Top eight of 2008

Looking back on 2008, I realized that there were a multitude of notable musical endeavors and I had the unfortunate task of only being able to choose eight of the best. After careful listening, I chose my "top eight of 2008," and here they are (in no particular order):

Artist: Vampire Weekend Album: Vampire Weekend Release Date: Jan. 29, 2008 Must Hear Songs: "Bryn," "A-Punk," "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa," "Oxford Comma." Thoughts: I stumbled across this album over the summer while listening to a station on Pandora.com. The song I heard was "Oxford Comma," and immediately fell in love. After hearing this song I bought the album and have been playing it ever since. To sum this album up in one word, I would have to say: fun. The lyrics are zany and the music is upbeat. This was definitely one of my favorite albums of 2008.

Artist: Blitzen Trapper Album: Furr Release Date: Sept. 23, 2008 Must Hear Songs: "Echo/Always On/Easy Con," "Furr," "Lady On the Water," "Not Your Lover." Thoughts: Ah Blitzen Trapper! If for a moment I had stopped believing in the possibility of good, new music-this band certainly proved that it is out there, and continues to get better with each album. Although if I absolutely had to choose, Wild Mountain Nation would probably be my favorite release from the Portland-based band, but Furr is right there with it. The tracks that make up Furr are completely original, and extremely refreshing compared to other releases of 2008. Blitzen Trapper stands out among artists and is definitely my new favorite band.

Artist: Bon Iver Album: For Emma, Forever Ago Release Date: Feb. 19, 2008 Must Hear Songs: "Re: Stacks," "Flume," "Skinny Love," "Blindsided." Thoughts: My boyfriend told me about Bon Iver a while back and after a few MySpace listens I wouldn't say that I was absolutely awestruck. Maybe it just wasn't my day, because when I walked into a Starbucks a few months later and heard this album playing on the speakers, I waited in line again just to ask the barista who it was and if they were selling it. This album was completely captivating and with it's simplistic style and sound I am still listening to it months later and can't take it out of my CD player for more than a week without having to put it back in and listen again. If you haven't heard it, you're doing yourself a major injustice.

Artist: Various Artists Album: Juno Soundtrack Release Date: Jan. 8, 2008 Must Hear Songs: "Sea Of Love" (Cat Power), "Anyone Else But You" (Michael Cera and Ellen Page), "Piazza," "New York Catcher" (Belle & Sebastian), "Tire Swing" (Kimya Dawson). Thoughts: Everyone loved Juno. It was one of the most seen films when it was released and remarkably enough, its soundtrack is just as good as the actual film. Kimya Dawson makes up much of the soundtrack and one can't help but be attracted to her unique voice and music. Other notable tracks are "Sea of Love" by Cat Power and several tunes from Belle & Sebastian. The soundtrack is very eclectic with several different artists from different genres and there isn't one song that doesn't belong. This was by far one of the best soundtracks of 2008.

Artist: Fleet Foxes Album: Fleet Foxes Release Date: June 3, 2008 Must Hear Songs: "Sun It Rises," "Meadowlarks," "Blue Ridge Mountains," "Ragged Wood." Thoughts: Look on any list of top albums for 2008 and you will most likely find this album in the top five. Although many people haven't heard of Fleet Foxes, this Seattle-based band is sure to rise in popularity among music lovers, specifically those who love the contemporary folk music sound. The harmonies in many of the album's best songs are perhaps the greatest aspect of the album as a whole, and can be described as sounding much like well known folk band, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Trust me (and nearly every Web site with a top 2008 countdown), this album is a must have in your music collection.

Artist: Britney Spears Album: Circus Release Date: Dec. 2, 2008 Must Hear Songs: "Womanizer," "Circus," "Out From Under," "Kill The Lights." Thoughts: OK, so I'm not sure how accepting readers will be about this pick, especially considering the other music included in this "top 2008" list, but I had to include it. I have been Britney's No. 1 fan since I waited for "Baby One More Time" to appear on TRL everyday after school, and sang along to it with my karaoke machine. So maybe she doesn't write most of her songs, and her vocal talent isn't quite as exquisite as some of her peers-but she is back and Circus proves it. I included this album because it is currently in my CD player and has been since its release in December. Simply put: It is just fun, catchy pop music. Love it or hate it… I'd be willing to bet we've all hummed "Womanizer" a time or two in the past few months… and loved it.

Artist: Ben Folds Album: Way To Normal Release Date: Sept. 30, 2008 Must Hear Songs: "Cologne," "You Don't Know Me (feat. Regina Spektor)," "Free Coffee, "Effington." Thoughts: I wouldn't say I'm a big Ben Folds fan. I will go ahead and admit it. The reason I know about this album is because of a friend that introduced it to me about a month ago. Like most people, I thoroughly enjoyed old Ben Folds Five favorites like "Kate" and "Brick" but wasn't sure how much I would like Way To Normal. Although it is not my absolute favorite album of 2008, most of its songs are definitely worth hearing and enjoyable. Not to mention, Folds' collaboration with Regina Spektor (one of my favorite singers). The songs are catchy and a few are even tearjerkers. I liked this album for its music and for its lyrics. The album is an excellent release from Ben Folds and will certainly be a favorite among many Ben Folds' fans.

Artist: Jenny Lewis Album: Acid Tongue Release Date: Sept. 23, 2008 Must Hear Songs: "Acid Tongue," "Carpetbaggers," "Black Sand," "Trying My Best To Love You." Thoughts: I was a little apprehensive about this release as I am a big fan of Rilo Kiley. I guess I wasn't sure how much I would like a solo release from Jenny Lewis. Fortunately, Acid Tongue proved to be a worthy release from the Rilo Kiley singer. I guess the most appealing part of this album to me was the fact that it didn't sound too much like Rilo Kiley albums. Jenny Lewis certainly takes her own spin on things and produced an album with entrancing lyrics that are just as good as the music itself.

This writer can be contacted at copy@theeastcarolinian.com.