A few leftover 2008 reviews

Yes, I'm still buying records from last year. This is bound to happen for two reasons: 1.) although it didn't have as many classics as 2007, it was a potent year for music, and 2.) I wasted a lot of time and money last year on horrible albums by formerly great musicians. Here's three more albums I've been playing from 2008:

Ne-Yo - Year of the Gentlemen: How long have we waited for a good Michael Jackson replacement? I think we've found it! Unfortunately, "Closer" is too whiny and overbearing to open an album, but "Nobody" redeems is with one of the best dance soul tracks in recent memory. Michael would definitely be proud of the falsetto chorus and blasting horns that augment some great corny sex lyrics. I can't play this track enough times. "Single" would be a great song if he didn't steal the chorus from Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" (am I the only one who notices this?). "Miss Independent" proves that you don't need to use an auto-tune to make a great club track (thank you God). The album's only misstep is "Stop This World", which would have been great for a Disney movie ten years ago. This album gives me hope for modern soul music - well done.

B.B. King - Some Kind Favor: In his mid-80s, he's doing exactly what he has always done. If you are already a fan, this might be his best in decades. If not, its a good place to get into him. The combination of Dr. John's barroom piano, woozy horn sections, and smoky production by T-Bone Burnett make his guitar playing shine even more. Its classic B.B. - you can't go wrong here.

She & Him - Volume One: I know I mentioned this one about a month ago, but I think it warrants repeat because I think I underrated it. I can't stop playing this album. Every morning on the way to work, I instinctively put it in without thinking - it doesn't make sense. I think it's the vocal harmonies at the end of "Why Do You Let Me Stay here?". Or maybe the catchy acoustic rhythm and chorus of "This Is Not A Test". Or how easy it is to cry along with "I Thought I Saw Your Face Today". Or the fact that they are probably the only modern act to cover "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot". I can't stop playing this album. I feel like I have a disease. If you want to take that as an endorsement to buy this record, go ahead.