SHEARWATER
Rook

It’s official. With Rook, Shearwater has fully stepped out of the giant shadow cast by Okkervil River. This isn’t the first time I’ve said this, but it’s definitely true. It’s been fun watching the band’s progression. With each new release, Shearwater continues to put more and more distance between itself and Okkervil River. Hopefully, Rook is just one of many more albums to come from this incredible band.

GRAND ARCHIVES
The Grand Archives

This may sound a little strange, but Grand Archives’ self-titled debut is like an old friend. No matter how much time passes between contact, conversations continue as though you’d just talked to your friend yesterday. And the time you spend together only reminds you why you liked this person so much in the first place. Every time I listen to The Grand Archives, I wonder why I don’t listen to it more often.

THE WALKMEN
You & Me

When I wrote about You & Me a few months ago, I said, “Right now, ‘On the Water’ is my favorite track, but this will probably change on a weekly basis.” As it turns out, I was right. My favorite song this week is “If Only It Were True.” I consider this to be the hallmark of a great album – one that reveals itself slowly in layers.

THE RURAL ALBERTA ADVANTAGE
Hometowns

Hometowns was a last minute addition to this list. If I had a little more time with the album, it probably would crack my top 5. But the mere fact that it even made the list stands as a testament to its amazingness. Normally I wouldn’t even consider an album I just started listening to 3 weeks ago, but The Rural Alberta Advantage is one of the best new bands I’ve heard in a long time. They definitely deserve this spot.

BON IVER
For Emma, Forever Ago

Technically first released in 2007, For Emma, Forever Ago was easily my most anticipated album of 2008. And it did not disappoint. Bon Iver (aka Justin Vernon) manages to do a lot with very little. He makes sounds with an acoustic guitar I didn’t think possible. He loops and layers his gorgeous vocals to haunting effect. It all adds up to one of the most original and innovative albums of 2008.

THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH
Shallow Grave

The most impressive thing about Shallow Grave is how effortless it sounds. There must be something in the water in Sweden. Using just an acoustic guitar and occasionally a banjo, The Tallest Man On Earth (aka Kristian Matsson) walks a narrow line between intensity and beauty. It’s an impressive debut from a talented singer-songwriter.

SIGUR RÓS
Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust

I’m getting a little worried. I’m starting to hear Sigur Rós everywhere: commercials, TV shows, movie trailers, soundtracks. I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised. Their music is disgustingly gorgeous. And Með Suð Í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust is no exception. If anything surprises me, it’s that it took the TV and movie people so long to discover this amazing band.

FLEET FOXES
Fleet Foxes

The first time I heard Fleet Foxes I got a little angry. They sounded eerily similar to early My Morning Jacket, which I did not appreciate. But because I was desperate for some classic MMJ, I decided to give them a try. I’m glad I did. The more I listen to them, the less they sound like MMJ. It took a little time, but Fleet Foxes’ soaring vocals and melodies definitely grew on me. Much more than I ever imagined.

SERA CAHOONE
Only As the Day Is Long

For the record, Only As the Day Is Long could’ve easily held down the No. 1 spot on this list. 2008 was the year I discovered the beauty of Americana/folk music and, without a doubt, Sera Cahoone was the highlight of this incredible genre. Sadly, I never featured her on my Artist Spotlight series as I originally planned. I just couldn’t find the right words (and doubt I ever will). Just know that Sera writes simple, gorgeous, heartbreaking music.

FRIGHTENED RABBIT
The Midnight Organ Fight

There’s not much more to say about these guys that I haven’t already said. Maybe the only thing left to do is justify why they grabbed the top spot. On a typical album, I usually figure out my favorite track(s) within the first few listens. But on The Midnight Organ Fight, this didn’t happen. It is truly a complete album, which in the age of the digital single is a remarkable achievement.

First started listening :: late August

Reasons for waiting to post :: Videotape’s album, My Favourite Thing, is a definite grower. At first, it sounds lazy and a little uninspired. But slowly, after repeated listens, the hooks start digging in. The waves of electric guitar start pulling at you. The sense of laziness remains but the music gradually comes to life. It’s pointless comparing Videotape to other bands because they don’t sound like anyone I know. If you enjoy the song posted below, check out the rest of the album – it’ll definitely grow on you.

First started listening :: late June

Reasons for waiting to post :: I honestly don’t know why it took me so long to write about The Tallest Man On Earth (aka Kristian Matsson), a young, talented singer-songwriter from Sweden. I’ve actually been listening to him constantly for the past few months. I think the reason for the delay is that I couldn’t pick a favorite track from his amazingly consistent catalog of folk music. So naturally, I chose a couple. And while his music may sound a little like early Bob Dylan, it flows so effortlessly I could really care less.

First started listening :: early June

Reasons for waiting to post :: I don’t think I fully appreciated Port O’Brien until I saw them live at Treasure Island Music Festival a month ago. Despite a stellar lineup (including Okkervil River and Fleet Foxes), Port O’Brien stole the show with their raw energy and passion. These guys rock pretty hard. Which is a little surprising given that their two studio albums, The Wind and the Swell and All We Could Do Was Sing, are pretty mellow. This versatility and range speaks to their talent as musicians and entertainers.

First started listening :: late April

Reasons for waiting to post :: It took me a while to warm up to Paul Brandt’s vocals, which doesn’t make much sense because there’s nothing unusual about them. In fact, I now find his voice to be very comforting. Which is also how I’d describe the sound of their music in general. And unlike my initial qualms about the vocals, this actually makes sense: Cranes & Crows hail from Wisconsin, my home state. And like most people, I find the thought of home very comforting.