As 2008 comes to a close, we're looking back at our favorite Interface performances of the year. For you, that means two podcasts-worth of highlights. For us, it meant a whole lot of tough choices.

This week, the first set delivers standout performances from MGMT, Adele, the Hold Steady, Sharon Jones, Drive-By Truckers and Cut Copy. Next week's edition includes goodness from Passion Pit, Jay Reatard, the Night Marchers, Jamie Lidell, Alkaline Trio with Tegan Quin and Nada Surf.

Consider this our holiday gift to you, and if you've been a good little boy or girl, maybe you'll be able to enjoy these performances on your shiny new iPhone. But if you've been naughty, you can just watch them all right here. Enjoy!

Paul Westerberg has embraced the Internet, offering his latest record, '49,' for 49 cents via a downloadable file.

Ben Folds unveiled details about his third solo album, revealing that 'Way to Normal' will be released on September 30 and the first single will feature vocals from Regina Spektor.

Video of the Day trio Cut Copy will be touring with the Presets this fall.

Joanna Newsom played a new song at a one-off gig in London.

Artist: Cut Copy
Video: 'Hearts on Fire'
Highlight: Rain follows a heartbroken guy wherever he goes in the Australian electropop band's latest release. Buy it on iTunes.

Independence day is a perfect time to reflect upon the independent-minded artists that the Interface has showcased. So far in 2008, the show has played host to soul queens on both sides of the pond with Brooklyn's Sharon Jones and England's Adele, all the way to the Southern sounds of the Drive-By Truckers.

We've compiled a special addition of the Interface with a special podcast, making the perfect soundtrack for your holiday. Next week the show will resume it's regularly scheduled programming with the World's greatest bar band, the Hold Steady.

"Lights and music are on my mind/Be my baby one more time"
--Cut Copy's 'Lights and Music,' from 2008's 'In Ghost Colours'

Dancing right over the border between "simple" and "simplistic," these Aussies deliver the most insipid couplet of the 1980s ... in 2008.

Australian electronic trio Cut Copy brought their beats and handclaps to our New York studio, performing tracks off their sophomore disc, 'In Ghost Colours.' While maintaining its distinctive pop sensibility, the indie dance outfit showed off a more psychedelic, experimental sound.

"'In Ghost Colours' is a progression from the first record ['Bright Like Neon Love'] and reflects the fact we've been playing together for a few years now," frontman Dan Whitford tells Spinner. "It's sort of spacier and more disco than the last one. But there are also more guitar textures throughout as well. The layering is more elaborate than the first one."

In December 2007, the band toured Australia with Daft Punk, along with fellow Aussie acts Van She, the Presets and Muscles. When asked about the tour's massive production, Whitford states, "Seeing a band or a group that you're really into, you can see how it really enhances the whole performance. Maybe there will be a return to that in the future."

Download an exclusive performance and interview from Cut Copy after the jump.

Artist: Cut Copy
Video: 'Lights & Music'
Highlight: The Australian nu-wave trio playing performing with appropriate retro effects.