Top 5 Albums of 2008

Most Disappointing: The Fratellis- Here We Stand
Just a completely forgettable follow up to their great first effort. The great pop hits just aren’t here. Boring to listen to and an album I even forgot I had.

5. Madonna- Hard Candy
While it doesn’t hold up so well after multiple listens, Madge’s latest was still a success. Justin and Timberland did a lot of the heavy lifting and it made for the best single of the year in “4 Minutes.”

4. Mates of State- Re-Arrange Us
“My Only Offer” might be my second favorite song of 2008. Their simple piano/drum interplay is buoyed by blaring horns that fill the sonic sphere. Almost every track features the quick pace and musical excitement that define this eclectic duo.

3. The Killers- Day and Age
While I’ve only had a few days to listen to it, The Killers latest is their finest work. “Dustland Fairytale” and “Spaceman” are currently in my top rotation. While their sound is still there, it certainly shows growth.

2. Britney Spears- Circus
It’s Britney bitch. I just reviewed this so I’m repeating myself but clearly, Britney is not only back but she’s better then ever. She’s focusing on dance music that is happy and sexy. Is she fixed? Probably not but at least she’s making good music again.

1. Dillinger Four- C I V I L W A R
Six years is a long time to wait for an album but the Minneapolis punkers made the wait worthwhile. The sound is cleaner but it’s a good difference. The longer I listen to it the more I’m coming to the opinion that my favorite band might just be hitting their stride instead of aging into obscurity.

Looking Ahead to 2009: More Guns N’ Roses?
Rumor is that Axl Rose has two more albums worth of material to unleash on us. After listening to Chinese Democracy that would be just fine with me. Sure, the album is overworked and full of faults but it was also damn intriguing and I’m ready for more.