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Continuing with their neo-psychedelic sound, the Mars Volta's fourth album presents a much more developed sound than their previous two albums. Bedlam In Goliath returns to the band's roots ala De-Loused In The Comatorium. New drummer Thomas Pridgen fits in perfectly with the band's sound. The songs feature rich textures, complex rhythms, and the incorporation of instruments such as saxophones, violins, and flutes. Definitely my favorite of 2008 so far.
2. Beck - Modern Guilt (Interscope Records)
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Produced by Danger Mouse and Beck himself, Modern Guilt features Beck's broken musings backed by his classic blend of rock, hip-hop, funk, blues, and folk. With Cat Power featured on two tracks, the album proves to be an excellent addition to the legendary Beck canon.
3. Jakob Dylan - Seeing Things (Columbia Records)
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After Jakob Dylan's break from The Wallflowers, he decided to pursue a solo career. Seeing Things, his solo debut, was produced by the legendary Rick Rubin. With Dylan's talent and Rubin's ability to bring out the best in an artist, we were treated to a disc full of intimate, acoustic, and reflective songs. Every song proves that Jakob's songwriting talent must have been passed down from his father, Bob Dylan. Seeing Things will leave you feeling relaxed and can help you get over the loss of The Wallflowers.
4. Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer (Sub Pop)
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Created from good old fashioned jam sessions, Wolf Parade's second album proves to be their best release to date. Each tracked delivers punch after punch, most driven by the band's creative use of synthesizers. With extremely well-done instrumentation, At Mount Zoomer will make you realize just why you like Wolf Parade in the first place.
5. Mudcrutch - Mudcrutch (Reprise Records)
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Here's an album that's 30+ years in the making. Tom Petty's original band, which includes Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tech, finally came out with their debut eponymous album. From the traditional "Shady Grove" to the Petty penned "Bootleg Flyer," this is a classic you will be able to listen to for years. Though loose and jammy at times, each track delivers a decisive blow to your ears.
