Top 100 albums of 2008! Part [1]

Top 100 Albums of 2008!
[Final Post] From #10. - #01.

Here is the list the of the 10 Top Albums of 2008...

#10. Coldplay - Viva La Vida
"Viva La Vida" and death and all of his friends... Coldplay is back! With this album Chris Martin's band sums up issues of life, love, peace, war and death that are always a strong influence on every band around the world. "Viva La Vida" is a confident effort that adds a revolutionary image of Coldplay in the history of music.
In other words: Music For The Masses!
Listen: "42"
[Link]


#09. Steven Wilson - Insurgentes
Steven Wilson better known as the lead singer-songwriter and guitarist of Porcupine Tree or also know for his famous collaborations with Blackfield and No-Man, released his solo album Insurgentes. This album can be found over the internet as it is web released and a limited edition of 3000 copies or you can pre-order it via the internet. I bought this album and I have to admit that it is Spectacular! Its progressive dark ambiance accompanied with Steven Wilson's angelic vocals create a masterpiece of quiet and moody soundscapes.
Listen: "Harmony Korine" is just an example of what will follow....
[Link]

#08. Gutter Twins - Saturnalia
The Gutter Twins is a collaboration between Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan. These two great musicians released their debut album "Saturnalia" and rocked the world. Every song of this album is excellent. Strong melodies + Charming vocals = Exceptional outcome!
Listen: "Stations"
[Link]



#07. Sigur Rós- Með Suð í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust
Sigur Rós released the best post-rock album of the year. This album is unbelivable... New sounds, a new approach to post-rock music that adds happiness and boiterous spirit rather than quietness and mysery as we've already seen that many post-rock bands prefer. "Með Suð í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust" means "With a buzz in our ears we play endlessly" and with this title Sigur Rós released their best album ever. A vivid masterpiece with a unique cover!
Listen: "Ára bátur"
[Link]

#06. Tricky - Knowle West Boy
Tricky, one of the fathers of Trip Hop, released his new album "Knowle West Boy". Despite the critic I wrote about his live performance, his album stands out from the crowd and he remains in the top 10 albums of the year. Tricky always creates music that has a strong relation to his unique blend of sounds without taking into consideration how the outcome will be. In conclusion: This album is unique.
Listen: "Past Mistake"
[Link]


#05. My Brightest Diamond - A Thousand Shark's Teeth
My Brightest Diamond's second album "A Thousand Shark's Teeth" is a flawless diamond. Elegantly instrumented, well polished, passionate and gracefull. Shara Worden's divine voice is a blissful caress to your ears.
Don't forget: Diamonds Are Forever!
Listen: "Black & Costaud"
[Link]



#04. Madrugada - Madrugada
Madrugada released their final album also titled "Madrugada" and after that they made their last tour to seal the silence they left behind with their absence. One of the greatest bands that Greece adored. Their final album will remain forever in our minds to remind us all the vivid memories we gained by their songs.
One minute silence.

Listen: "Highway Of Light"
[Link]

#03. Scott Matthew - Scott Matthew
Scott Matthew is an Australian musician that lives permanently in New York. The hype started after his appearance in the film "Shortbus", so I call him the "Voice of Shortbus". Scott Matthew is an eccentric folk singer-songwriter that released his debut album "Scott Matthew" and changed my world with his grotesquely tragic vocals and his quiet folk melodies. This album is simply gorgeous.
He will take your pain away and erase all your problems...
Just Buy this album... [This is the first time I recommend you to do such a thing.]
Listen: "Abandoned"
[Link]


#02. Get Well Soon - Rest Now, Weary Head! You Will Get Well Soon
Get Well Soon is the the most surprising band of this year's artists. "Rest Now, Weary Head!" could be the first album in this list if the band in #01. hadn't released an album. This album could be a profesionally crafted compilation rather than a band's album, beacause of the various sounds it includes, that create a magnificent atmosphere in which the more you listed the more you are hooked! Get Well Soon is a masterpiece and one of the albums you will remember as one of the best of 2008.
Listen: "You, Aurora, You, Seaside"
[Link]
And now that I have your attention... Let's see the Highlight of the year.

#01. Portishead - Third
Many things have been told and heard about this album. The fans of Portishead got confused, many loved it, more despised it...
Portishead released their "Third" album after eleven years. Someone could say: "Eleven years to release an album?!"
This album took Portishead's eleven years to produce it on the other hand other bands could never release such a superb album.
Beth Gibbon's vocals are set on the background of the tracks and the music is the main element that plays the major role on their new project. In my opinion this album is the TOP album of 2008!
Portishead crafted this triumphant record and re-created trip hop music from the beginning. I have to admit though that "Third" under no circumstanses may be considered an easy listening album. If you are looking for the Portishead of "Dummy" then this is not a recommended album for you.

Here is one critic I would like to share with you:

"The Guardian" wrote:

"Portishead's third album is initially more a record to admire than to love, its muscular synthesisers, drum breaks and abrupt endings keeping the tension high. But after several listens, Third's majesty unfurls."

Listen: "Small" because this song is Ingenious!
[Link]