Albums of 2008 - #11-20

I will probably finally get there, presenting these albums from #11–20, but I must fill in the «blanks» in the coming period. However, for the meantime, this is how it looks:

#11: The Hold Steady – «Stay Positive»
The Hold Steady is going full throttle. First stand-out track to me was the slightly calmer «Lord, I’m Discouraged», which is a beautiful ballad. This record is a safe choice if you’re into rock’n roll (à la...ok, let’s say Springsteen too). Classy story-telling accompanied by piano and guitars. Quality. •••
#12: MGMT – «Oracular Spectacular»
MGMT has two really great songs up their sleeves – and then some. «Time to Pretend» and «Kids» are as good as it gets. Even people with no clues on concepts involving dancing will move their feet to this. •••
#13: The War On Drugs – «Wagonwheel Blues»
The War On Drugs is pleasant new company (even though they have self-released one album before this one). Lyrics and sounds come in a noisy, though melodic landscape. Among many lovely tracks: «Buenos Aires Beach» is the highlight for me, deserves attention – and plenty of repeats. •••
#14: Bob Dylan – «Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series Vol 8»
#15: TSOOL - «Communion»
#16: Kings Of Leon – «Only By The Night»
Kings of Leon is slowly becoming some sort of favourites within their genre. I found their previous album to hold a few stronger songs, but this set ends up on a slightly higher average. Slick and catchy. Guitars, drums and backing-choir-practice for the whole band. •••
#17: Ane Brun – «Changing Of The Seasons»
[To me] A sincere attitude towards «real» music supports Ane Brun’s song-writing. Acoustic, the sounds’ emphasis on string-instruments, guitar-picking – and she sings like an angel. Stand-out tracks; «Changing of the Seasons» and «Linger With Pleasure». •••
#18: Calexico – «Carried To Dust»
Now this is tex-mex in perhaps the original meaning of the word. Calexico is an orchestra that draws upon musical traditions from both sides of the border [between Mexico and the States]. It is folk-music, swinging, Spanish (Mexican) and Am-English lyrics. •••
#19: Bonnie ’Prince’ Billy – «Lie Down In The Light»
Somehow Mr. Oldham starts off sounding less down than usual; (if only an inch or so). But don’t let that put you «wanna-be-miserable» ones off – there are also serious issues to be dealt with here. His finish «I’ll Be Glad» is a masterpiece, and one of my favourite-tracks from 2008. •••
#20: Balmorhea – «River Arms»
Read more here.•••

---
2009-01-24:
Status, saved as «published draft» [...to be continued...]