Badly Drawn Boy - A Minor Incident

Album: About A Boy (Soundtrack)

So what if Badly Drawn Boy is now churning out lackluster albums. We always have this one to remember him by. The entire soundtrack is a classic from beginning to end.

Phoenix - Consolation Prizes

Album: It's Never Been Like That

They play great upbeat music. It's this feel-good, dancable rock that makes you want to round up your friends and party in the living room. Think Razorlight meets Hot Hot Heat.

The Streets - Turn The Page

Album: Original Pirate Material

This is the first track on the album, and already, singer/rapper/talker Mike Skinner sets the tone of what it's going to be like: Grand, smart, ambitious, and reflective. It's got all the qualities of an artist desperately trying to break out. If I were to walk into a fight, it would be to this song.

Interpol - Specialist

Interpol EP

I heard this performed live once on television, then I went scrambling through my previous Interpol albums only to find out that it's not on there. You can only find it on their EP, which unfortunately, did not get much attention. Like every Interpol song, it's dark, mellow, and oddly, slightly optimistic.

The Roots - Dynamite!

Album: Things Fall Apart

How chill is this track? The guitar plucking delivers the perfect rythem that dances around ?uestlove's straight hitting drums. The most incredible part though, is the a running double bass that persistanly continues throughout the entire song.

Big Wreck - That Song

Album: In Loving Memory Of

This is by far, one of the best singles of all time. Right when the sticks hit the snare to kick off the track, a flood of perfect chords will spew from your headphones/speakers. The song itself is about one's emotional attachment to a song. How original is that? A song about songs.

Consequence - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Album: Don't Quit Your Day Job

This song was originally to be in Kayne's graduation album, but instead was passed on to Consequence. It certainly is a song that motivates. Whenever you're down, this is the single that can certainly pick you up. In fact, the entire album is about discovering your true calling while trying to make a decent living. I'm sure it identifies with a lot of people.

We Are Scientists - After Hours

Album: Brain Thrust Mastery

After watching the trailer to the new Michael Cera movie, I remembered how much I like We Are Scientists. This single certainly has anthemic potential. It's not fancy, the strumming is not original, the beat pretty much remains unchanged, but the plea-like vocals make the song a memorable one. There is also a slow building crescendo from beginning to end. Simple yet really enjoyable.

Jakob Dylan - Everybody Pays As They Go

Album: Seeing Things

"Oh, isn't he that guy from Wallflowers?". Yes, but this album takes a different approach. Almost all his tracks are stripped down to just acoustic guitar and vocals. I'm a sucker for male + female vocals, and this one certainly takes the cake.

The Last Shadow Puppets - Meeting Place

Album: The Age Of The Understatement

Something about this song that's really romantic. It's like a classic Sinatra tune, with edge, and less showy. I knew it was special right when the violins trinkled in. The guitar strumming complements the tune well, but the best moment is the additional 45 second violin outro. Beautiful.

Lil Wayne - Dr. Carter

Album: Tha Carter III

This Swizz Beatz produced track takes hip hop back to it's roots. Jazz music infused with metaphorical rhymes. It's like listening to a good episode of ER. Best lines:

Respect is in the heart.
So that's where i'ma start.
And a lot of heart patients don't make it.

Girl Talk - Still Here

Album: Feed the Animals

Best part of the song: Kanye's Flashing Lights meets Blackstreet's No Diggity

Shak K - Compromise

Album: The Old Prince

This guy needs more press! Opened up for Common, and Lupe. His lyrics hits deep with the struggles of retaining integrity in this absurd world. Wait for the female vocals to kick in during the chorus, its flawless. The Compromise beat is re-used a year later by NAS for his remix to Be a Nigger too.

Brendan Canning - Hit the Wall

Album: Something For All Of Us...

This single is a force to be reckoned with. Driving beat, lingering bass, muddled guitars, a perfect formula for the ultimate power pop song. A perfect example of a beautiful mess. Already makes the list for best single of 2008.