2008's glass is half full

And by that I mean, with the plethora of great albums that have already come out, most year-end lists are sure to be chock full of excellent talent. Although I've been taking a prolonged detour into lots of older music (hello Sam Cooke and Arthur Russell), looking at my itunes shows that I've also been listening to oodles and oodles of great artists. So, here are my favorite albums (so-far) of 2008. Hell, everyone else is doing it! 

1 - Hercules & Love Affair - s/t

This was very obvious for me. I've been listening to this album since the beginning of January and what's more, it still sounds amazing! Andy did a great job, and having Antony on vocals gives it this complete other-worldly vibe that makes the cd all that much more enjoyable. I can safely say this is my album of the year already.

2 - Sigur Rós - Med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalust

Although only officially released just earlier this week, this album has made me appreciate numerous things - the midday rays of summer, the slowing cascading light of Seattle at dusk, and the actual band itself. I really feel hard for their pop tracks, but with them came the slow, epic buildups that Sigur Rós is famous for and I fell equally as hard.

3 - Animal Collective - Water Curses [EP]

Best thing going in modern music, period. Animal Collective is an ingenious band in all respects, and this series of outtakes from last year's excellent Strawberry Jam only further cements that. And even more impressing is how they completely transform their already radical collection into the most transcending live experience. 

4 - Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer

Maybe not as instantly gratifying as its predecessor, I still appreciate the fact that Wolf Parade decided to hone in their collective skills and make another album. It's a holistic effort, and I still think that there are many a great moment to be had. 

5 - El Guincho - Alegranza! 

Perfect album to really not fall into any genre but remain perfectly delightful. And I love the fact that he chooses to sing in spanish. Certainly a refreshing listen. 

cd of selected songs from each album