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5 Best Songs You Didn't Hear in 2008

Esquire picks this year's best under-the-radar songs

By Paul Stinson,  Newser User

Posted Dec 11, 2008 12:34 PM CST
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(Newser) – Test your indie chops, courtesy of Esquire, which rounds up the five best tunes you probably didn’t hear this year:

  • “Jingle Bells,” Julian Koster: There's not a single bell in this holiday classic, just a harrowing singing saw.
  • “One Last Round,” Ron Sexsmith: Sharp commentary on American consumption never sounded so melodic. Now go buy it.

  • “Grounds for Divorce,” Elbow: Zeppelin’s tour never got off the ground, but your foot won’t have the same problem with this hoof-stomping toast to a departed friend.
  • “She Left Me for Jesus,” Hayes Carll: Threats to the savior’s corporal well-being didn’t amuse station programmers.
  •  “Auctioneer,” The Broken West: Charming yarn about intimidating chanteuse, complete with piano and tambourines.

The Broken West wing: piano, hand claps, tambourines, and lush choruses earned the LA band a place on the Esquire list of the 5 best rock songs of 2008.
The Broken West wing: piano, hand claps, tambourines, and lush choruses earned the LA band a place on the "Esquire" list of the 5 best rock songs of 2008.   (The Broken West blog)
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"Grounds for Divorce," by Elbow.   (YouTube)
Ron Sexsmith plays "One Last Round."   (YouTube)
Hayes Carll performs "She Left Me For Jesus."   (YouTube)

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Led Zeppelin • Christmas music • Jesus Christ • commentary • Ron Sexsmith • Elbow • Best of 2008

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