Dim's Favorite Discs of 2008, Part 1 (#25-#11)

OK, yeah, so I know we are well into 2009, but if you couldn't tell, I'm a lazy no-writing bastard which is why it took me so long to get this list together. I won't make any deluded promises that these are the "best" discs of 2008. No, I won't. I'll merely say these are my favorites. So, don't blame me if you pick one up and you think it sucks. It probably just means you have shitty taste in music. It's OK.

25. Help Wanted - Eric Avery (Dangerbird)

Put these three songs on your iPod right now: All Remote and No Control, Belly of an Insect, Song in the Silence (The Who Can Fly, Pt. 7)

A pleasant surprise, this solo effort from Jane's Addiction's original bass player is a richly-textured sonic exercise. While Avery's vocal stylings are limiting, the electronic-tinged rockers and the ambient, softer numbers make for a challenging, but rewarding listen.

Listen at MySpace

24. Voices - Able Baker Fox (Second Nature)

Put these three songs on your iPod right now: Face On Fire, Stuttering, Dead Space

Probably the biggest shocker for me on the list. I was asked to review this disc for a now-defunct on-line music mag and found that I really dig this. It's got a bit of the DC post-punk sound to it and there are parts very reminiscent of Fugazi and Samiam, but the thing that really sets Voices apart is the great use of dual vocals and harmonies. It’s refreshing to hear a slightly discordant band so clearly and the vocals provide interesting melodies without sacrificing some of the gravel that is needed for this genre. If you want something smart, and sprawling with strong vocals that emote impressive melodies and harmonies, this is the disc for you.

Listen at MySpace

23. Knowle West Boy - Tricky (Domino)

Put these three songs on your iPod right now: Slow, Past Mistake, School Gates

All offerings from 90s trip-hop pioneer Tricky after his first release, Maxinquaye, have been hit-or-miss affairs. And while his latest doesn't approach the perfection of that debut, it does represent some of Tricky's strongest work in awhile. The beats range from the subtle and sublime to driving and heavy. As usual, there are guest vocalists abound and while the heavy rasta parts might take a little getting used to, Tricky's expert use of getting the right female voices for his songs is more than evident. As one of the few that actually liked 2003's Vulnerable, Knowle West Boy certainly picks up where that one left off and, wouldn't you know it, Tricky's on a bit of a hot streak.

Previous list appearances: Angels With Dirty Faces (#14 in 1998), Vulnerable (#8 in 2003)

Listen at MySpace

22. Sunshine Lies - Matthew Sweet (Shout Factory)

Put these three songs on your iPod right now: Flying, Sunrise Eyes, Let's Love

While admittedly not as consistent as 1991's seminal masterpiece, Girlfriend, Sweet does a welcomed return to form here. Expect more of the textbook Sweet sound: raucous power pop, searing Richard Lloyd guitar leads, and lavish ballads as he culls his most consistent effort in years. If possible, try to pick up the deluxe edition which has even more audio goodness. Oh, I triple dog dare you to try to get the "Flying"'s guitar riff out of your head once you hear it. Go on. Try.

Previous list appearances: In Reverse (#1 in 1999), Kimi Ga Suki (#6 in 2003)

Listen at MySpace

21. The Secret Machines - The Secret Machines (Tsm Recordings)

Put these three songs on your iPod right now: Atomic Heels, Underneath the Concrete, The Fire is Waiting

More big sounds from these transplanted Texans. With two full-lengths under their belts, the Secret Machines go the eponymous route with their third and the results and along the lines of what you would come to expect: some heavy, plodding tunes, some pensive balladry, and some extended psychedelic rock. The band takes the listener on a Floydian excursion, culminating with the epic in sound and length closer, "The Fire is Waiting". While there are elements of prog-rock here, TSM won't be confused with Yes anytime soon. They are far more brooding and moody. Still, a very strong and consistent release.

Previous list appearances: Now Here Is Nowhere (#12 in 2004), Ten Silver Drops (#18 in 2006)

Listen at MySpace

20. O My Heart - Mother Mother (Last Gang)

Put these songs on your iPod right now: Ghosting, O My Heart, Hayloft

Canada's own Mother Mother are really starting to assert themselves as real players in the quirky indie rock genre. Sounding a little like a less-abrasive Modest Mouse, thanks primary to dual gender vocals from brother and sister Ryan and Molly Guldemond, O My Heart is an enjoyable romp, with some real toe-tapping pop numbers as well as some tunes with interesting enough arrangements to really cause you to sit up and take notice. This release might not hit you on the first listen, but spending time with it only causes it to be more and more rewarding.

Listen at MySpace

19. Red Of Tooth And Claw - Murder By Death (Vagrant)

Put these songs on your iPod right now: Coming Home, Fuego!, A Second Opinion

The latest from this hard-to-categorize Indiana quartet offers more of the same shantyish, murderously evil tales of the devil, whiskey, and a protagonist whose motives are a little cloudy. Adam Turla continues to channel both Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley with a baritone that sounds older than his years. The rest of the band is very tight musically and while the particular narrative of this offering is a little looser than my personal Murder By Death favorite, Who Will Survive and What Will Be Left of Them, it still offers more in the way of a story than most bands do these days. And when taking a listen, be sure to keep an ear out for Sarah Balliet's sublimely wonderful cello-accents; definitely something that sets the band apart from others.

Previous list appearances: In Bocca al Lupo (#4 in 2006)

Listen at MySpace

18. Third - Portishead (Mercury)

Put these songs on your iPod right now: Silence, Machine Gun, Nylon Smile

Wow, has it really been 11 years since the last studio release? Portishead picks up where they left off, basically schooling everyone in the genre of electronica/trip-hop and showing all imitators how it is done. This is not an easy listening record. Some of the sounds are abrasive. Beth Gibbons' ghostly wail can be challenging on the ears at times. But that is the beauty of Portishead. They push to the limit and always seem to produce wonderful noise that is not for everyone. The samples and programs are impeccably integral to the sound, as is the omni-present Gibbons. A welcomed return.

Previous list appearances: Portishead (#4 in 1997)

Listen at MySpace

17. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend (Xl Recordings)

Put these songs on your iPod right now: Oxford Comma, Mansard Roof, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

This band has had more buzz surrounding it than a fucking apiary and, from what I can discern, it is largely because they sound pretty much like no other band out there, unless the Strokes decided that they were way too overproduced, had way too much guitar, and had way too little in the way of strings and African music influence. I dig what I hear here and I’m not sure why. It’s different. It might take awhile to get into. But it’s true to itself and unapologetic indie/reggae/classical/Afro pop. And it doesn’t suck. That counts for something.

Listen at MySpace

16. Some People Have Real Problems - Sia (Hear Music)

Put these three songs on your iPod right now: Beautiful Calm Driving, Buttons, Soon We'll Be Found

Zero 7's Sia Furler has such a unique sounding voice that it is often polarizing. Some love it, some not so much. I fall in with the former and her latest offering provides her unique and immediately recognizable vocals with some outstanding musical orchestration. While most of the album, and the strongest parts, are slow burners with Furler's sometimes soulful, sometimes airy vocals taking center stage, she also surprises with some unabashed pop which she performs with equal ease and success. While Sia's sound may take some warming up to, once you do, it's apparent she is currently one of modern rock's most underrated voices; one that you can't help but take notice of.

Previous list appearances: Colour the Small One (#17 in 2006)

Listen at MySpace

15. Sunday at Devil Dirt - Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan (V2)

Put these three songs on your iPod right now: Come On Over (Turn Me On), Seafaring Song, Who Built The Road

A magazine reviewed this duet's 2006 release as Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf make a record and Sunday at Devil Dirt certainly perpetuates that idea. Lanegan's deep vocals are off-set gorgeously by Campbell's fragile, ethereal sound. The music here has a ghostly quality to it as well: well-placed bells and strings certainly set the musical mood. This is pretty mellow stuff, but mellow stuff with substance.

Previous list appearances: Ballad of the Broken Seas (#5 in 2006)

Listen at MySpace

14. Lie Down in the Light - Bonnie "Prince" Billy (Drag City)

Put these three songs on your iPod right now: You Want That Picture, Lie Down in the Light, Other's Gain

The fragile and fractured acoustic folky rock of Bonnie "Prince" Billy returns with a shockingly bright offering. The instrumentation here is excellent: Billy's omnipresent acoustic guitar is augmented by piano, slide guitar, and some lavish background vocals. Lie Down in the Light certainly exposes Billy as a songwriter extraordinaire also shows that he doesn't just write dark, sullen tunes.

Previous list appearances: The Letting Go (#9 in 2006)

Listen at MySpace

13. The Renaissance - Q-Tip (Universal Motown)

Put these three songs on your iPod right now: Shaka, WeFight/WeLove, Life is Better

The former leader of A Tribe Called Quest continues where the band left off, with mature, groove- and jazz-oriented hip hop. If you are looking for gangstas and ho's, move along, but if you want to explore the true beauty and poetry of rap, along with remarkable music, experience The Renaissance.

Listen at MySpace

12. Langhorne Slim - Langhorne Slim (Kemado)

Put these three songs on your iPod right now: The Rebel Side Of Heaven, Hummingbird, Restless

The Pennsylvania native, now based out of New York, has always been a bit of an acquired taste and his latest, self-titled effort is no different. But from jangly acoustic stomps that get your leg bouncing to poignant and thoughtful ballads, Slim meticulously constructs a rather brief effort that is both fun and heartbreaking.

Listen at MySpace

11. Death Magnetic - Metallica (Warner Bros.)

Put these three songs on your iPod right now: The Judas Kiss, All Nightmare Long, The Day That Never Came

That's right. I'm not too proud to put a Metallica disc on this list. While saying this is their most solid effort since ...And Justice for All might be damning with faint praise, the truth of the matter is that this is heavy, fast, and groovy. Just how I like my hard rock. Fine, James Hetfield's lyrics will probably cause your eyes to roll, but the dual-guitar attack and the epic layout of the songs certainly overcome any lyrical flaws (that appear on almost every Metallica album anyway). Glad I gave this band one more chance, because they certainly redeemed themselves for their questionable last few studio releases with Death Magnetic.

Previous list appearances: Reload (#15 in 1997) <= What the hell was I thinking? Reload was HORRIBLE!

Listen at MySpace

Coming soon...the top 10.