Upset. The word of the our 2008 Best Northwest Releases of 2008 Readers' Poll is upset.

With the Fleet Foxes winning readers and critical polls alike, who would've thought they wouldn't get top honors in our humble little Northwest poll? But they didn't -- they placed a distant second to New Faces, another debut record from some very talented, very young Northwest fellas.

We had other surprises as well, with unsigned newcomers such as Hey Marseilles, the Kindness Kind, and Kaylee Cole cracking the top ten, beating out Northwest heavyweights such as Death Cab for Cutie. We did not expect that. And we love it when you surprise us, dear readers.

We imaginaries like to champion the up-and-comers from the Northwest, and our results indicate that you do as well. We think you all also have fabulous taste, as always. Thanks to everyone who participated in our poll. We couldn't be more proud or thrilled to present the top 50 winners on your behalf...

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As of today, we're officially in the second half of 2008. Welcome! To gear you up for another fabulous six months of local Northwest releases, we here at imaginary headquarters have brainstormed an imaginary mix for all of you, containing some of our favorite songs by Northwest artists released this year to date thus far.

No promises that each of these will make our Best of 2008 Reader's Poll final list, but at least this way you have the next six months to follow-up and listen to these releases before you have to decide. To paraphrase imaginary ChrisB, we feel like this list is pretty unfuckwithable. But that doesn't mean that we didn't inadvertently overlook something great. If you have additions for our list, please chime in with your comments below.

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The record plays like a musical reverie on the dichotomy between the desire to stray from the past and the need to reclaim it.

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at Crystal Ballroom

The Thermals, Tea for Julie, and Stars of Track and Field rocked a totally roadtrip-worthy bill.

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See all the winners in the TIG Best Northwest Releases of 2005 Readers' Poll (see winners #20-11 here).

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A rundown of great live shows we saw, and ones we think you should see in the coming days, featuring Argo, Boat, Teenage Fanclub, Math and Physics Club, the Athens Popfest, Slender Means, Daylight Basement, and more.

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The depth of talent showcased on Division is truly spectacular; the songs are highly refined, intricate, and polished with a heavy dollop of panache.

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