ALARM’s Top 10 Albums of 2008

7. Roky Erickson and the Explosives: Halloween Live 1979-1981 (SteadyBoy)

Released on the heels of the decade’s most exciting and miraculous rock ‘n’ roll comeback, Halloween Live showcases the rock icon’s stunning voice and talent for songwriting, despite his then-fragile mental state.

Comprised primarily of material from the sci-fi-laced, psychedelic hard rock of 1980 album The Evil One (Roky Erickson and The Aliens, 415 Records), Halloween Live is perfect for fanatics and newbies alike with tracks such as the eerie “Creature with the Atom Brain” and “Bloody Hammer” and a ferocious rendition of “Stand For the Fire Demon.”