Review: Best Albums Of 2008, Part 1 (Nos. 11-20)

For my first real post back, I'm kicking off with my countdowns of the best music of 2008. To start the recaps, I've picked out my top 20 albums of 2008. Listed here is the second half of the list, numbers 11 through 20, and still to come are my top 10 and a list of the best compilations and other odds-and-ends. New to the blog is the music player at the bottom of every post. Scroll down to see an imeem playlist with all the featured tracks in the post to listen to, with links to search for the songs on Amazon and iTunes. I'm no longer featuring free downloads, but I will make sure to provide occasional links to other sites, as well as include promotional downloads approved for free previewing. Let me know how you like it!

11. The Killers, Day & Age: The Killers roared back into relevancy after a lukewarm response to 2006's Sam's Town, tapping electronic producer Stuart Price (of Confessions On A Dance Floor fame) for an album full of bombast and experimentation. Lead-off singles "Human" and "Spaceman" are their best yet, while tracks like "I Can't Stay" test out new rhythms and sounds. Day & Age, with its scattered gems and bold range, sounds like a bridge between their debut, 2004's Hot Fuss, and something possibly great on the horizon for album four. Preview: "Neon Tiger"

12. Moby, Last Night: Following the low-key, sample-free Hotel, Moby returned to the dancefloor on Last Night, an album chronicling the many stages in the evolution of dance music while documenting each part of a long night out at the club. Ranging from classic house and disco to rave and downtempo comedowns, it's a concise journey highlighting Moby's strengths, even if it doesn't push any new boundaries for the electronica pioneer. Preview: "Disco Lies" [check out my preview here]

13. Carla Bruni, Comme si de rien n'etait: With a delicate voice reminiscent of Jane Birkin or Charlotte Gainsbourg, French First Lady Carla Bruni's third album is a fresh, intoxicating collection of love songs and reflections worth crossing language barriers for. Preview: "L'amoureuse" [check out my full review here]

14. Cat Power, Jukebox: Though not a match for her 2006 masterpiece, The Greatest, Chan Marshall's second set of cover songs is a remarkably sad, beautiful record. Her hearfelt, soul-injected renditions of "Silver Stallion" and "Don't Explain," along with the haunting "Ramblin' (Wo)man" and the excellent, stark takes included on the limited edition bonus disc, make Jukebox a must-listen for Cat Power fans. Preview: "Silver Stallion" [check out my full review here]

15. Sharleen Spiteri, Melody: Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri stepped away from the band for a solo album steeped in the retro mood that Amy Winehouse and countless others fought to resurrect the last two years. It recalls older Texas, and is captivating with its almost theatrical soul melodies. Melody is a seductive and evocative record that merits widespread attention. Preview: "Melody" [check out my preview here]

16. Scarlett Johansson, Anywhere I Lay My Head: Though it's easy to be skeptical of an actress's vanity album of Tom Waits covers, Scarlett Johansson's collection of yearning, affected takes deserves consideration. It all flows together for most of the album, but it all works well as a whole. Standout "I Don't Want To Grow Up" is epic with its bruised, grand statements about youth and life. Preview: "I Don't Want To Grow Up" [check out my preview here]

17. Lady GaGa, The Fame: Bursting onto the scene with an oddball persona straight out of a 60s David Bowie concert, Lady GaGa has fashioned a uniquely futuristic brand of pop with her debut set of simple, incessant club numbers. The writing may be throwaway at best, but for sheer fun and bombast it's a winner. Preview: "Boys Boys Boys" [check out my preview here]

18. Kleerup, Kleerup: The producer of Robyn's comeback "With Every Heartbeat" followed up that smash with an album that singlehandedly justifies the continued existence and evolution of electronic music. Full of enormous synth lines and light, empassioned vocals, Kleerup is a very emotional record despite its technological detachment. Preview: "Hero" [check out my preview here]

19. Duffy, Rockferry: A higher-pitched Amy Winehouse with a more mainstream appeal, Duffy's debut album hits all the right notes with an amazing range of songs. The tracks are united by their rough, unique throwback sound and well-constructed rhythms, with standouts including upbeat single "Mercy" and heartwrenching ballad "Warwick Avenue." Preview: "Rockferry" [check out my preview here]

20. Hercules And Love Affair, Hercules And Love Affair: Antony Hegarty (of the gloriously odd and beautiful Antony & The Johnsons) lends his voice to an engaging trip back to the roots of dance music. Exploring classic disco, house, soul and electro with a distinctly modern feel (courtesy of LCD Soundsystem genius Tim Goldsworthy), the project is a total success, with instant classics like "Blind" and "You Belong" wedged between grand, bold basslines and melodic hooks. Preview: "Hercules' Theme"

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