Earlier today, the staff at Radio Exile and I unveiled the first part of our Top Albums of 2008 post with Albums 15 Through 11 [link]. Tonight, we unveil the next five rad albums on the list in hopes that you, the readers, will heart us forever. If you don’t, well, that sucks. We love you?

As always, our crack panel o’ judges sat down and argued for what felt like forever as SOME people just wouldn’t budge on their lists and weren’t willing to compromise. Just kidding, the staff here is the best. Without further ado, here’s Radio Exile’s Top Albums of 2008: 10 Through 6!

Click to see Top Albums of 2008: 10 Through 6

10. Lukestar – Lake Toba [CMJ Review, by:Larm]

“A cheerfully pastoral post-rock pop album, with etheral falsetto vocals comparable to Muse‘s very own Matt Bellamy. Its soundscapes are so vast and optimistic, you’ll need a suitcase.” – Holly Perry

“Okay, this album was one of my favorites this year for very simple reasons: Lukestar are one of my favorite new bands. When I went to Norway, the first thing I knew that I had to do was see them perform at by:Larm. I was amazed not only by how enraptured the crowd was, but also by how unbelievably good the band was – they lived up to the hype I was hearing. Imagine seeing Radiohead playing a 300 person venue in England after The Bends.

I cannot separate that experience from the album itself from that awesome weekend in February; hearing those tracks again reminds me of one of ‘those’ moments in your life where you are simply blown away by the enormity of everything going on around you. First, I proposed to Tracy in December. Then I was laid off from my record label gig, and off to another continent watching music and talking to bands who treated what I have done for 4 years (write Music commentary on a Wrestling site, which begat me running this here wonderful blog) as if it was the biggest deal in the world.

I just wish I had gotten a Lukestar shirt when I had the chance.” – Shawn M. Smith

9. Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks – Real Emotional Trash

“Stephen Malkmus has had a quiet but prolific solo career for some time, and it is exciting to see him finally release a record that is deserving of a place on a year end list. Still, he is a legend, and most of what can be said about him has been said. What is exciting about this record is the musicianship of the band as a whole that is finally allowed to shine on a modest jam-rock album.While a couple of the tunes could use pruning, it is forgiveable because it is met with enough minimalism on the rest of the record, and because no matter the sound, the band is obviously having a spectacular time. We are lucky enough to be asked to be on the ride. ” – Mark Hurley

“Pavement who?” – Tom Williams

“I think Mark’s quote says it all, but Tom’s pretty much nails the point home: Stephen Malkmus is just as good now 15 years ago. That’s pretty amazing.” – Shawn M. Smith

8. Delta Spirit – Ode to Sunshine

“Delta Spirit defines success through a stunning debut release on Ode to Sunshine, a supporting tour with Nada Surf, and breaking most critics’ “must have” lists. Rock and roll hasn’t been this delicate since Crazy Horse backed up Neil Young on Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere.” - James Mitchell

“I have not heard this album yet but I keep hearing great things and SMS needs some filler here so I’m going to go out on a limb and say you should buy this album. NOW!” – Tom Williams

“The debut full length manages to catch enough of the plusses from tour mates Cold War Kids and Dr. Dog without falling into some of the self-awareness of the other acts. The subtlety of Ode to Sunshine might make it harder to “find,” but significantly more rewarding over time than recent efforts by similar artists. It’s a sleeper in every way. A good ear worm of a hooky pop tune might have put this band on the top of the marquee, but destroyed the integrity of the album.” – Greg Wind

7. The Raconteurs – Consolers of the Lonely

“If only all albums could be released this quickly and be this good. The guitar solos will make your parents nostalgic. Three words: Funk. Soul. Brother. ” – Holly Perry

“The Great White Hope proves once and for all that he is the last legitimate radio rockstar. Robert Plant has gone bluegrass (not his worst move), Scott Weiland is unreliable, and Freddie Mercury is dead. With Consolers of the Lonely, Jack White demonstrates his inability to be shoehorned into a gimmick (as with the Stripes) and that no project he applies his intellectual property to will ever be a flash in the pan (admit it, you thought Broken Boy Soldier might just be it for them, too). I cannot remember a year in recent history that he has not kept mainstream rock afloat.” – Mark Hurley

“Sorry Meg, you’ve been replaced by Brendan Benson as our favorite Jack White sidekick.” – Tom Williams

“Best way to avoid a sophomore slump: don’t acknowledge your first record. The Raconteurs departs the acid rock of their debut, and crank it up on Consolers of the Lonely. Their second release drapes Brendan Benson‘s straightforward narrative and Jack White‘s Rorschach sketches on guitar smelted lead. Heavy and urgent, but always fun. White Stripes who?” – James Mitchell

6. The Explorer’s Club – Freedom Wind [Concert, Review]

“This was one of those albums that just snuck up on us here in 2008. I remember the day that it came in and I was demanding that Elie check this thing out. My contact at their label sent us an advance and I was moved by just how amazingly deep and rich the sound was and how much fun they were having; this record reminding me of playing my mother’s old surf rock LPs from her youth. Must own.” – Shawn M. Smith

“You’ll wish they all could be California girls listening to this Summer-y and uncannily Beach Boys-esque album.” – Holly Perry

“Despite the umpteen comparisons to the Beach Boys, their harmony-infused melodic rock stands firm.” – Elie Perler

“The guys in Explorer’s Club must own ninety percent of the rock records released in the sixties, and are obvious Brian Wilson disciples. What that means for the listener is a poppy summer record that does not take itself too seriously; exactly what we needed. That does not mean, however, that this record does not display its share of indie legitimacy. The perfect example of the band’s ability to meld modern indie rock with classic sixties pop has to be “Last Kiss”, tucked in the back of the disk but demanding heavy rotation on your playlist.” – Mark Hurley

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