Staff Picks - Kevin Keller (multimedia producer)

Picking a “best of” list reminds me of all of the philosophical barbs one runs into when judging music. Instead of expounding upon what makes up my definition of a "top album," I’ll keep things simple.

Of all the records released in 2008, the following 10 are the albums for which I am most thankful:

1. Sigur Rós - med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust
2. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
3. William Fitzsimmons - The Sparrow And The Crow
4. Anathallo - Canopy Glow
5. Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs
6. The Low Anthem - Oh My God, Charlie Darwin
7.  Nada Surf - Lucky
8. The Wood Brothers - Loaded
9. Vampire Weekend- Vampire Weekend
10. Wild Sweet Orange - We have Cause to Be Uneasy

Lucky for me, several of these artists have played at the Paste Studio this year. Click the links to see the performances.

And in the spirit of the great music journalists of Maxim Magazine:

My number one album for all of 2009:
Big Boi - Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty*





*I have not yet hear this album, but I remain confident in my selection.