G.R.O.'s Best of 2008!

Establishing the best albums and tracks of 2008 proved a significantly more challenging task than I anticipated. Firstly I needed to objectively reach a shortlist of the year's musical elite. I achieved this by erecting an elaborate structure of wires, test tubes and suction pads to collect sweat and tear droplets and ascertain which generated the most exhausting body movements / intense emotional reactions. Then to arrive at a definitive ranking I locked myself away for a week and held internal jousting matches between the leading contenders. The "Foxes" vs. the "Vampires" proved an especially entertaining and gruelling duel!

And thus here they are, my scientifically accredited top 10 albums of the year, along with a playlist of my favourite tracks.

Top 10 Album Countdown

10. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
9. The Kills - Midnight Boom
8. Pete & The Pirates - Little Death
7. Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid
6. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
5. Born Ruffians - Red, Yellow & Blue
4. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
3. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
2. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
1. Laura Marling - Alas, I Cannot Swim

G.R.O's 2008 Mix

1. MGMT - Time To Pretend
2. Hot Chip - Ready for the Floor
3. Tilly & The Wall - Beat Control
4. The Magic Wands - Black Magic
5. Chairlift - Bruises
6. Florence & The Machine - Kiss With A Fist
7. The Tunics - Cost Of Living
8. Pete & The Pirates - Knots
9. Born Ruffians - I Need A Life
10. Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal
11. Laura Marling - My Manic & I
12. Mystery Jets feat. Laura Marling - Young Love
13. Elbow - Grounds For Divorce
14. Slow Club - Me & You
15. The RGBs - The Day
16. Ladyhawke - Paris Is Burning
17. Passion Pit - Sleepyhead
18. The Mae Shi - Run To Your Grave
19. White Lies - Death
20. Late Of The Pier - Bathroom Gurgle

Let the inevitable cries of WTF, no TV On The Radio, Cut Copy or Glasvegas commence!

G.R.O.Bestof2008Mix