Aural Fixation 2008 (Papi's Best Of)

I've enjoyed putting together my list of favorite songs of 2008, as it's a nice reflection on a year of many changes. Some people like to put togher best albums of the year lists, but I find those a little tiring (both the lists and some of the albums). There are SO many great tunes out there, but there are much fewer albums that merit purchase. And if the entire album isn't worth purchasing, why diminish the due respect for an awesome song?

Anyway, my only rule for putting together this list is that the song must have been released in 2008. Also, let me issue a disclaimer... This list is completely of my own making, and not of any influence of a list from NPR, Rolling Stone, or any other great music publication. It just so happens that we share the same opinion on several of these groups.

And while this list may not have the cohesive playback as one of Orn's "Sunday Morning" compilations, here are the songs that got me through the year (in no particular order)...

Deerhunter - Nothing Ever Happened. Me gusta the outro.
Kaiser Chiefs - Never Miss A Beat. Blend the Ramones and Interpol, and you have this song.
Drive By Truckers - That Man I Shot. A modern day, yet darker, "I shot the sheriff."
Bound Stems - Clear Water and Concrete. The song sounds like a waterfall and I'm not sure how they accomplished that.
Fleet Foxes - Ragged Wood. Difficult choice here, because the whole album is phenomenal. If you don't own it yet, you know what to do.
She & Him - This Is Not A Test. Did you hear Zooey is engaged to Death Cab's Ben Gibbard (who amazingly looks like Dwight Schrute's contemplative older brother)? Maybe he'll start writing happy songs again.
Bon Iver - Skinny Love. Again, tough choice, as I love the entire album.
Thievery Corporation - Hare Krishna. A recent pickup, but a keeper. I haven't heard electronic music that I like as much as these guys.
Los Campesinos! - You, Me, Dancing! Exclamation points!
DeVotchKa - The Clockwise Witness. Kind of whiney, but a good tune.
My Morning Jacket - Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Part 2. Like Beth, I opted for this one as one of my favorites. Long, yes, but well worth it.
David Holmes - I Heard Wonders. Cruisin music.
The Walkmen - Four Provinces. May I recommend these guys for an upcoming Friday Chill Music?
The Raconteurs - Salute Your Solution. Jack White does it again.
Vampire Weekend - Mansard Roof. Perfect summertime chilling music.
Death Cab For Cutie - Bixby Canyon Bridge. Moody and dark, but Death Cab at its best.
Sigur Ros - Gobbledigook. Flism flasm.

PS: For those of you who made a request, your CDs are on their way.