Before we say goodbye to 2008.. say hello to these bands!

If I could compile a list of bands that have influenced my thinking while proving to me once and for all that the music industry isn’t in shambles, these would be the bands I think everyone needs to listen to .. at least once!

(make note, these are all contemporary bands, let’s leave the oldies to the oldies)

:: Acceptance – Phantoms (2005) If you haven’t indulged in this band yet, you are missing out. This album is solid from front to back, each song hits a note that strums with uncertainty about the world and the human strain. Through relationship troubles to questioning the maker, this album has it all. Not to mention catchy hooks that you’ll be humming and singing for days. Too bad these guys broke up before they broke out!

:: Augustana – Can’t Love, Can’t Hurt (2008) If you didn’t already catch the Augustana lovin-virus years back with their hit “Boston”, maybe it’s time to jump on the band wagon. With his earthy voice and honest lyrics, Dan Layus, the frontman of Augustana has crafted heartfelt songs with the sensibility of the Counting Crows when they were still counting crows back in the 90s.

:: The Cab – The Whisper War (2008) When it comes to power-pop, no other band this year has been able to do it quite as well as The Cab. Stemming from Pete Wentz and his Fueled By Ramen label, this band has all the makings of an arena rockin franchise of the future. With their piano-infused songs, they are the epitome of infectious rock-pop that was once the mainstay of bands like Blink 182 in the early millenium.

:: Damien Rice – O, 9 (2002 & 2006 respectively) Damien Rice is what’s great about folk acoustic and Irish singers (sorry Bono). His quite and unassuming voice tends to creep on you when listening and his songs always hit the heart strings perfectly, his story telling is original and extremely engaging. At times you find yourself haunted by the melodies and fables surrounding his albums; not to mention he’s probably done the most justice to Jeff Buckley’s hit “Hallelujah”.

:: The Graduate – Anhedonia (2007) This band has been a staple on the college/university tour circuit and their beginning to receive some notoriety mostly for their infectious tunes about the struggles of making it in the business and saying goodbye to friends and family. I dare you to listen to their hits “Sit and Sink”, “I Survived”, “The City That Reads”, and “The Formula” without singing along afterward.

:: Jack’s Mannequin – The Glass Passenger (2008) Although they’re beginning to get noticed more and more, JM still fly below radar and has a sort of cult following. After his fight with leukemia and the torment that ensued, lead singer Adam Lazzara sought out to write one of the most compelling and inspiring album of the last decade (in my opinion). If you haven’t already praised Lazzara for his ability to connect with people, than you’re missing out.

:: This Providence – The Bright Lights EP (2007) Cleverly cratfed, well written, and overall catchy. This Providence released a small EP this year that definitely deserves some notoriety. Especially for the ways the band was able to produce their individualized sound while still being able to appeal to a wide audience, I look forward to what these guys can produce in the future.

:: You, Me, and Everyone We Know – Party For The Grown and Sexy (2006) and So Young, So Insane (2008) If you’re a fan of Say Anything, you do not want to pass these guys up. Cleverly thrown-about lyrics in a haze of fun and insanity. This band has all the makings of a soon-to-be at a stadium near you type of band. I would suggest kinda fixing their name first. This is probably the band to watch for 2009, expect them to do great things and check out their previous releases, just perfect!

:: Your Vegas – A Town and Two Cities (2007) I caught these guys when they were on tour with The Bravery and was instantly taken by their unique sound. With his swooning melodies and crafty lyrics, this band definitely was a highlight for me throughout the year. Check em out.

Would love to hear from everyone else on their opinions and what bands you’d recommend to check out in the future! Happy 2009!