Best Music of 2008

My favorite CDs of 2008

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1. Little Daggers by Val Emmich - Val Emmich is an innovative artist who, without a major record deal, is turning out some of the most consistently impressive music around. With his latest album Little Daggers, Emmich attempts to make an incredible pop album, and succeeds with songs that get better with each listen. Interesting lyrics and playful melodies and sounds make this a sensational, fun CD, and the best of the year.

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Download this: Wake Up Brand New, Get On With It, Got a Habit Now, Hurt More Later, The Lucky Ones.

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2. X by Kylie Minogue - Another consistent artist is Europe's dance diva Kylie Minogue who only rekindled interest in the US recently, but whose third consecutive album released in this country is as fresh and danceable as her first. Despite recovering from breast cancer, Minogue bounced back without letting her experience taint her free-spirited music. It's as catchy and sultry as ever.

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Download this: Like a Drug, 2 Hearts, The One, Nu-Di-Ty, Wow.

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3. Free Life by Dan Wilson - Dan Wilson's debut CD blew me away with his soft, powerful vocals and unique sound. He has some pretty amazing lyrics, often haunting and very close to home, all to great guitar sounds, strings and piano.

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Download this: Breathless, Baby Doll, Cry, Free Life, Easy Silence.

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My favorite singles of 2008

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1. "Cathedrals" by Joan Osborne - Yes, Joan Osborne. The song "Cathedrals" off of her CD "Little Wild One" is an absolutely beautiful, lush song with fantastic lyrics of observation and contradiction. When Osborne's voice soars to the piano, it sends chills down my spine.

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2. "L.E.S. Artistes" by Santogold - This is a really interesting song boasting unique sounds and an equally unique voice. I usually don't like R&B much, but this song is pretty damn amazing.

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3. "Moratorium" by Alanis Morissette - On her new spiritual, earth-conscious album "Flavors of Entanglement," Alanis provides a couple of pretty neat songs, including this one with a danceable sound and interesting techno beats.

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4. "Mercy" by Duffy - Comparisons to Amy Winehouse aside, Duffy brings a fresh sound with her to the states from her CD "Rockferry," none so instantly catchy and disarming as the funky little old-fashioned feeling "Mercy." And what a voice.

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5. "Maybe Tonight" by Nicole Atkins - Also bringing with her an old-fashioned sort of sound that soars with her playful voice, Atkins debuts an impressive CD in "Neptune City," with "Maybe Tonight" being the upbeat standout that will make any listener an instant fan.