Gaslight Anthem, “The ‘59 Sound”–this band works some of the same territory as the Hold Steady, with a heavy Springsteen influence, but it’s more melodic. This is one of those rare records that sounds like a greatest hits album–not a weak song from start to finish.

Girl Talk, “Feed the Animals”–this hyper-dense mashup mixtape is a glorified party trick, but everyone loves a glorious party, right? You can’t really dance to it, and it’s exhausting to listen to, but man, what a blast in the headphones.

Bon Iver, “For Emma, Forever Ago”–I found this one late, but better late than never, i guess. Simply beautiful, soulful, smart.

Robyn, “Robyn”–My most eagerly awaited release of 2008, this electropop album first came out in Europe in 2005. The delay in a US release actually improved it, as she recorded some of her best singles in the interim, then had the courtesy to put them on the US version. I’m good for maybe 2 or 3 pure pop albums a year, and this topped that list in ‘08.

REM, “Accelerate”–This album was to 2008 what Dinosaur Jr’s “Beyond was to the previous year–proof that not all reunions are misguided, and that bands can relocate their muses even after years in the wilderness. Better than any REM album since Automatic for the People.

Tokyo Police Club, “Elephant Shell”–This is the first new band I got really excited about in 2008, and while it was eventually eclipsed by many of the others on this list, I still dig its punchy guitars and precocious lyrics. It’s got kick.

Fleet Foxes, “Sun Giant” EP & “Fleet Foxes”–Gorgeous singing and orchestration meets well-written songs meets lots and lots of facial hair.

Los Campesinos, Hold On, Youngster–Hands down, my favorite record of the year. Equal parts abrasive and cuddly, and infinitely catchy. Made me happy to be alive, and a bit jealous to be obviously less alive than these kids.

honorable mentions: Beck, “Modern Guilt”; Spiritualized, “Songs in A&E”; Wolf Parade, “At Mount Zoomer”; Okkervil River, “The Stand Ins”

2008 was a pretty great year for rock and roll. And I have yet to catch up with Cut Copy, M83, Santogold, The Last Shadow Puppets and a few others beyond their wonderful singles.