There was a time when the word 'record' referred specifically to vinyl records, and SN&SM is made for those times. This is not a concept album in the prog-rock sense, it's two separate albums sharing the same CD. The band even worked with two different producers for each 'album.' There is no chronological narrative a la Tommy, but when placed together the two albums paint an often devastating picture of degradation, remorse, and desperation for salvation from the never-ending downward cycle. It's not a feel good album but it's real, it's honest, and it's amazing. Adam Duritz is at his best and his bandmates' versatility has never been more evident.
Glen Boyd, Asst. Music Editor
Brian Wilson - That Lucky Old Sun
Brian Wilson's love letter to his beloved California is also one of the most personal, bittersweet-sounding pieces of music I have heard by just about any artist in recent memory. While much of the music here recalls the simpler, more innocent vision of what he calls the "Heartbeat Of L.A." — (read: vintage surf and sand Beach Boys) — especially on songs like "Forever My Surfer Girl" — other songs like "Oxygen To The Brain" and "Midnight's Another Day" provide an open-book, autobiographer's sort of sketch into the artist's often troubled life.
As for the music, it falls somewhere in between the grandiosity of Wilson opuses like Pet Sounds and Smile, and the simplicity of Wilson's more personal work like "In My Room" or "Caroline, No." It is also sweeping and gorgeous throughout. You'll find some of my other favorite albums from this past year by going here.
Donald Gibson, Asst. Music Editor
Jenny Lewis – Acid Tongue
Whether fronting Rilo Kiley or stepping out on her own, Jenny Lewis seems – at least on the surface – wholesome and enchanting, yet her maiden, girlish charm is but the spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down. On her sophomore solo effort, Acid Tongue, the indie siren sweetens twisted tales of kink and squalor, serving up one intoxicating tonic and, to this writer's taste, the album of the year.
Having her way with a kaleidoscope of rich melodies, Lewis hardwires these songs with lucid imagery – lyrics conjuring the sinful and soulful, the sacred and profane – further distinguishing herself as an eclectic and versatile songwriter.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Some interesting choices here amongst my fellow scribes. I find it particularly telling that the 08' list leans fairly pop heavy, which I guess says a lot about the year in music we are about to leave behind us.
Onwards to '09 with Bruce, U2, Eminem, and the best of the rest of what's still to come.
Happy New Year!
-Glen
2 - Pico
Glen...Brian Wilson? Don't you mean Steven? ;-)
3 - Glen Boyd
Yeah, him too Pico.
-Glen
4 - LJ
Couldn't agree with you more about Rick Springfield's VENUS IN OVERDRIVE cd. I love it and have shared it with "non fans" who have been duly impressed. Title song rocks big power pop; "What's Victoria's Secret" which he's sung on tv repeatedly is lively, fun, a bit reminiscent of what made Rick the big American hit he became and yet has a new contemporary vibe as well. Great new different Rick Springfield stuff here - Stores have sales...go buy it, I say. Thanks Connie for your interesting list!
5 - Sterfish
Every year I read this (or similar articles), I find that most of the albums chosen are ones I have never heard before. That's always a good thing in my opinion. Thanks for the interesting choices.