Aaron's Top 10 Records of 2008

I tend to have a love/hate relationship with this time of year. Friends and family are always around but the decision to narrow down all the films and music you listen to over the year to a measly 10 rips me apart. Suffice to say I made it out alright this time and I think I may have my 'Top Records' of this year down so hear goes....

10. Does It Offend You, Yeah? -You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into

Electronica usually isn't my thing but I loved this album. Dance Punk. Electro. Whatever you want to call it, it still stands as one of the best records of the year.

9. The Photo Atlas - No. Not Me, Never.

Easiest way to put it. If At the Drive In was still around and didn't collapse it to jam bandin' ala Mars Volta they would probably sound alittle bit like these kids.

8. Verse en Coma - Rialto

This thing would be further up on my list if it contained more than 5 tracks. This thing, however, is a little beast. The boys of such hardcore roots as Pg 99, City of Catapillar, and Malady converge into a work of true beauty. Everyone should own this baby.

7. Lite - Phantasia

Math Rock at its finest. This Japanese instrumental band is a true work of brilliance. Stroke of genius in strides.

6. Bridge and Tunnel - East/West

Therse Brooklyn boys and girls nearly snuck on pass me buried in a pile of medicore promos. So glad I took the time to give them a try. Hot Water Music mixed with Braid/Hey Mercedes throw in some rough and tough female vocals on occasion and there you have it. Give this band a few more records and they may be quote names themselves.

5. Jaguar Love - Take Me to the Sea

I honestly thought I was going to dig Jordan Billie's post- Blood Brothers project, Past Lives, more than Johnny Whitney's but man was I wrong. With the addition of master musican Jay Clark involved, they really can't do no harm. Very accessible but in a good way.  

4. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

Pretentious? Sure. Overhyped? You bet. A clusterfuck of a record? Check. But really who gives a shit, this thing is a great listen. Can't wait for number 2.

3. Sebastien Grainger - Sebastien Grainger & the Mountains

Come on, could you expect nothing but greatness from my favorite Canuck. Rising from the ashes of Death From Above, Grainger took a while to finally release this beast but it was worth the wait. The record just flows together so nicely. The man's got soul and isn't afraid to show it off.

2. Foals - Antidotes

Dear Sub Pop. You are some smart fuckers. This album is brilliant. The best Dance Rock record in quite sometime. Hell, one of the best records period in quite sometime. Thanks for release this monster.

1. Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight

Honestly, I don't know what to say about this record. I listen to it everyday. It is one of those rare albums you can never get tired of hearing. Really, theres nothing else to be said about it. If you don't own it by now, you have a problem.