The Best Albums of 2008

1. BRITISH SEA POWER – Do You Like Rock Music?
Loud guitars, soaring choruses and obscure references from eccentric British band.





2. BON IVER – For Emma, Forever Ago
Beautifully stark, acoustic guitar driven winter tunes born of loss and isolation.






3. FRIGHTENED RABBIT – The Midnight Organ Fight
Gritty but ernest indie rock from working class Scottish brothers.





4. FLEET FOXES – Fleet Foxes
Bearded Appalachian indie-folk music, complete with banjos and choruses.






5. SIGUR ROS – Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust
Uncharacteristically upbeat release from consistently amazing, ethereal Icelandic group.




6. SUN KIL MOON – April
Dense, smoldering epics from the great Mark Kozelek, formerly of Red House Painters.






7. BLOC PARTY – Intimacy
Hyperactive, guitar driven British dance rock that wears its heart on its sleeve.






8. THE DEARS – Missiles
Bluesy, atmospheric songs follow a change in line-up from Canadian husband and wife.






9. LIGHTSPEED CHAMPION – Falling Off the Lavender Bridge
Gritty lyrics and pretty melodies from eccentric British songwriter, accented with midwest Americana instrumentation.




10. VAMPIRE WEEKEND – Vampire Weekend
African inspired beats and breezy, intelligent lyrics from young ivy league graduates.