The top 10 albums of 2008
Daedelus’ Love To Make Music To
(NinjaTune)
If it wasn’t for Luke Vibert being his prolific self 365 days a year every year, Daedelus would probably be my main musical man. However, Daedelus did release the best album of 2008. Daedelus’ music is in a genre by itself. He is like a sound alchemist. However, even with that as his calling card, I have never heard a concoction like this before from anyone, even Daedelus himself. Trust me! He outdid himself on this one. I was clinging to Exquisite Corpse as THE Daedelus album, but Daedelus has proved me wrong, and I have a feeling that he will do so again.
Little Dragon’s Little Dragon
(Peacefrog)
Yukimi Nagano’s voice is heaven incarnate. Enough said! However, if you need convincing, listen to NTU #94
Erykah Badu’s New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War
(Motown)
It took me a while to appreciate the brilliance of this album. Erykah is not only a smart businesswoman, but she is an even smarter artist/creator. She doesn’t compete with the best; She collaborates with the best. A vocalist has to be strong and confident in her own abilities to have Bilal doing backing vocals and Georgia Anne Muldrow doing lead and background vocals. The synergy is electrifying. Add Sa-Ra, 9th wonder, and the man himself, Roy Ayers, on production, and Erykah has almost a near masterpiece.
Santogold’s Santogold
(Downtown)
Santogold is a critical darling for a reason. This album is refreshing, and, NO!, please don’t compare her or this album to MIA despite similar producers because there is no comparison.As a side note, this is my number one album cover from 2008. Glitter rocks!
MDR’s Symphony Orchestra’s Dresden Soul Symphony
(Four Music)
This could have only been done in Germany; This would never happen in the USA. Bilal, Tweet, Dwele, & Joy Denalane backed by a symphony orchestra singing soul classics arranged by the legendary Larry Gold. What more could you ask for?
Benga’s Diary of an Afro Warrior
(Tempa)
Dubstep at its best. There are many imitators, but no one can duplicate Benga.
Logistics’ Reality Checkpoint
(Hospital Records)
Logistics still supplies me with my jungle fix, after others have fallen off. This was a great follow up to Now More Than Ever. Can’t wait for the next one.
Johnny Greenwood’s There Will Be Blood
(Nonesuch)
One of the best scores ever created for an amazing film. Words would cheapen the greatness of this score. Just listen!
Jazzanova’s Of All the Things
(Verve)
Jazzanova always brings you quality. Always! They jumped on the motown sound revival. I wish they would have gotten better vocalists. Phonte of Little Brother was the best, and singing isn’t even his day job 😉
Sam Sparro’s Sam Sparro
(Universal Republic)
I’m not usually into eighties revival fare, but Sam Sparro has an amazing voice (I love his phrasing) and a sense of humor. Even though the lyrics can be silly, we need a little humor nowadays, and, in addition, he really can sound like Prince. Freaky! Check out the very beginning of “Hot Mess” if you don’t believe me.
The Best Compilation of 2008
In the House: Gilles Peterson
(Defected)
If you know your music, you know that Gilles consistently compiles the best. However, this time with a 3-CD for Defected’s In the House series, he has even outdone himself. This was the best compilation of 2008.
The Best Reissue of 2008
George Duke’s Faces in Reflection
(Verve)
The verve reissues of last year were stellar, but this release, in particular, was the best of 2008. This is a timeless classic!
