I tried to find good new music in 2008. I bought a lot of albums, many of which were OK, but not nearly as great as I'd hoped they'd be. Think of this not as a true "top ten," but rather a list containing two albums that I think are truly fantastic, followed by four that I think are pretty solid and enjoyable, followed by three more that never really held my attention. OK. Here's that list:

9. Joan of Arc - Boo Human
8. Kathleen Edwards - Asking for Flowers
7. Atlas Sound - Let The Blind Lead ...

6. She & Him - One
5. No Age - Nouns
4. BSS Presents Brendan Canning - Something for All of Us
3. All Girl Summer Fun Band - Looking Into It

2. Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue
1. Thao Nguyen and the Get Down Stay Down - We Brave Bee Stings and All

I can't possibly give enough love to Thao. She's an amazing songwriter, singer, lyricist and musician. This album is sweetly strong, quietly hopeful, subtle, catchy, quirky and so much fun. Her album and Jenny Lewis's were the only albums I heard in 08 that were immediately arresting and engaging and had true sticking power with me.

A few more that I want to buy based on the few songs that I heard: Vivian Girls, Marnie Stern, Santogold

A few that I heard and thought were boring: Fleet Foxes; The Hold Steady

I am starting a new job -- as a lawyer -- tomorrow morning. I was lucky enough to find the exact type of job I envisioned for myself. I am so hopeful, nervous and excited. I really hope I'm up to the challenge.