Considering it is almost October, it is time that we go back and reflect on what has so far been an awesome year in music. Since I am a big fan of lists, I decided to make a top ten list of the albums that have come out this year (up until this point).

Bear in mind that some albums are too fresh and new to be truly appreciated by now, and there are still boatloads of great albums to drop before the calendar rolls over. So, let us look back on what has been one of the better years for music that I can remember.

If 2008 ended today, the 10 best records would be:

10. Astronautalis- “Pomegranate”

A great album that I just need to spin a few more times. It could be top 5 material.

09. TV on the Radio- “Dear Science”

This would be higher if it came out earlier.

08. United Nations- “Self-Titled”

Featuring ex and current members of The Number 12 Looks Like You, Glassjaw, and Thursday, this band sounds like a classic screamo super group. They’re like Foreigner mixed with City of Caterpillar.

07. The Mountain Goats- “Heretic Pride”

Something about the song “Lovecraft In Brooklyn” just gives me chills down my spine no matter how many times it gets played.

06. Vampire Weekend- “Self-Titled”

It is hard to forget how cool this band was in the early parts of this year. Their soft blend of awesome pop music gets me going every time.

05. Ratatat- “LP3”

So, they got it right. Ratatat turned from a fun party band into a very respectable act with this album. Equal parts funk and video game soundtrack, “LP3” is filled with songs you can not forget.

04. Genghis Tron- “Board up the House”

This record combines the “cybergrind” sound that Genghis Tron is known for with an almost Godspeed-esque feel. Violent and mellow all at the same time.

03. The Gaslight Anthem- “The ’59 Sound”

Roots, Americana, Soul, and a whole bunch of punk rock highlight this disc, sure to be remembered as one of the best contemporary punk records of this era.

02. Heart Shaped Hate- “Bitch, Plz”

Though only an EP, this local duo packs so much punch that these tracks resonate with the listener for days.

01. mc chris- “mc chris is Dead”

It may be only Libertyville’s own mc chris that can turn 16 tracks about things like pizza, ninjas, zombies, reeces pieces, and roller coasters into a transcendent hip hop album.