Top CDs of 2008 [Part 1]

I decided to go more in depth with the top albums of 2007, and actually tell why i like them. So here goes.

Minus the Bear- Planet of Ice

Although I just picked this up a few days ago, I can't stop listening to it. The band catches, and surpasses the greatness they set on 2005's Menos el Oso, with one of the most genuine albums of the year. As always, guitarist Dave Knudson leaves listeners with their jaws dropped, and Jake Snider's vocal presence makes this 10 track LP a must have for new and old Minus the Bear fans.

Circa Survive- On Letting Go

Who's list didn't Circa Survive's latest album make? This was one of the most anticipated album's heading into 2007, and lived up to the hype as one of the most solid records of the calander year. It's an album you can find yourself getting lost in. Anthony Green's songwriting has never been better, and his singing meshes perfectly with the spacey style of his fellow band mates. Although the Translating the Name EP from Green's Saosin days is one of my all time favorite records, On Letting Go really gives it a run for it's money.

The Devil Wears Prada- Plagues

Although I've been a fan of TDWP for a few years now, they've never been more than just a filler on my iPod. That is until Plagues found it's way to my hard drive. This album is stacked from top to bottom, and really distingued them as Rise Record's pride and jewel band. From titles with meanings ranging from Reptar from the Rugrats and even Samuel L. Jackson, and even a guest vocal spot from Chiodos front-man Craig Owens, Plagues hits on all cillinders and really made them a force to be reconed with in 2008.

Dance Gavin Dance- Downtown Battle Mountain

DGD is somewhat of an enigma to me, due to the fact that they're a hardcore band that plays beautiful music. Although their music is very aggressive and intrusive, the vocal blending of Kurt Travis (singing) and Jon Mess (screaming) makes for something angelic. But in a scene where diversity in bands is few and far between, Dance Gavin Dance stands out as a cordial breath of fresh air.

Part 2 will be up by tomorrow