Actually, I am not really sure if some of these came out in 2008 so I’m gonna cheat a little and say its what I listened to in 2009! Also, I didn’t translate these lyrics so if they are wrong please don’t blame me but feel free to add any corrections in comments if you’d like.

All around beauty

1. Bon Iver – Re: Stacks -Album For Emma

Lyrics

This my excavation and today is kumran

Everything that happens is from now on

This is pouring rain, This is paralyzed

I keep throwing it down two-hundred at a time

It’s hard to find it when you knew it

When your money’s gone, And you’re drunk as hell

On your back with your racks as the stacks as your load

In the back and the racks and the stacks are your load

In the back with your racks and you’re un-stacking your load

I’ve twisting to the sun I needed to replace

The fountain in the front yard is rusted out

All my love was down, In a frozen ground

There’s a black crow sitting across from me; his wiry legs are crossed

And he’s dangling my keys he even fakes a toss

This is not the sound of a new man or crispy realization

It’s the sound of the unlocking and the lift away

Your love will be, Safe with me

(pronounced Bon EE VARE)

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The Origins and Evolution of a Song

2. One Eskimo - Khandi (Ash Howes Mix) Album One Eskimo

Candi Stanton, He Called Me Baby.

and the original country version.

Tennessee Ernie FordShe Called Me Baby

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Storytellers

Daytrotter Sessions

XPN David Dye’s World Cafe Live

(As written for XPN)

When faced with a recent personal tragedy, former Felice Brothers multi-instrumentalist Simone Felice had to make some tough choices: After the death of his first child, he decided to leave the band he’d founded with his brothers. Along with longtime friend and Parliament contributor Robert “Chicken” Burke, Felice formed The Duke & The King.

The band’s minimalist folk wades in the waters of nostalgia while retaining contemporary touches. Felice’s lyrics pine for the past alongside light acoustic guitar and drizzle of ambient effects, and it works: Instead of the loud, raucous energy of Felice’s former band, The Duke & The King favors contemplative ballads and rich storylines. The duo’s first album is titled Nothing Gold Can Stay.

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Withstanding the test of time

4. Lucinda Williams-Honey Bee-Album Little Honey

Musicians like Lucinda, make you think how do the Madonna’s of the world happen.

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American Roots

5. Felice Brothers-<a href=”//www.sendspace.com/file/gq7qrw”>The Big Surprise-Album Yonder is the Clock

Old Crow Medicine Show; The Big Surprise Tour was probably one of the most

entertaining concerts I have ever been to this year. If The Felice Brothers ever come

to your town go see them live you will have no regrets.

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Badass

6. The Dead Weather – I Cut Like a Buffalo -Album Horehound

I recently posted the “OFFICIAL” video on this site but check the link for the alternative version.

“She Cuts Up Her Buffalo,” you know what that means, that means you’re dead.

Check out their You Tube Channel: The Dead Weather TV Jack directs a lot of his video’s. There is no end to his talent.

One of my favorite websites is The White Stripes site. Really creative and beautifully designed. I really want the Meg Diana Analog Camera. (Santa)

The Raconteurs site is pretty damn cool too. Check it out.

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Dirty Boys who can sing

7. Fleet Foxes- Oliver James -Album Fleet Foxes

Just an amazing sound, never a sell out, true to their roots. You would never see them pushing their own clothing line unless it was for Goodwill or Salvation Army. Not even a website-Luckily they do have a MySpace page. So old school I love it. Check out this video for some awesome acoustic and a cappella Fleet Foxes. Cannot wait for their next album .

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Raw Talent

8. J.Tillman-Crosswinds-Album-Year in the Kingdom

J. Tillman, the drummer for Fleet Foxes also has a solo career. I just think he’s a master with percussion as you can hear in Crosswinds.

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Bratty Talent

9. MGMT Time to Pretend-Oracle Spectacular

Time to express my humble opinion; I think Andrew Vanwhatsisname is an arrogant little brat who goes on about being a college graduate from a school that for a LOT of people is a safety school. Having said that, I do think this album has some really good songs. I wish these kids who have a hard time expressing themselves in a public forum without sounding arrogant or entitled would just shut up and sing.

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Bringing back Soul

10. Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears -Sugarfoot-Album Tell Me What Your Name Is

I see Black Joe Lewis as this decades James Brown with a little bit of The Time thrown in (outfits and hair a lot less over the top). Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to see him in Austin but he sure knows how to put a little sizzle in your wiggle.