I figured this list to be quite thin this year because I didn’t feel that I had paid the same attention to the music world that I have in the past. When I finally looked back, I guess even a slow year for me still garners a lot of new music. All these were released in 2008 and I had some nice titles to choose from starting with:

*list made at the beginning of December 2008

1. Samamidon – All Is Well

This collection of ancient (western) folk songs are surprisingly transcendent. I knew halfway through listening to the album for the first time that I wouldn’t likely find anything I enjoyed more this year if not for some time to come.

2. Beach House – Devotion

This record took so long for me to enjoy. It literally took until about three weeks ago for me to accidentally run across it during an arbitrary shuffle session on my iTunes and realize my personal devotion for it and it’s place on this list. Thank God for chance!

3. The Tallest Man On Earth – Shallow Graves

The next next next next Bob Dylan. Although I hear about every modern influence in this Scandinavian singer songwriter, I can’t help but wholly enjoy this record.

4. Chad VanGaalen – Soft Airplane

One of the most refreshing songwriters today. He’s Canadian that’s probably why. But in reality, “Molten Light,” is hauntingly beautiful. Plus, he references TMNT in this record (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).

5. The Dodos – Visiter

These guys left a lasting impression on me at SXSW this year. I’m looking forward to hearing more from this San Fransisco duo. [read full story]