Compiled by SK Pitman

A few weeks back, we posted the top ten albums of 2008 as chosen by each of our staff members. Included among them were Bon Iver’s For Emma Forever Ago, Coldplay’s Viva la Vida, the Fleet Foxes’ self titled debut album and Hill favorite Matthew Perryman Jones miraculous Swallow the Sea. But there were more great albums last year than just the ones that we - and the myriad of other publications - included in our lists. Some of them follow here. We hope this list helps you further explore your musical passions and, perhaps, even helps you find a new favorite artist.

Sun Lux – At War with Walls and Mazes

If the title doesn’t draw you in, the lush give and take of Ryan Lott’s compositions will.

MGMT – Oracular Spectacular

The singles = monsters.

Fennesz – Black Sea

Please revere me for owning this album.

The Dodos – Visiter

An innovative formula that’s sparse but surprisingly resilient. Highly recommended.

Department of Eagles – In Ear Park

Frantically serene.

Deerhunter – Microcastle

Smooth and refreshing.

Blind Pilot – 3 Rounds and a Sound

Portland duo with a tremendous upside

The Baseball Project – Volume 1: Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails

The American Pastime as chronicled by Peter Buck (REM) and friends.

School of Seven Bells – Alpinisms

Saccharine-sweet: an acceptable sugar substitute.

The Firemen – Electric Arguments

Concealed under the guise “Firemen”, Paul McCartney feels free to experiment. The results? Impressive.

SK Pitman, like his fellow midwesterners, battles snow 11 out of 12 months. He can be contacted at stuartkpitman@gmail.com.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 at 11:25 am and is filed under thebestof. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.