1. Modest Mouse | We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank (Sony)

There is no question in my mind that the best album of the year was from Modest Mouse. The album is filled from beginning to end with sharp lyrics that are matched with skilled and catchy music. The songs are infectious. The words are meant to dog you at all hours, and they do. This album-length essay on quests for the unachievable (yes, Moby Dick, this one is for you) is beautifully done.

2. PJ Harvey | White Chalk (Island)

3. The Good the Bad & the Queen (Virgin)

4. Interpol | Our Love to Admire (Capitol)

5. Spouse | Relocation Tactics (Pigeon)

6. Arcade Fire | Neon Bible (Merge)

7. Radiohead | In Rainbows (download; released in '08 on ATO/Red)

8. British Invasion Pt. 2
The Rakes | Ten New Messages (V2); Arctic Monkeys | Favourite Worst Nightmare (Domino); Kaiser Chiefs | Yours Truly Angry Mob (Universal)

These bands all released second albums that were follow-ups to very strong debuts. Out of the three, Arctic Monkeys shined the best, but all three are bands that, even when not putting out their best (or paling in comparison to their initial efforts), still offer creative and appealing music.

9. Eleni Mandell | Miracle of Five (Zedtone)

10. Beirut | The Flying Club Cup (Ba Da Bing)

| Jim Dunn