RR's Top Ten Albums of 2008

After posting all the Top Ten Lists of the very talented KCRW music staff, I decided to throw my own into the mix. Thanks for reading the blog and all your support for KCRW – we couldn’t do any of it without you. Sincerely, RR 

1) Dr. Dog – Fate (I didn't think they could make a record better than their debut, Easy Beat, but they did)

2) Mates of State – Re-Arrange Us (This married duo infuses catchy pop songs with passion)

3) Helio Sequence – Keep your Eyes Ahead (As soon as I heard this album, I knew it would be on this list. I can listen to it over and over again)

4) Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes (This album seemed to come out of nowhere with gorgeous harmonies that made my heart melt. It didn't leave my stereo for some time.)

5) Little Jackie – The Stoop (This was the soundtrack to many of my favorite moments this year. Well-produced soulful pop, Brooklyn's answer to Amy Winehouse)

6) Thao (and the Get Down Stay Down) – We Brave Bee Stings and All (While I loved this album, seeing Thao live catapulted her on this list. She's the real deal)

7) Black Keys – Attack and Release (This bluesy, dark and fierce music really stunned me when I first heard it. It only gets better over time)

8) Michael Franti & Spearhead – All Rebel Rockers (This is top of the list for albums to dance to that make me feel good.  I heard him sing "Say Hey" at a Bob Dylan tribute show and I knew it would be one of my favorite songs of the year.) 

9) Blind Pilot – 3 Rounds and a Sound (Superb folk rock from a band out of Portland, many gems on here.)
 
10) Santogold – Santogold (This album is simply infectious. I love her voice and her vibe.)

Runners up:

Herman Dune – Next Year in Zion
&
Estelle – Shine
&
Nada Surf – Lucky

RR