Best of 2008: #17, Gnarls Barkley

Rank: #17

Album: The Odd Couple

Artist: Gnarls Barkley

Label: Atlantic

Checking in at #17 on our countdown is Gnarls Barkley's The Odd Couple.  The second album from the duo, comprised of Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse, The Odd Couple fuses a rock, hip hop and soul for yet another set of catchy and universally appealing tracks.  Am I the only one who thinks that this record was better than St. Elsewhere?  It's possible, but either way, you're looking at a Grammy-nominated record.  Though I'm supportive of that fact, if The Odd Couple beats out In Rainbows for Best Alternative Music Album, it'll just be another reason to scoff at the Grammy's (lack of) credibility.

So what's so great about this record?  I have a hard time putting my finger on it with this one.  It could be the atmosphere created by it.  Starting with opener "Charity Case," you can't help but feel good while listening to this one, even with the jumps from relaxed to hyper (see "Run").  It may just be the enjoyment I get out of listening to alternative hip hop acts.  Either way, I can't help but get a lot out of hearing this one.  Have you ever listened to an album a ton, and yet still not been able to pinpoint its flaws and weaknesses?  I think this may be a first in my book.  It's mind boggling still, as I'm writing about it, that I cannot seem to peg what draws me in about The Odd Couple.  Puzzling, to say the least.  Besides that, I get lost in this record very easily.  Every few tracks I'm broken out of it, but for the most part, I am seemingly entranced when listening.  It's just occurred to me that it reminds me of Jimi Hendrix, in vibe only.  Strange.  Comparisons, besides that, would be N*E*R*D, Outkast and The Roots.

Best Track: "Going On"

Animal Collective's "My Girls"

Just a quick midday note.  As most people know, Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavillion will be out on January 20th.  One song, "Brother Sport" has already leaked, and now a second, "My Girls" is streaming online.  Check the deal:

My Girls (p.s.- we're not hosting this file)

As I said, Merriweather Post Pavillion is out on January 20, 2009, via Domino Records.  I'd highly recommend BUYING it.

UPDATE (5:51 PM): Well, so much for that.  It appears that Domino Records has finally gotten to the original posters.  We'll all just have to wait until next month.  

Best of 2008: #18, Department of Eagles

Rank: #18

Album: In Ear Park

Artist: Department of Eagles

Label: 4AD

The countdown rolls on at #18, with Department of Eagles' In Ear Park.  This album departs from the heavy use of electronics seen on the band's previous recordings, perpetuating their sound to an enjoyable indie-folk rock buzz, with an electronic backing.  Call it "folktronica" if you must, though I hate the ever-growing list of genre classifications, but the fact is that this record is an expansive and memorable exploration into the mind of Daniel Rossen, whom you probably know from Grizzly Bear.  Though Rossen was part of DoE first, due to the time gap between DoE full-lengths (over three years) and Grizzly Bear's heightened visibility on the indie rock scene and beyond, this band is considered the side project.

What captures me about this album is the mood is able to capture the listener.  The record opens up with the title track, "In Ear Park", a somber and active piece that uses a simple piano and percussion beat to perfection, while creating a sort of airy backwoods atmosphere- alluding to the cover of the album.  It's almost throught-provoking, really.  As it fades out, it immediately changes gears to "No One Does It Like You", which has a nostalgic quality all its own, with its tambourine and bass backing.  I could see the intro of this one ending up on an Itunes commercial, but let's hope not.  The fact that this album took nearly four years to record is none too surprising, as it was obviously constructed by attention to careful detail, and a real focus on creating an ambient, thoughtful, and relaxed mood.  If you're looking for comparisons on this one, check out Grizzly Bear, Animal Collective and Deerhunter.  I won't stretch and say that this applies to ALL of Animal Collective's stuff though- I think Feels or Sung Tongs more than anything else.  Maybe it's just me.

Best Track: "No One Does It Like You"

Best of 2008: #19, Right Away, Great Captain!

Rank: #19

Album: The Eventually Home

Artist: Right Away, Great Captain!

Label: Favorite Gentlemen Recordings

At #19 is Right Away, Great Captain!'s The Eventually Home.  For those who may not know, Right Away, Great Captain! is the solo side project of Manchester Orchestra frontman Andy Hull.  This is his second record released under the monicker- the first being 2007's The Bitter End.  In contrast to Manchester Orchestra's full band work, Hull's solo material is much more stripped down, and acoustic-based.  However, the same themes are prevalent throughout recordings from both, as Hull makes a living out of questioning religion in his songs, with his most recent effort being no different.  

The first thing I noticed about The Eventually Home, in contrast to the previous album, was how much more polished it sounded.  Not polished in a sense of over-produced, or even more produced- just in the sense that Hull seemed to have a better sense of the record as a whole when he made it.  As always, the man is adept at making observations about people's, specifically his own, connection with God and religion.  What stood out most to me here, was how strangely the album sounds like Bright Eyes' I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning.  Now believe me, I would never say that they're on the same level, because Wide Awake is in it's own category, but the mood and atmosphere of the album seems to evoke similar feelings.  The standout track here, in my mind, is "Father Brian Finn", which I'm guessing is based off of the character of the same name in the film Keeping the Faith?  Just a thought.  Comparisons for this one include Manchester Orchestra's full band stuff, Kevin Devine, and of course the aforementioned Bright Eyes (only Wide Awake though).

Best Track: "Father Brian Finn" (not on imeem however, so I had to post a different song)

Best of 2008: #20, Lil' Wayne

Rank: #20

Album: Tha Carter III

Artist: Lil' Wayne

Label: Cash Money/Universal/Young Money

At #20 is Lil' Wayne, and his grammy-nominated album, Tha Carter III.  And I know what people may be thinking- "Number 20?  That's it?"- and I hear you.  Trust me, this is where the album belongs, but I will say that it is the best hip hop album of the year that lacks pop or rock appeal, and is absolutely deserving of its grammy nomination.  This year, III has been able to do what most records could not, which is kick ass.  From start to finish, Weezy lays down track after track of pure gold, with his signature southern drawl and nearly incomparable flow.  Oh, and he's probably one of the most famous people in the country now, if you didn't know.  The dude's got his own blog on ESPN! (which is great, by the way).

Without a doubt, III possesses what I feel is one of the best intros ever.  Check that- the first two tracks may form one of the best intros ever.  The first, "3 Peat" jumps right into it, setting the tone and giving the record the initial burst of energy which is contagious for the first four or five tracks.  Then, the year's best rap song, "Mr. Carter" happens.  This grammy-nominated gem is basically Wayne's coming out party, for those who didn't know him before.  It features hip hop legend, Jay-Z, and is where Lil' Wayne seems to be at his best, and most comfortable.  Even though his claims that he should be mentioned with 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G. and the aforementioned Jay-Z are a bit of a reach at this point, he may just get there at this pace.  Comparisons- T.I., Young Jeezy, The Game 

Best Track: "Mr. Carter"

Best of 2008: #21, Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

Rank: #21

Album: Cardinology

Artist: Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

Label: UMG Recordings

The 21st-best album on our countdown is Ryan Adams & The Cardinals' Cardinology.  Similar to yesterday's featured artist, Ray LaMontagne, Adams knows how to capture the spirit of days past, but in a completely different way.  I won't go as far to call him completely alt-country, however, I will say that he does seem to melt folk and classic rock nostalgia in a way that is hard to come by.  The guy has soul, and this album does not stray away from that fact, as Adams embraces emotion on each track, progressing more and more as the record goes, reaching a crescendo around midway through, before slowing to a halt by the closer, "Stop".

This record seems to fall into a large category of albums this year- ones which you can simply appreciate and enjoy, and don't have to get too wrapped up in to listen to.  With the year lacking any real ground-breaking material, I was at least glad to see this trend begin.  Not to say that this was a bad year for music; on the contrary, it was an extremely good one, from top to bottom.  I just think that the year's best is not as clear cut as we've seen in some years' past, and that there is a much shorter distance between 1 and 25 than before.  Cardinology lends to this, and might I suggest taking it for a few spins before giving your final evaluation.  Smaller aspects can be appreciated more after a couple times, and it adds to the familiarity of the record.  For some comparisons, check out Ryan Adams' solo stuff, Wilco and Uncle Tupelo.

Best Track: "Born Into A Light"

Best of 2008: #22, Ray LaMontagne

Rank: #22

Album: Gossip in the Grain

Artist: Ray LaMontagne

Label: Stone Dwarf/RCA

Number 22, come on down.  Ray LaMontagne's newest release, Gossip in the Grain, is everything you'd expect of a LaMontagne record- different moods, un-peggable influences and those three or so really standout tracks that you just know will be on every girl you knows' playlist by tomorrow.  It's also got horns, something I was unsure of on first listen, but now think that he should continue in this vein.  The fun, jazzy trumpet background of the opener, "You Are the Best Thing" breaks up a song which would otherwise be cliche, as does the small female chorus in the background.  The brass also breaks up his always-raspy voice to give it a bit more youthful life.

What's fun about listening to Ray LaMontagne is that he doesn't try to embellish what he is.  He's just a guy from the backwoods of Maine, and he presents himself as such.  His songs harken back to simpler times, times that he has somehow been able to remain in, at least mentally, if not physically as well.  Even the incredibly creepy "Meg White", a strange, yet fun tribute to The White Stripes' Meg, provides for an odd throwback to 50s Americana.  It may not be on the same level of 2004's Trouble (and honestly, very few albums are), but Gossip accomplishes what it sets out to do- which is simply be.  For comparisons on this one, please consult Ryan Adams, Matt Nathanson and Pete Yorn.

Best Track: "You Are the Best Thing"

Best of 2008: #23, Girl Talk

Rank: #23

Album: Feed the Animals

Artist: Girl Talk

Label: Illegal Art

Continuing our list, number 23 is the oft-talked about Girl Talk, (a.k.a.- Greg Gillis) and his new record, Feed the Animals.  I'll admit, I didn't see the initial appeal of the album- a lengthy collection of mixes, released free online (a la Radiohead's In Rainbows).  Upon completing the album for the first time though, way back during the summer, it was apparent to me.  This album has more energy than just about anything you'll listen to- this year or any other.  It's definitely your type of record if you're one of those people who rarely listens to songs all the way through.  Gillis' music ADD here is what drives you through the 14-track tribute to musical expression.

In my opinion, the best part of Feed the Animals has got to be the large varieties of music sampled.  I don't have the time to amass a final count, but the wikipedia listing on the album looks to be somewhere in the hundreds.  The opener, "Play Your Part (Pt. 1)" , alone takes from 25 different tracks, spanning from Ludacris to Twisted Sister to Rage Against the Machine.  With so much music to comprehend per track, I wouldn't recommend listening to it while doing work or trying to relax.  However, if you're looking for something fun to dance to, or just hang out and have a good time with- this is, without a doubt, your record of choice.  Ask my former colleague Heath, who's probably listened to this album around 50 times (haha).  Though I don't feel you'll need a comparison to want to check this out, see The Hood Internet, The Kleptones, and DJ Danger Mouse.

Best Track: "What It's All About"

Best of 2008: #24, N*E*R*D

Rank: #24

Album: Seeing Sounds

Artist: N*E*R*D

Label: Star Trak

At number 24 is an album that I feel people have sort of forgotten about with all the hype surrounding some other hip hop/pop records.  N*E*R*D's Seeing Sounds, which came out in July, for those who weren't aware, is yet another triumph in the long list of Pharrell Williams' accomplishments.  With the third album of the virtual side project, N*E*R*D, Pharrell, along with associates Chad Hugo and Shay, have once again provided us with a sound that fits neither the pop or hip hop labels, blending genres and effects for what proves to be a very enjoyable experience, good for relaxing and partying.

What amazes me most about this album is probably the constant energy, as well as how much it tends to remind me of a rock album.  Has Pharrell bridged the gap like no one else has?  Well, not really- as readers will see later in the countdown- since other artists took a shot at combining rock and hip hop this year, and to some degree, saw a good deal of success with it too.  Seeing Sounds, however, can stand without those as its own interesting piece of art.  And, since art rarely gets radio play, I guess this one would qualify as such.  For comparisons, consult Pharrell's solo gig, Outkast, and Lupe Fiasco.  I'm giving some real props to Pharrell and his boys for this recording, and if you haven't heard it yet, I'd suggest finding yourself a copy.

Best Track: "Happy"

Best of 2008: #25, No Age

Rank: #25

Album: Nouns

Artist: No Age

Label: Sub Pop

First up on the Animal Noises' countdown to the best album of the year, is number 25, No Age's Nouns.  Hard-hitting, and somewhat of a throwback to the heavier, post-punk alternative material once would associate with the late 90s to early 2000s, this album grabs you, and grabs you quick.  I almost forgot about music like this, with all of the watered-down crap on the radio today, but somehow, the sound has survived with this record, as a type of relic from when the "scene" wasn't a buzzword, and "emo" wasn't an all-encompassing phrase to describe any band who played a different type of music.  

To be honest, part of this album actually reminds me of Sonic Youth- a difficult task without sounding like a knock-off, but they definitely capture the essence of SY's work from the early 80s in here.  My advice- just kick back and spin this one a few times through before passing your final judgement.  Admittedly, this one flew under may radar screen when it first came out in May, but it's captured my attention since.  I'd classify it under noise, and compare it to the aforementioned Sonic Youth, along with ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead and Les Savy Fav.  Enjoy.

Best Track: "Cappo"