The 50 Best Albums of 2008

47

Of Montreal SKELETAL LAMPING Polyvinyl

This glam-rock coming-out party proves that music, like sex, is a playground of reinvention. "We can do it softcore . . ./But you should know that I go both ways," squeals singer Kevin Barnes, and that's just the tip of this riveting journey through Day-Glo disco and funk.

48

Raphael Saadiq THE WAY I SEE IT Columbia

A tribute to classic soul that saves some golden-era magic for the next generation. With a tenor that hits Smokey Robinson's highs, Saadiq salutes vintage New Orleans R&B, Philly soul and Motown. But cameos by Jay-Z and Rocio Mendoza revamp those classic models with hip-hop flair.

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