff, but Only by the Night isn't a let down.