Editor’s Note: Each of the writers from Aural States was given free-reign to make an optional year-end post, filled with lists, oped, whining, whatever…this is what one came up with:

2008 has been a life-changing year for me in many ways, especially music. I remember being very intimidated by any genre that pushed experimental or noise and now it’s what I live for. Every season, new styles come back around from previous decades: saddle shoes, bell-bottoms, and grungy flannel shirts. Our generation is the melting pot of the past. Can’t we say the same for music?

And with the rapid advances in technology it’s only getting better through sampling and digitally modified sound. I guess that is my biggest realization this year—If music is sequential and cumulative then every vibration is the offspring of this movement of time and each second is a new opportunity for the creation of sound. Everything is possible at the present moment. We may find some to be more pleasing to the ear, to the brain, but it is only natural that we embrace it. We must celebrate all that is euphonic and aural.

Here are my picks of the most important tracks for my 2008 (Ed Note: Some tracks are not from 2008, and we know that.  Thanks). Have a great New Year!

1. Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

   MP3: High Places- The Tree with the Lights in It

2. Panda Bear- Comfy in Nautica
3. Radiohead- Jigsaw Falling into Place

4. Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

   MP3: Sigur Ros- Med sud i eyrum

5. Imperial China- There is no translation

6. Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

   MP3: Crystal Castles- Courtship Date

7. Evangelicals- Skeleton Man
8. Say Hi- Northwestern Girls
9. Yeasayer- Waves
10. Battles- Leyendecker

11. Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

    MP3: Monotonix- Summers and Autumns

12. Double Dagger- Army vs. Navy

13. Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

    MP3: Lykke Li- Dance, Dance, Dance

14. Diplo- Must Be a Devil
15. White Rabbits- Kid On My Shoulders
16. Darker My Love- Two Ways Out
17. Parenthetical Girls- The Weight She Fell Under
18. Department of Eagles- Around The Bay

19. Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

    MP3: No Age- Teen Creeps

20. Celebration- Holiday

Related posts

1. 2008 Wrap-Up (Sam): 2008’s Top U.S. Orchestras – Plan Vacations Accordingly[Audio clip: view full post to listen] MP3: Shostakovich –...
2. 2008 Wrap-Up (Nolan)Editor’s Note: Each of the writers from Aural States was...
3. 2008 Wrap-Up (John) – Happy New Year from the Morlocks!Editor’s Note: Each of the writers from Aural States was...
4. 2008 Wrap-Up (Zack) – Reflections and PredictionsEditor’s Note: Each of the writers from Aural States was...
5. 2008 Wrap-Up (Greg) – The Dreaded List of AlbumsIn line with tradition, here is my unordered, incomplete list...