Hey, Look! A New Year's Eve Countdown Post!

Yeah, it's been a while. I know. But I thought a great way to get back into the blogging spirit would be to go to an old stand-by - the music post! So anyway, here are my top 10 (or so) albums that I really enjoyed in 2008, in no particular order (well, that's not exactly true....they are in alphabetical order....)

1. The Avett Brothers - Mignonette - You'll have to excuse some local bias, but this is quite possibly my favorite band in the world right now. Ever since Emotionalism came out last year, I've been a tad obsessed...bought almost their entire back-catalogue, seen them live, bought a banjo, etc. This is a solid album (although I still slightly favor Emotionalism), with some incredible tracks. Your first step should be to see them live, then come home and download "Swept Away," "Signs," and "At the Beach."
   
2. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago - This album wasn't on my radar at all (thanks NPR!), but when I finally got my hands on it, I was blown away. This is music to listen to alone, in the dark, with a glass of Jim Beam in one hand and a fistfull of regrets in the other...but I mean that in a totally good way, of course. Get "Flume" or "Skinny Love" immediately.
   
3. Dr Dog - Fate - Even if you don't buy into this band's "let's replicate classic rock down to the last detail" mantra, there's still some outstanding music here. I personally love this band and have loved everything they have done since Easy Beat came out in '05. Check out "The Breeze" for a good taste
   
4. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes - The only thing disappointing about this album is that by the time I got a copy, there was no way it could live up to the hype. Still thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless, and admittedly I was very late to the party here, and I think there's still time for it to grow on me. Just put "White Winter Hymnal" on repeat.
   
5. Flight of the Conchords - Flight of the Conchords - What's left to say about these guys? I only wish I was as funny or as musically talented. My favorite track is still "The Most Beautiful Girl [In the Room]," although my current ringtone is "Business Time."
   
6. Girl Talk - Feed the Animals - I won't comment on the "is this art or blasphemy" debate here, but whichever way you feel, this is a FUN record. How can you not smile after realizing you're listening to a Dee-Lite/Nirvana mashup?
   
7. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive - I never cared for this band at all until I heard Boys and Girls in America, but that album made me do a total 180. This outing isn't quite as strong IMO, but definitely some solid songs. "Sequestered In Memphis" and "Magazines" are standouts
   
8. My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges - The title track is so-so, and "Highly Suspicious" never should have even made it into the studio, but you can't accuse these guys of not pushing the limits. From track 4 onward, a great album. Personal favorite is "Thank You Too!"
   
9. Okkervil River - The Stand Ins - I've really been into these guys for a year or so, and this album is a perfect book-end to last year's The Stage Names. Download "Lost Coastlines" now.
   
10. This is Ivy League - This is Ivy League - sort of a modern-day Simon & Garfunkel. Accoustic guitar-driven rythms, nice harmonies, great melodies. Check out "Love is Impossible" and "London Bridges"
11. White Shoes & the Couple Company - White Shoes & the Couples Company - if you love Indonesian pop like I do, then this is a no-brainer. This is my hands-down pick for Random CD Purchase of the Year (Damn you Paste Magazine, and your "International Music" edition). Key track: "Tentang Cita"

Happy New Year!