Chris is a news editor, reviewer, and the official videographer here at Punknews.org. You can find a collection of his videos at Vimeo. - ed.

Intro

Looking back at 2008, I see a changing of the guard. A whole new group of bands are starting to get recognition and respect from fans the old-fashioned way: constant touring and consistently good releases. Bands like Rise Against and Anti-Flag are developing into the gateway for many to discover a plethora of musicians outside the normal confines of mainstream music outlets. Furthermore, the industry itself appears to finally be accepting of the legitimacy of digital music. Ironically, this was partially assisted by an old friend -- the vinyl record. Adding a collector aspect as a reason to purchase music instead of illegally downloading, coupled with many labels offering a free digital download with the vinyl is an idea many have been pleading for as a solution.

Many of my top 20 I purchased on vinyl rather than CD. Some artists, including the Loved Ones and the Gaslight Anthem, offered special limited pressings of their releases. Landmines' offering was available only on vinyl and/or digitally as the first release on Paper + Plastick Records, which is devoted to vinyl and digital-only releases. Even the long-awaited and "Best Buy exclusive" release Chinese Democracy was available at said retailer in both CD and vinyl format. Speaking of which…

20 albums I listened to in 2008 exclusively on my iPod or turntable

20. Guns 'N Roses: Chinese Democracy

Geffen

If not for all the hype, this record might have had a chance. It's not perfect, but it isn't the abomination many have made it out to be. At first listen, I wasn't convinced I hated it, but I tried to imagine how I'd feel if Duff, Slash and Matt were playing on it and I decided, eh, not too bad.

19. AC/DC: Black Ice

Columbia

Possibly the only current band I'd go see in a stadium and have no complaints about the venue. This album rocks as hard as any other in their catalog.

18. Less Than Jake: GNV FLA

Sleep It Off

With a return to their roots, Less Than Jake released one of the best suprises of the year. Yay, horns.

17. Roll the Tanks: Suffer City

Intelligent Noise

You hear Clash comparisons thrown around a lot, but these guys have a sound drenched in a legendary sound, but distinguishable enough on their own to pull it off.

16. Scream Hello: Everything Is Always Still Happening

Red Leader

Anthemic and melodically heartfelt rock without the boo-hoo-hoo.

15. The Gusto: The Way It Is

Crustacean

Splendid mix of pop-punk and old-fashioned rock 'n' roll. This band needs more attention.

14. Paint It Black: New Lexicon

Jade Tree

I still think CVA was their best record...

13. The Bronx: The Bronx

White Drugs

A little slower, but with a little more swagger, the Bronx seem to reinvent themselves with every new record.

12. Rise Against: Appeal to Reason

Geffen

It took a few listens, but this massively popular record finally found a spot in my rotation.

11. The Loved Ones: Build & Burn

Fat Wreck Chords

To be honest, my expectations for this record weren't fair. I loved their debut LP, and unless this was a replication of it, I had already set myself up to not like it. A few tracks seem a little out of place, but there are some gems. Check out "The Inquirer."

10. Dillinger Four: C I V I L W A R

Fat Wreck Chords

Finally releasing the punk rock equivalent of my #20, Dillinger Four dipped into a more pop-punk influence and the result is another fantastic record.

9. Banner Pilot: Resignation Day

Go Kart

I didn't even realize this great band's full-length had come out until a friend passed it to me at The Fest. Gritty pop-punk with clever lyrics, a must-have for fans of the Lawrence Arms and Dillinger Four.

8. The Riot Before: Fists Buried in Pockets

Say-10

After a major change in their lineup, this folk-punk band finally took the time to record a proper full-length. The blend of slow-acoustic and faster, full-band tracks can seem awkward at times, but when it clicks, you see them at their best.

7. Tim Barry: Manchester

Suburban Home

Relaxing mixture of country/bluegrass/classical influences and instruments complement the second solo outing from one of hardcore's best lyricists.

6. Landmines: Landmines

Paper + Plastick

When you mix a raw and ambitious band full of experienced musicians with one of the best sound engineers in independent music, you get two things: a better all-around band and one of the best hardcore/punk albums of the year.

5. Off with Their Heads: From the Bottom

No Idea

Take note emo bands: You don't have to cry and whine to play emotional and borderline-depressing music. Very catchy and rough punk rock with enough hooks to keep you singing along the whole time.

4. The Copyrights: Learn the Hard Way

Red Scare

Lyrically, the Copyrights are on the best pop-punk bands around. On their third LP, I get images of Screeching Weasel while listening.

3. Polar Bear Club: Sometimes Things Just Disappear

Red Leader

Name a quality you look for in a band and PBC probably have it: Anthemic, melodic, and hard-hitting but with just the right mix of slower jams. Add to that an amazing live show and you'll understand why so many people are calling this one of their favorite records of the year.

2. Teenage Bottlerocket: Warning Device

Red Scare

Yep, they sound like the Ramones. But on their newest offering, Bottlerocket prove that a strong influence doesn't mean you don't have your own sound. For the record, I enjoyed this record a little more than Total, if that means anything.

1. The Gaslight Anthem: The '59 Sound

SideOneDummy

Relentless touring and an amazing debut LP were just part of why these guys are enjoying so much success so early. A combination of varied influences, personal reflection and a classic storyteller mentality blend together resulting in one of the best records of not only the year, but the decade.

3. OK Pilot: OK Pilot

Freakscene

2. The Gaslight Anthem: Señor and the Queen

Sabot




1. Dead to Me: Little Brother

Fat Wreck Chords

• Smoke or Fire
• Let Me Run
• Rob Huddleston and the Foundation Band
• Landmines
• Bouncing Souls

Analog Side
1. OK Pilot - With These Hands
2. The Copyrights - Charlie Birger Time
3. The Riot Before - Words Written Over Coffee
4. Tim Barry - Sagacity Gone
5. Scream Hello - Bullets
6. Roll the Tanks - Gameshow Love
7. Polar Bear Club - Hollow Place

Digital Side
1. The Loved Ones - The Inquirer
2. The Bronx - Young Bloods
3. Landmines - Shadows and Ashes
4. Teenage Bottlerocket - On My Own
5. Off with Their Heads - Until the Day I Die
6. Dillinger Four - Minimum Wage Is a Gateway Drug
7. The Gaslight Anthem - The Backseat