We All Want Someone To Shout For

Stereogum’s progress report feature is one of the coolest on any blog right now. They get some good inside scoop on how our favorite artists new album’s are shaping up. Today’s was the awesome french band Phoenix. After the highly enjoyable album “It’s Never Been Like That” we all have high expectations for their new album “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix”. It is set to come out on sometime in spring this year. You can actually preview some of the album at their website wearephoenix.com. Sweeeeeeeet

Here is a cool photo of the band in studio working on the album:

Can’t wait for this one. 2009 is shaping up quite nice! To read what Stereogum got out of the band on the album head over to stereogum.

[mp3] : Phoenix – Consolation Prizes

Here we go, into the top 20 folks! These are the great albums that I had to debate whether or not to put in the top 10 or not. Some of these didn’t get as many spins as I needed to put them into the top 10. Some of these were even in the top 10 at one point but failed to maintain the spot. I hope you enjoy these picks, and please feel free to share your like/dislike of my choices! Check out #50-41, 40-31, & 30-21 as well!

#20. Frightened Rabbit – Midnight Organ Fight

It took me some time to get into Frightened Rabbit’s 2nd album. I don’t know why, but once I got into it I couldn’t turn it off. These Scots really made a very rounded album full of emotion, anthem driving guitars, pounding drums and well written songs about love and loneliness. “Midnight Organ Flight” sounds and lyrics don’t always correlate. Some of the lyrics discuss unhappier things that the singer has done, and this is a refreshing take on a love song. How can you not love that accent either? This is just one hell of an album

[mp3] : Frightened Rabbit – Modern Leper

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Alright so things are starting to get to the nitty gritty. We made it through # 50-41 yesterday, and earlier today we got #40-31. Now we got the great albums that I thoroughly enjoyed in 2008 but just fell short of making my top 20. Don’t worry these albums have something for everyone! Check them out below:

#30. The Raconteurs – Consolers Of The Lonely

I became a big fan of Jack White’s side project The Raconteurs after their awesome album “Broken Boy Soldiers” and a great live show. This time around they surprised us with a new album out of no where, and it wasn’t really a departure or anything but it was what I wanted. Some great Jack White rock songs, smart written Brendan Benson songs, and a combo of both. This band can really incorporate all of their different style and create on hell of a sound. Their live show is one that will change your opinion on the band, they bring it down live. As long as we still got the White Stripes and The Raconteurs the music world will be a better place!

[mp3] : The Raconteurs – Salute Your Solution

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If you missed out #50-41 just click here. I described the list there so read up folks! Remember it’s my favorite albums, not something I claim to be the best of 2008. They just may be though. Heh. Check them out:

#40. Be Your Own Pet – Get Awkward

Why did Be Your Own Pet have to break up? Quite unfortunate. This album continues their take on angry yet fun garage rock. Some songs are fast, some are actually sincere at parts showcasing Jemina Pearl’s really great voice. These songs are just straight up fun, and it is a shame this will be their last outing.

[mp3] : Be Your Own Pet – Becky

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I actually found these on youtube. These are some new acoustic versions of upcoming tracks from the highly anticipated 3rd album from Franz Ferdinand. The songs are fantastic as expected. The songs I found are ‘Ulysses’ and ‘No You Girls’. Check them out, these are must have’s!!! :

[mp3] : Franz Ferdinand – Ulysses (Acoustic)

[mp3] : Franz Ferdinand – No You Girls (Acoustic)

Handsome Furs are the husband and wife duo of Dan Boeckner (Wolf Parade’s guitarist/singer) and Alexei Perry. The band could be described as a bit of Wolf Parade’s alt sound combined with some more electronics. In other words a gift from god himself. I can’t help but describe it as Wolf Parade, I am so used to Dan’s voice gracing their tracks. This was my first time listening to the band, I don’t know why I didn’t give them a shot earlier.

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Franz have released their first music video for their first single off of their upcoming album “Tonight: Franz Ferdinand”. I really love the vibe of the song, and the video does go along with it quite well. If only life was that exciting all the time huh? Check it out below:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a7awzU0X_E

[mp3] : Franz Ferdinand – Ulysses

It has now been about 9 days since 2008 is over. It is time for my top albums of 2008. It was a great year in music for me personally. I thought there were plenty of great albums, from many new artists, and some from more established acts. The one thing I will say about other ’08 lists is that they backlashed really quick against those acclaimed albums of 2008. You see I enjoyed those albums just as much as before and after the over hype. So I don’t see the need for that. You liked the album or you didn’t. Who gives a shit if people obsessed over them too much. Shouldn’t influence your taste. I also decided to name it my favorite albums of the year instead of best. Who am I to say what is the best of 2008. These are the albums that I enjoyed over the past 365 days or so. If you don’t like them, tell me why. I will do them in a similar fashion that I did with my top songs starting with #50-41 below:

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I saw this over at Stereogum and although they weren’t impressed with the performance I was. I thought they sounded great, and Will Sheff impressed me with his energy and confidence. They brought their all for national TV. Take a look:

httpv://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=M5mX1dpoN_U

[mp3] : Okkervil River – Pop Lie

Animal Collective takes some time to get used to. If you liked them off the bat, I tip my cap to you. I however didn’t get them until last year with the release of Strawberry Jam. Even from last year my appreciation towards the band has grown with each day. They truly are a special band. Once you really get into them, you will begin to get the rewards of their beautiful music that your friends and family may disregard as noise. They incorporate so much music from the past and present. It is their ability to deliver Beach Boys harmonies over layers of dance jams, synths and other effects that loop in perfection harmony with the vocals. This is music at the total creative peak. Thank you god for letting us be alive during the 21st century.

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