Well, it's about time to start thinking of 2008 and what happened musically this year. Lists are being posted, and some of them are absolutely fucking ridiculous. Some of them are appropriately giving credit where credit is due -- The Onion's AV Club recognized the joy and oh-so-clever brilliance of Los Campesinos!, even if no one else did.

Before I start making lists, though, I want to make an entry -- maybe more for myself than anyone else, though it's nice to be reminded once in a while that someone (anyone) still reads this thing -- that will remind us why Seattle is still the shit.

As I look at different law school bulletins and applications as they enter my mailbox, I think about leaving Seattle for another city -- San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, San Diego, etc. I'm drawn to cities, and even though I still love Seattle dearly, I can't help but feel like some change is in order. I'm only young once, and law school means a 3-year commitment, potentially in a new city! The idea is attractive. Ridiculously so.

But lately I've been looking through everything I've built and razed since coming here, and I'm reminded me of what took me to Seattle in the first place: Its music. So let's talk a little about what happened in Seattle in 2008.

The dissolution of The Blood Brothers was a hard hit for everyone, sure, but look at what we got as a result: Jaguar Love and Past Lives. I saw both over the year (JL at Capitol Hill Block Party and PL at the El Corazon 3rd anniversary show), and I'm happy to say that the band members' talents aren't being wasted. Jaguar Love released a 3-song EP and a full-length this year, and Past Lives released their own EP and played a shit-ton of local shows.

Helms Alee showed up and kicked everyone's ass. They're on Hydra Head, so if you know what that label is, then you'll probably like the band... if not, then maybe move on.

The big story: Fleet Foxes, proving that AFTER the days of Nirvana, Sunny Day Real Estate, Pearl Jam, Death Cab For Cutie, Modest Mouse, and Band of Horses, Seattle IS STILL THE MOST RELEVANT CITY IN INDEPENDENT MUSIC. I guarantee this band has garnered more critical acclaim than your disappointing locals.

Somehow I failed to notice Triumph of Lethargy Skinned Alive to Death, a band featuring Spencer Moody (of Murder City Devils) and the girl from Pretty Girls Make Graves, until I saw them opening for Trash Talk a few weeks ago. I can't wait to hear more from this group.

These Arms Are Snakes released another album this year, and I haven't gotten around to buying it yet, but I saw the band three times this year and loved all the new songs they played. Absolutely stellar group.

Speaking of bands forming from the ashes of the legends: On brings great hardcore in the wake of a Sinking Ships break-up and Narrows is just THE ABSOLUTE SHIT. I can't wait for their full-length.

And Feral Children, god damn my life. I don't care for Animal Collective, but I can't wait to see these guys again.

Then, of course, there are the bands that consistently make Seattle great: Minus the Bear, Cave Singers, Kay Kay and His Weathered underground, Damien Jurado, The Fall of Troy, Shook Ones, Blue Scholars, etc.

Dear Seattle: I love you.