Right now, my playlist is so last year. Here are four slippery albums that I somehow missed in 2008. All are recommended.
Conor Oberst – Conor Oberst
To record this album, Conor Oberst set up a temporary studio in a mountain villa in Tepoztlán, Morales, Mexico–the perfect location for an album that champions the freedoms and friendships found on the open road. Much like on Bright Eyes’ Cassadega, Oberst employs magical realism in his lyrics, backed by sometimes-hushed, sometimes-spirited folk-rock to tell stories of escape and mortality.
Stream the entire album.
Blitzen Trapper - Furr
On their MySpace page Blitzen Trapper categorize their music as indie/country/electro. All are fair descriptors, but still don’t sum up the Portland band’s expansive sound. Furr, their fourth album, comprises sparse piano, country strumming, adventurous indie rock and even a funky synthesizer-driven instrumental. Though its personalities may seem scattered, Furr is more focused than anything I’ve heard from Blitzen Trapper.
Stream songs from Furr.
Bob Dylan – Tell Tale Signs
What can you say about Bob Dylan. The latest in his bootleg series is a collection of rare and unreleased songs from 1989 to 2006 and it’s just as captivating as anything Dylan has done. Many of these alternate takes, including a haunting acoustic rendition of “Mississippi” from Love and Theft, are stronger than the album versions. Tell Tale Signs is further proof of the significance of Bob Dylan’s later works.
Stream songs from Tell Tale Signs.
The Gaslight Anthem – The ‘59 Sound
The ‘59 Sound is the Born to Run-inspired album that so many other bands have tried to pull off over the past few years. But even though The Gaslight Anthem wear their influences on their sleeves, they have their own youthful spirit. Their songs are full of energy and catchy as hell. Despite the almost tiresome lyrical references to everyone from Counting Crows to Miles Davis, The ‘59 Sound has held my attention.
Stream songs from The ‘59 Sound.
