Kings of Leon – Only By The Night (2008)

The first thing I did upon getting Only By The Night was to skip through each track and make sure that nothing sounded like “Charmer” off of Because of the Times. And, thankfully, nothing did. Kings of Leon have returned to once again inoculate the world with their divergent and addicting southern influenced indie rock—and they sound extremely refined, thoughtful, and quite frankly, better than ever. Awesome from beginning to end, the vocals, lyrics, and music have reached a heightened level of maturity and development. I personally don’t hear any of the glitches that hampered portions of the three previous albums, although I’m often overly critical of bands I really like. I always, and increasingly, expect great things from Kings of Leon, and with Only By The Night they do not disappoint. If you do not own this album by the end of the month, you should be embarrassed.

Current favorites are the so called single, "Sex on Fire," "Closer," and "Be Somebody," but you can't go wrong with any of them.

Eric’s Favorite Albums from 2016

1.  Frightened Rabbit - Painting of a Panic Attack    

Love me some Frightened Rabbit. The National's Aaron Dessner's fingerprints are all over this album, and the partnership is a hauntingly beautiful one. Somehow, this album is both deeply sad and uplifting at the same time. Seeing this album performed live flawlessly was also an amazing experience.      

2. Paul Cauthen - My Gospel     

Great throwback country album; cut from the same cloth as Merle and Waylon. This album probably benefitted the most from being released late in the year, because its been front of mind for the last few weeks, and I can't stop listening.   

          

3. Augustines - This is Your Life

Of course, by now I'm super predictable with my Augustines love, but even after nearly a decade of Augustines/Pela fandom, I still find the passion and emotion in their songs to be nothing short of addicting. If they are truly calling it quits for good, I will forever miss putting their albums in my top ten lists.              

4. Sturgill Simpson - A Sailor’s Guide to Earth    

 

Another country throwback who can channel the great ones with his own creativity. Clearly, the album is revered in and out of the country music scene and its really not surprising why. 

      

5. Photo Ops - Vacation

I think most people needed a good feel-good album during this rather dark 2016, and Vacation was that album for me. Echoing the harmonies and patience of Pet Sounds, this album washes over you like a warm summer day and lifts the spirits like an ice cold High Life.

6. Michael Kiwanuka - Love & Hate        

One of the more thought-provoking and emotional albums of the year for me. Kiwanuka gives his powerful tracks time to develop, which may turn some people off, but damn does he do a good job of capturing the mood. This is a brilliant album. 

7. Lake Jons - Explore EP              

I don't usually put EPs on my top ten albums list, but this one did an exception job of winning me over with just six stellar tracks. Watch out world, Finland's coming!     

        

8. The Record Company - Give It Back To You    

Rock and roll, people, doesn't lie. The Record Company gets down to business with some bluesy, rockin' tracks that come straight at you like some of the best bands from the 70s.  

9. Kings of Leon - WALLS             

KoL bounces back from the mailed-in Mechanical Bull album with WALLS. Do I love WALLS beginning to end? No. However, the 7 or 8 tracks that I do like are good enough to carry this album into the Top 10 for me. What can I say, I just like Kings of Leon.  

10. The Bones of J.R. Jones - Spirit’s Furnace      

Folksy, bluesy, and catchy... you put this on, and people will want to know who it is, how you found him, and when he's coming to town.     

11. Pete Yorn - ArrangingTime  

"She Was Weird" was my favorite track, but there are a lot of memorable songs packed into this album. A very pleasant collection of organized, multifaceted tracks.     

12. The Cave Signers - Banchee

One of favorite "acquired taste" bands. I kept forgetting about and then remembering this album, and listened to it a ton at work. The Cave Signers are certainly not for everyone, but this album works for me.           

13. Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes - Bemidji     

        

Another EP! "Always/Never" is the track that drew me end, but the rest of the album makes you want to stay. I definitely over-listened to this album.    

14. Kishi Bashi - Sonderlust        

I am a huge Kishi Bashi fan and love his live show. This album dropped off a little bit for me from his prior releases, but his talent and songwriting are still astounding.   

15. Kaleo - A/B 

The best tracks off this album have been out as singles for quite some time, so I didn't feel as excited by the full album when it dropped. With a little more polish, this band should be able to do amazing things in the upcoming years.

Outside Lands 2010 - Sunday Preview

Day two of a music festival always has its challenges: Fatigue, due to standing for six sets in tight quarters; hangover, due to one to many trips to the microbrew stand; motivation (or lack-there-of), due to the daunting spectacle of dealing with the massive crowds, clingy dirt, nauseous bathrooms and general festival madness for another 10 or so hours. Nevertheless, there are still bands to be seen and fun to be had, so here is QuickCrit's ideal Sunday schedule for this weekend's Outside Lands Festival.

Sunday (Time - Stage):

The Soft Pack (12:45 - Twin Peaks) Originally from San Diego, The Soft Pack combines the influences of surf rock, power pop, punk and garage rock to create a truly Californian blend of indie rock. I have never seen them live, but they have a fun, catchy sound with plenty of hooks, so whether you have heard them or not, they should be good for an early day starter-upper.

The Devil Makes Three (2:10 - Twin Peaks) The Devil Makes Three, out of Santa Cruz, may be good on their albums, but they are even better live. The punked-up old-timey blugrass translates well to the outdoor, up-close-and-personal atmosphere. Additionally, they’re sure to draw plenty of local DM3 loyalists, ensuring an authentically enthusiastic hoedown.

Al Green (4:00 - Lands End) He’s the supreme Al Green and his voice is still silky and smooth. Sure, Edward Sharpe may lead his minions in a new age revival, but Green is an actual preacher and a soul legend. Are you really going to pass that up for a communal sing along?

Chromeo (5:15 - Twin Peaks) Awmercy says: Decisions, decisions. I loved Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix and I’m sure they are great live, but when it comes down to it I’d rather get down, and the discerning dancers will be headed over to Chromeo’s stage. No doubt they will bring their funky electronic grind, so grab your shades and let’s get spastic.

Phoenix (5:55 - Lands End) Nightrain says: The Frenchmen have some of biggest and most recognizable hits in the rock arena today and have ascended to a level of star-dome that places them almost exclusively in large, fancy venues with ticket prices to match. This will be an opportunity to see Phoenix without what feels like ridiculous overhead costs and the show should be one to behold as the speedway will be packed for a high-energy, full hour set followed by Kings of Leon. In contrast, Chromeo, although excellent, is not at Phoenix’s level of popularity or demand, and their electro-dance party can be better enjoyed inside... like at The Independent later in the evening.

Kings of Leon (7:20 - Lands End)  This is the band that many people will come specifically to see with the bulk of the other performers simply serving as an added bonus. Coming off a recently abandoned show due to a pigeon poo assault from above, a few months spent writing and recording their new album, and serving as the headliners for major festivals around the globe, these road-hardened southern rock "veterans" should mix some new material in with their sing-a-long classics. A perfect way to bring your festival experience to a close.

Notables you will miss should you adhere to this schedule: The Whigs, Freelance Whales, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, The Levon Helm Band, Tokyo Police Club, Cat Power, Wild Beasts, Amos Lee, The Temper Trap, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Slightly Stoopid, Social Distortion, Empire of the Sun.

QC10 - NightraiN's Top 18 Albums from 2008 - 2017

Editor's Note: After 10 years of submitting year-end Top 10 lists, frequent contributors are going back and picking out their favorite albums from those lists.

Augustines - Augustines (2014)

A longtime fan of these guys back to the Pela days. They have a few albums to select from, but this one stands out as such an amazing album. Tons of emotion and energy that makes every track (and live installment) fantastically good. Sad to see that they have hung up their instruments as a band, but lots of good memories associated with the tracks on this album.

Frightened Rabbit - Painting Of A Panic Attack (2016)

Love me some Frightened Rabbit. The National's Aaron Dessner's fingerprints are all over this album, and the partnership is a hauntingly beautiful one. Somehow, this album is both deeply sad and uplifting at the same time -- goosebumps, reflective thoughts, whiskey, hope. Seeing this album performed live flawlessly was also an amazing experience.

The National - High Violet (2010)

Like the above, something about The National is so deeply comforting and passionate that it makes me reflectively sad and inexplicably happy at the same time -- the perfect mix of musically induced emotion. Clearly, this combination resonates with me... keep it coming.

Lucero - 1372 Overton Park (2009)

I love Lucero and pretty much all things Ben Nichols. It is hard to call out just one Lucero album during this time period, but this one stands out for me. An album with that rare combination of... well... everything. Oh, the horns! This one will stand the test of time!

Delta Spirit - Into The Wide (2014)

In a year of good albums, this one really stands out with the rockers really rocking and balanced well with the solid slower jams. 

Portugal. The Man - American Ghetto (2010)

They are funky and fun. They rock the house every time. Love me some P.TM.

Frightened Rabbit - Midnight Organ Fight (2008)

There is a lot to like: The accents, the strummy guitar, the impassioned lyrics, the imperfect, yet honest & heartfelt vocals. This is an album for all moods, and certainly, one that rises above the other offering of 2008 for its vigor and passion. Bravo!

Ha Ha Tonka - Lessons (2013)

Put on the album, turned off the lights, got in the shower... and rocked out to the who entire thing. Best album listening experience of the entire year.

The White Buffalo - Shadows, Greys, and Evil Ways (2013)

One of my favorite Americana artists of all time. The story of Jolene + Joe seems to get better with every listen... touching and epic.

Kings of Leon - Only By Night (2008)

Always solid, the Kings of Leon deliver perhaps their best album to date. They cannot be denied!

Kishi Bashi - Lightght (2014)

After seeing Kishi Bashi live in a number of settings, the love for this album has only increased. Immense talent shines through on these finely crafted tunes.

Matthew Logan Vasquez - Does What He Wants (2017)

MLV does whatever he wants... and it almost always turns out really good! Delta Spirit's frontman is a funny, talented dude and this album spans the full spectrum from playful electric to touching acoustic. Do yourself a favor and absorb it all now!

The Black Keys - Brothers (2010)

These dudes are legends already... this album and especially a few choice tracks just heightens their profile that much more. Sick.

The album art is awesome as well.

William Elliott Whitmore - Field Songs (2011)

Connected with this album more than any other this year. Great, emotional songwriting and vocals -- soulful, passionate, salt of the earth.

Owl John - Owl John (2014)

This is what it sounds like to look into someone's soul. Scott Hutchison was as troubled as he was talented, but I'm thankful for all that he was willing to share with the world. If you are a fan of Freighted Rabbit like me, you'll dig this solo effort.

Photo Ops - Vacation (2016)

I think most people needed a good feel-good album during this rather dark 2016, and Vacation was that album for me. Echoing the harmonies and patience of Pet Sounds, this album washes over you like a warm summer day and lifts the spirits like an ice cold High Life.

Alberta Cross - Broken Side of Time (2009)

I anticipated the release of this one with great fervor, and when it was finally released, I was not let down.

Japandroids - Near to the Wild Heart of Life (2017)

I was already a fan, but this album accentuated my fondness. Fuzzy rock-punk perfect for (mostly) uptempo runs and impassioned sing-a-longs. A recipe for awesomeness!

2010 Music Survey Results - Top 50 Albums (21-30)

# 21

MGMT - Congratulations (April 13, 2010)

"When I was a kid, I heard the Supertramp song "Breakfast in America" and I was, somehow, deeply affected by it. This bubblegum pop song made me feel like I was, in a way, rushing towards a future that contained things my 10 year old consciousness couldn't fathom. Well, 30 years later, this album makes me feel that way too. Or, I may be having a stroke..." - Rain

"A classic sophomore curveball. Congratulations finds MGMT abandoning their synth-pop utopia for much darker territory.This is the comedown, the freak-out... the claustrophobic nightmare after the dream. Transfigurations this violent can be frightening for the world at large but make no mistake- this is a work of courageous quality and you get the feeling that this may just be the beginning of a brilliant career." - Luc

# 22

Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown (October 19, 2010)

"Kings of Leon could write songs about unicorns and fairy dust and it would still sound sexy. The gut wrenching, sexified vocals of Anthony Followell are still there and could make any girl swoon (or make out with the closest guy)" - Layne

"The music was a little slower than what I anticipated." - Julia

# 23

Twin Shadow - Forget (September 28, 2010)

"Soaked in the '80s. Love those thumpy bass lines and Talking Heads-esque vocals. Rising on the significant other scale as the year ends." - Jeremy

"'At My Heels' creates an instant dance party in our house...  even for the member of our family who can't walk yet." - Ancient Indian Wizard

# 24

Broken Bells - Broken Bells (March 9, 2010)

"We used 'The Ghost Inside' in a skate clip at work this year.  I got to hear the song like 100 times and I still love it." - Ancient Indian Wizard

"I was sad when the Shins stopped making interesting music. This album combines James Mercer's unique voice with an updated sound. Solid album" - Brasilliant

# 25

The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang (June 15, 2010)

"Fresh and refreshing, but with an old-style influence and character. So awesome on album & in person." - NightraiN

"Fuck those Jersey Shore kids, Gaslight's killer tunes make me proud to be a Jersey native." - Mona

# 26

Wolf Parade - Expo 86 (June 29, 2010)

"A solid third release from a band that always puts out flawless and exciting indie rock albums.  I fucking love Wolf Parade, there's really not much else I can say." - Mona

"Perhaps the greatest triumph of our modern independent rock is it's acknowledgment & mastery of every era of rock music. Wolf Parade's Spencer Krug & Dan Broeckner seamlessly merge the hiccup of post punk & 90's indie with the guitar crunch & epic scope of classic rock. Expo thinks hard and rocks harder... and it's damn good driving music." - Luc

"Another artist whom I'd come close to finding kinship with in recordings past, Wolf Parade nailed it for me this year with Expo '86.  Another band I should have seen live this year but had to miss, sadly. Dreamy, ominous, and rockin'." - Tex

"This has been a grower on me... Jerky, jumpy and energetic." - NightraiN

"Love everything they do, but needs a little more time to marinate." - Ernesto

# 27

Hillstomp - Darker The Night (July 20, 2010)

"A two-man wrecking crew that pounds and sweats out the blues with hypnotic guitar riffs, 5-gallon buckets and a country-mile of duct tape." - awmercy

"My favorite new band this year. More banjo please." - Sandenuts

# 28

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach (March 9, 2010)

"Very different kind of sound (as always) and pretty awesome, though I wouldn't say I loved all the songs." - Julia

# 29

Sharon Van Etten - Epic (September 21, 2010)

"Great songs, outstanding voice. I'm a sucker for a little slide guitar too. One song sounds like The Cranberries and I don't even mind." - Jeremy

# 30

Free Energy - Stuck On Nothing (May 4, 2010)

"Feel good classic rock. Every song feels like a celebration of youth, friends and just having fun." - awmercy

"Like awesome 70s FM radio never went away. And, for my own list, something other than Americana/roots." - JasonT

Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown (2010)

If you are reading this blog, then there probably isn't much that I can tell you about this band that you haven't already read online. Thus, I'll spare you the pointless biographical ramblings. I will tell you, however, that this is a very good album, albeit quite similar to Only by the Night in expression and production. Thankfully, Come Around Sundown is not simply a reincarnation of "Sex on Fire" in album form, as it is less likely to get you dancing, and more likely to help you get intimate. A number of the jams channel the slowed-down, sensuous sing-along tracks that your lady-friends insisted on butchering the lyrics to from previous albums. Nevertheless, tracks like the first single "Radioactive" and the growling "No Money" brings the sound around full circle to the days of hard-charging southern rock. Moreover, the made-for-karaoke "Birthday" will surely be annoying bartenders nationwide as an overplayed jukebox staple.

I think that those who may find this album disappointing are the folks who got to the KOL party early and long for the stripped-down presentation off of their early efforts. Unfortunately for that crowd, the days of Youth and Young Manhood are gone forever and you have to let the band grow up and develop their big-venue, glossy image and sound. They can't all be "indie" forever. I personally like the casual saunter and amusing lyrics of "Mi Amigo" (shouldn't it be Amiga?), the thunderous bass leading into the "Closer"esque "The End" and the back-porch twang of "Back Down South." It is all bueno from my perspective.

Kings Of Leon now have, what I consider to be, five great albums. Criticism may end up being dolled out describing this album as "safe" or "mainstream" (negative words in the music reviewing lexicon), but in truth, all bands eventually fall into that trap. What we have here may not be ground-breaking, but it is very, very enjoyable, so I'll indulge... feel free to join me.

Top 35 Albums from 2008

Here are the results of the 2008 Quickcrit Survey. The survey asked contributors, readers, and friends to list:

• up to 10 favorite albums from 2008
• up to 5 favorite songs from 2008
• up to 5 favorite albums released before 2008
• their favorite concert
• and their biggest disappointment

115 different albums made at least one person's list. These are the top 35 albums, all chosen by at least two people. 21 of those were reviewed earlier this year. The rest of our favorite albums will be posted tomorrow, followed by our favorite singles, non-2008 albums, and concerts later this week.

Thanks to everyone who participated.

1. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
   “Check out the singles ‘Flume’ and ‘Skinny Love’.” -April
   “Precious.” - HotCatato
   “Another surprising album. In a year where many hours were filled with reading and library time, ‘For Emma’ and I built an extremely intimate relationship from early in the year to date.” -Nightrain
   “Reserved for after sunset or the coveted Sunday afternoon playtimes.” - Tex
   “Good for moping about the house, feeling bittersweet and introspective.” -Thecranewife
   
   
2. Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
   “I really had to consciously make myself stop listening to this record for fear that I would ruin it for myself. ‘Head Rolls Off’ is so damn good...” -ancientindianwizard
   “This album stands alone at the top for me this year. There is a lot to like: the accents, the strummy guitar, the impassioned lyrics, and the imperfect, yet honest & heartfelt vocals. This is an album for all moods, and certainly one that rises above the other offering of 2008 for its vigor and passion. Bravo!” -Nightrain
   “This album is sweaty and honest. This band has a music video with little kids dancing. This band is Scottish.” -Thecranewife
   “Nightrain suggested this CD on quickcrit and it quickly became one my favorite albums to listen to at work.” -ve1cro
   
   
3. Sigur Rós- Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust
   “My sleepytime album of the year. A track called ‘Gobbledigook"’? Awesome!” -ancientindianwizard
   “Saw this Icelandic band at the Greek Theater in Berkeley...talk about acid flashbacks.” -April
   “I had to copy and paste the album title. Doesn't matter if I don't understand what they're saying, still a wonderful album.” -HotCatato
   “It's Sigur Rós, you either love it or you don't, is how I feel. Plus, a video with nakey people running about the forest.” -Thecranewife
   
   
4. TV On The Radio - Dear Science
   “I think they are just getting better, or maybe just poppier.” -awmercy
   “Awesome. No need to discuss this further. Still sour about missing their live show, though. Hmph.” -Mona
   “Funky, buzzing, body-moving catchiness that is expected of these Brooklyn-based artistes.” -Nightrain
   “I want to like them more than I do BUT they do make great videos and that sold me...” -Rain
   “While not my favorite of their albums, (Return to Cookie Mountain changed everything for me a few years back), the third full length from TOTR was nonetheless a well done, much anticipated release. I have a crush on these guys.” -Tex
   
   
5. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
   “Saw them twice this year, the first time was an insane show at The Avalon, then they closed out the Rock and Roll Means Well Tour at The Wiltern, not as good as the Stay Positive show, but the DBT/THS jam at the end was fuckin' sick.” -Doctor Diggs
   “A great album to accompany this past summer!” -Jennifer
   “Fuck yeah! That is all I have to say about that.” -Nightrain
   
   
6. Kings Of Leon - Only By The Night
   “‘Closer’ rules.” -April
   “Always solid, the Kings of Leon deliver perhaps their best album to date. They cannot be denied!” -Nightrain
   “Awesome band, solid album.” -sandenuts
   
   
   
7. Girl Talk - Feed The Animals
   “Party jams to the max. This guy ripped my LastFM top artists a new one, quickly climbing the charts with no end in sight. This music is like crack, except it's the opposite of whack. As in, it's good.” -Mona
   “Keep the dance party going!” -Rain
   “I know I've found a great album when it makes me consider taking drugs for the sole purpose of listening to it on drugs.” -Tex
   
   
8. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
   “If you are on the fence, see them live.” -awmercy
   “According to iTunes, I only bought 11 albums that were released in 2008. This is the one I've listened to the least -- other than No. 11 which was the new NIN album, which is "meh" -- and I can't say I've liked anything I've heard a lot. Still, it's decent and therefore good enough for me to list, I guess.” -Jeremiah
   
   
9. Okkervil River - The Stand Ins
   “Hearing Will Sheff explain the story behind "Starry Stairs", which consequentially is related to "Savannah Smiles" from the Stage Names, really changed my world. I was both excited and completely depressed at the same time. I sat in the dark and listened to both songs several times. Heavy times. Great album. "On Tour With Zykos" is great too.. One drunken night I made a great comparrision (in my head) of Okkervil River to John Steinbeck. I'm still backing that.” -ancientindianwizard
   “The soundtrack to my South American adventure this summer.” -HotCatato
   “If I had gotten to these guys in time, the last album would have made the list last year certainly. Hard not to get swept up with the rises and falls of these songs.” -Jeremy


10. Silver Jews - Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea
    “An acquired taste.” -Ari
    “Consistent mid-tempo country rockers are the best vehicle for Berman's witty observations and off-kilter narratives, and this album's full of 'em. With wife Cassie Berman also front and center, they put on the show of my year anyway.” -Jeremy
    
    
    
11. Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Real Emotional Trash
    “Great guitar work on this one.” -Ari
    “Amazing. Never gets old.” -Jennifer





12. Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer
    “I'm waiting for the theatrical rendition.” -Ernesto
    “This was a given, considering I saw them live 3 times this year and hung out with them at their last show. Drunken fools, but brilliant musicians. I highly anticipate their newest LP... whenever that will be. Sigh.” -Mona
    
    
    
13. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
    “"Who gives a fuck about an oxford comma?" Time to break out Struck & White.” -awmercy
    “I really liked their stuff when I first heard it and this could end up being one of the albums that sticks with me through the years, but my instant smittenness wore off after a few listens.” -Jeremiah
    “Fun indie pop. Easy on the ears. Feel-good music.” -Mona
    
    
14. The Envy Corps - Dwell
    “I told ya'll when I review this album it would be on year end list. Love these dudes.” -ancientindianwizard
    “Numerous mornings, I have woken up humming their songs. The entire album is a real treat - excellent recommendation AIW!” -ve1cro
    
    
    
15. Walkmen - You And Me
    “Killer new album.” -April
    “If you don't listen to the walkmen you should start right now.” -Ari
    
    
    
    
    
16. David Byrne and Brian Eno - Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
    “I think I may have said this in my review but this album feels like an old friend.” -ancientindianwizard
    “This is what you've been waiting for from byrne and Eno.” -Ari
    “David Byrne is a total f*#cking genius, and Brian Eno isn't too shabby. This album is fabulous and absurd, and keeps Eno's weirdy electronica in check.” -Thecranewife
    
    
17. Radiohead - In Rainbows
    “Saw Radiohead on my 30th B-day at the Outside Lands Festival.” -April
    “Weird and good as usual.” -Ari
    
    
    
    
    
18. The Black Keys - Attack & Release
    “The Black Keys are so consistent that it is not surprising that this album rocks. They slow it down a bit on some track and even that works really well. The dynamic duo strikes again.” -Nightrain
    “What can you say about the boys from Ohio? Fucking talented.” -sandenuts
    
    
    
19. The Streets - Everything Is Borrowed
    “By now I'm such a Mike Skinner fan it's ridiculous. While some might not be as into him getting all introspective I can't get enough of it.“ -ancientindianwizard
    “A thoughtful and rather existential album. The title track gets me teary.” -Thecranewife
    
    
    
20. Bonnie "Prince" Billy - Lie Down In The Light
    “Yeah, it's beard-o folkcore but it still can turn that frown upside down.” -Rain
    “A great upswing for Will Oldham. Also, His was one of the most enjoyable acts at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park this year. It certainly didn't hurt that his crew handed out Kazoos to the crowd that said ‘Bonnie Prince Billie -- Blow Me.’ It is one of the great regrets in my life that I didn't obtain one of those.” -Tex
    
    
21. The Heavy - Great Vengeance And Furious Fire
    “This was certainly the surprise and a top recommendation of the year. Thanks Nuts for the stripclub-soul!” -Nightrain
    “Stand out tracks, great breakout album, can't wait to see what comes next from them...” -sandenuts
    
    
    
22. Erika Badu - New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War
    “This is one bad ass lady.” -April
    “Interesting bits, tight arrangements. Well done overall.” -Kevin
    
    
    
    
    
23. Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III
    “Good stuff, usually don’t like his stuff but came good this time.” -David
    “It's no Da Drought III, but its Lil Wayne so I like it.” -HotCatato
    
    
    
    
    
24. Portishead - Third
    “Saw Portishead live in Florence, Italy in April. OMG.” -April
    “Never saw this album coming and it was a pleasant surprise.” -Rain
    
    
    
    
    
25. Santogold - Santogold
    “Amazing creativity, style for days.” -sandenuts
    
    
    
    
    
    
26. Hot Chip - Made In The Dark
    “Funnest album.” -HotCatato
    
    
    
    
    
    
27. Islands - Arm's Way
    “Very weird. Very catchy.” -HotCatato
    
    
    
    
    
    
28. Sun Kil Moon - April
    “I only wish I was unhappier so that i could really throw myself into this album.” -Rain
    “A wonderful album to fall asleep to at night. Honestly, I don't think that I have ever made it to the end of the CD!” -ve1cro
    
    
    
29. James Hunter - The Hard Way
    “I've got to thank NPR for turning me on to this record. A great album for lazing around the house on a Saturday morning.” -ancientindianwizard
    “Just a sucker for good old rock and roll and the people who do it well.” -sandenuts
    
    
    
    
30. Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst
    “Connor Oberst being anywhere near my list is amazing to me. I never was much of a Bright Eyes fan but this album really got me. Listen to it while driving highway 1 between San Francisco and Santa Cruz.” -ancientindianwizard
    
    
    
    
31. Destroyer - Trouble In Dreams
    “My favorite weirdo. Thanks Dan Bejar for soundtracking many of my trips down whiskey lane.” -ancientindianwizard
    “Odd. Canadian. Poignant. I like to listen to this album on the bus.” -Thecranewife
    
    
    
    
32. Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - Sunday at Devil Dirt
    “I love their music as well as Lanegan's voice. It sounds a bit spooky, but in a good way. Although I found this one late in 2008, I think it will rise to the top of my 2009 playlist for sure.” -Brasilliant
    “Beauty and the Beast...” -Rain
    
    
    
33. Ladytron – Velocifero
    “Same ol', same ol' 'tron.” -Ernesto
    “Hungarian chicks with a British Electro Pop sound? I'm in.” -sandenuts
    
    
    
    
    
34. Mars Volta - The Bedlam In Goliath
    “Most innovative band in 08'.”-sandenuts
    
    
    
    
    
    
35. The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely
    “A very entertaining album with all sorts of things going on. An album that I continue to revisit and enjoy.” -Nightrain

Next up: The rest of the best albums from 2008.