Closing out the Essential 12 of '08 to date

Here we close in on LTME's Essential albums of 2008 at the midway point. The selection process was odd, slanted and took into account the amount of controversy surrounding a certain album that made it essential.

Without further delay, here are 6-1:

6. Mission Control - The Whigs

Fearless Rock is back. The Whigs exceed expectations with stellar follow up album that introduces new genres and influences. The material flows well as an album but more importantly is stellar live. I am biased on this band, but for good reason.

5. Evil Urges - My Morning Jacket

Possibly the single most polarizing album of the decade, Evil shakes the very foundation of MMJ and launches itself into the headlines with a whirlwind of an album. In many ways the weakness of some of the songs and the near failure to present a cohesive effort makes this album so damn interesting. Just what the hell was the band trying to do? There are some brilliant songs on here, but they nestle up next to some of the worst MMJ has to offer. Essential to say the least.

4. At Mount Zoomer - Wolf Parade

Did I say controversy would help make the album Essential? Then Wolf Parade march right up. The most defining argument against the album is the dismay fans have with the inability of Dan and Spencer to reconnect as they did on the debut. The material is split, making the album choppy and move along as a mix tape of your favorite songs from the various side projects. That's too bad, because looking past the ability of this album to sound like it's predecessor you'll see some stunning craftsmanship. Dan steal the show on this one and that's the way I like it.

3. Attack and Release - Black Keys

The duo knows no fear! With DJ Danger Mouse in the drivers seat the Keys release an attack on the ears and soul. Their songs never disappoint and here they have a edge that takes them places that sound so so sweet. The album unfolds at a perfect pace and the arrangement of songs is perfect. A spectacular effort by one of the best bands out there.

2. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

Without a doubt the 'it' band of 2008. This is some of the most well displayed musicianship I have heard in a long time, just awesome in every aspect. Saw this band this past Sat evening and although I was in the very back of the venue and couldn't see, the songs were performance enough. This band has so much promise it is scary. I'll be listening to this album for some time to come.

1. Visiter - The Dodos

This album completely took me off guard and won me over with little effort. It's composition of folk, rock, experimental, indie and just plan simplicity overwhelms me. It is so bizarre at times that I cannot seem to resist it. So far this album have garnered the most respect and adoration for 2008, however, I would like to see it fall as I expect great things to come in the next 6 months.

Back on track. LTME's promises to get things going again in the second half of the year, sorry for the slow start.