Favourite Albums of 2008

I only have a grand total of 6 albums on my favourites list. Yeah, you read that right. 6 records from 6 different musicians. Why not 10 or even 20, you ask? Well, that's because I missed out on a lot of good stuff in 2008. And the rest didn't make my list because they weren't really my cup of tea.

Anyway, without further ado, I present to you my best-of 2008 list:


6. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

Bon Iver is the recording name of Wisconsin-based singer-songwriter Justin Vernon. After splitting up with his old band DeYarmond Edison in 2006, he went away to live in his dad's remote log cabin for 4 wintry months, and ended up purging his inner demons into songs. The result is Vernon's critically acclaimed debut album, comprising 9 emotionally charged songs. From start to finish, he sings in falsetto, backed by acoustic guitars and sparse melodies. Granted, not everybody likes a slow-burner like this, but if you enjoy gorgeous low-fi tunes (and Iron & Wine), For Emma, Forever Ago is worth a spin.

Download:
Bon Iver - Skinny Love


5. Laura Marling - Alas I Cannot Swim

Laura Marling is certainly wise beyond her years. Only 18, she sings about love, pain and regret like an old soul. Her debut album Alas I Cannot Swim is a folk gem, drawing comparisons to established names such as Joni Mitchell. In fact, this record was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 2008. Marling's vocals are so heartfelt and emotive, and the lyrics are astonishingly mature for someone her age. In "Night Terror", one of my personal favourites off the album, she sings like a tortured woman about a lover having a nightmare. Simply put, it is hauntingly beautiful. Alas I Cannot Swim also incorporates elements of country, pop and rock.




4. Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs

Death Cab for Cutie probably needs no introduction. The indie rock quartet released their breakthrough album Transatlanticism in 2003, and subsequently catapulted to fame with 2005's Plans. With their sixth studio album Narrow Stairs, they took on a different sound, crafting a wonderful assortment of songs ranging from the 8½ minute epic "I Will Possess Your Heart" (about a crazy stalker) to the usual, more upbeat fare like "No Sunlight" (paired with depressing lyrics). Though in my opinion Narrow Stairs can never match the brilliant record that is Transatlanticism, it comes in a close second.





3. Rachael Yamagata - Elephants... Teeth Sinking Into Heart

Rachael Yamagata is a perennial favourite of mine. After 2004's Happenstance, it took her 4 long years to release her sophomore record Elephants... Teeth Sinking Into Heart. Nonetheless, the album is truly well worth the wait. It is split into 2 CDs -- Elephants showcases the heartwrenching tunes the smoky songstress is famous for (in the vein of Happenstance) while Teeth Sinking Into Heart is Yamagata's tribute to garage rock. It is refreshing to see her channeling PJ Harvey for a change! This underrated singer-songwriter deserves greater recognition for her effort, and Elephants... Teeth Sinking Into Heart looks set to change all that.



2. Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue

Acid Tongue isn't just Jenny Lewis' record. It is the work of the talented Rilo Kiley frontwoman, plus luminaries such as her boyfriend Johnathan Rice, Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward (both of the She & Him fame), Elvis Costello -- and boy, have they created something so delightfully fun. Combining elements of gospel, country, pop and rock, it is a nod towards its folk-tinged predecessor Rabbit Fur Coat, with a bit more rock sensibilities thrown in. Don't get what I mean? Listen to this record to have a taste of Lewis' genius.

Download:
Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue




1. Emiliana Torrini - Me and Armini

Icelandic singer-songwriter Emiliana Torrini's third international release tops the list as my most loved album of 2008. Listening to Me and Armini is like going on a musical journey, as Torrini explores a wide spectrum of sounds ranging from reggae (on the title track) to trip-hop (midway through the acoustic "Birds") to pop ("Big Jumps") to electro-rock ("Jungle Drums", "Gun"). In the final verse of "Gun", the pixie-like Torrini sings: "Hey look me in the barrel and tell me that you love me/Yes this is a kiss that I swear will blow your mind," displaying a much darker side of her that wasn't evident on previous releases. I really love "Dead Duck", an electro-popish number which clocks in at 5½ minutes.

Download:
Emiliana Torrini - Me And Armini (edit)