The thought of 2008 still leaves me a little uneasy. I liked 2007 a whole darn lot, and it seems to soon to let it go. I'm not ready to concede that the passing of time is inevitable, or to hang a new calendar on my kitchen wall. To fight this onslaught of dread, I've decided to look at what is good about moving forward.

2008 is already promising to be a stellar year for new releases, and I've compiled a sneak peek at what's on my wish list. Onward and upward!

Ladyhawk. If 2007's Fight for Anarchy EP wasn't enough for you, Ladyhawk is reported to be working on a new, as-of-yet-un-named full length. Keep an eye on Ladyhawk via theeyeofladyhawk.blogspot.com, and be sure to read their interview with local supergroup Whalebones! They had some (mis)adventures during the recording process according to earlier blog entries, but their info from their label Jagjaguwar still seems to indicate a 2008 release date.

Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground. In 2007, Bombs Over Bellevue released Kay Kay's Live at the Pretty Parlor DVD, including a live audio CD from the show. In the first few months of the coming year, we can look forward to a full length studio album, and an album release show to rival that Pretty Parlor performance in grandiosity and entertainment.

Fleet Foxes. At their recent show at the Crocodile on November 30th, there was a line around the block; seemingly the half the line was composed of record label employees. Though the band has not yet signed with any of their suitors, the album [recorded with esteemed producer Phil Ek] should ideally come into our eager hands in 2008. Also, their myspace page received over 9,000 plays just yesterday. Looks like I'm not the only one who can't wait for this album.

Packwood Sessions. Packwood, Washington feels like the middle of nowhere. On the outskirts of what isn't really a "town" to begin with, there is a picturesque cabin where a gorgeous album is coming together piece by piece. The benefit album features local musicians paired up in teams to cover each other's songs. While a final track listing has yet to be confirmed, I was fortunate enough to be there for the Damien Jurado/J. Tillman recordings. Without chagrin, I will admit to crying openly during Tillman's version of "I Can't Get Over You." This looks like it could be one of the most memorable albums of 2008.

Shearwater. Per Matador's news updates in late September, Shearwater is working on a follow up to Palo Santo [re-mastered and re-released by Matador in April of 2007]. When Palo Santo was originally released in 2006, NPR named it the "Best Record of 2006." Having had the rare chance to see Jonathan Meiburg perform Shearwater songs solo for six consecutive shows, I can't wait to see what direction Shearwater will go with this next album.

U.S.E. This past year marked United State of Electronica's return to the stage. And as if it were a Valentine's present for all of their fans, this February they'll finish up in the studio for a new U.S.E. full-length! The record can be expected somewhere in the Spring of '08, to be followed by a world dominating tour. Start training for the dance parties that only the radiant love of U.S.E. can bring.

Grand Archives. Despite being a relatively new band, I've been waiting a long time for this album. On March 15th, 2007, after assisting Renee McMahon on her gorgeous promo shots of the band, I got my little paws on a copy of their demo. Ever since, I've only wanted more. Almost a full year is a long time to wait when it comes to Mat Brooke. It's so reassuring to see it up there on Sub Pop's website, just waiting to be purchased.

Death Cab for Cutie. Though there's no indication on atlanticrecords.com or deathcabforcutie.com, I'm almost 99% positive there will be a full-length DCFC release in 2008. Call it a gut feeling, or just listen to Billboard. Jennifer Maerz interviewed frontman Ben Gibbard back in August, and there's many a reference to his Big Sur getaway contributing to "the next Death Cab record."

All things considered, I think I can face Father Time if that's what 2008 holds in store. What albums are you awaiting in the next 365 days?