The End Of The End Of Year Lists: Noah W. Bailey's Favorite Albums Of 2008

By Pete Freedman Wed., Jan. 7 2009 at 4:51 PM

Sure, 2008 may be done, but the list-making still continues... This year, five contributors to the Dallas Observer's music section were asked to participate in the Village Voice's annual Pazz & Jop critics' poll, which compiles the lists of hundreds of music critics across the country into one massive, hopefully conclusive, aggregate list. Over the next couple of days, we'll be posting various excerpts of their choices for the best of '08.

After the jump, Noah Bailey's favorite records from 2008--in approximate, descending order. But, first, a teaser for one of his picks...

In approximate, descending order...

Matthew and the Arrogant Sea - Family Family Family Meets the Magic Christian
Neva Dinova - You May Already Be Dreaming
Sam Amidon - All Is Well
She & Him - Volume One
Devotchka - A Mad and Faithful Telling
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes/Sun Giant
Bonnie Prince Billy - Lie Down In The Light
Dr. Dog - Fate
Beach House - Devotion
Shearwater - Rook

Plus, some near-misses...

Calexico - Carried to Dust
Hold Steady - Stay Positive
Tallest Man On Earth - Shallow Grave
Horse Feathers - House With No Name
Jolie Holland - The Living & The Dead
Sera Cahoone - Only As The Day Is Long
Silver Jews - Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea

--Noah W. Bailey