we’ve asked our writers to do a “quarterly report” on anything and everything they loved this first quarter of 2008. Thus far John is the only one that obliged. This should serve as a swift kick in the butt for everyone else to get their grading boards on. Take it away….

Some songs and some full records - because I can:

1. Throw Me The Statue “Moonbeams” - pop smarts are sticking out of every song with equal parts guitar shuffle and beatbox keyboard twinkle all funneled into a pastiche of accompanying instruments that never overpower, but rather push along the amazing songwriting of Scott Reitherman. The perfect mix of toe-tapping and meaningful music.

2. Why? “The Hollows” - This will be my favorite song of 08. I can assure you that right now. Wordy as hell, yet I hang on every last syllable as they paint a wild trip abroad with tales of gay sex in basketball gyms and knife-toting gypsies. I can’t do it justice to write about it. It’s like hip hop for english majors - and thats a good thing.

3. frYars “The Perfidy EP” - Astonishingly fully-formed (and very british) songwriter Ben Garrett (only 18) throws his baritone croak around classic synth pop hooks but updates everything with enough twist and turns to keep you digging for details for years. I can only pray the UK tosses its collective power behind the kid who clearly should be the next pop star. I fear that would have to be in some alternate universe though. (Also check out the slightly more upbeat “The Ides EP” from last year!)

4. The Foals “Antidotes” - I am a sucker for everything this has to offer and I think I have geeked out enough about these boys on the site.

5. Ruby Suns “Sea Lion” - this entire album start to finish. It is a slow grower but once it takes hold it becomes a daily habit. Seeing them open for Le Loup I thought they played a perfect 20 minute set (but no one has the balls to walk off at that point) that they sullied by playing for another half hour. On record though I simply can not get enough of this bedroom art disco from kiwiville. Which brings me to numero sixo…

6. Le Loup “Black Cat show replaying in my head” - I still can not get over how impressive Le Loup was on their last stop back home in DC. The band was powerful and monumental and shook you rhythmically to the core. To say the next album will be important is an understatement.

7. The Mountain Goats “Lovecraft in Brooklyn” - My favorite off the stellar “Heretic Pride” record, it is classic driving Darnielle with frighteningly vivid imagery of a scene about to explode.

8. Frightened Rabbit “The Midnight Organ Fight” - Upon close inspection you realize that these songs are straight ahead one-two chord jangles in the old Scottish style but it is the vocal melodies and the weary tone of a band of outsiders that infects you like staring at the lonely soul nursing his wounds in the corner of the bar. You can’t take your mind off their beautiful misery.

9. Thao “Bag of Hammers” - some of the album borders on non-offensive college folk rock for me but this little gem comes flying out and can never get put back. Fingers crossed for an entire disc to match this great height.

10. The Breeders “Bang On” - here is the short dialogue: Me: The new Breeders song is AWESOME! Cale: No need for all caps. I think you are just glad it didn’t suck. Me: You’re right. (I still listen to it all the time though with the nothing lyrics shouted in stereo and the ridiculously simple drum breaks.)

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