Top Ten Albums Of 2008!

10.) Intimacy- Bloc Party

The third album following two successful releases from this UK based alternative indie band does not live up to its precursors but is still somewhat satisfying to listeners. The songs collectively are not as upbeat as previous songs. However, it is a good album to listen to before you go to bed.
Favorite song- Better Than Heaven

9.) 21- Mystery Jets

The second studio album of Eel Pie Islands indie rock band is a bit of a mixed bag. While songs such as Two Doors Down and Young Love are some of the best songs of the year the band looses its charm with the second half of the album. I cannot wait to hear what the Mystery Jets do next, as I am sure it will be great!
Favorite song- Two Doors Down

8.) Hold On Now, Youngsters- Los Campesinos!

The first album from Whale's own Los Campesinos! is a never relenting joy ride, filled with exuberant energy and witty lyricism. Their sound highlights on the best of Twee Punk including seven members filled with young energy. Los Campesinos! plans on adding as many members as they want as they already have a violinist, keyboardist and two vocalists.
Favorite song- Death to Los Campesinos!

7.) Red, Yellow & Blue- Born Ruffians

Toronto's Born Ruffians prove that three people is all you need with their debut Red, Yellow & Blue. It is amazing how much sound three young Canadians can produce, Mitch, Luke and Steve shout, sing, dance and jump as they bless listeners with pure happiness and energy. It is hard not to chant along as the Born Ruffians expound their energy upon you.
Favorite song- Hummingbird

6.) Visiter- The Dodos

The Dodos third album perfects the Indie Rock Folk sound they tried at before. The Dodos include the energy and excitement found in many other Indie bands while maintaining strong vocals akin to The Decemberists or Bright Eyes. The Lyrics are an amazing example of this combination; they tell great folk stories while suggesting Roxy Music.
Favorite Song- Fools

5.) Conor Oberst- Conor Obesrt and the Mystic Valley Band

This is Conor's first album as a solo artist differentiating himself from his most recent music projects such as Desaparecidos and his most popular collaboration, Bright Eyes. He sounds like a beautiful beautiful baby lamb.
Favorite song- Danny Callahan

4.) Elephant Shell- Tokyo Police Club

The Canadian quartet does not disapoint with their second album. Filled with advanced vocab and key board melodies any fan will feel at home with their sound. The band elevates their energy level with songs such as Your English Is Good and Nature of the Experiment. The band has an 09 tour planed so luckily Elephant Shell will tide as over as we wait for a new album.
Favorite song- Your English is Good

3.) The Rhumb Line- Ra Ra Riot

Ra Ra Riot debuts with an amazing Indie album that serves as great music for long car rides as well as a proper obituary for former drummer John Pike. A celloist and a violinist take the front of most songs conplementing amazing vocals. They do not disapoint live, in fact the band explodes on stage with energy and grace. Their music is true art.
Favorite song- Ghosts Under Rocks

2.) Vampire Weekend- Vampire Weekend

Just amazing. These Colombia grads made their mark on the indie scene with their self described "Upper Westside Soweto" sound. With marimbas and bouncy catchy guitar riffs Vampire never disapoints. The only hinderence is that they have two distinct, still amazing, sounds. Half the songs draw from African influences while the other half draw from clasical irish chamber. My personal favorite band of the year just failed to be as cohesive and intuitive as number one.
Favorite song- Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa

1.) Fleet Foxes- Fleet Foxes

Nothing can describe the majesty of Fleet Foxes. Drawing on influences from Crosby Stills, Young and Nash, the Beach Boys, Dylan and the deep and echoing forests of America Fleet Foxes is amazing. While I listened I couldn't help but feel as if I were among the animals of the forest. I will say it again amazing!
Favorite song- Blue Ridge Mountain