TV On the Radio released one of the best albums of 2006 called “The Return to Cookie Mountain.” It was an ambitious effort and their follow-up entitled “Dear Science” is even more ambitious – it is “The Dark Knight” of alternative rock, epic in scope and compellingly listenable. So why am I not willing to consider it the best album of 2008? Maybe because I am not an intellectual and don’t pretend to be.
“Science” can only be enjoyed in increments because it is as challenging to the average attention span as it is engaging. If ever there was a case of being too epic, “Dear Science” embodies the notion with aplomb. With those facts considered, I’m not quite ready to label TV On the Radio rock’s most overrated band but with every cello, violin, and string arrangement they are making a strong case. Keep in mind, you have to be good to be considered overrated and there is no doubt that this band is very good but their ambitions too often result in music you have to “think about” and if I wanted that, I’d read a book, not liner notes.
So on that note I’ll give you a rundown of the albums I most thoroughly enjoyed this year in music and maybe you’ll discover we have something in common.
5) My Morning Jacket “Evil Urges” – Thank You Too is one of my favorite songs of 2008. I really dig this band.
4) Coldplay “Viva La Vida” – Release another successful album, get sued, get sued again, get nominated for a Grammy; they aren’t rock’s best rip off artists for nothing.
3) TV On the Radio “Dear Science” – See above.
2) Counting Crows “Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings” – The long anticipated return to form of a classic band. Its been 15 long years since their excellent debut and they just might have topped it with this one.
1) Taylor Swift “Fearless” – I really dug her debut and I think with this, her sophomore effort, she has now recorded two of the most compelling albums of the 00’s. Without a doubt, 2008 was a great year for Taylor Swift and for music in general; here’s to hoping 2009 will be just as great. Cheers!
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