Son Lux

It was an unusually strong year for great unknown artists. While bigger, more established bands continued to attract the most attention, smaller, lesser-known acts made the most memorable music of 2008. All of the great unknown artists featured here made music that was inspired, original and heartfelt.

On this edition of All Songs Considered, host Bob Boilen talks with Carrie Brownstein (Monitor Mix blogger), Stephen Thompson (editor for Song of the Day), and Robin Hilton (All Songs producer and host of Second Stage) about the year in music. What were the biggest surprises of 2008? What were the best new bands, or the best songs? Listen and let us know what you think by joining the NPR online community.

Hear music from Seun Kuti, son of Nigerian artist Fela Kuti, that rivals his father's, plus insanely fun songs from the Baltimore band, Ponytail. Also on the show: English folk group The Watersons see their 1975 album For Pence and Spicy Ale reissued, new music from the influential art-folk singer Bonnie Prince Billy, a.k.a. Will Oldham, and Eef Barzelay steps away from his band Clem Snide to put out a solo album called Lose Big.

On this edition of All Songs Considered, host Bob Boilen talks with Carrie Brownstein (Monitor Mix blogger), Stephen Thompson (editor for Song of the Day), and Robin Hilton (All Songs producer and host of Second Stage) about the year in music. What were the biggest surprises of 2008? What were the best new bands, or the best songs? Listen and let us know what you think by joining the NPR online community.