Top 10 List

Making this list...sucks. It is really hard to do.

Dob's Official Best of 2008 List
------------------------------------------
10. The All American Rejects - When the World Comes Down
Alright, so this record did just come out. It sounds similar to their old stuff, like, original record. I think some of the songs are very poppy, but in a different sound then the radio. They tried some new things. However, I feel as if the production value could be equal to a local band.
9. Anberlin - New Surrender
This record is on repeat a lot for me, well, the first couple tracks anyway. Its very rock. Straight-foward, fist-pumping singalongs. Especially songs like "Breaking" which is so good. Their song "Feel Good Drag" being on Tap Tap Revolution helps too.
8. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
I love these guys. The speaking vocals might be what gets me on their stuff, and it continues throughout this record. I'm also happy that "Sequestered in Memphis" got airplay on RXP this year.
7. Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
These guys got to go mainstream a bit this year. Some of their singles were really good. But the album versions of the songs as opposed to the radio-friendly versions are so much better. With tracks like "No Sunlight" and "Cath" DCFC = <3.
6. Panic at the Disco - Pretty.Odd.
Yeah. I did it. This album, reminicent of the Beatles has made it through. It's fresh. I don't like hearing their crap they had on the last CD that spawned the ridiculous amount of synth bands. "The Green Gentlemen" is AWESOME. The pop into the verse gets me everytime. It also helps that "Nine in the Afternoon" is so good that its on the beginning of 4 of the tracks that aren't the songs. ...Yeah I downloaded it so thats the version I got. Jealous? BTW - I love the loss of the punctuation in the name, but the extra in the album title? Classy.
5. Hit the Lights - Skip School Start Fights
I was worried when their singer left that they wouldn't be back. But they came back with Nick singing and I think it is the SAME 100%. I like that they even mentioned the whole deal on the first track. Everything on here is what you would expect after hearing their debut album. A little heavy at times but deep.
4. Fall Out Boy - Folie a Deux
I didn't know if I should put this on since it's only been a week. BUT I purposely waited to make this list for this to come out. The hype intrigued me and I think they definitely delievered. They grew up. Never again will there be a TTTYG, but I am okay with that. Patrick's vocals are solid. Pete even gets a bass solo (LOL). Seriously though, "What a Catch, Donnie" is my favorite song. I won't even ruin it for you.
3. Valencia - We All Need a Reason to Believe
Just because I was friends with them, I got into it. But argueably one of the most underrated bands, this is one of the best sophmore records I have heard in a LONG time. Shane sings beautifully, while the rest of the band backs him so well. These guys are great. I felt bad downloading it so I had to buy a copy. I think you should do the same. Listen to "Holiday" - just because it is rather timely.
2. Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger
I miss Something Corporate. This will be the closest I will ever get. Andrew has gone through a lot, and really connects with fans because of it. I think that some of these tracks may slip a bit - oh wait who I am kidding? I love everything. "Swim" is just so good and "Caves" is just amazing. The complete change in feeling is just poppin'. I just said that.
1. Forgive Durdan - Razia's Shadow
I knew I had to put this on here. I wasn't sure where to throw it. I had never really given the band a time of day in the past. But because of all of the marketing online, I got really psyched for it. This was the first preorder I have ever spent money on. Some of my favorite guest vocalists are featured too. Perhaps the Chris Conley and Max Bemis tracks are the best. But as cheesy as it may be at times, as a whole piece of work, it is brilliant. Whether they pull it off at Bamboozle this year or not, I do not know, but I can't wait. Props to these guys, mainly Thomas Dutton, who has been going at it for a while under the radar and out of no where impresses the entire Internet generation.


There you have it. That is my "BEST OF" list of 2008.
You could agree, or disagree. Please let me know. I had a lot of trouble. I listen to a lot of music. So much that I sometimes listen to a record as little as once, not because its terrible, but because something newer (or older) finds its way into my computer. Enjoy. Happy Holidays, it's good to be home.