Top Albums of 2008.

#1 KINGS OF LEON Only By the Night

I once read an article in which the lead singer of the Kings of Leon said, "I want each new record to sound like we are taking steps forward as musicians and each album is slightly different, yet better than the last." Bravo, boys. Bravo.

LISTEN TO: Notion

#2 JENNY LEWIS Acid Tongue

Add 3 cups Jenny Lewis, a splash of Elvis Costello, plus a pinch of M. Ward and you have the deliciousness that is Acid Tongue. A bit southern rock, a bit country and a lot cool, this album came in a very VERY close second.

LISTEN TO: Carpetbaggers

#3 THE SWELL SEASON (GLEN HANSARD and MARKETA IRGLOVA) Once Soundtrack

Ok, I'm cheating a little bit. This movie came out back in 2006, but exploded while the couple was on tour in early 2008. After seeing them at the Uptown in May, I can safely say it was one of my favorite shows ever. Can music and emotion get any more raw and honest? When Glen Hansard, with just his voice and his accustic guitar belts, "So this is what you've waited for. Your chance to even up the score…If you have something to say, say it to me now," it gives me chills almost every time. We can all relate and appreciate the honesty this album brings.

LISTEN TO: Say It to Me Now

#4 MGMT Oracular Spectacular

Don't let the dance genre scare you! This album is creative, catchy and well, dance music for non-dance music fans. Thank you MGMT for your honest lyrics and for showing me that not all dance music has to suck.

LISTEN TO: Kids

#5 VANESSA HUDGENS Identified

This is a complete joke.

#6 COLDPLAY Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends

I am a fan of Coldplay because of Parachutes. After the release of X&Y, I began to reconsider my admiration for Chris Martin. Thank God this album doesn't sound like X&Y. Viva La Vida is so outside of the box for Coldplay and it works. From the first 15 seconds of the first track, I knew Coldplay was back.

LISTEN TO: Lost!

#7 MY MORNING JACKET Evil Urges

This album seeps sexiness and individuality. The vast contrast between the first and second songs makes you wonder if you are even listening to the same album. But both songs rule. (For lack of better terms) A few songs later, a love song croons "I want to thank you for all that you are." No, thank YOU.

LISTEN TO: Touch ME I'm Going to Scream

#8 DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE Narrow Stairs

It's no Photo Album, but Narrow Stairs shows consistency among one of the pillars of indie rock music. Brilliant lyrics never seem to be in short supply at the Gibbard house and with his recent engagement to She and Him front woman, Zooey Deschanel, I don't think he is going to run out anytime soon. Keep falling in love and going on self finding explorations, Death Cab. Just be sure to come back and write amazing songs.

LISTEN TO: Cath

#9 RYAN ADAMS AND THE CARDNALS Cardinology

Can Ryan Adams do any wrong? Ok, so whiskeytown isn't my favorite, but every since going solo, I can't get enough. The man himself is a lyrical, tasty guitar licks genius. That's why when a few days ago when he announced his retirement, the music gods shouted, "NO! Our masterpiece has lost his way!" Ryan Adams was born to be a musician. How else can you explain how album after album his fails to disappoint?

LYRICS: Cobwebs

#10 JAY Z The Black Album MUSE Black Holes & Revelations SILVERSUN PICKUPS Carnavas

I'm having a difficult time thinking of an album for the final slot, so I decided to list the albums I have been listening to a great deal lately. (It's my list and I can do what I want) JAY Z may be the coolest dude on the planet, MUSE brings the energy and rock every single time and could someone please remove the SILVERSUN PICKUPS out of my cd player? I've listened to that thing so many times it barely works.

LISTEN TO: JAY Z 99 Problems MUSE City of Delusion SILVERSUN PICKUPS Well Thought Out Twinkles

Your thoughts?

I Watched Michael Phelps Win 874 Gold Metals.

"So this is the New Year and I don't feel any different." (Oh come on! I had to do it. For old times sake.) At the beginning of the 2008, goals were made, then met or missed.

I wanted to be one year closer to being an RN-check! Another ambition was to be speaking Spanish with Benicio Del Toro. I did pass my Spanish class but as far as meeting Benicio Del Toro, he hasn't replied to any of my emails. Learn to play the piano was next and I have been taking piano lessons for a year now. (That shiz is hard!) For some reason, learning to knit made the cut and I accomplished this completely un-sexy goal thanks to youtube. I wished upon a star for a new Death Cab album and my wish came true. I wanted to be engaged by now, but I'm not and I'm completely ok with that. I'm still in love with my best friend who I can see and talk to almost everyday and that is good enough for me, for now. I'm excited for what the future holds, but know that God's timing is more important then ours. No ½ marathon was ran, but I did participate in a triathlon. (Ok, so it rained and we only did the swim and run portion but it's about the journey, not the destination, right?)

Oh 2008. You broke my heart, made me laugh and proved me wrong. At the beginning of our time together, Brandon went to Australia. That's right, as in crocodiles and kangaroos Australia. Did I mention New Zealand? Yeah, he went there too. I went to Belize in March on my first of many, many nursing mission trips. Mr. 2008, you were filled with surprises including the birth of my first (adopted) nephew Liam Aaron Kackley and the untimely and unfair death of my sweet, easy going, comical (but slightly hard of hearing) grandma Betty. I went to my favorite place on earth: Chicago. (If that city were a man, it would be Hugh Jackman.) I saw My Morning Jacket at the Uptown, which reminded me what music is suppose to sound like. I fell in love with Kings of Leon and Silversun Pickups and watched Michael Phelps win 874 gold medals during the Olympics. In November, history was made as Barack Obama was elected as our next president. (Despite my vote for the Ron Paul Revolution.) But everything must come to an end and I have met someone else. (Ok, this is a little creepy but give it a chance.)

2009 can offer me so much more than 2008 can now. For instance, I want to listen to every single song on my ipod. (Good goal Brit-aim high!) We aren't talking about a simple shuffle here people. We are talking roughly 4,034 songs. That's 11 days, 13 hours, 49 minutes and 23 seconds of music. (As of now.) This includes everything from All Time Quarter Back to Zwan. In 2009, everytime I see a Salvation Army bell ringer during Christmas, I want to give them change. I want to run a ½ marathon. (Yes, this is a repeat goal.) I want to have ONE SEMESTER LEFT of nursing school at the end of 2009. I want to write a novel, or at least take a respectable and giant step towards writing one. I want to constantly be in the will of God and reflect his love, tenderness and attitude.

2008, I'm moving on and getting over you. I'm throwing away your pictures and giving you back the t-shirts you let me borrow. (Except for that blue "Colorado Springs" one: It fits me like a glove!) I'm diving head first into the arms of 2009 and not looking back.

I suggest you reader, to do the same.