The ten best albums of 2008
Alex Nagorski
Issue date: 12/4/08 Section: Life!
If Regina Spektor were ever to undergo an identity crisis and decide she was a full blown out rock star then she would be Ida Maria. On her debut album, Maria serves as a fresh dish of sass, honesty, sarcasm, sexuality, and rock and roll. Her singer/songwriter vocals make it seem like she should be playing an acoustic guitar at Lillith Fair opening up for Ani Difranco, however, her heavy percussion and electric guitar instrumentation makes Fortress Round My Heart sound like a collaboration record between Nirvana and Liz Phair. With intelligent lyrics that can be both vulnerable and abrasive, Maria has created a truly memorable and edgy debut that will keep her on the music map for years to come. Must have track: "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked."
6. Jack's Mannequin, The Glass Passenger
Andrew McMahon's return to the music industry after taking a medical hiatus for a few years comes in the form of his second solo album since his days as lead singer of Something Corporate. g Incorporating vintage California piano-rock elements that made him a superstar of the Warped Tour generation in the first place, The Glass Passenger is arguably Andrew's finest songwriting to date. Adding a full band behind his trademark god-like piano playing creates an epic musical experience that could fill and inspire stadiums full of people.
Must have track: "Swim."
5. Meiko, Meiko
The re-issue of Meiko's self-titled debut serves as a reminder that a pretty voice alongside gorgeous string arrangements can be the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing day. Her voice is both melancholy and soothing, creating an aura of zen that makes it impossible to not want to close your eyes and absorb all the sounds floating out of your speakers. After a successful stint on the Hotel Café Tour and appearing as a guest vocalist on albums by artists such as Joshua Radin and AM, Meiko re-recorded her album as it sought distribution by a major record label (in 2007, she self released it). The end result is a beautiful, floral-like compilation of fantastic songwriting being sung by a phenomenal artist that reinstates how alive and thriving folk music really is. Must have track: "Under My Bed."
6. Jack's Mannequin, The Glass Passenger
Andrew McMahon's return to the music industry after taking a medical hiatus for a few years comes in the form of his second solo album since his days as lead singer of Something Corporate. g Incorporating vintage California piano-rock elements that made him a superstar of the Warped Tour generation in the first place, The Glass Passenger is arguably Andrew's finest songwriting to date. Adding a full band behind his trademark god-like piano playing creates an epic musical experience that could fill and inspire stadiums full of people.
Must have track: "Swim."
5. Meiko, Meiko
The re-issue of Meiko's self-titled debut serves as a reminder that a pretty voice alongside gorgeous string arrangements can be the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing day. Her voice is both melancholy and soothing, creating an aura of zen that makes it impossible to not want to close your eyes and absorb all the sounds floating out of your speakers. After a successful stint on the Hotel Café Tour and appearing as a guest vocalist on albums by artists such as Joshua Radin and AM, Meiko re-recorded her album as it sought distribution by a major record label (in 2007, she self released it). The end result is a beautiful, floral-like compilation of fantastic songwriting being sung by a phenomenal artist that reinstates how alive and thriving folk music really is. Must have track: "Under My Bed."