Best of 2008: songs

In previous years I've only listed what I deemed to be the best singles, but I found that that is unnecessarily limiting. For 2008, I've decided to just jot down my favorite overall songs, limiting it to one per artist except for Frightened Rabbit, because I couldn't narrow it down to just one. Yeah, I went a little crazy, but here they are, in no particular order (Check out the playlist below; YouTube links are provided where available):

1. "Time To Pretend" by MGMT Who knew that an indictment of the rock 'n roll lifestyle could sound so joyous? Too bad the rest of the album (minus "Kids") is pretty bland.
2. "Dangerous and Sweet" by Lenka Best pop of the year? Maybe.
3. "Dream Cars" by Neon Neon The greatest 80s song made in 2008.
4. "That's Not My Name" by the Ting Tings I defy you not to sing along.
5. "Oxford Comma" by Vampire Weekend Who gives a fuck about an oxford comma? Me, for one.
6. "Oh Girl" by Raphael Saadiq So retro it's nowtro.
7. "California Girls" by the Magnetic Fields Catchy, distorted bile.
8. "My Backwards Walk" by Frightened Rabbit Excellent, excellent song about the inability to break off a relationship.
9. "Keep Yourself Warm" by Frightened Rabbit Quite possibly my favorite lyrics of the year: "I'm drunk and you're probably on pills/If we both got the same diseases, it's irrelevant, girl."
10. "God & Suicide" by Blitzen Trapper I have no idea what the heck this song means, but I can't get it out of my head.
11. "The Girl" by City and Colour Very sweet song, perfect for every wooing mixtape I make in the future.
12. "Man-Sized Wreath" by R.E.M. They finally rediscover how to rawk out.
13. "My Only Offer" by Mates of State The sound of domestic not-quite-bliss.
14. "My Year In Lists" by Los Campesinos! Fast, short, glorious, and to the point.
15. "I'm Walking This Road Because You Stole My Car (Don't Go)" by Fascinoma I was exposed to this humorously melancholy song on an episode of "American Dad," of all places.
16. "What's This?!!" by Teddy Thompson Man unwittingly gets thrust into a relationship and is cool with it. Micah likes this song. Second best lyrics of the year: "Take you out anywhere/Tie you to the kitchen chair/Either's good."
17. "Girl Downtown" by Hayes Carll I really root for Billy whenever I hear this song.
18. "Shameless" by the Fratellis They've only been on the scene for a couple of years and they're already bitching about the kids? Still, it's a fun pub rocker.
19. "Konichiwa Bitches" by Robyn Missing comma aside, this is the perfect sassy, Swedish electropop to blast in your car during the summer.
20. "You Don't Know Me" by Ben Folds with Regina Spektor My favorite piano man duets with my favorite piano woman. They should totally do this song at Howl at the Moon. Is Howl at the Moon still around?
21. "Evil Urges" by My Morning Jacket Basic libertarian philosophy set to a groovy beat: "It ain't evil baby, if ya ain't hurting anybody." Or maybe it's all about free love, baby. Who cares?
22. "You" by Atmosphere The lone hip-hop song on my list. It was a down year for the genre, but this song kicks all sorts of butt.
23. "Spiraling" by Keane The second greatest 80s song made in 2008.
24. "Paper Planes" by M.I.A. Best song by an artist I otherwise don't care about.

And some songs unavailable on Project Playlist:

25. "Fort Hood" by Mike Doughty Let the sun shine in.
26. "Once Again" by Steve Poltz An irresistible song by one of my favorite artists. This was co-written by Poltz and Jim Croce's son A.J.
27. "Could Be Worse" by Eef Barzelay But I take pleasure in this song.
28. "Going Back/Going Home" by Butch Walker His life in about 4 minutes.
29. "This. Here and Now. With You." by the Cure Sounds like the best of Wish-era Cure. The goths may balk, but I love it.