There are plenty of albums I listened to incessantly (or not so incessantly but still enjoyed) this past year that didn't make my top ten, but are still worthy enough of mention. I've also included a few I missed all together when they came out and am just now really digging on — there’s just too much music out there, people. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.

Erykah Badu, New Amerykah, Part One (4th World War) [Universal Motown]

I only heard Badu’s fourth studio album for the first time a couple days ago, and kicked my self profusely for missing it. Love it, gives me an automatic head bob, and the only reason I ever avoided listening to it was because I’d heard it was too political. It’s political, all right, but in a blacksploitation film sort of way, all hot funk meets justified rage.

Black Moth Super Rainbow, Drippers EP [The 70's Gymnastics Recording Company]

The five-member experimental ensemble released another album of colorful, synthified, psychedelic fizz – the sort of music you’d expect from the soundtrack to a 1970’s space film. The album includes songs produced over the past year that won’t be on the next album, and each release comes with one of five scratch n’ sniff scents: fruit punch, campfire, firecracker, tomato and dirt.

Phish, At the Roxy CD Box Set [Jemp]

It’s just not fair to pit a three-night show performed by a band more than 15 years ago against new music, even if said shows do include one of the best versions of “Tweezer” ever known to Phish kind. A truly great set that anyone who considers themselves a Phan should own.

Panther, 14kt. God [Kill Rock Stars]

Spastic fun rock music with big beats and a Mick Jagger swagger. This album is just a great time.

Beach House, Devotion [Car Park]

The second dream pop album by Baltimore duo Beach House is simple and elegant, each song leisurely and achingly lovely and marked by the soft, sweetly ethereal vocals of singer Victoria Legran.

This article appears in Dec 24-30, 2008.