The Wildy's World Top-40 Of 2008: #5

Okay folks, it's getting serious now. We're down to the Top-5 albums we reviewed in 2008. The competition is pretty fierce, and it was very difficult to make these choices. There was a lot of arguing, impetulant stomping about, threats of the silent treatment and even of fisticuffs, and that was just me! Suffice it to say that at this point the rankings don't matter a great deal, as any of the top 5 have qualities that make them deserving to be in range of the top spot. Of course there can only be one #1...

Remember that you can see the original review of the album by clicking on the artist name and title highlighted below. The review will include links to the artist page as well as purchase information.


Top we look at the fifth ranked album of the year.

#5 Rebecca Katz - Spendin' On Today
Rebecca Katz just got in under the wire for inclusion in the Top-40, and oh was her timing great. This Boston-based folk singer is one of the true gems of 2008. The Louisville, Kentucky native and Brandeis University grad makes her home base in Boston, but has wowed audiences up and down the Eastern Seaboard with her warmth, intelligence, sparkling wit and gorgeous voice. In the finest folk tradition, Katz weaves her own songs while reinterpreting some of the finest songs of the folk tradition. Katz isn't afraid to explore other musical styles, but her own creations are all acoustic and of her own hands (and voice). You may not find a more honest and charming performer on the folk circuit or anywhere out there. Spendin' On Today, at six songs, is short, but is powerful for both the quality and the veritable honesty that flows out of those songs. Spendin' On Today is far and away the best Folk Album we heard in 2008.