Jumpin' On the Bandwagon '08 Top Ten Lists

As my favorite music-aggregating sites are displaying more and more "Top of '08" lists, I've been thinking more and more about my own favorite music from this year, both of albums released during this year and music I've just discovered this year. This gradually shaped itself into three lists: top five albums released in 2008, top five albums I've discovered in 2008, and a discovered-in-'08 playlist (conveniently cd-sized).

Top 5 Albums released in 2008:

Viva La Vida (Coldplay): Coldplay has not ceased to impress since their debut album "Parachutes," and "Viva La Vida" is no exception. Compelling melodies, engaging lyrics, and grandiose instrumental work. Favorite songs: "Lost!," "Viva La Vida"


Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes) [Cloud Cult]- With unflinching optimism in the face of the tragedies of life, Cloud Cult bring their creative take on the human condition with an entertaining and oddly poignant spirit. Plus, any band with a string section automatically earns a place in my heart. Favorite songs: "Everybody Here Is a Cloud," "When Water Comes To Life"


Vampire Weekend (Vampire Weekend)- Boldly fusing Ivy League, New England college themes with, of all styles, Afropop, Vampire Weekend made a ballsy record of clever, ridiculously fun pop music. Favorite songs: "Oxford Comma," "Walcott"


Fleet Foxes (Fleet Foxes)- Fleet Foxes captivated the blogogentsia with their gorgeous Sun Giant EP early this year and did not disappoint with their full-length debut. Incredible harmonies, Baroque-influenced folk melodies, and beautiful sparse melodies make this band uniquely stand out among this year's releases. They also happen to win the "Band-I-Most-Want-to-See-Perform-In-a-Cathedral" award. Favorite Songs: "White Winter Hymnal," "Blue Ridge Mountains"


For Emma, Forever Ago (Bon Iver)- Yet another indie darling, Bon Iver's debut album deserves all the hype it has received and more. Gorgeous falsetto harmonies deliver understatedly beautiful lyrics in folk-based songs that stick to your skull like a good steak does with your ribs. Favorite songs: "Skinny Love," "Flume"

Bonus: "For Emma" isn't my favorite song on the album, but this live version done for La Blogotheque would be if it were ever recorded.

This took longer than expected, so look for the next lists to come soon!