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Top 10 Great Unknowns, From Second Stage

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Listen To Robin Hilton's Picks For The Best Unknown Albums Of 2008

It was an unusually strong year for great unknown artists. While bigger, more established bands continued to attract the most attention, smaller, lesser-known acts made the most memorable music of 2008. Some, like Son Lux — our pick for the year's best unknown artist — made grand and epic albums by themselves, using powerful new technology in makeshift home studios. Others, like Southern Gothic chanteuse Liz Durrettor the acoustic duo Blind Pilot, made quieter, more intimate albums. But all of the great unknown artists featured here made music that was inspired, original and heartfelt.

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Email host Robin Hilton.

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Robin Hilton
Robin Hilton is the Senior Podcast Producer for NPR Music and hosts the New Music Friday episodes of All Songs Considered. He is also a composer and multi-instrumentalist whose original scores have appeared in podcasts, films, radio programs and other works. He arranged and performed the theme for NPR's Weekend All Things Considered and composed and performed its elections coverage theme. You can hear more of his music here.