Let it Rock: The Best Albums of 2008 You Probably Didn’t Listen To

I’m incredibly excited to hear all of 2009’s new and fabulous music, but you know what? I’m still not over the amazingness of 2008. In fact, there are plenty of 2008 gems you might not even have had the chance to discover. Here are the best albums you probably didn’t listen to in 2008. And lucky for you, it’s not too late. Go listen now!

The Ruse- Midnight in the City

I’ve been obsessively listening to The Ruse for so long, I just figured everyone else knew them and loved them as much as I always have. And then I realized that most people I know haven’t even heard of The Ruse, despite the fact that they’ve made guest appearances on both The Hills and Entourage. And despite the fact that their music is the kind that you just can’t help but like. The band released Midnight in the City in November of 2008 and I’m pretty sure I’ve listened to it every day since; basically taking The Ruse with me everywhere I go. Sometimes The Ruse makes me want to sit back, shut my eyes and immerse myself in their perfectly blissful harmonies. And sometimes I take The Ruse with me on the treadmill and they somehow effortlessly carry me through the miles. The most versatile of music, “Sit Down Stare Out” is a favorite track of mine…maybe because it talks about both daydreaming and running. Let 2009 be the year you discover The Ruse.

Jack’s Mannequin- The Glass Passenger

Maybe you forgot about them since their 2005 single “The Mix Tape.” I’m not gonna lie; I spent a couple years thinking they were one-hit wonders. Until one night a few months ago when I was watching Jay Leno and couldn’t take my eyes off the television, as an extremely good-looking lead singer belted out, “Resolution.” It was awesome. But who was it? And then I realized it was Jack’s Mannequin with lead singer Andrew McMahon. I had no idea they were back, but they are. And seriously better than ever. McMahon was actually diagnosed with leukemia after the recording of his first album, which explains the long absence. And it also partly explains the beautifully heart-wrenching lyrics on The Glass Passenger. “Cave,” one of the album’s standouts, starts off slowly, but by the middle of the track, you’ll be simply amazed by the powerful lyrics and building of sound.

The Hold Steady- Stay Positive

I dragged my friend to a Hold Steady concert in October because I didn’t know a soul who listened to them. I was slightly nervous since my friend is known for her love of Britney Spears and pop music. As we left the show she said, “That was amazing. I need to buy a t-shirt!” Instant fan. Why? Well, mainly because The Hold Steady completely rocks. In a totally down to Earth, drink a beer with the guys kind of way. I’ll be really amazed if you can listen to Stay Positive’s title track without singing along. “Cause it’s one thing to start with a positive jam/And it’s another thing to see ‘em through/And we couldn’t even done this if it wasn’t for you.” I hope The Hold Steady keep seeing it through and through because I know I’ll be there. Step 1: Purchase CD. Step 2: Attend Hold Steady show. I’ve never seen so many people jumping up and down and belting out lyrics with huge smiles plastered on their faces. You just can’t help it.

MGMT- Oracle Spectacular

Oracle Spectacular is basically summed up on the first track, “Time to Pretend” with the lyrics “This is our decision to live fast and die young/We’ve got the vision, now let’s have some fun.” And each track after that follows through with the pure fun. With song names like “Weekend Wars,” “The Youth,” and “Kids” it’s clear this electro-rock duo from Brooklyn is all about the good times. I don’t typically listen to music that can be described by the word “techno,” but personally love any album that makes me want to dance, while still valuing excellent thought-provoking lyrics. After listening to MGMT’s debut album, you will be left with the certainty that they’ll be back for more. Let’s hope it’s in 2009.

[All image from Amazon.com except The Ruse album cover, which is from RuseMusic.com]