National Public Radio's All Songs Considered has jumped the gun again and started a best albums of 2008 poll. Seriously folks, it's only June, and yet you are rolling out a feature that is usually reserved for December or even the early months of the year after the year in consideration.

Why? Because it is only common sense to wait until the end of the year before asking your readers what their favorite albums of the year are. My reply to NPR's end-of-the-year poll: Seriously? At the least, from an elementary editorial POV, could you rename the poll to "The Best Albums of 2008, Part One"?

However, to its credit, NPR's music division consistently singles out some of the most talented indie and mainstream bands and artists around, including The Black Keys, Colin Meloy, Conor Oberst, The Dodos, Coldplay, Mates of State, My Morning Jacket, The Raveonettes, REM, Tokyo Police Club and Weezer, among many others.

The poll closes on July 2. There is a lively discussion going regarding the poll and the best albums of 2008 (so far).

MP3: "My Only Offer" by Mates of State from the new album Re-Arrange Us (Barsuk Records)

Labels: Best Indie 2008