Sure, Deschanel has a little more indie cred than someone like Jamie Foxx or Paris Hilton and thus gets a little more slack, but a few years ago, the same could be said of Scarlet Johansson, and that didn't turn out so well. Then I heard the album, and couldn't help but find it winning. Still, I didn't take it seriously at first, dismissing it a bit as a cute collection of covers, but not a true artistic endeavour. But I couldn't stop listening to it (which helped me realize that while the songs are designed to sound like 60s girl pop songs, only two of them are covers, the rest being original creations written by Deschanel and produced by Ward).
Maybe the trick for these celebrity side projects are to not try and trade on your name (hmmm, no that doesn't seem to matter). I guess the trick is to actually have talent.
8. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes: One way the music of 2008 improves upon the music of 2007 is in the area of debuts. Last year, not one of my top 20 (or 5 honourable mentions) were debut albums.
Fleet Foxes is one of five (not counting Amanda Palmer's solo debut), so it's exciting to have been introduced to so many exciting new voices. As often is the case with new acts, it took me a little while to open up to the Seattle quintet, finding initial listens of the album pleasant, but forgettable. Then I started to pay more attention (largely because of the transcendent "White Winter Hymnal") and quickly decided that the band was for real.
Mixing Beach Boys-esque harmonies with a campfire acoustic aesthetic results in an album that is richly rewarding when looking for an album of quiet power.
7. Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer: Of course, new albums by established favourite bands have their own hills to climb. In the case of Wolf Parade, it took me awhile to warm to their sophomore effort simply because I didn't love it like I love Apologies to the Queen Mary. So I initially met the record with some disappointment, but continued to listen to it enough to realize that while it's not up to the standard they set three years ago, it's still pretty strong on its own right.
It's hard to say why it doesn't quite measure up, the energy is still there, and the songs are all pretty great, but maybe it lacks the same sense of urgency? Or maybe it's as simple as the fact that you can only fall in love once.
Article comments
1 - Don
Great to see Okkervil River & Mates of State recognized. But this statement cracked my up "my favourite Icelandic experimental rock band" like Sigur Ros are one on a long list of Icelandic experimental rock bands :) they do make beautifully sounding albums no doubt. Disappointed to see no mention of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds "Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!" an excellent album. I still don't get everyone fawning over Fleet Foxes & Vampire Weekend. Don't get me wrong , they are good bands but I don't see them as top ten material. Give me The Hold Steady's "Stay Positive" over either album any day.
2 - Andy
I gave The Hold Steady a bit more of a chance this year, but for whatever reason, I just can't get into them.
As for Fleet Foxes, I'm not sure I see them as top ten material either, it just so happens that this year they are. In other years, notsomuch. Still, it's a grower.