As the year draws to a close, it’s time to look back at the best music of 2008.
In no particular order these albums have become favorites as a whole, not just for their individual singles or for a handful of tracks.
Miss Understood – Carolyn Wonderland
From the opening notes until the final fade-out there’s not a bad song or slow spot on the record. It’s my number one favorite of the year.
And yes, she’s been featured a lot here on UM, but she’s very deserving of the attention between the new album, rereleases, live shows in Austin, Colorado Springs and Boulder and the ten questions she answered in July.
Miss Understood on 
Break Up The Concrete – Pretenders
Chrissie Hynde has such an amazing voice and when paired with great songwriting and the punky attitude that the Pretenders have always had it makes for a pretty darn good album.
Break Up The Concrete on
Let’s All Go To Bed – The Mother Truckers
It’s country rock, or as their website says, “high-octane Americana.” Whatever you call it, it’s foot-stomping, hand-clapping good.
Teal Collins answered some questions.
Lets All Go To Bed on
Just Us Kids – James McMurtry
I’ll admit, it took a little longer to grow on me than any of the other albums I found myself loving this year, but still there’s enough hook to make it memorable through all of the lyrical prose.
Here’s the review from his show at the Boulder Theater in August.
Just Us Kids on
Swim – The Whispertown 2000
Perhaps a little folky for some ears, it’s still catchy and beautiful.
Morgan Nagler played our ten questions game in October.
Swim on
Backwoods Barbie – Dolly Parton
Little Wild One – Joan Osborne
All I Intended To Be – Emmylou Harris
Same Old Man – John Hiatt
Heaven, Hell, Sin & Redemption – Marybeth D’Amico
