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Top CDs of the year
Globe music critics James Reed and Sarah Rodman took your questions and comments about the top CDs of 2008.
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From R.E.M. (far left) to Estelle (center) to Neil Young and more, we've compiled a multitude of grade A soundtracks for anyone seeking momentary escape.
Globe critics' top picks
Joan Anderman
One of the ten albums that this arts writer has picked is Gnarls Barkley's "The Odd Couple." "A danceable journey to the heart of darkness," Anderman writes.
James Reed
"Devotion" — the "gauzy sophomore album" from Beach House — makes this pop music critic's list. Find out what other albums made the cut.
- Audio Reed discusses CD picks
Sarah Rodman
"Bands become critical darlings for a reason," this pop music critic writes about Vampire Weekend, a quartet out with an album of the same name.
Steve Greenlee
Saxophonist Dave Liebman's "Negative Space" "might be the year's biggest surprise," Greenlee writes. Find out why, and check out his other picks.
Jeremy Eichler
When it comes to Olivier Messiaen Complete Edition, "nothing can match the rigor and completeness" of this 32-CD box set, Eichler writes. And that's not all.
Christopher Muther
"Greg Gillis seamlessly weaves more than 300 samples into 50 minutes of musical exhilaration," Muther writes about Girl Talk's "Feed the Animals," one of his picks.
Siddhartha Mitter
Santogold's self-titled debut album makes this critic's top 10 list. "The year's triumphant pop statement," Mitter writes. Check out his other picks.
Jonathan Perry
David Bowie's "Live in Santa Monica '72" "remains an essential document of an essential era," Perry writes. Read on, and discover what else made his list.
- Audio Perry discusses CD picks
Scott Alarik
Kathy Mattea's "Coal" makes Alarik's list. "Her gorgeous, gritty vocals prove that country music still benefits from a little honest dirt under its nails," he writes.