2008 overall was a great year for music. We kicked off the year amazingly, having Radiohead performing their latest masterpiece In Rainbows in its entirety for everyone to see. The performance was taped and released on YouTube.
Shortly after, we were shown just what the magic men in Death Cab for Cutie had in store for us, by doing the unexpected, and dropping the first single of their critically acclaimed Narrow Stairs: "I Will Possess Your Heart". The song clocked in at a magnificent 8 minutes, and was mildly experimental compared to their previous works. The album eventually dropped, and debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts, and even ended up as my #2 album of the year.
Without a doubt, 2008 was the year of the comebacks. Metallica released their latest album, their first in a long time, about 5 years. Some people say this was going to be their last chance to win people over, and keep their credibility among fans and critics. I think it's safe to say the band did so with Death Magnetic. The album rekindled old spirits with it's thrashy song structures, guitar solos, and attitude, but still blending new school, agroesque influences.
Although I didn't pick up Guns n' Roses latest Chinese Democracy, one must applaud the fact tat they finally released it. The album was announced in the 90's, and we just now got it.
Speaking of comebacks, the underground music world didn't have much to complain about. Christian Heavy Metal legends Living Sacrifice made their comeback, co-headlining the massive Christian Metal tour featuring Oh Sleeper, Demon Hunter, The Famine, and Advent. While we're on the subject, both bands Advent and The Famine fall under our category for big comebacks, considering both bands rose from the ashes of former Christian metal bands. Advent features members of one of my favorite bands: Beloved. And The Famine, members of Embodiment. Both bands released new music, and both records were pretty sweet.
2008 had some pretty sour parts as well. My all time favorite band, Life in Your Way, ended their long run. Even though the band is done, they left quite a legacy behind, three full length albums, and great memories. I had actually grown close to the members, and had befriended them, and they will be missed, but something inside tells me they might be back.
Thrice completed their 4 disc release The Alchemy Index Parts I-IV. The entire project was eic, and some people asked why I left it off my top albums list, and the answer is simple, it was just too epic to feature, but it deserves it's own acclaim. The effort is quite a feat, and an ambitious one at that, however they passed with flying colors.
Kanye West dropped his latest 808's & Heartbreak, the first record since the passing of his mother, and the separation from his fiance. The album was extremely personal as one can imagine, and Kanye took quite the leap of faith on his new style, displaying both talent and originality. The record received praises from critics, separated fans, and ended up as my #1 album of the year.
Alot more happened in 2008, but this sums up some of the biggest headlines from my point of view. 2009 hopes to feature a handful of great new records, some long awaited comebacks.
I'll see you there!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment