Best Music of 2008

1)  Stokingtheroot’s Best Music of 2008 List (in no particular order)

The Tallest Man On Earth – Shallow Grave

The Tallest Man on Earth was spun constantly while I was on tour because it’s just that kind of record.  It makes you want to travel and meet new people.  To tell you the truth, Shallow Grave reminded me of the way I felt the first time I listened to Bob Dylan’s The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan and that’s a pretty big compliment.  Beautifully intricate guitar lines coupled with poetically nonsensical lyrics and a great folksy voice made this record stand out.

Snatch it HERE.

Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago

For Emma, Forever Ago is a more delicate record than Shallow Grave.  FE,FA relies on sparse guitar licks and the falsetto singing voice of Justin Vernon to differentiate it from other singer/songwriter types.  I’ve written about Bon Iver several times on this blog and don’t want to over do my praise, so just to reiterate my feelings, go buy this record, it’s fantastic, you will not be disappointed.

Snatch it HERE.

…Who Calls So Loud – S/T + EP

…Who Calls So Loud’s S/T and EP are both excellent albums.  Both the drummer and guitarist are ex-members of Funeral Diner and it’s made evident by their meandering (in a good way) song structures and thoughtful musicianship.  Intense brooding buildups give way to emotional climaxes and the song simmers for a while before doing it all over again.  This is great music and I can’t wait to hear what this band does in ’09.

Snatch it HERE.

Algernon Cadwallader – Some Kind of Cadwallader

Holy shit, did Cap’ n Jazz reunite?  This is pretty much all I thought when I first listened to this band.  Is it wrong of me to say that this band creates that fun exciting feeling that dozens of pop-punk bands tried, and failed, to create?

You’ll be hard pressed to find a happier sounding “punk” album in ’08.

Snatch it HERE.

The Caution Children – Vacations

Vacations is the type of album you need to listen to before you close your eyes to go to sleep.  Grab a nice set of headphones, dim the lights, get comfortable in your bed, and throw on Vacations. You’ll probably be reminded of bands like Envy and Raein which is a very good thing.

“Stylistically their music straddles the line between post rock and screamo – the vocals are artsy (which I really love) and never feel dishonest or over dramatic.  Ian’s guitars are heavily saturated with delay and reverb making volume swells and buildups, two techniques this band is really good at, feel monumental.”  via my earlier review HERE.

Myspace HERE.

2) Honorable Mentions/Stuff I’ve Been Listening to that Wasn’t Released in ’08

Ruiner – Prepare to be Let Down

Good hardcore.  I really love the lyrics, which are totally personal but easy to relate to.  I’m also really digging the thick bass tone on this record.  Myspace HERE.

Sinaloa – Oceans of Islands

Artsy post punk.  Q and not U + Daniel Striped Tiger?  Love this guys singing style, which comes close to being a shout but not really a yell.  Myspace HERE.

Quebec – Together We Have Grown, Together We Shall Bloom

The closest band I can think of to compare these guys to is Circle Takes the Square.  Expansive songs  full of chaotic riffs with just enough structure to not turn the casual listener away.  Myspace HERE.

Coffin Dancer – Pax Romana Ep

Just brutal.

“Coffin Dancer reminds me of a more psychedelic sounding Funeral Diner ( guitars soaked with reverb, delay, and tremolo) with vocals that sound like they’re being yelled from the depths of hell.  Extremely sludgy and atmospheric hardcore.”  via my earlier review HERE.

Hop Along, Queen Ansleis - Freshman Year

An album that’s really hard to pigeonhole.  It’s definitely folk.  It’s really poppy.  Francis has an incredible voice.  Highly enjoyable.  An IfYouMakeIt.com video of her HERE.

Kind of Like Spitting – The Thrill of the Hunt

I can’t seem to get away from this album.  Honest “folkish” music from a great songwriter.  An earlier review/download HERE.

Ampere – All Our Tomorrows End Today

Raw, intense, intellectual hardcore.  Full Review HERE.

Radiohead – In Rainbows

You already know who they are and how much they rule.