finksgirl's Best of 2008

Hello blogging world,
I guess I'm new to it but I've been a writer for years. I figured what better way to start off this music blog than a list of the best albums and artists of 2008?

With the year drawing to a close, looking back it's hard to believe just how many new artists struck a chord and how many classics came back into the fold. AC/DC released their first album in 8 years and virtual unknowns, The Cold War Kids, released an absolutely flawless new record.

So who's the best? Who could I literally not stop listening to this year? Here are my top 5:

#5: Metallica's Death Magnetic

I don't think anyone saw this one coming. After 2004's disappointing, St. Anger, not many die-hard fans expected a rocking new release, and even fewer of the general public did. But 2008's Death Magnetic blew us all away.

The albums first single, The Day That Never Comes sounded like something they'd have written years ago. With roaring guitars, pumping bass and pounding drums it's simply one of the best songs I've heard this year.

I had the pleasure of seeing these guys play at the November 23rd New Orleans show and I'm happy to say that even though the Black album was released over 15 years ago, they've still got more than enough metal to please the crowds.

#4: Coldplay's Viva La Vida

This was certainly one of the most talked about albums of 2008. Each single only brought Martin and co more fans and more critical acclaim.

Each song on this album is brilliant, the rhythm's are catchy and flow perfectly with Martin's voice. It's an amazing come back to their last release: X&Y. I've been a fan of theirs for years but I personally was let down with X&Y and this was the album I've waited for since A Rush of Blood To The Head.

For once at least, the hype was right. If you haven't purchased your copy of Viva La Vida, I'd suggest you run, don't walk.

#3: The Living End's White Noise
If you're not Australian, this is an album you probably haven't heard about and you definitely should have. Australian sweethearts, The Living End offer up another perfect example of pure rock and roll with their 6th studio release.

They go even further down the road of taboo subjects than ever before. The anti-theism anthem "Raise The Alarm" is nothing short of a new classic. The lyrics are deep with meaning and you can feel Cheney's heart beating along with the drums.

"Loaded Gun", another brilliant track discussing the wrongful death of a man by the hands of authorities. You can definitely feel the emotion behind this work of art.

Every song will have you singing for days and the lyrics will follow you through the rest of your life. If you've never heard of them, meet your new favorite band and if you've been a fan for years, this album does not dissapoint.

#2: The Matches A Band On Hope
Another album that got little to no media attention, The Matches third studio album is the way they were meant to sound. A perfect blend of meaningful lyrics, electronic beats meshed with the musical mess that makes a great East Bay band.

This record sees the band catching their balance and shedding their skin. Each song will have you addicted from the first note and the lyrics will make you laugh and make you think.

Their topics range from long distance romances on the road to environmental issues. A slight against Catholicism to a Beatles-esque song about those early mornings. Shawn Harris's lyrical prowess really shines through and a rare listen to guitarist, Jon Devoto's brilliant voice tie this album together and seal it neatly as a very deserving top album of 2008.

It may be hard to locate but if you ever see this in stores, pick it up and never let it go. It certainly didn't leave my cd player for months.

and the moment you've all waited for. Who was the greatest album of 2008?

#1: Foxboro Hot Tub's Stop, Drop and Roll

Okay, you might think this was biased but this album impressed more than just Green Day fans. The internet and media had run amok with all the discussions and theories about just who the members of Foxboro were and until our suspisions were confirmed via email to MTV, we were content to listen to the 60's garage style rock that the Tub's served up.

Every song on this amazing album sounds like the love child of Green Day and The Kinks with a dash of early Who. Of course, some songs sound more like they belong on a Green Day album. "The Pedestrian" would fit perfectly amongst 2004's groundbreaking American Idiot.

If you were living under a rock from Dec 2007 to May 2008 and actually haven't heard about this, buy it now. And if you're still stuck in your mother's basement, dancing along to Reverend Strychnine Twitch. I'll gladly join you.

-Ash