Earlier this month, all the major music publications and blogs were putting out their “Top Albums/Bands of 2008” lists. Paste Magazine had a curious Top Album of 2008 from a band called “She and Him,” which left a lot of bloggers and music fans scratching their heads. But that’s Paste for you. Neither music snobs nor pop music aficionados, they really don’t give a rip about expectations “out there,” which I find refreshing. (BTW, I got the “She and Him” album just to see what the hype was all about. IMHO, it’s a decent album, but I’m joining the head-scratchers.)
A few years back, I wouldn’t have considered myself a big fan of folk music. However, with some of the great songwriting coming out in that genre over the last couple of years, I’d have to say that’s changed. Even screamo star Dusin Kensrue of Thrice has had a decent go at a folk album (entitled "Please Come Home"). While Fleet Foxes got a lot of attention this year, I’d have to pick Wisconsiner Bon Iver as my top “folk-ish” album of the year. Others that I’m hoping to look into more are The Tallest Man on Earth, Hayden, and The Avett Brothers, whom I’m way behind with (think they’ve put out more than 10 albums.) Also, Conor Oberst (a.k.a., Bright Eyes) put out an album a few months back that I had hoped to look into getting by now.
As much as I’ve enjoyed Bon Iver over the last few months, Sigur Ros’s 2008 offering was probably my favourite release of the year.