Maybe I’m just tired of so many indie-pop singers who can’t carry a tune, esp. live. Couldn’t get into Spiritualized but I’ll have to check out Human Highway and Dutchess/Duke.

and no Nick Cave???

Vijay = King Tut? Tan you’re rough…rippin KT for that?

I’ll have to agree with Nathan on Wolf Parade. We both heard the new album and were slightly let down. It’s not horrible by any means, but it doesn’t deserve a spot in this list.

As for my scathing comments about King Tut. Let it be known that I had no freaking idea King Tut = Vijay. I was only trying to pull the haters off of Ramsky. Apologies have been made and hopefully accepted. From now on, what King Tut says… goes.

As for Bon Iver…I just don’t think it worked for me this year. I have this feeling that in a year or two I will listen to it and hate myself for not appreciating it earlier, but as of now, I just can’t get into it.

Our lack of hip-hop knowledge led us to leave out Lil Wayne. I will claim to know a great deal about hip-hop circa 90-97, but aside from that, I dare not venture down that path. I would love it if someone with knowledge wanted to drop by from time to time to review a hip-hop album for us.

Bon Iver and Wolf Parade are the only glaring omissions I can see from my vantage point. “Bon Iver – wins award for most overrated act of 2008.” You cold RayRay… c. o. l. d.

Strong showing aside from that. Good job ATH.

I was a little jaded on Sigur Ros after their past releases, too. The new album was a pleasant surprise, though. It doesn’t exactly bother me that it didn’t make the list. Seems like it might be out of place here. Same goes for Tha Carter III, but that hardly qualifies it as being “garbage”.

Comparisons of Lil’ Wayne to Radiohead can and will only be made by someone who doesn’t appreciate hip-hop (i.e. King Tut). It’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. If the closest frame of reference you have to hip-hop is OK Computer, you shouldn’t even comment on hip-hop albums. If you don’t like hip-hop… that’s cool, but don’t s**t on other people’s opinions.

I think I might just be tired of Sigur Ros. I’m sure that album is great, but Sigur Ros just wasn’t doing it for me this year. I have the live DVD/album and all their old material and that’s enough for me.

I’m not sure using none of your own material is considered an album. Girl Talk is a party in a box, but that record is more of a mix tape to me.

Death Cab’s album wasn’t bad.

Good list, really is. Haven’t heard most of this stuff, but on that note, haven’t had the same access as you. If I reviewed an album a day for a year, i’d probably agree with you. But I’ll be checking this stuff out going forward. Love the black keys inclusion.

I really enjoyed the Raconteur’s second album. Just a great, great, rock and roll album. I know you don’t have a meat and potatoes rock and roll bias because the Hold Steady is up there (appropriately so.) Great ACL fest set as well.

Also,
Sigur Ros had a great album this year. Much more accessible, yet still as bombastic, epic, mindblowing as the older stuff. Definitely on the short list of bands i have to see live. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

Girl Talk is a party in a box.

Album to give another serious listen after initially dismissing:
Death Cab for Cutie – Narrow Stairs

Lil Wayne – I think King Tut nailed that one.

Vampire Weekend – Full of some great singles, but the album itself is pretty dull after a few listens. I think seeing one of their boring ass live shows made us leave that one off. Not a cohesive album at all.

MGMT – Same story. Lots of really good singles, but the second half of the album is mostly filler. This album was released digitally in October of 07 so we didn’t even consider it.

Gnarls Barkley – This album bored me to tears. I tried really hard to get into it, but how do you say… “I miss the rising action”? Danger Mouse has been pretty hit or miss with me on his stuff.

Santogold – uhhhhh no. I can’t take this chick for more than one song or two. I love “Creator”, but I’ve had about enough after that.

Bon Iver – wins award for most overrated act of 2008.

Dr. Ram, Tha Carter III is garbage. If I wanted to listen to a robot sing for an entire album, I’d just put track 7 off OK Computer on repeat. But maybe Gnarls Barkley or Santogold?