Q's Top 50 Of 2008
Paste's pasty top 50 created a commotion and folks got bent out of shape over Blender's 33 (a Jesus homage?), but for my devalued American buck, nothing's as strange as what you'll find topping Q's end-of-the-year list. Which is why they get the "Shit List" designation. (That's not the only reason.) Actually, they forgot to list album #45: Maybe once we discover what that is, everything else will make sense.
(UPDATE: We're told #45 is Jack Johnson...)
50 Dido - Safe Trip Home
49 Emmylou Harris - All I Intended To Be
48 Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue
47 Randy Newman - Harps And Angels
46 The Verve - Forth
45 Jack Johnson Sleep Through Static
44 Black Kids - Partie Traumatic
43 Joan As Police Woman - To Survive
42 Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning
41 Lindsey Buckingham - Gift Of Screws
40 My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
39 Santogold - Santogold
38 John Mellencamp - Life Death Love & Freedom
37 Lykke Li - Youth Novels
36 R.E.M. - Accelerate
35 The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
34 Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
33 Hercules & Love Affair - Hercules & Love Affair
32 Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul
31 Black Mountain - In The Future
30 Portishead - Third
29 AC/DC - Black Ice
28 Paul Weller - Dreams
27 Neil Diamond - Home Before Dark
26 Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst
25 Metallica - Death Magnetic
24 The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age Of The Understatement
23 Beck - Modern Guilt
22 The Killers - Day & Age
21 Razorlight - Slipway Fires
20 The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound
19 Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree
18 British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
17 Adele - 19
16 Hot Chip - Made In The Dark
15 Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III
14 Kaiser Chiefs - Off With Their Heads
13 MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
12 Keane - Perfect Symmetry
11 Sigur Rós - Med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust
10 Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!
09 The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely
08 Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid
07 TV On The Radio - Dear Science
06 Duffy - Rockferry
05 Glasvegas - Glasvegas
04 Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
03 Coldplay - Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
02 Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
01 Kings Of Leon - Only By The Night
This is why KoL won. When you read it, remember it's opposite day:
Like others before them - R.E.M. and Radiohead in recent years - Kings Of Leon are making big rock music to fill big spaces, without resorting to hot air or empty posturing.
You can read the rest of the blurbs at Q.
Posted at 5:48 PM by brandon in Shit List, Year-End List
UK is up in Fleet Foxes JOCK
Score = 0
I'm not gonna lie, I loved Only By The Night. But I don't think it's KOL's best, nor is it anywhere near the top ten of 08.
Q gets bonus shit points for putting Duffy and Coldplay in the top ten instead of someone like Bon Iver or Delta Spirit.
Score = -1
Yeah. Kings of Leon should have been well below the top 10.
And look at the Brits letting Coldplay hang out at #3!
Score = 0
Kings of Leon had an album this year?
Score = 30
nope.
Score = 9
I can't believe that Fucked Up's Chemistry of Common Life is not on any of these lists, but we all know the worth of these lists; to cause a little exasperation and get our attention in order to satisfy the corporate sponsors marketing department.
Also I fail to see much of a difference between Lil' Wayne and T-Pain - back away from the vocal efx, Cher-boys!
Score = -14
There was one song, I believe, which heavily used that on Tha Carter III, so maybe you oughta listen to the other ones before passing judgment. Also, listen to the lyrics and methinks you'll see something quite different.
Score = 4
Oh so his live performances of the same songs from Tha Carter III are not indicative of the record (Which I have only heard in passing, tough pretty sure I have heard a few trax outsida "lollipop"). Because I think of the 4 live shows I have caught Lil' on he used that annoying effect on each song (and I am pretty sure that they were NOT all that same lollipop song - god it sounds stupid just writing it).
And as for lyrics, don't know how singing about what one is going to do to an anonymous female with one's c*#k using a different variation on slang/curse words is really worth looking into, but that's JMO
Score = 0
haha, you don't know shit about hip hop, do you?
Score = -1
Oh! that is rough. I don't see any Feed The Animals or The Stand Ins...
Personally, I have tried to like Only By The Night, but it just doesn't do it for me...It's cool KOL tried something new but this just doesn't hold its own. Not sure where Dido came from either.
Score = 0
It seems they listed only the 50 biggest guitar releases this year.
Score = 1
still waiting on my alopecia.
Score = 8
alopecia, no subtle either. i thought the alias album was pretty good as well.... no anticon love. they're doing things for music far more important than kings of leon, jack johnson, etc.
Score = 1
*Cocks gun* See you in hell, Q's Editors *fires*
Score = 0
shit sandwich.
Score = 4
They have some of my favorites up there, but putting Kings Of Leon at #1 is a baffling choice. To each their own, I guess...
Score = 2
Man, it must suck to find out AFTER putting out your Top 50 List for the year that you're totally wrong about half of it. And isn't Kings of Leon just Jet in disguise? I'm confused.
Score = -1
I think that KoL deserves to be in the top 50 of the year, but definitely not #1. It's not even their second best album. My only explanation is the UK's obsession with KoL. Same goes for Coldplay at #3.
Score = 3
MISSING is such an underrated album
Score = 10
i need someones unbiased opinion on coldplays cd this year because that viva la vida song was shit
Score = -1
WHY? Alopecia anyone?
Score = 6
SRRIUSLY <3 why?
Score = 3
Musical Taste Fail
http://failblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/militia-fail.jpg
Score = 6
this list is seriously not as bad as blender's
don't worry stereogum, you'll be able to suck pitchfork's dick soon, their list will be here in a few weeks
Score = 4
Maybe I'm way off, but I thought attack and release was stellar. People act like it never came out.
Score = 6
the missing album is Jack Johnson "Sleep Through Stattic"
Score = 0
Kings Of Leon suck just as hard as Nickelback. It's all the same shit.
Score = -10
Hey, this list has Conor Oberst and The Gaslight Anthem, so that's worth a couple of points. KoL at the top? I was actually a bit disappointed with the album, and I'm not sure it would even make my own personal top 20.
Score = 1
This is nuts...it should be...
#1: Deerhunter, Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
#2: No Age, Nouns
Score = -10
The "Q" in question is the old (not to mention deceased) geezer from the James Bond movies, right? I mean, there's no other way to explain the awfulness of this list.
Score = 0
still no los campesinos? what the hell is wrong with these people?
Score = 5
did a 7th grader from Ohio make this list?
Score = -6
I know the only thing more inane than arguing over lists is arguing over arguing over lists, but is it too much to ask for a little perspective?
It's a magazine, and if their typical readers bought only a handful of albums this year, I would imagine The Killers, Kings of Leon, Coldplay, Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight, etc made the cut.
Some British mainstream music type of magazine can't just declare Deerhunter, Department of Eagles, etc the best albums of the year without alienating their subscription base.
Are we going to get up in arms about Vibe's year-end list too?
(Of course, I'm not all that familiar with Q magazine, so if they present themselves as some sort of indie music authority, ignore everything I've just said.)
Score = 18
I think thankfully Los Campesinos are being treated like the equivalent of what their music sounds like: spoiled rotten 10-year-olds.
Score = -6
I'll take spoiled 10 year olds over spoiled Columbia grads(Take THAT Vampire Weekend) any day of the week. I don't disagree that that's what they sound like, but, come one...10 year olds are fun!
Score = -3
this is nuts, it should be
#1. Los Campesinos! - Hold on Now, Youngster...
#2. Los Campesinos! - We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed
alright joking... but serious
Score = 2
Where the FUCK is David Byrne and Brian Eno's "Everything That Happens"???. Why do these FUCKING end-year-lists-before-the-year-has-finished keep ignoring that absolutely mindblowing album? Man..., all these motherfucking lists make me SICK. FUCK THEM ALL!!!!!!!!
Score = -2
LOL @ the gaslight anthem being on so many lists. It's like one punk band gets compared to bruce springsteen so critics have an excuse to actually say they like them. this isn't fucking absolutepunk, if you're not a member of the punk community don't put punk bands on your list.
Score = -6
go to hell
Score = 0
This is easily Coldplay's worst. Even going in with Eno didn't help.
K.O.L. were already a success in the UK, so this surprises me. If it was there first breakthrough, I could understand.
They are just getting big in Australia (finally.
Either way, this is their worst album as well.
I think Duffy and MGMT need to be swapped around.
And personally, Connor Oberst should be higher on the list.
Score = -3
These polls are getting worse and worse. I mean Day & Age is a good album but in no means better then Bon Iver's album. Just goes to prove that money rules the charts....when will something good come out?
Score = 3
Where the fuck is why? - alopecia? lydia - illuminate? copeland - you are my sunshine? thrice? what a fucking bullshit list, i hope this magazine is devoured by the economic crisis.
Score = 0
I just threw up in my mouth...you mean to tell me Nickelback's Dark Horse didn't make the list?
Score = -3
i like it. Feed the Animals should be on it. Kings of Leon are wicked and i am not sure why people have a negative out look on them, I think they just keep getting better with age. Blenders list was descent too, nice to know that Tv on the Radio proved to hold their own, and Lykke Le's is solid as well. Some wouldnt be on my list, but hence why it would be MY list.
Score = 4
What amazes me is how each new year-end list published precipitates 50 irate posts within a few days. Do the expectations or the anger ever diminish?
Score = 4
Most of the essentials are present.
The British bias is obvious.
But.
At least they don't have Fallout Boy on the list.
Score = 7
Take This To Your Grave is a better album than anything that came out this year.
Score = 3
People listened to the Goldfrapp album?
Score = 0
I suppose at least TVOTR seem to be popping up on all these.
But no Why? or Deerhunter? WTF :(
Score = 3
I think Q's list is largely influenced by what tracks they can get to put on their free CD. Mojo and Uncut's lists should prove more interesting.
Score = 1
Didn't the MGMT record come out in 2007, not 2008?
Score = -3
Top 50 albums is a bit of an impossible task no? That's an average of four good albums getting released every month? Perhaps top 50 songs of the year would be better?
Anyway, I'm from the UK and I know Q Magazine well and it is more of middle age demographic's mag, so don't be too surprised. Middle age or not though, I still think they must be deaf if they don't think Friendly Fires, or Midnight Juggernauts, or Wild Beasts cut the mark!!!! These bands aren't that Indie or 'way out there' are they...
Keane and Duffy and Dido - WTF!!!???
Mike
(http://therecommender.net)
Score = 2
No Wild Beasts????
Score = 0
Not a great list, but at least the Raconteurs got some love.
Most of this voting is like the Oscars - unless you're high profile, nobody remembers the good stuff that came out in the first six months of the year. Am I the only one who heard Annuals 'Such Fun' or Cloud Cult? If you're going to vote for VW, at least put these guys on the list. They're definitely in my top 5. Also add my voice to the Department of Eagles 'In Ear Park'. I'm guessing NPR's list will come through for those guys.
According to Q, it's clear that Neal Diamond should front the next AC/DC tour - they'll call it 'Solitary Vice.'
Score = 1
i don't understand how none of these lists have WOLF PARADE....that album got great reviews and is awesome.
Score = 2
i mean it...these lists are driving me crazy! where is the love for hootie and the blowfish? where is the love for billy bob thornton? he is a much better musician than actor.....he is an even better ventriloquist!! no love for dj jazzy jeff.....or the fresh prince! the whole world has turned to shit and we are just onboard for the ride to hell. it's all over people.....it's all over....
Score = 1
I'm not shocked by this list at all.
Score = 0
yep this is pretty shitty
these year-end lists are making me wish Vampire Weekend didn't exist
Score = -1
Good god. Do any of you complainers realize that if you made and posted your own list, everyone would come on here and pick it apart? My taste sucks, your taste sucks, their taste sucks.
There. Now, I can use these lists as jumping-off points to discover things I might not have checked out otherwise and expand my sucky taste.
Score = 2
Oh dear, Oh dear
Kings of Leon #1 they are possibly the most dull modern rock band around at the momment. Is it just me or does everyone love Caleb Followill's vocals. And Coldplay do no justify thier hype. Where are The Dodos, both Los Campesinos! albums. Poor list. I hope NME's is better
Score = -2
This list, like the magazine itself, is an absolute joke. So a personal apology, on behalf of the UK, for producing this twaddle.
Score = 0
Knowing Q, I'm just (happily) surprised that the Oasis album isn't higher. Q loves them some Oasis. The list still sucks, of course, but what can you expect from them? Q is basically Rolling Stone with a major British bias.
However - and I can't believe no one has said anything about this little gem yet - Neil Diamond WTF? Even for a magazine like Q that's absolutely ridiculous.
Score = 1
No Why?, Okkervil River, Wolf Parade, Morning Benders, Delta Spirit, Plants and Animals, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, Tokyo Police Club, Black Keys, Dodos, or No Age. I'm hoping to be much more satisfied with the list of Woxy or Pitchfork
Score = 3
reminds me of Jack Black in High Fidelity:
"classic list with some new safe ones thrown in... very pussy."
Score = 0
wasn't 'in rainbows' released on january 1, 2008? just sayin'
Score = -1
wolf parade, bon iver, department of eagles, walkmen, why.
right?
Score = 0
here's my list: eatingtheearth.blogspot.com/2008/11/best-records-of-2008.html
rip it apart, boys!
Score = 0
Oh, Razorlight's "Slipway Fires" is better than The Walkmen's "You and Me". Now I see.
Score = 0
Blender is the "shit list." It had Katy Perry and Fall Out Boy. At least this list shows some love to Portishead and Hercules and Love Affair. It's still shitty though.
Score = 0
Big surprise.... KoL get semi-mainstream and all of a sudden all the hipsters hate them. Dullest modern rock band?? Have any of you people even listened to the shit that's on modern rock radio these days? Please. I mean seriously ACDC's new album is on this list. I didn''t even realize that people cared about them post 1982.
Only By The Night is a very solid album, maybe not AOY worthy, but easily one of the best releases in the rock genre this year.
Score = 1
Come on now, Kings of Leon's new album is not only undeserving of a top 50 spot, but it's also the WORST album they've come out with so far.
My top 5 list would go a little somethin like this:
5) My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges, or The Black Keys - Attack and Release
4) Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
3) The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
2) Radiohead - In Rainbows (If this counts as a 2008 release.)
1) Black Mountain - In the Future
Score = 0
I think what we all should realize is that these lists function with very limited perspectives. No matter what, one group of people making a list can't have enough time to thoroughly listen to all, or even close to all, of the albums, that came out this year. I couldn't possibly make a list that was very informed, because I have probably listened to about 10 albums this year enough to judge how good they really are. There is so much amazing unheard music from years past to listen to that it is impossible to just listen to what comes out... Anyway, I think lists function as a good way to find out different perspectives and you can pick and choose what lists you allow to guide your choices in listening. I have downloaded Deerhunter's album in response to many advocates of it, and am thinking about No Age, even though I knew nothing about those bands before recent days...
Anyway, it does make me wonder what is going on when albums like the new ones from AC/DC, Metallica, and fucking Neil Diamond show up on here. Honestly, that seems like nothing more than pandering to the masses in order to have a more universally loved list. I do appreciate a list more that puts less well known bands on, although if a publication does so on purpose they ought to note that, rather than decrying it the list of best albums of the year. I mean I think COldplay's album ranks in the top 20 probably, but they really don't need the press..
Score = 3
Word.
Score = 1
I'm actually tempted to do the unthinkable and give Coldplay a listen...
I like Q, it's not a pretentious magazine, and it actually makes fun of these "cool children". But the problem with it, is that the list contains each and every band that made it to their covers this year, it's like their list is made to give credibility to their selection of articles and reviews.
Score = 2
Glad to see the second Neil Diamond album with Rick Rubin on the list.I have been spinning that album more then any other this year.That is definitely timeless substance over empty style..
Score = -1
Tssk, tssk, tssk. Coldplay #3.....please. The Killers latest effort was no effort. KoL, good record, not #1. R.E.M. record, clearly underrated.
Score = 0
They missed All is Well by Sam Amidon
Score = 0
I loved Only By The Night. Actually, it might have logged more plays for me than anything else.
I definitely disliked Blender's list more.
Score = 0
Q aren't the best music magazine, especially one to judge British music taste by. They are reknowned for 'playing it safe', as you can see with choices such as Duffy, Dido and Coldplay's effort as high as it is. However, your accusations of 'Brit-bias' aren't well supported - Q is a British magazine so therefore albums that have had more of an impact in Britain are obviously going to make a bigger impact on their list, hence Kings of Leon's effort at number one. Despite their album (in my opinion) not being worthy of the #1 spot, they still have broken through to the mainstream in the UK this year, nothing short of what they deserve. I can't understand why they aren't as highly rated in America, if I'm honest. However this list is relatively poor, no inclusions for potential albums of the year such as Foals, Crystal Castles and Mystery Jets, and albums by Portishead, Hot Chip and MGMT lay outside of the top 10. Check out NME's list on wednesday, it will probably be a better read - although look way down into the 30s for the real diamonds, they have a knack for doing that.
Also, in regards to In Rainbows - 2007 release, so even though it is the best Radiohead album, stop trying to squeeze it into this year's lists as well.
Score = 1
Where is "FATE" by DR. DOG?????? Paste and Rollin Stone, Relix Magazine, etc., praised it all year. Dr. Dog did some FATE songs, live on Paste and they were left off of the lists? (scratching my head)...
Score = 0
Personally I liked it. Feed the Animals should be on the list. Kings of Leon are the best and i am not sure why people have a negative attitude about them. I think they just keep getting better as they matured as a band.
Score = 0