They're huge in Britian

Iglu & Hartly at Popscene

There's a certain kitschiness to the LA surf-rock hipsters Iglu & Hartly that cannot be denied.  Whether it's their roll-out-of-bed attitude toward grooming, simplistic non-stop-party lyrics, or general apathy toward anything resembling self-awareness, there's a feeling of pleasure in their live shows only otherwise experienced by people in commercials for wine coolers.  

Before I&H took the stage at 330 Ritch last night, the DJ played this hot Twelves remix of The Virgins' "Rich Girls."

The crowd was ready to dance and I&H's high energy faux rap tunes gave them what they asked for, regardless of lyrical content (their encore was a song about wearing pajamas).  Despite the British critics' attitude toward their music -- NME said they'd "birthed an abomination of a debut album, informed by all the most disgusting musical faux pas of the past 20 years" -- the public digs it. 

The Next List: Acts to watch in '09

Next List

Part of the Brooklyn band explosion, Crystal Stilts' October release "Alight of Night" sounds like a psychedelic Shins/Raveonetts hybrid.   

School of Seven Bells spent most of '08 touring with the ethereal kids from M83, and you can hear musical similarities in the soaring vocals and the gentle electronic vibe.

With a bit of a disco touch, the UK band Friendly Fires churns out dance rock on their self-titled first album.  

Popping up on many a "best of" list, Hercules and Love Affair bring the funk on their '08 release.  "Blind" is a catchy and retro groove, and probably the album's best track.  

Following in the steps of acts like the Kaiser Chiefs and the Arctic Monkeys, Foals unleash upbeat indie rock on "Antidotes."  With a sound most comparable to Bloc Party, it makes perfect sense that their now on tour together.  

Non-required Listening

non-required

While my official "best of" selections were made some time ago, there were a few tracks and noted releases that didn't make the list, but should not be overlooked.
Some other good stuff from 2008:

More than having the best-selling album of 2008, Lil' Wayne's "Tha Carter III" popped up on nearly every "best" list, leaving critics divided only over which track stands out the most. In my opinion it's T-Pain's guest appearance on "Got Money."

If you went to a club, mall, or outdoor picnic where someone had a boombox, chances are you couldn't resist shaking your hips to Flo Rida's "Low." This may be the most mashed, mixed, and re-mixed track of the year -- but in every incarnation it's infectious. Sure, it features borderline hilarious lyrics ("Make it rain, I was makin' it snow" ; "Shorty was hot like a toaster"), but the beat is undeniable.

The second best-selling, and perhaps most ardently hyped release of the year, Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" attracted the most attention for its title track, but the album's understated gem is "Life in Technicolor." Nearly pure instrumental, the track is short, sweeping and lovely.

Seamlessly blending hip hop and electronica, Kid Cudi's "Day 'n' Nite" was easily remixed from slow jam to dance hall jam with a simple bump of the bpm.

Even if mash-ups aren't your thing, the Ting Tings' "Shut Up and Let Me Go" belongs so perfectly with Estelle's "American Boy," it's hard to listen to either of these songs alone after you've heard this fabulous blend.