so, it's that time of year again...in my regular perusal of blogs, i've found that the "best of '08" albums and songs are quite overwhelming. regardless, it has inspired me to compile my own list of favorites this year. as i live more of life, i am becoming increasingly convinced that a life lived without music is soulless (for me). 2008 has brought significant change to my little world- with any change worth experiencing, comes pain- in some way, large or small, much of this music has carried me through it.
1. I'll Be Glad - Bonnie 'prince' Billy (Lie Down in the Light). As strong as I want to be at times, life keeps reminding me that I'm not. In this brokenness, the strength of God truly comes alive. This song for me is a constant reminder that when all else seems broken, I'll be glad that God is strong.
2. Old Old Fashioned - Frightened Rabbit (The Midnight Organ Fight). Maybe I'm just not great at keeping up with the pace of modern technology, but I think there is a part of me that yearns for the simplicity of life how it was in years past. Turn off the T.V. Put on some records. Find someone you love, and dance. This entire album is pretty great, but this song is the winner for me.
3. Time to Pretend - MGMT (Oracular Spectacular). Not only is this song SUPER catchy (at one point this song was playing in my roommate's car on repeat for close to a month), it's makes a harshly poignant statement about the inevitable loss of innocence that comes with growing up. "i'm feelin' rough, i'm feelin' raw in the time of my life."
4. Oh, La - Ra Ra Riot (The Rhumb Line). My friend Luke turned me onto this band, and thank goodness. Love them. It was so cool seeing this band live. The synchronicity between everyone on stage was pretty neat, and the strings add a unique quality to their sound. "Somedays our future seems to hang on so tight." Everytime I hear this sung, I can relate.
5. Orbiting- The Weepies (Hideaway). This is a song that has a magical quality to it for me. It's one of those rare tunes that is appealing both for a jog and for a relaxing evening with a glass of wine. There is a sadness to this song- it captures our resistance to change, but its necessity in life. "It's kind of strange how we change orbit in our lives. You were kind of a moon outside of my room; I could just feel you move by. Now i feel you're gone cause i know which side you're on, and it's not mine." You can feel the loss in her voice-
6. Viva la Vida - Coldplay (Viva la Vida). First and foremost, there is something SO damn sexy about Chris Martin (duh). The way he moves when he's singing is H-O-T hot. Plus, this song simply rocks. There have been so many dreary jogs this year that have been revived by this tune. I think my legs somehow get stronger and faster under Chris Martin's spell. 'I think this song is about a king's fall from grace, but it's so catchy you don't even care what it's about.
7. Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - Vampire Weekend (Vampire Weekend). Yeah, so when this album was released, I kind of went into this strange little vampire weekend trance. Their music makes you want to be happier than you really are and jet off to the islands or something. If I had to use a word to describe this song, it would be "refreshing" for sure. Perfect party music, and everyone knows Lauren loves to party...or something like that.
8. I Got Mine - The Black Keys (Attack & Release). Gotta support any band from my home state- especially one that rocks like this. I saw the Black Keys live at the Southgate house for the first time in college, and it was kind of a catalyst to my (sometimes latent) love of bluesy-rock. I don't have too much folky "badass" flowing through my veins, but when I'm feelin' it, the Black Keys are a must.
9. It's Not Impossible - Ben Sollee (Learning to Bend). Something appeals to me about this folky stand-out cellist. Plus, this song appeals to the non-conformist and idealist in me, I think. "I find some men beautiful, some girls handsome, some children wise. And I hope some day before I die I can share the kiss that brings tears to my eyes." Amen.
10. You Don't Know Me - Ben Folds & Regina Spektor (Way to Normal). While I was a little disappointed in this latest album from Ben Folds (an all time favorite), I do really love this song. A topic at the forefront of my thoughts lately is the idea of being truly known by another person in a relationship. I think everyone wants to feel this, but it often eludes us. "Damned by the existential moment when we saw the couple in the coma and it was we who were the cliche, but we carried on anyway; so sure i could just close my eyes, trace and memorize, but can you go back once you know you don't know me?..." So on point.
1. I'll Be Glad - Bonnie 'prince' Billy (Lie Down in the Light). As strong as I want to be at times, life keeps reminding me that I'm not. In this brokenness, the strength of God truly comes alive. This song for me is a constant reminder that when all else seems broken, I'll be glad that God is strong. 
2. Old Old Fashioned - Frightened Rabbit (The Midnight Organ Fight). Maybe I'm just not great at keeping up with the pace of modern technology, but I think there is a part of me that yearns for the simplicity of life how it was in years past. Turn off the T.V. Put on some records. Find someone you love, and dance. This entire album is pretty great, but this song is the winner for me.
3. Time to Pretend - MGMT (Oracular Spectacular). Not only is this song SUPER catchy (at one point this song was playing in my roommate's car on repeat for close to a month), it's makes a harshly poignant statement about the inevitable loss of innocence that comes with growing up. "i'm feelin' rough, i'm feelin' raw in the time of my life." 
4. Oh, La - Ra Ra Riot (The Rhumb Line). My friend Luke turned me onto this band, and thank goodness. Love them. It was so cool seeing this band live. The synchronicity between everyone on stage was pretty neat, and the strings add a unique quality to their sound. "Somedays our future seems to hang on so tight." Everytime I hear this sung, I can relate. 
5. Orbiting- The Weepies (Hideaway). This is a song that has a magical quality to it for me. It's one of those rare tunes that is appealing both for a jog and for a relaxing evening with a glass of wine. There is a sadness to this song- it captures our resistance to change, but its necessity in life. "It's kind of strange how we change orbit in our lives. You were kind of a moon outside of my room; I could just feel you move by. Now i feel you're gone cause i know which side you're on, and it's not mine." You can feel the loss in her voice-
6. Viva la Vida - Coldplay (Viva la Vida). First and foremost, there is something SO damn sexy about Chris Martin (duh). The way he moves when he's singing is H-O-T hot. Plus, this song simply rocks. There have been so many dreary jogs this year that have been revived by this tune. I think my legs somehow get stronger and faster under Chris Martin's spell. 'I think this song is about a king's fall from grace, but it's so catchy you don't even care what it's about. 
7. Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa - Vampire Weekend (Vampire Weekend). Yeah, so when this album was released, I kind of went into this strange little vampire weekend trance. Their music makes you want to be happier than you really are and jet off to the islands or something. If I had to use a word to describe this song, it would be "refreshing" for sure. Perfect party music, and everyone knows Lauren loves to party...or something like that.
8. I Got Mine - The Black Keys (Attack & Release). Gotta support any band from my home state- especially one that rocks like this. I saw the Black Keys live at the Southgate house for the first time in college, and it was kind of a catalyst to my (sometimes latent) love of bluesy-rock. I don't have too much folky "badass" flowing through my veins, but when I'm feelin' it, the Black Keys are a must.
9. It's Not Impossible - Ben Sollee (Learning to Bend). Something appeals to me about this folky stand-out cellist. Plus, this song appeals to the non-conformist and idealist in me, I think. "I find some men beautiful, some girls handsome, some children wise. And I hope some day before I die I can share the kiss that brings tears to my eyes." Amen.
10. You Don't Know Me - Ben Folds & Regina Spektor (Way to Normal). While I was a little disappointed in this latest album from Ben Folds (an all time favorite), I do really love this song. A topic at the forefront of my thoughts lately is the idea of being truly known by another person in a relationship. I think everyone wants to feel this, but it often eludes us. "Damned by the existential moment when we saw the couple in the coma and it was we who were the cliche, but we carried on anyway; so sure i could just close my eyes, trace and memorize, but can you go back once you know you don't know me?..." So on point.
