Without further ado, my top 10 of 2008:

10. The Pretenders, Break Up the Concrete. Released by Shangri-La Records on October 7, 2008.

The return of Chrissy Hynde gave us The Pretenders first album since 1990, and their best since the mid-1980s. Her return to Ohio from London is evident, giving the record a country-rock/bee-bop sound that makes me want to smile.

Top 3 Tracks: Boots of Chinese Plastic (below), Break Up the Concrete, Don't Lose Faith in Me

9. The Raconteurs, Consolers of the Lonely. Released by Warner Bros. Records on March 25, 2008.

The White Stripes already reinvented rock 'n roll; leave it to Jack White to reinvent the blues. The songs are traditional in every sense of the word, cleverly modernized with raging guitar riffs. This Nashville-based quartet makes The White Stripes look like Jack White's side project.

Top 3 Tracks: Many Shades of Black, Top Yourself (below), Rich Kid Blues

8. Elvis Costello, Momofuku. Released by Lost Highway Records on May 6, 2008.

Momofuku is named after Momofuku Ando, the late creator of ramen noodles. Written and recorded in just over 2 weeks, this record is a collection of 12 songs that leaves the listener satisfied, just like ramen noodles. Delicious!

Top 3 Tracks: No Hiding Place, American Gangster Time (below), Stella Hurt

7. Death Cab for Cutie, Narrow Stairs. Released by Atlantic Records on May 13, 2008.

Indie pop legends go dark and raw after making it big with their major label debut, Plans.

Top 3 Tracks: I Will Possess Your Heart (below), Your New Twin Sized Bed, Cath...

6. The Duke Spirit, Neptune. Released by You Are Here Record on February 4, 2008.

The Duke Spirit's sophomore effort sounds more like their it should be their first. After all, their debut record, Cuts Across the Land, was more of a compilation of singles and EPs that just didn't seem to mix. The band rallies around singer Leila Moss as if Sonic Youth hired Grace Slick to be their lead vocalist. I'm excited for what this band's future has to offer.

Top 3 Tracks: Lassoo (below), You Really Wake Up the Love in Me, My Sunken Treasure

6. Delta Spirit, Ode to Sunshine. Released by Rounder Records on August 26, 2008.

Okay, okay, so I included this record in my top 10 of 2007. With that being said, Delta Spirit self-recorded and released their debut independently in December of 2007. They hit the road and their record was quickly picked up by Rounder Records, remastered, repackaged and rereleased. If Joan Anderman of the Boston Globe can include it in her top 10, well then so can I.

My only issue with this record is the addition and rearrangement of Streetwalker, which originally appeared on their EP, I Think I've Found It! The song was awesome the way it was; now it just seems overproduced.

Oh, and I got the chance to interview them. I know I've mentioned it before and it's completely irrelevant, but I just think that it's cool.

Top 3 Tracks: Children (below), Trashcan, People C'mon

4. Cold War Kids, Loyalty to Loyalty. Released by Downtown Records on September 23, 2008.

In my world, the Cold War Kids's follow-up to the debut, Robbers and Cowards, was the most anticipated album of the year. It does not disappoint. While lesser bands would've crumbled under the pressure, the Cold War Kids stuck to their storytelling mantra with a confidence that portrays itself through unorthodox melodies. The Cold War Kids are a band that have a masterpiece in them.

Top 3 Tracks: I've Seen Enough (below), Golden Gate Jumpers, Dream Old Men Dream

3. Coldplay, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends. Released by Capitol Records on June 17, 2008.

Coldplay did it right this time. Along with super-producer Brian Eno, Coldplay pushed the envelope and put themselves outside their comfort zone and produced their best album to date. As a result, Coldplay became the biggest band in the world in 2008. The instrumental Life in Technicolor just may be the best opening song to a record of all-time.

Top 3 Tracks: Life in Technicolor, Lost!, Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love

2. Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend. Released by XL Records on January 29, 2008.

I'll admit, I ignored Vampire Weekend when their buzz hit its full stride. At some point, though, I couldn't ignore it any longer. What I originally wrote off as the indie band of the week became the biggest story of 2008. The Ivy League quartet's debut record is smart, charming and sophisticated without being pretentious. The follow-up will have a lot of hype surrounding it; I'm curious to see what they produce.

Top 3 Tracks: M79 (below), A-Punk, The Kids Don't Stand a Chance

1. Fleet Foxes, Fleet Foxes. Released by Sub Pop Records on June 3, 2008.

While earthy, rich, Brian Wilson-esque harmonies coupled with indie-folk pop melodies a la The Shins may sound like a recipe for disaster, the Fleet Foxes do it with grace. This stunning yet soothing record with mesmerize and transfix you, taking you to a place inside yourself that you didn't know existed. The band's hypnotic sounds produce images of breathtaking landscapes that echo life. White Winter Hymnal takes the prize as track of the year.

Top 3 Tracks: White Winter Hymnal (below), Ragged Wood, He Doesn't Know Why