For the loyal readers of my blog (all three of you), I wanted to share my Top 10 Albums of 2008 in addition to my annual list of Top 10 Songs. I can appreciate a hot or catchy single, but I have a different sort of appreciation and respect for groups that create albums of exceptional quality with high replay value. So, withour further ado, here is my first annual Top 10 Albums of 2008.

#10 Modern Guilt by Beck
Some have lukewarm feelings about Danger Mouse’s latest production effort, but I really enjoyed it. This is still a Beck album of course, and there are enough twisted lyrics to keep fans happy, but I think this is his most accessible album since Midnight Vultures.
I Dig: ‘Gamma Ray’, ‘Chemtrails’, ‘Modern Guilt’, ‘Profanity Prayers’

#9 You & Me by The Walkmen
I can listen to this album on loop over and over again and not get tired of it. I’m not going to front like I’m a real music critic, but this album has some serious depth, in that it has just the right amount of pop.
I Dig: ‘In the New Year’, ‘Red Moon’, ‘Four Provinces’, ‘I Lost You’

#8 Fate by Dr. Dog
After We All Belong, I felt they had set high expectations for their next album. This album doesn’t seem to have as strong of a Beatles influence than past efforts. It’s a great album that you’ll like enjoy more as you peel back it’s layers.
I Dig: ‘The Old Days’, ‘The Ark, ‘From’, ‘100 Years’

#7 For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver
This is such a mellow album, that I was worried that it wouldn’t catch people’s attention. Turns out that many critics had this album listed as one of the best of 2008, and I agree. A bit hard to put into words, but just listen to it.
I Dig: ‘Flume’, ‘Skinny Love’, ‘The Wolves’, ‘Re: Stacks’

#6 Arm’s Way by Islands
While learning the guitar for one of the songs on this album, I took a closer listen to the rest of the songs. This is just an enjoyable, hard-rockin’ album.
I Dig: ‘The Arm’, ‘Abominable Snow’, ‘Creeper’, ‘In the Rushes’

#5 The Way I See It by Raphael Saadiq
I’m so picky about the Soul/R&B or Hip-Hop I listen to these days and this album just kills it. I was raised on lots of Motown and this album reminds me why I love Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and the like.
I Dig: ‘Big Easy’, ‘Love That Girl’, ‘Staying In Love’, ‘Sometimes’

#4 Volume One by She & Him
I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about this album, but I quickly changed my mind. For a first album, Zooey Deschanel sounds incredible and M. Ward ads just the right amount of backup and twangy guitar. It’s a lot country and a little rock n’ roll. Love it.
I Dig: ‘I Was Made for You’, ‘Black Hole’, ‘Sweet Darlin’

#3 Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend
They were definitely the ‘It’ band of 2008 and at times, were close to overexposure. None of this takes away from the fact that this is a solid indie-pop record with some catchy afro-caribbean beats.
I Dig: ‘Oxford Comma’, ‘Cape Code Kwassa Kwassa’, ‘Campus’

#2 Matador Singles ‘08 by Jay Reatard
I caught on to this album a few months after release and really enjoy it. It’s a nice blend of indie-rock, pop and punk without being cheesy. There is not a weak song on this album, so crank it up and enjoy.
I Dig: ‘Painted Shut’, ‘An Ugly Death’, ‘I’m Watching You’

#1 Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
A few words people have used to describe this album: ‘Different’, ‘Pastoral’, ‘Mellow’. This is probably the most satisfying album I’ve ever heard. The guitar, vocals, writing … everything is super solid. I think it’s the best.
I Dig: Every Song!!!