Top 10 Great Unknowns, From Second Stage

Listen To Robin Hilton's Picks For The Best Unknown Albums Of 2008

• Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/98206712/98358708" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

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. Some, like Son Lux — our pick for the year's best unknown artist — made grand and epic albums by themselves, using powerful new technology in makeshift home studios. Others, like Southern Gothic chanteuse Liz Durrettor the acoustic duo Blind Pilot, made quieter, more intimate albums. But all of the great unknown artists featured here made music that was inspired, original and heartfelt.

Download this show in the Second Stage podcast.

Email host Robin Hilton.

More Top Ten Lists From NPR MUsic.

Top 10 Great Unknowns, From Second Stage

Related NPR Stories

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7zRZ6arn19nfXGFjmloaGhhZIZ5fo9vbmpqX6m8sXmQaWSgqpWWwW7BzaSlqK%2BeqHqnvs6mZKydk6S7pXnSrZignQ%3D%3D