Best of...2008

1) The Dodos- Visiter
This duo’s French Kiss release made less waves that it should have by virtue its sheer mastery of the familiar. Freak Folk…yes. Duo minimalism…yes. Where the album shines so much brighter than others this year the breadth of accessibility. Dodos are as Magnetic Fields as they are Animal Collective… as Paul McCartney as they are Mountain Goats. What the formula made for was the most accessible and well crafted album this year.
2) Frightened Rabbit- Midnight Organ Fight
3) Sun Kil Moon- April
4 Emeralds- Solar Bridge
5 Calexico- Carried to Dust
6 M83- Saturdays= Youth
7 Bon Iver- For Emma, Forever Ago
8 Sea and Cake – Car Alarm**will write
9 Steven Malkmus- Real Emotional Trash
10) The Notwist- Devil You and Me


Honorable Plays

Vetiver- Things of the Past
Everything Andy Cabic’s band of dudes touches turns to gold…including other people’s tunes oft forgotten tunes.

Neon Neon- Stainless Style
Gruff Rhys, we didn’t really need an 80’s throwback pseudo-soundtrack featuring tracks about Racquel Welch and Alderaan… but thank you.

Rhys Chatham & Guitar Trio All Stars- Guitar Trio is My Life!
Cool, yes. Overkill, yes.


Next Year’s Model
Mew. The Archie Bronson Outfit. Sonic Youth. Antony. Vetiver.