Vampire Weekend: This album came to me pretty late in the year, I heard the name tossed around throughout the year, but never looked into them.
They appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien in later November, which is where I first heard them. With influences of Afropop, Rock, Ska, unique vocals and clean guitar of lead singer Ezra Koenig, and all around awesomeness, this music is fun to listen to, dance with and sing along.
Highlighted tracks include:
"Mansford Roof" is the Albums first Track, it immediately hits you in the face (in the good way), with a powerful keyboard beat with the drum tom. Soon after you get swept off your feet with a great Orchestra line. Soon following after that, it all pulls together that will have you drumming on the desk, tapping your feet, and singing along.
"Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" because of the catchy guitar lick, and the African Drums that provide a great off beat rhythm.
"M-79" is a great tune that starts out with a harpsichord with a small orchestra, the song builds up with more violins and drums, then drops to a very basic ska rhythm with some snare clicks.. clean guitars and rhythmic lyrics make this song very enjoyable. Finally
"The Kids Don't Stand a Chance" This is the song that first hooked me, as they played it Live on Conan. I really enjoy the Bass riff and harsh snare in the beginning. The harmony sung by keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij, and great quick bass-line played by bassist Chris Baio provides a very pleasant listening experience. Vampire Weekend's self titled debut album is my top pick for Best Album of the Year. Buy it
here.
Coldplay- Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends: Is the fourth studio album from the popular alternative rock band from across the pond. Coldplay once again repeats the success of some of their previous albums, A Rush of Blood to the Head, and X & Y. A new flair on a familiar sound makes Viva la Vida a great album to listen to. Highlighted Tracks: Lost!, 42, Violet Hill. Buy it
here.
DeVotchKa- A Mad and Faithful Telling: Devotchka is a four piece multi-instrumental and vocal ensemble that fuses Romani, Greek, Slavic, Bolero, Mariachi (and many more styles) music with American punk and folk roots.(1) Many people don't know who DeVotchKa are, they contributed to much of the soundtrack to the 2006 movie "Little Miss Sunshine" with songs like "Till the End of Time", "You Love Me", and "How it Ends." Their 2008 release of "A Mad and Faithful Telling" is the Denver's natives 5th album. Highlighted Tracks: Basso Profoundo, A Clockwise Witness, Comrade Z, Blessing in Disguise, and Undone. Buy it
here.Also Check out:
Death Cab for Cutie: Narrow Stairs She & Him: Volume OneLecrae: Rebelmore reviews coming soon.
Elected President of the United States of America on November 4th, 2008. After running a near perfect Presidential Campaign, Democrat Barack Obama defeated Republican John McCain by a vast margin of 365 electoral votes to 173. Yeah, I know, I'm not going out on much of a limb here with this pick, but what else would you expect from me? Barack Obama sparked political interest all across America in every demographic. His speeches were must see as they were powerful, intuitive and motivational. During his presidential campaign Barack used the internet and other technology devices to spread news and word on the campaign trail. President-Elect Obama's first day in office will be on January 20th, 2009.
Won an Olympic record 8 gold medals for various swimming events at the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. Phelps' run sparked pride in America while he became our most decorated Olympian in history. Phelps went on to host the season premiere of Saturday Night Live and signed many endorsement deals, he was also named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. Phelps plans to swim in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. 
Creator of the hit hilarious television show "30 Rock" which racked up over a dozen awards during the award season in the beginning of the year. She went on to star in the movie "Baby Mama" with friend Amy Poehler later in the year. Just when you thought she had her fill, she returned to Saturday Night Live portraying Republican Vice President Nominee, Sarah Palin. Her extreme likeness to Palin provided great laughs and catchphrases such as "I can see Russia from my House." Fey's portrayal as Palin boosted SNL ratings through the roof, and many people believe that she impacted the election.
January 2nd, Conan O'Brien returns to the air. Without Writers, With Beard.
I've noticed that many people say "Saturday Night Live was so good... like 5 years ago." All the time... any year. Maybe I'm alone on that one, but I've heard it a lot of the course of many years. This year is far different, nearly every week brings new laughs and fun. The Season started on September 13th with host Michael Phelps. The episode had some great highlights including former player Tina Fey's dead on impersonation of Republican Vice President nominee Sarah Palin. The episode also featured SNL newbie, Bobby Moynihan's first character, a very odd and over charismatic waiter at a "Pizzeria Uno" restaurant. The show saw a ratings boost due to the Presidential Election, and hardly disappointed its viewers. My personal favorite episode of the season so far was Hosted by Anne Hathaway with Musical Guest, The Killers. Skits from that episode included Lawrence Welk, Mary Poppins, and Mark Wahlberg Talks to Animals.
I'm just gonna leave this one be- I don't want to give away any fun or surprises for those yet to watch the fourth Season of Lost. Season 5 begins on January 21st, 2009. 
I thought longer than I needed to. The answer is easy to the question "What is the biggest fail in 2008."
There is a not a whole lot I want to write here, mainly because I think this article from the New York Times sums it up pretty well.
Vampire Weekend: This album came to me pretty late in the year, I heard the name tossed around throughout the year, but never looked into them. They appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien in later November, which is where I first heard them. With influences of Afropop, Rock, Ska, unique vocals and clean guitar of lead singer Ezra Koenig, and all around awesomeness, this music is fun to listen to, dance with and sing along. Highlighted tracks include: "Mansford Roof" is the Albums first Track, it immediately hits you in the face (in the good way), with a powerful keyboard beat with the drum tom. Soon after you get swept off your feet with a great Orchestra line. Soon following after that, it all pulls together that will have you drumming on the desk, tapping your feet, and singing along. "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" because of the catchy guitar lick, and the African Drums that provide a great off beat rhythm. "M-79" is a great tune that starts out with a harpsichord with a small orchestra, the song builds up with more violins and drums, then drops to a very basic ska rhythm with some snare clicks.. clean guitars and rhythmic lyrics make this song very enjoyable. Finally "The Kids Don't Stand a Chance" This is the song that first hooked me, as they played it Live on Conan. I really enjoy the Bass riff and harsh snare in the beginning. The harmony sung by keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij, and great quick bass-line played by bassist Chris Baio provides a very pleasant listening experience. Vampire Weekend's self titled debut album is my top pick for Best Album of the Year. Buy it here.
Coldplay- Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends: Is the fourth studio album from the popular alternative rock band from across the pond. Coldplay once again repeats the success of some of their previous albums, A Rush of Blood to the Head, and X & Y. A new flair on a familiar sound makes Viva la Vida a great album to listen to. Highlighted Tracks: Lost!, 42, Violet Hill. Buy it here.
