Ask a Local: Josh Robins of the Invincible Czars, Austin Music Foundation

This winter, Austinist wanted to take some time to check in with some of our favorite local performers, artists and musicians to see what they enjoyed in 2008. Our request was simple: give us a few things that you enjoyed listening to this year, and feel free to include releases that might not have been released in 2008, but that found their way onto your turntable anyhow. We'll be sharing our own list too, but be patient and hear what some of our favorite folks thought was worthwhile in '08.

Let's take a moment and touch base with Josh Robins, musician and ringleader of the the Invincible Czars and Program Coordinator at the Austin Music Foundation. When he's not performing avant versions of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, he's bringing hands-on, real world experience to one of our most valuable local resources for emerging musicians. He's currently going through a rare major key songwriting phase, and attempting to finish reading the entire run of Dave Sim's Cerebus. Here's what he loved in 2008:

Opeth – Watershed This is Opeth's best album to date. I've always liked these guys in theory but none of their albums have ever grabbed me. Opeth refuses to participate in heavy metal pissing contests. They understand the value of dynamics and melody and don't pander to the metal meathead community. Much of Watershed is "so not metal" – but that's what makes the whole thing so listenable, memorable and enjoyable!

God of Shamisen – Dragon String Attack Playful, danceable, fun but not hip. GOS features American shamisen player Kevin Kmetz using his instrument way out of the context that most fans of the Japanese banjo are not used to hearing. Drummer Lee Smith is fantastic on every track. Lots of flavor here.

Sam Arnold – Thousands of Homeless Termites Opposite Day axe-man Sam Arnold writes consistently fresh, good and memorable songs faster and better than anyone I've ever known. Every tune is musically unique and full of imaginative lyrics. I love "Missoula" best.

Secret Chiefs 3 – Xaphan (Secret Chiefs 3 plays Masada Book Two) This is the Secret Chiefs 3 playing music by John Zorn. This CD has meticulous production, killer musicians (members of Estradasphere, Mr. Bungle, etc.) and showcases some of Zorn's best material.

Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet – Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet This CD sounds fantastic and captures all the little, beautiful nuances of each of this all-star line-ups individual players. Bela Fleck smokes as usual. My favorite is "Oh Me, Oh My."