The complete list...(Railbird is #8!)

2008 Billboard Critics Top 10s
THOM DUFFY
Billboard special features editor

1. "Yes We Can," the online video collaboration of will.i.am, filmmaker Jesse Dylan, and others, as premiered on ABC News Feb. 2. The slogan of the year - and the four years to come.
2. Nas, "Election Night," a timely Web-only track from a master rapper turned first-time voter, released Nov. 4.
3. Jackie Wilson, "Higher and Higher," as broadcast on the PA system of Grant Park, Chicago, Ill., Nov. 4.
4. Coldplay, "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends" (Capitol).
5. Bruce Springsteen at Giants Stadium, New Jersey, July 23.
6. Bob Dylan at the Prospect Park Bandshell, Brooklyn, N.Y., Aug. 12.
7. Isaac Hayes at the Celebrate Brooklyn Festival, Prospect Park Bandshell, Brooklyn, June 12. One of the final great shows by the R&B pioneer who died Aug. 10.
8. Railbird, "Railbird" (self-Released via CD Baby). Led by inspired singer/songwriter Sarah Pedinott, the debut disc from great indie band is set to breakout.
9. Ethel, "TruckStop Tour." A series of collaborations between local musicians and students and an extraordinary jazz-blues-rock-classical string ensemble.
10. "1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die," by Tom Moon (Workman Publishing). The list to end all lists.