Top Five Albums of 2008

5. Chimney's Afire, Josh Pyke
A more mature album than Memories and Dust, with a range of upbeat songs tempered by slower tracks. Highlights include single The Lighthouse Song, The Summer, Make You Happy, You Don't Scare Me and Candle In Your Window.

4. Curiouser, Kate Miller-Heidke
This album was actually a lot of fun to listen to, with songs like God's Gift to Women and Politics In Space to provide a cynical edge to her pop sensibilities. There were also the more heart-felt Last Day on Earth, Caught in the Crowd and The End of School. I even found myself liking One Thing I Know and Can't Shake It, the more commercial-radio friendly tracks.

3. I Know You're Married, But I've Got Feelings Too, Martha Wainwright
After seeing her live in November, her place in the top five albums of this year was cemented. It did admittedly take awhile to warm up to this after her previous fantastic self titled effort, but I love Bleeding All Over You, You Cheated Me, Hearts Club, Comin' Up and Jimi. There is plenty of depth rewarding repeated listens.

2. Flight of the Conchords, Flight of the Conchords
A novelty act comes in at number two??? This album is such a great piece of work musically that it simply had to be here. As well as witty parodies, cute one-liners and clever homages, there is also great singing by Bret and Jemaine. Seeing the TV show makes it all the more likable. And there's no limit to the number of times you can hear Inner City Pressure, Robots or Bowie. Just remember, there's people on the streets getting diseases from monkeys.

1. Way to Normal, Ben Folds
After hearing this album once, I knew it was going to be a favourite for this year. It is simply brilliant, mixing the soft and beautiful ballads like Cologne and Kylie From Connecticut with skillfully executed and energetic rock and pop. Other highlights include a return to BF5 form in Errant Dog, Bitch Went Nuts and the marvellous duet with Regina Spektor. Let's hope they collaborate more- they're both piano-pop genuises with plenty of talent.