before the best… there’s the rest

There were some massive albums this year. There were some massive singles as well. Unfortunately, not every album was as massive as a particular song might have been, and as such, it fell off of my list; but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t deserve recognition for being great. Also, there were some fantastic albums that were released this year that didn’t meet the criteria for my year end list (EP, re-release, live album, best of collection), so, instead of just ignoring them, I thought I would compile a little “best of the rest list” before getting into the meat of my favorite 31 records of 2008. How does that sound?

Alright, here we go:
The Cardigans – Best Of: As much as I love the Cardigans (they are definitely amongst my favorite groups of all time), putting a Best Of collection amongst the other contenders kind of isn’t fair for the rest of the studio albums on the top 31 list; even if the record (a double record in this case) is amazing. That being said, it’s a great collection with a ton of songs that I hadn’t heard before, mostly because they were B sides or on soundtracks. If you love the Cardigans, it is a MUST have. It is a solid five star album.

Sara Bareilles – Between the Lines: Live at the Fillmore: What should I say that hasn’t been said before? Sara Bareilles is one of the most talented musicians out there right now, and she kills it on this live album. If you have seen her live, you know what I am talking about, and should already own this… if you haven’t seen her, get this, because the audio is amazing.

Robyn – Robyn: If this album would have been released this year, for the first time, it would have probably been number one (if not amongst the top spots) on this list. However, this CD was originally released in 2005, and there isn’t enough new here to make it a contender. That being said, IF this album had of been released this year, it would have fit perfectly; which is a testament as to how forward and amazing this record is… it can stand the test of 3 years, and do so effortlessly. I can’t wait for the next record from Robyn.

Antony and the Johnsons – Another World EP: I love Antony and the Johnsons, and if this EP is any indication as to what we have in store from his next full length release in January, well, you will see this name again next year around this time. The first song on this EP is breathtakingly amazing.

Kaiser Chiefs – Off With Their Heads: Here’s a great record that didn’t connect with me as much as their previous release, but it’s definitely a good record, and I am glad that it’s in my collection.

She & Him – Volume One: It was Paste Magazine’s number one, and while I do really love this record, it didn’t resonate with me on that level. Zooey Deschanel’s voice is amazing; I can’t wait for volume two.

M83 – Saturdays=Youth: And here’s our first casualty ladies and gents… if there were 32 spots, it would be on the list. Fantastic record throughout, it just waivers at the end with the ultra long track, and that is really all that hurts it.

Dave Barnes – Me + You + The World: Here’s another album that should have made the list, but didn’t because there are only so many days in December. It’s a great record in the same vein as Jason Mraz with a little bit more Marc Broussard. There are some eloquent and beautiful songs on this album that captivate me every time I hear them.

Jesse McCartney – Departure: A solid pop album, with some definite movers and dance floor shakers on there. There are a ton of singles on this record, so I don’t know why he has only released two. Either way, he’s maturing nicely.

Ben Folds – Way to Normal: Another solid, and hilarious, album from the great Ben Folds. Just missed the cut, seriously.

Matt Alber – Hide Nothing:This one is kind of a conflict for me, because there are some AMAZING songs on it, but there are more than a couple filler tracks that really drug it down. I am definitely happy to have this in my music collection though, because when Matt’s good, he’s GREAT, seriously, seriously GREAT.

My Favorite Highway – How To Call A Bluff: There are some stunning songs on this album, and they remind me a lot of last year’s top ten group Melee, but they just missed the mark for this year’s list. Note that you cannot by the physical CD on amazon, so the link is for the MP3 CD. If you must only get one song, you have to get Bigger Than Love. That song is amazing.

Aqualung – Words & Music: Lastly, I HAVE to mention Aqualung, not only because he made my top ten last year, but because he released possibly one of the most amazingly beautiful songs on this record, called Arrivals. It is the last track of a record that feels sort of hurried, but there is nothing about this song that isn’t beautiful, sweet, and oh-so elegantly constructed. This is a MUST have just because of that one song, I tell you; I only wish the rest of the album would have been as amazing.

Alright, I PROMISE that the next blog post will be your number 31 CD… stay tuned… it’s coming soon!