Best Songs of 2008 - #20 - #16

20. "GfC" by Albert Hammond Jr. - What little I've heard of this Strokes guitarist's solo work, I've liked. He actually has a more emotive voice than the sleepy sound of the lead singer of his regular band. There are some really good guitar lines and it all builds to a rockin' solo.


19. "Balloons" by Foals - This song sounds like the mashing of math rock with '80s aesthetics: group shouts, saxophone, Power Station drumming, etc. The result is a really catchy song.


18. "2080" by Yeasayer - Very moody and lingering. The singer's voice sort of reminds me of Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle). Really great harmonies overall. The spiralling guitar line adds to the dreamlike feel of the song.


17. "Ghost Under Rocks" by Ra Ra Riot - This song has a great driving beat and the cello and violin are wonderfully utilized. Great vocal performance, too. The chorus sticks in my head after a listen.


16. "Tessellate" by Tokyo Police Club - Another song where the snare is beaten to death. Great piano hook. And, hey, how often do you get to hear the work 'tessellate' used in a song?