So Super MUSIC of 2008

Hi! I'm about to head out to lunch at Carousel in Glendale. I've never been there, but I'm thinking I'll like it! Here are my picks for album releases this year. There was a lot of great music this year, but these are all albums that I can play through and through. Albums that I put right up there with Amy Winehouse "Frank", and Corinne Bailey Rae's self titled album. I was also fortunate to see all of these artists perform live this past year! So YAY!

Raphael Saadiq "The Way I See It"
A well done recreation of 60's Motown R&B. Saadiq sought out the right vintage instruments to master the authenticity of this era. Plus he did a song with Stevie Wonder. like HI. cool points right there.

Al Green - Lay It Down
Al Green's 2008 release proves that a classic transcends time and trend. He and executive producer Qwest Love didn't try to modernize his sound, they kept true to form and delivered the Al Green sound that my parents grew up listening to. He also collaborated with Corinne Bailey Rae, another favorite. Preach on reverend!

Adele - 19
Ah yes, and the new artist discovery pick goes to Adele's debut album, "19". I don't know if it was released in the UK prior to 2008, but I found this gem in the beginning of 2008 on one of Jeremy Sole's KCRW playlists (a great place for music digging btw). Her album is nothing short of brilliance. She's only 19 but she credits a lot of her influence to greats like Etta James. So you know she's got a good musical conscience. Can't wait to hear more from her.