Okay folks. With the end of the year nigh it's time again for the Annual CLUAS Readers' Poll. We need your help to identify the best albums released in 2008. You can choose from a shortlist of 40 albums released in 2008, as picked by the CLUAS writers. Get voting now!!! The results will be published on CLUAS.com during the week before Christmas.

Once your vote is the bag, check out the recent album and gig reviews publsihed on CLUAS, links to a few are provided below. Did you miss our comprehensive 4 part special feature with advice for any band setting out to record an album? See below for more details.

As for the CLUAS 'Gigs of the Fortnight' for November 17-30, the Gig of the fortnight is... Wolf Parade (who play Dublin on Nov 29).

Recent Gig Reviews

• Okkervil River (Dublin)
• Aimee Mann (Dublin)
• Neon Neon (Dublin)
• Mercury Rev (Galway)
• Port O'Brien (live in Dublin)
• more gig reviews...

Recent Album Reviews

• Duke Special
• Rodrigo y Gabriela
• Joan as Police Woman
• Fight Like Apes
• Mercury Rev
• more album reviews

Andy Knightly, a CLUAS writer who runs a recording studio, recently completed a four part feature that covers the most importatnt aspects of recording an album. It digs into everything from pre-production to mastering and duplication. Musicians and non-musicians alike will find these articles insightful. Check them out here:

CLUAS is always on the look out for new writing talent. If you think you've got what it takes just submit a gig or album review and if it's well written we'll publish. You can then join the growing ranks of the CLUAS writer community, whose perks include access to free albums and concert tickets. Get that digital lead out!