You can win all fifty albums by breaking into your local HMV, stealing them and getting away before the police turn up!

Culturedeluxe`s Top 50 Albums of 2008

1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8
9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16
17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28
29	30	31	32
33	34	35	36
37	38	39	40
41	42	43	44
45	46	47	48
49	50

	1.	`Eine Kleine Nacht Musik`
		Eine Kleine Nacht Musik
		A surprise choice at number one perhaps, but Henry `Riton` Smithson`s exquisite krautrock by numbers side project beguilled enough of our staff to take the top award. Loved by almost all who`ve heard it, if you haven`t then pick up a copy soon to put pressure on Mr Smithson to record a follow up.
		Released on 14 July 2008 on Modular.
		Original Review (9/10)

	2.	`Fleet Foxes`
		Fleet Foxes
		A release which embarrassingly initially passed us by and remains unreviewed, Seattle`s Fleet Foxes picked up plaudits from everywhere else in 2008 with an album full of genuinely jaw-dropping moments.
		Released on 16 June 2008 on Sub Pop.

	3.	`Intimacy`
		Bloc Party
		A year after the `difficult` second album, Bloc Party surprised us al this year with a characteristically strong third LP which blended the best elements of their previous discs into one time-honed tome.
		Released on 27 October 2008 on Wichita.
		Original Review (9/10)

	4.	`Oracular Spectacular`
		MGMT
		They made more new friends than anyone else at this year`s Glastonbury Festival and, with a string of radio friendly singles nagging the nation`s ears, `Oracular Spectacular` has sold handsomely all year.
		Released on 10 March 2008 on Sony.

	5.	`Falling Off The Lavender Bridge`
		Lightspeed Champion
		With a peculiar title that befits his obscure image and unconventional songwriting, Dev Hynes` debut solo effort was the first to entrance us this year scoring full marks in an early review.
		Released on 21 January 2008 on Domino.
		Original Review (10/10)

	6.	`Third`
		Portishead
		So-called because it was literally their third LP in a seventeen year career, the legendarily worksky Bristol combo delivered further proof that the best things are worth waiting for with a harder sounding, ore experimental LP.
		Released on 28 April 2008 on Universal.
		Original Review (10/10)

	7.	`Angles`
		Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip
		Few gave the DJ and poet double act much future after the semi-novelty` Thou Shalt Always Kill`, but the format stretched well to a full LP, of which the Radiohead-sampling `Letter From God To Man` was a breathtaking standout.
		Released on 12 May 2008 on Sunday Best.

	8.	`Off With Their Heads`
		Kaiser Chiefs
		With their reputation somewhat damged by the below average `Yours Truly, Angry Mob`, Nick Hodgson and Ricky Wilson moved quickly to deliver a highly competent, if unremarkable, third long player.
		Released on 20 October 2008 on B-Unique.
		Original Review (6/10)

	9.	`Santogold`
		Santogold
		After years in the background, Santi White finally broke through with her own debut album of which tracks such as `L.E.S. Artistes` and `say Aha` were crossover pop gems.
		Released on 12 May 2008 on Atlantic.
		Original Review (8/10)

	10.	`Stainless Style`
		Neon Neon
		You`ll never hear a better tribute to 80`s motor maverick John DeLorean, but then how often do the genius minds of Gruff Rhys and Boom Bip combine to produce a guest-laden album with a spectrum of styles and sounds? A brilliant sonic experiment.
		Released on 17 March 2008 on Lex.

	11.	`The Seldom Seen Kid`
		Elbow
		After eighteen years of trying to make it, Elbow`s fourth LP `The Seldom Seen Kid` catapulted Guy Garvey into a Jarvis Cocker-esque elder statesman of indie role. By the end of the year `Grounds for Divorce` and `One Day Like This` were permanently ensconced in the collective minds of the nation and the band had nabbed the Mercury Music Prize.
		Released on 17 March 2008 on Fiction.
		Original Review (10/10)

	12.	`Friendly Fires`
		Friendly Fires
		One year on from the early buzz created by early singles `On Board` and `Paris`, Friendly Fires expanded on their early promise with an album full of dance-inspired indie gems.
		Released on 1 September 2008 on Moshi Moshi.
		Original Review (9/10)

	13.	`Sunday at Devil Dirt`
		Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan
		Following on from, and even eclipsing, 2006`s sublime `Ballad of the Broken Seas`, Scottish singer Isobel Campbell teamed up once again with former Screaming Tree Mark Lanegan for a collection of bittersweet duets that cemented their reputation as this generation`s Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra.
		Released on 5 May 2008 on V2.
		Original Review (9/10)

	14.	`This is Not the World`
		The Futureheads
		Cruelly dumped by their former label, Sunderland`s Futureheads responded with a fabulous two finger salute in releasing the single of the year in `The Beginning of the Twist` and a companion album which signalled a triumphant return to their signature speed-rock - and all through their own label.
		Released on 26 May 2008 on Nul.
		Original Review (9/10)

	15.	`Alas I Cannot Swim`
		Laura Marling
		Although best known in 2008 for her single collaborations with Mystery Jets and Noah and the Whale, Laura Marling also managed to melt hearts across the nation with her own debut album - one with a strength and passion that belied her age and notorious shyness.
		Released on 4 February 2008 on Virgin.
		Original Review (9/10)

	16.	`Little Death`
		Pete and the Pirates
		Despite some of the catchiest singles on radio (or perhaps not on the radio - highlighting the problem), Pete and the Pirates excellent debut collection lay somewhat forgotten by the end of the year. However, songs as strong as `Come On Feet`, `Mr Understanding` and `Dry Wing` were simply too strong for us to forget when it came to poll time.
		Released on 18 February 2008 on Stolen.
		Original Review (9/10)

	17.	`The Age of the Understatement`
		The Last Shadow Puppets
		On a sabbatical from the Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner teamed up with The Rascals` frontman Miles Kane to record an atmospheric, 60`s tinged album part Walker Brothers to another Billy Fury. Some may have heard it all before, but young indie fans lapped it up as thirstily as their parents before them.
		Released on 21 April 2008 on Domino.
		Original Review (8/10)

	18.	`Midnight Boom`
		The Kills
		The title referred to `the moment the moon comes up and everyone else goes to bed` and those of us who joined Alison and Jamie for the night were not disappointed. Jamie Hince`s relationship with Kate Moss may also have led to a minor `sales boom` later in the year.
		Released on 10 March 2008 on Domino.
		Original Review (9/10)

	19.	`Antidotes`
		Foals
		Although singer Yannis Philippakis denounced the album some time after its release, the strength of Foals` material (part afro-funk, part math-rock, part French O-Level) meant we were listening to this all year long.
		Released on 24 March 2008 on Transgressive.

	20.	`Chemical Chords`
		Stereolab
		Stereolab`s first genuinely great pop album in years arrived in August. An unlikely musical pact between Motown and krautrock was signed with results standing up admirably next to the band`s classic early 90`s material.
		Released on 18 August 2008 on 4AD.
		Original Review (9/10)

	21.	`Superabundance`
		Young Knives
		While not reaching the Mercury-nominated levels of its predecessor, `Superabundance` was the best thing the Knives have done to date with a wonderful mix of their multiple-paced tunesmithery.
		Released on 10 March 2008 on Transgressive.

	22.	`To Survive`
		Joan as Police Woman
		Joan Wasser`s second JAPW album built on the solid base of her first and hugely increased her fanbase helped along with guest appearances by David Sylvian and Rufus Wainwright.
		Released on 9 June 2008 on Reveal.
		Original Review (9/10)

	23.	`I Know You`re Married But I Got Feelings Too`
		Martha Wainwright
		While Rufus was helping out Joan Wasser, his sister was receiving rave reviews for her third LP with twelve folk gems and covers of Pink Floyd`s `See Emily Play` and The Eurythmics` `Love is a Stranger`.
		Released on 12 May 2008 on Drowned in Sound.
		Original Review (8/10)

	24.	`Twenty One`
		Mystery Jets
		In danger of the whole world forgetting who they ever were, Eel Pie Island`s Mystery Jets returned with a second album and a glittering, gilt-edged 80`s pop sound. Soon people stopped referring to `that band that used to have the old geezer in it` in favour of `that band with the great song about the girl two doors down`.
		Released on 24 March 2008 on Warner.

	25.	`Parallax Error Beheads You`
		Max Tundra
		Ben Jacobs` third LP was his most accomplished as his wacky stylings, led by lead single `Will Get Fooled Again`, reached out further to a wider audience.
		Released on 20 October 2008 on Domino.
		Original Review (7/10)

	26.	`Glasvegas`
		Glasvegas
		Almost certainly placed twenty five places lower than on the NME`s list of albums of the year, Glasvegas rode a tidal wave of weekly music press interest to deliver a competent album, even if it wasn`t as great as some would have you believe. Lyrics ranged from social worker saviors to never-present patriarchs all delivered in the rough Glaswegian accent of the uber-pretentious James Allan.
		Released on 8 September 2008 on Sony.

	27.	`Luna`
		The Aliens
		Perhaps less an album than a band showing off their adeptness at multiple styles, be it the psyechedelic pop-rock of `Magic Man`, the stadium metal of `Billy Jack` or the wonderful, dreamy stargazing of Lone Pigeon`s `Boats`. On `Luna` the former Beta Band members prove once and for all just how far advanced they are musically when compared to their higher-selling peers. One of the musician`s choices of the year.
		Released on 29 September 2008 on Pet Rock.
		Original Review (9/10)

	28.	`This Gift`
		Sons and Daughters
		The Glasgow act`s third album was preceded by the super indie cum pop of `Darling` in early January. Shortly after one of the best crossover albums of the year was with us.
		Released on 28 January 2008 on Domino.
		Original Review (8/10)

	29.	`Saturnalia`
		Gutter Twins
		The second collaboration for Mark Lanegan in 2008 and his second appearance in the Top 30 albums. This time he teamed with former Afghan Whig Greg Dulli finishing off recordings they`d started some five years previously with great results.
		Released on 3 March 2008 on Sub Pop.

	30.	`Seventh Tree`
		Goldfrapp
		After the glam, pop and horse-tail madness of `Black Cherry` and `Supernature`, Alison Goldfrapp and co returned to the realms of their debut `Felt Mountain` for a more downtempo, ambient sound. The spots on television adverts may have dried up but an understated, beautiful album remained.
		Released on 25 February 2008 on Mute.
		Original Review (8/10)

	31.	`The Renaissance`
		Q-Tip
		The former A Tribe Called Quest man released his first album in nine years just over a month ago and this new collection which featured collaborations with Mark Ronson, Norah Jones and D`Angelo was universally lauded.
		Released on 3 November 2008 on Universal.

	32.	`The Dotted Lines Mixtape`
		Sway
		Preceding and ultimately topping his second LP, UK hip hop star Sway released `The Dotted Lines Mixtape` to the Internet in February as a taster of what to expect from `The Signature LP`. Most agreed he should have released this instead.
		Released on 11 February 2008 on DCypha Productions.

	33.	`Music for An Accelerated Culture`
		Hadouken!
		Surfing the same sonic waves as Enter Shikari and Klaxons, Hadouken! were the music of choice in 2008 for the thinking kid in a day-glo hoodie.
		Released on 5 May 2008 on Surface Noise.
		Original Review (7/10)

	34.	`Flight of the Conchords`
		Flight of the Conchords
		Already established through their trans-continental comedy show, New Zealand`s Flight of the Conchords proved their music stood up to repeated listens with this impressive debut in May.
		Released on 12 May 2008 on Warner.

	35.	`Made in the Dark`
		Hot Chip
		While not htting the same heights as `The Warning`, `Made in the Dark` did boast the dancefloor friendly `Ready for the Floor` which invited us to do it, do it, do it until the cows came home.
		Released on 4 February 2008 on EMI.
		Original Review (6/10)

	36.	`Crystal Castles`
		Crystal Castles
		Named after an ancient computer game, Crystal Castles music sounded like that of an ancient computer game with added shouting. By the end of the year Alice Glass had been named the coolest person in the world by the NME which means I wouldn`t hold out for a follow-up any time soon (eh, Beth Ditto?)
		Released on 28 April 2008 on Trouble.
		Original Review (6/10)

	37.	`I Can Hear Your Heart`
		Aidan John Moffat
		With former Arab Strap partner Malcolm Middleton still basking in his surprise Christmas Top 40 success, Aidan `John` Moffat released a highly personal, autobiographical album designed to be read first and listened to after. Highlights included a cover of Bruce Springsteen`s `Hungry Heart` and an engaging tale of Moffat drunkenly gate-crashing the party of a teenage girl. And they say Glasvegas monopolised dour Scottish music this year?
		Released on 21 January 2008 on Chemikal Underground.
		Original Review (9/10)

	38.	`When the Haar Rolls In`
		James Yorkston
		The album I personally voted as the year`s best only just scrapes the Top 40 when all the votes are counted up. It probably best sums up just how many people out there have missed out on the year`s most impressive collection from the most bankable of all the Fence Collective.
		Released on 1 September 2008 on Domino.
		Original Review (9/10)

	39.	`Offend Maggie`
		Deerhoof
		Deerhoof`s thirty thousandth (well, it seems like it) album was preceded by a novel promotional campaign that saw the band release the sheet music to the song `Fresh Born` before the song itself so that fans could create their own versions and learn to love the song from a new angle. That`s reason alone for their inclusion here.
		Released on 13 October 2008 on ATP.
		Original Review (6/10)

	40.	`Black Sheep`
		Julian Cope
		Cope`s annual album outing actually brought with it a few tunes this time round and, as a massive return to form, was actually heard by those outside his loyal legion of droogs.
		Released on 8 September 2008 on Head Heritage.

	41.	`Dear Science`
		TV on the Radio
		The Brooklyn five-piece`s 2008 effort outshined previous work `Return to Cookie Mountain` combining the 80`s influence of Peter Gabriel and David Bowie with their alternative rock staple.
		Released on 22 September 2008 on 4AD.

	42.	`I Started Out With Nothing And I`ve Still Got Most Of It Left`
		Seasick Steve
		Signing to a major label may dilute the whole `hobo with nothing but a three stringed guitar and a bottle of Thunderbird` image that made Steve`s name, not to mention the production but it harms neither the simple tunes and stories that have made Seasick Steve`s blues twang hugely popular over the past couple of years.
		Released on 29 September 2008 on Warner.

	43.	`Asking For Flowers`
		Kathleen Edwards
		The Canadian country star`s third LP was an emotional affair recalling the likes of Tom Petty and Neil Young over eleven tracks.
		Released on 28 April 2008 on Universal.

	44.	`Dig Lazarus Dig!!!`
		Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
		Following his Grinderman sabbatical, Nick Cave was charged with following up 2004`s sublime double LP `Abbatoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus` which he did with his highest charting album ever.
		Released on 3 March 2008 on Mute.
		Original Review (8/10)

	45.	`Quaristice`
		Autechre
		Designed for release in .FLAC format and released in January, Autechre finally agreed to release a physical CD in March. For fans, the absence of a discernible beat for much of the album was of little bother as they immersed themselves instead in spacious, difficult soundscapes.
		Released on 3 March 2008 on Warp.
		Original Review (7/10)

	46.	`Snowflake Midnight`
		Mercury Rev
		Gone were the radio-friendly sounds of `Opus 40` and back were the sometimes difficult, experimental sounds of `Boces`. The result was an impressive curate`s egg. Those who loved it loved it and those who didn`t bought another copy of `Deserter`s Songs` from iTunes.
		Released on 29 September 2008 on V2.
		Original Review (7/10)

	47.	`Alopecia`
		Why?
		A springtime follow-up to `Elephant Eyelash`, `Alopecia` had journalists literally tearing their hair out. Not because it wasn`t very good, but simply that barely anyone outside a music magazine office seemed to have heard one of the year`s most unique LPs.
		Released on 10 March 2008 on Tomlab.

	48.	`Sonic Diary`
		Costanza
		In a battle of former Tricky vocallists, Costanza ruled over Martina Topley-Bird in 2008 (and over Tricky himself come to think of it) with an album full of unfettered electronica in an evocative, esoteric masterpiece.
		Released on 14 July 2008 on ZerOKilled Music.

	49.	`Carried To Dust`
		Calexico
		Calexico`s sixth LP may very well be their best yet, certainly the finest amalgmation of their twin influences in alternative country rock and traditional Mexican mariachi. `Writer`s Minor Holiday` was an absolute triumph while the unlikely mambo of `Inspiracion` will have you grinning wildly trying to keep the words `Carlos Santana` off your lips.
		Released on 8 September 2008 on City Slang.
		Original Review (8/10)

	50.	`Modern Guilt`
		Beck
		As is Beck Hansen`s wont, every second or so album steps outside the mainstream and indulges the other side of his oeuvre. This is one of those and, while there was no `Sexxlaws` or `Devil`s Haircut` to groove to down the local indie disco, there was still plenty to recommend it as always.
		Released on 7 July 2008 on XL.

Bubbling Under...51 - 100

51. Grace Jones - `Hurricane`
52. Calvera Conspiracy - `Inflikted`
53. Meat Beat Manifesto - `Autoimmune`
54. Glow - `Glow`
55. Vikki Jackman - `Whispering Pages`
56. The Flaming Lips - `Christmas on Mars`
57. Bardo State - `Mariposa`
58. El Guincho - `Alegranza`
59. The Ting Tings - `We Started Nothing`
60. Boris - `Smile`
61. Frank Turner - `Love, Ire & Song`
62. Deerhunter - `Microcastle`
63. Drever, McCusker & Woomble - `Before the Ruin`
64. David Holmes - `The Holy Pictures`
65. Barry Adamson - `Back to the Cat`
66. Brigade - `Come Morning We Fight`
67. Get Well Soon - `Rest Now Weary Head You Will Get Well Soon!`
68. Mogwai - `Hawk is Howling`
69. Grails - `Doomsdayer`s Holiday`
70. Zombie Zombie - `A Land for Renegades`
71. Eugene McGuinness - `Eugene McGuinness`
72. Chase & Status - `More Than A Lot`
73. Muscles - `Guns, Babes, Lemonade`
74. The Dandy Warhols - `Earth to the Dandy Warhols`
75. Religious Knives - `The Door`
76. Vampire Weekend - `Vampire Weekend`
77. The Acorn - `Glory Hope Mountain`
78. Menahan Street Band - `Make The Road By Walking`
79. The Walkmen - `You & Me`
80. Version Big-Fi - `Everything But`
81. The Ralfe Band - `Attic Thieves`
82. Diamanda Galas - `Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!`
83. Paul Weller - `22 Dreams`
84. Amadou & Mariam - `Welcome to Mali`
85. Rolo Tomassi - `Hysterics`
86. The Japanese Pop Stars - `We Just Are`
87. Billy Bragg - `Mr Love and Justice`
88. Earth - `The Bees Made Honey in the Lion`s Skull`
89. Idle Tigers - `The Spirit Salon`
90. Cut Copy - `In Ghost Colours`
91. The Young Gods - `Knock on Wood`
92. Nine Inch Nails - `The Slip`
93. Cynic - `Traced in the Air`
94. Fonda 500 - `Je M`Appelle Stereo`
95. My Brightest Diamond - `A Thousand Shark`s Teeth`
96. Asva - `What You Don`t Know Is Frontier`
97. Juana Molina - `Un Dia`
98. Duffy - `Rockferry`
99. Johann Johannsson - `Fordlândia`
100. Tapes `n Tapes - `Walk It Off`

Thanks to Bob Ferguson, Chris Unitt, Richard Brown, Dean Coster, Andy J, Phil Russell, Bryony Jones, Keith Haworth, Ben Goldrun, Andy Thorn, Nick Foster for their votes.

Last year`s Top 50 Albums can be found here.

Richard Brown (View Original Article)

Kyp Malone, guitarist-vocalist for soul-tinged art-rockers TV On The Radio, is set to release an album of his own solo material under the moniker ‘Rain Machine’ through Anti- Records in September.  According to the label, listeners should expect Malone`s new material to be "emotionally raw and passionate yet still experimental and full of surprises."

Malone describes the birth and journey that his solo music has taken: "I`ve been writing and recording songs alone since I moved to NYC in 2000, at first alone because I didn`t know anyone, then through the years by choice because of a particular freedom that going it alone afforded" and describes his `Rain Machine` album as "a nearly full spectrum of frequencies audible to the human ear - a reflection of a variety of emotions and situations real and imagined, some rhythm and some rhyme."

Malone evidently has faith in his work and its impact on an audience, suggesting that it will "bring the listener to a higher level of consciousness, that peace and happiness are attainable through bathing in its sounds."  The statement was followed, however, with a somewhat ironic "LOL" and concluded with the far less wanky "Really though, I had a great time making this record and I hope listeners enjoy it."

The album is due for release on the 21st September.  In the mean time, there`s a sample track, `Give Blood`, for listeners to wrap their hungry alt-rock ears around - http://mediatmp.anti.com/streams/give_blood.mp3

Jack Richardson (View Original Article)

Due to unforeseen licensing restrictions imposed upon Hearne Street Car Park by Hackney Council the organisers behind Concrete and Glass have had to, at the last minute, move the TV on the Radio show to Cargo on Friday 3rd October

A reviewed line up and timings will be posted as soon as possible on the Concrete and Glass website.

A statement from the G&G organisers reads "Whilst this is slightly more trying a situation than we`d like at this stage - we`re still really happy that TV On The Radio and everyone involved has been so flexible and we look forward to a (very sweaty) and legendary show"

Nick Foster (View Original Article)

Heavy of digital bass, rigid of rhythm, strong of sax and light on harmonies, the fun punnery of `Dancing Choose` is a clear standout from TV on the Radio`s celebrated album `Dear Science`.  However, you have this song already don`t you?  That`s why you`ll need to know about the brand new tracks on this release...

`Make Love All Night Long` is a sleazy tribute to Prince when he was worth mentioning by any name combining faux-falsetto with foxy flutework.  Then there`s the remixes - firstly, Prefuse 73`s schizophrenic reworking of the single track is a real treat with new surprises around every smoothly-rounded corner while Telepathe manage to turn `Crying` into an early New Order / Arthur Baker collaboration - somebody tell Bloc Party, this is the exact mix of tight new wave with claustrophobic electro they`ve been after for years.

Richard Brown (View Original Article)

TV On The Radio first caught my attention with their subtly catchy 2004 single ‘Staring At the Sun.’ In the years since that particular release they appear to have taken the pace of their music up a notch, creating hits worthy of dance floors rather than skate videos.

The band’s second sold out visit to the Academy within mere weeks drew a large and varied crowd; young, old, English, American - anything and everything was presumably accepted. Given the success of TVOTR’s acclaimed effort `Dear Science` this was hardly surprising, but with such a digitally influenced sound how would the band cope in a live environment?

The band cope, it turns out, by boosting the bass up to eleven and vibrating the hell out of my knees. TVOTR aren’t the kind of band I would look at, even whilst on stage, and think ‘they’re going to trash home hotel rooms tonight’. However, I wouldn’t been surprised if they’ve rocked their way through the odd ceiling - the whole set was proud and very, very loud.

The audience, crammed in to the point where all I could see was the tip of guitarist Kyp Malone’s afro, did seem somewhat unmoved by the music, however, and merely head-bobbed like the mature gig goers they were. This seemed ridiculous to me, particularly during their latest single `Golden Age`. Aside from being a set highlight, the song is one of my tunes of the year, so it`s a shame the rest of the crowd didn’t share my enthusiasm.

If the gig were in another venue, say the Barfly, fans may have shown their appreciation more physically.  However, if the band noticed the lack of reaction, they admirably didn’t show it and continued rocking my knees off.

Frankie Ward (View Original Article)