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As part of our year-end round-up we've asked some musicians to tell us what their favourite five albums of 2008 are. Not just any ol' music makers, mind. We've spoken to the creators of some of our albums of this year, as well as some fresh-faced folks with records ready in the wings for 2009 plaudits.
In part three Hauschka, School of Seven Bells, F^cked Up, Frightened Rabbit and No Age tell us which five records they loved in 2008.
Pink Eyes from Fucked Up
Mind Eraser Conscious/Unconscious
The prospect of finding a way to make a great ten minute power violence song is daunting enough let alone doing it twice on the same record but leave it to Mind Eraser (the reigning kings of nu-power violence tm) found away. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have entered the mannerist stage of power violence.Nodzzz st
Once in a blue moon you find a record that makes you wish you were still in high school just so you could have the pleasure of sticking it on a mixtape for that special someone; this is that record. Sunny punky-pop that manages be witty without coming off smug and naive, without being contrived.Lil Wayne Carter III
All the hype placed on this record, which will no doubt turn into a backlash at any moment, will not detract from the fact that this is one of the most enjoyable records of the year. Sure it has some problems (Busta Rhymes' verse, too many RnB songs, etc.) but you can't argue with that flow.... and how great is Fabulous' verse?
Cold World Dedicated To The Babies That Came Feet First
Nothing, and I mean nothing, will ever be able to cleanse the negative connotations that surround the mix of rap and aggressive music but that isn't Cold Worlds fault and that isn't going to stop them from trying to take a different approach to this highly toxic mixture. While it is debatable whether or not this is the truly great record they are destined to make, it is a major step towards it.Vogue
I have only heard this record once at this point, on the first day of this seemingly unending European tour that I'm currently on, but I am so sure that this is one the best thing I have heard this year that I am willing to put it on this list. Hardcore by kids but for adults.
Hauschka
Mapstation / Paul Wirkus Forest full of Drums (Staubgold)
What a record! I think it is great to go in the forest with your drum kit and just bang on it and the natural soundscape is already enough and a great accompany.Verklärte Nacht Arnold Schoenberg LaSalle quartet (Deutsche Grammophon)
It is not record from 2008 but I discovered this record this year and I think the music is for me absolutely impressive and it touches me and maybe a part of my old soul. Intense!IDA Lovers Prayers (Polyvinyl)
A great folk record which has this great intimacy that songs need to get big. Mp3.Mama Milk Fragrance of Notes (Windbell)
I like the deepness of this album and the atmosphere... some of the songs are quite dark, which I like.Carl Graig and Moritz von Oswald Recomposed (Deutsche Grammophon) This record is from this series the first that is consequent in the idea and it sounds really new in terms of using old classical material. Great work.
Alejandra Deheza from School of Seven Bells
Earth The bees made honey in the lion's skull
This is one of the most beautiful albums that I've heard in a long time. I could full on hallucinate to this record while stone cold sober. It's like the new classical. Well, maybe not yet, but it should be.Fennesz Black Sea
This record is just as stunning. I wish someone would make a film to go with it. I bet you he could-his work is so visual already, you know he's got to see it as clearly as he hears it.Robert Wyatt Shleep
Reissue or not, it came out this year so it counts! This is one of my favorite records of all time. Robert Wyatt is a huge inspiration for me, and has been such an influence on me musically.Gas Nah und Fern
Yes, another reissue. Why? Because it is one of the best releases of 2008. The music is still so fresh, and to me it hasn't aged a day. That's quite a feat. Plus, it was a big inspiration for the song 'Amaranth' on our album Alpinisms.Erykah Badu New Amerykah That woman is a badass. She's uncompromisingly her far out, badass self. Her voice is sick and all her own.
Scott Hutchison Frightened Rabbit
Lykki Li Youth Novels
For such a sparsely arranged record, there is an incredible depth to this. Plus they are such perfect, sad pop songs.
The Hold Steady Stay Positive
Craig Finn is a real hero of mine, and the way he tells stories on this record is amazing. No one does it better in the space of 4 minutes of music.Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Dig Lazarus, Dig!!!
Again, just a wonderful record of stories and characters. Dark and funny and sophisticated.Crystal Castles Crystal Castles
For an electronic record, this has a very human element that's missing from most other bleep music. It pulls you into their fairly intense little room and traps you, feeding you only on dead flies and ratshit.
Nigeria 70: Lagos Jump
This one's a compilation, and obviously not new, but when i heard this I was ashamed I'd not been listening to it for years. Go get it!
No Age
"In no order whatsoever."
Infinite Body White Hym This is a boy named Kyle from Los Angeles, he made cd himself that is very ambient and noisy and very beautiful. he rules. When he plays live he sticks a contact mic on his throat, scream and manipulates the sounds, it looks great because he rigged up this light system that fluctuates with the music.
Deerhunter Microcastle
Such an awesome record. It gets better and better as you listen to it. It is really great when your friends make something rad. We have known these dudes for a long time (we met them on our first US tour ever when we were in the band WIVES) and they never cease to amaze me. A sure fire shredder for this year.The Hospitals Hairdryer Peace
Adam Stonehouse AKA The Hospitals is somewhat of a weirdo genius. This record is a new sound, it is super gnarly and pretty but not even anywhere near what you would expect if i said that to you. I have always been a fan, but this propels into next level. So Good!Abe Vigoda _Skeleton
Dean put this out on PPM, like, the LA record of the year. It is a good album when you listen to it driving, or surfing, or eating veggie burgers. Like I said, very LA. They are the best.Pocahaunted Chains
Another LA jam. Such a good drone record, you can seriously just chill out and relax to this. The two girls in Pocahaunted are friends of ours and we think they rule. It is already sold out, so if you didn't get it you missed the boat I think.
