1. Thao with the Get Down Stay Down - We Brave Bee Stings and All
A small, 23 year old Vietnamese pixie creating happy-go-lucky pop music by plucking a guitar with everything from sharpies to toothpicks. I don't like happy music and I do enjoy brooding, but damn this album is amazing.
2. The Dodos - Visiter
An amazing, off-beat, acoustic folksy rock album full of banjos, ukes and great drumming. Surprising in that it doesn't seem all that great at first, but you'll realize several months later that it has never left your car.
3. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
Everyone is raving about this amazing return to form bluegrass folk album. I don't need to gush over it anymore that already has. Just buy it.
4. Black Mountain - In the Future
High pitched wailing vocals oversetting a retro 70's heavy progressive rock sound. This is 70's prog rock for 2008, even down to the badly digitalized album cover reminiscent of a Marillion album. In the end it's Black Sabbath meets King Crimson, and yes, it sounds that good.
5. Spiritualized - Songs In A & E
Ok, i've never been all that crazed into Mr. Spaceman's brand of rock, but i'm very very glad for his near death experience. It's a simple, acoustic, well put together album about death. Fantastic!
6. TV On the Radio - Dear Science
I make no bones about the fact that I absolutely love this band and simply put, I believe the are the BEST band out there today. This album will be on everyone's top ten list, and rightfully so. There is no need for me to meaninglessly gush over it. Buy it and buy their two previously releases. Important doesn't begin to describe them. After seeing them live twice this year i'm even more convinced. Great great stuff.
7. Hercules and Love Affair - Hercules and Love Affair
Now by no means am I a disco fan, or a fan of dance fan in general, but dammit if this album isn't great. I does help that Mr. Antony (of Antony and the Johnsons) lends his vocals to several tracks, something which in of itself, is worth a spot on this list.
8. Beck - Modern Guilt
You know I always claim I don't like Beck, yet every couple of years he releases an album that catches my attention. This is clearly his best work, and probably his best work not on Sea Change.
9. Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra and the Tra La La Band - 13 Blues For Thirteen Moons
Damn it's been a long time since i've had a Constellation Records release smack me in the face like this one. Nice, long, epic instrumentals as always with these folks. Great stuff.
10. Flying Lotus - Los Angeles
Hyper cool electronic hip hop that I have no business listening to, and I readily admit that. I'm glad I accidently put this in the CD player.
Honorable Mentions:
Fuck Buttons - Street Horrrsing
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!
Xiu Xiu - Women As Lovers
Free Kitten - Inherit
Portishead - Third
Radiohead - In Rainbows
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