The end of the year means it is time for the annual “Best Of” lists. It was a good year in music with some of my favorite bands releasing new albums (The Shins, Iron and Wine, Rogue Wave), some new groups (Maps, St Vincent, Patrick Watson, Yeasayer), and some bands that are just new to me (The National, Great Lake Swimmers, Rilo Kiley). If some of these are new to you, take a listen to the sample mp3 I link to. The titles link to Amazon and purchasing the music helps support this site.

1. The Shepherd’s Dog, by Iron & Wine
Mp3: House by the Sea

2. Wincing the Night Away, by the Shins
Mp3: Girl Sailor

3. Ongiara, by Great Lake Swimmers
Mp3: Your Rocky Spine

4. Boxer, by The National
Mp3: Fake Empire

5. Close to Paradise, by Patrick Watson
Mp3: Close to Paradise

6. All Hour Cymbals, by Yeasayer
Mp3: 2080 (also my vote for best song of the year)

7. Asleep at Heaven’s Gate, by Rogue Wave
Mp3: Fantasies

8. We Can Create, by Maps
Mp3: Lost My Soul

9. Under the Blacklight, By Rilo Kiley
Mp3: Close Call

10. Marry Me, by St. Vincent
Mp3: Now. Now.

Honorable Mention:
In Rainbows, by Radiohead
Mp3: Bodysnatchers

Icky Thump, by The White Stripes
Mp3: Icky Thump

Neon Bible, by Arcade Fire
Mp3: Black Mirror

I’m Not There (Soundtrack)
Mp3: You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere

Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will Blink, by Bodies of Water
Mp3: I Guess We’ll Forget the Sound, I Guess, I guess

Juiced, by The Cansecos
Mp3: Free download from website

Hopefully 2008 will be just as good as 2007. If you want to take a look back, here are my lists from former years: 2006, 2005 2004

I found this vintage Camel cigarette ad on Archive.org that I thought might bring a smile to your face as Christmas approaches. Cigarette ads are kind of fascinating to watch anyway, but the thought of giving them as a Christmas gift? Smokers are easy to shop for! Wow.

Friends at work and I kind of started a Christmas tradition where we celebrate Taco Johnukkah. For the last 8 business days before Christmas we eat lunch at Taco Johns. The holiday starts tomorrow (wednesday), so feel free to join in the festivities at your place of employment.

Be sure to check out www.tacojohnukkah.com for more details and menu recommendations!