This year, my picks (for the most part) are the result of separating the less mediocre from the more. The first four albums are wonderful records that I truly believe are worthy of a top 10 mention in any year. But in a year with better musical offerings on the whole, I doubt the final six would even crack my top 20. It was difficult to place them in order because none of them particularly stood out to me. They’re all fine records, but I’m eagerly looking ahead to 2009 for a better musical buffet.