2008 The Albums-Honorable Mentions

Here it is, the first of three end of the year lists to indulge in. I must say 2008 has been one hell of a year for music, many great artists (new and old) have delivered some great material these past 12 months. It excites me to start announcing these lists and records. This list is made up of the honorable mentions of 2008, albums that were good but not good enough to crack the top 10 best of list (or at least in my opinion). Here is a look at six records that are definitely worth a few listens and attention, as always here is the list in short then long form.

Short list:

2008 Honorable Mentions (In No Particular Order)

Gnarles Barkley - The Odd Couple

Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul

NERD - Seeing Sounds

The Fratellis - Here We Stand

Kings of Leon - Only by the Night

Metallica - Death Magnetic

Now Long Form with Explanations:

Gnarles Barkley - The Odd Couple

I really do not think anything will ever compare to the first time I ever put on this duo's first album, St. Elsewhere. The places St. Elsewhere went were just unbelievable, it was a remarkable record pushing the envelope musically as much as it could. The Odd Couple, though not as strong or as its predecessor still stands out to some degree. The last record was the two musical brainiacs hard at work, where this record shows Danger Mouse spreading himself too thin over the past year as a producer for not just his own band but for Beck, Black Keys and many others. Yet, Cee-Lo's voice just explodes from his big body of soul on The Odd Couple making it worth the listen and time.

Key Tracks: Open Book, Surprise

Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul

I am a huge fan of the band's last record 2005's Don't Believe the Truth. Dig Out Your Soul was one of the most anticipated albums for me this year considering Oasis are one of my favorite bands of all time. Critically here in the U.S. I believe they have shut up all of the naysayers and created a great rock and roll record. I would like to call this "Abbey Revolution," if you will. Taking over the famous Beatles studio in London and mixing the record in California, Oasis have finally learned how to work as a team and have created a great psychedelic rock record. One that all must check out.

Key Tracks: The Shock of the Lightening, Waiting for the Rapture

NERD - Seeing Sounds

After having an over impressive debut, then releasing one of the worst albums I ever herd Fly or Die in 2003. NERD had a lot to prove before I wrote them off. They not only proved it but Pharell and Co, delivered one of the best hip-hop/dance hybrids not only of year but of the decade. They proved what talented musicians, producers and performers they truly are. Seeing Sounds is certainly one to check out and it will keep you moving for hours.

Key Tracks: Everyone Nose, Anti-Matter

The Fratellis - Here We Stand

This record is a declaration, that the Scottish trio known as The Fratellis are not going anywhere. The essential follow up to last years Costello Music, Here We Stand may not be as poppy but it rocks just as hard. This was the perfect summertime fun in the sun album, one that you could put your speakers out your windows, annoy your neighbors and just rock out to.

Key Tracks: Mistress Mabel, Look Out Sunshine

Kings of Leon - Only by the Night

The music industries favorite band has released four albums in five years (including this one) and are finally getting the attention they truly deserve in their own country. Nashville's Kings of Leon mix the perfect blend of southern rock with a European flair on this album. This is without a doubt their most solid work to date and I cannot wait to see what will be next for the fraternity of Followills.

Key Tracks: Sex on Fire, Cold Dessert

Metallica - Death Magnetic

Honestly, call me crazy, but who knew they still had it in them? Oh, Rick Rubin did that's right! The San Fransisco Legends finest hour in almost two decades, the metal Gods still prove they are legends for a reason. For anyone that ever wrote Metallica off in the twilight of their career are certainly eating their words now, this is one heavy, in your face, intense album. Death Magnetic is a return to form for the metal giants and hope they stay at the top where they belong.

Key Tracks: The Was Just Your Life, All Nightmare Long

So that is the first of three lists for now. I hope you enjoyed my pics thus far, stay tuned next week as I will be posting the coveted "League of Their Own" award.....