UK indie outfit the Duke Spirit have been known to infuse a generous helping of the blues in their indie rock sound. But for their latest release they're leaving the color palette in the capable hands of bad boy English fashion designer Alexander McQueen.

True to her name, Kid Sister is only too happy to break mom and dad's rules: After turning in the first version of her much-anticipated debut album, tentatively titled Dream Date, to her record label Downtown late last year, she's now decided to overhaul much of the music and release it when she's damn well ready.

Since the odd yet catchy video for their profanity-heavy new track "Lay It Down" surfaced last month, Swedish popsters Peter, Bjorn & John have remained mum about their follow-up to 2007's SPIN-approved Writer's Block.

Without a doubt, the return of Guns N' Roses -- even if only the "Rose" part resembles the original band of hooligans who once welcomed us to the jungle -- was the most popular news story of the year on SPIN.com. Metallica's back-to-basics new album and tour wasn't far behind.

We've already revealed our most important albums, songs, and videos of 2008, but what music garnered your interest this year?

Don't you hate it when people ruin your Christmas vacation by accusing you of being spiritual?

Upon hearing reports that he has begun chanting spiritual songs in order to improve his singing voice, Kanye West took to his blog to complain about the intrusion ("WHY YOU GOTTA MESS UP MY VACATION WITH STUPID SHIT???") and refute the claim by asking fans to judge this robo-voiced book by its glossy cover [via Gigwise.com].