Top 10 of 2008

I decided to compile a list of my favorite albums released this year, since I have nothing better to say and again it's been over a month since I last posted. So, here's to the best of 2008. Sorry about the lengthy commentary about each one. I couldn't help myself. Ignore if you wish.


1. House Of Heroes - The End Is Not The End
Aweseome album. I might be a little biased from seeing them live, but every song on here is great. Most of the tracks have a World War II theme, which sounds weird, but it actually plays out really well. Get some of these songs. They're amazing.


2. Relient K - Nashville Tennis EP
Not actually a full-length album, but since a) I'm biased (Relient K is my favorite band after all) and b) it's longer than most full-lengths anyway, I decided to include it. It's not cohesive at all, but it's packed of great songs. And by the way, this is part of The Bird and the Bee Sides, but I only counted the EP songs.


3. Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger
I happen to like their first album better, but this one's great, too. Good variety of songs while still working together. I love piano, and dang, this guy can play. Good album.


4. Every Avenue - Shh. Just Go With It
I only discovered this band a couple of weeks ago, but I'm a fan. Great, catchy songs. This isn't an album you get bored of listening to very easily. There isn't a song on here that I dislike at all. But I have to say the picture gives me a headache.


5. The New Frontiers - Mending
Sadly, this band is breaking up, which is really crappy, since this is some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard. Not a very exciting album and there were times I was a bit bored, but it's unbelievably pretty. Good relaxing music.


6. Sing It Loud - Come Around
Another album loaded with fun, catchy songs from another band that I recently discovered. Not much else to say about it, but it's definitely an album worth giving a chance.


7. Hit The Lights - Skip School, Start Fights
Nothing really stands out on this album, but on the other hand that means that everything's good. It's not boring to listen to. It keeps me entertained. Check it out.


8. Capital Lights - This Is An Outrage!
It's like the one above it - not too much stands out, but it's a really good album overall. You won't be bored. Unless you just don't like this type of music, in which case you probably shouldn't be taking music advice from me.


9. Forever The Sickest Kids - Underdog Alma Mater
More of the same. If by some odd chance you actually listen to anything I have listed and you like it, try this one too. It won't disappoint.


10. The Academy Is... - Fast Times at Barrington High
This album is more hit and miss, but there are definitely more hits than misses. There's only one song I actually dislike, and that's just because of the beginning. Other than that, great songs.

Honorable Mention:


Anberlin - New Surrender
Anberlin is one of my favorite bands, so it makes me kind of sad that this album wasn't that great. Not to say that it's bad, it just doesn't make the top ten. Good songs, but they all sound kind of the same, and it's not as good as some of their older stuff.


Ruth - Anorak
A good CD, but nothing that special. Slightly boring at times, but for the most part enjoyable.


Cute Is What We Aim For - Rotation
This would probably be #11 if I was doing that. Good album. It would probably help if I had actually listened to it more than once. Then it would probably be higher. Pretty cover art.


Ludo - You're Awful, I Love You
Unfortunately for Ludo, seeing them live didn't have quite the same effect as seeing House of Heroes live. There's some good songs on here, and then there's quite a few really strange ones. But if you like that kind of thing, go for it.