Tom Waits: New Years Eve

This is off Waits' 2011 album. Happy New Year everyone.

Wild Flag

This supergroup's 2011 self-titled release was full of some catchy, guitar-driven pop. The song below definitely needs to be on your New Year's Eve party mix.

Kurt Vile: Smoke Ring for My Halo

Interesting album from this Philly-based singer/songwriter.

Mates of State: Mountaintops

Here's some fresh sounding synth-pop from this husband-wife duo's 7th album.

Wilco: The Whole Love

We're at the end of another year. I'm going to post a smattering of songs that I never got around to posting this year and then take some time off until 2012. Let's start with one I didn't post because I figured everone already knew about it, but in case you didn't, Wilco's album this year was one of this band's best.

Belle & Sebastian: I'm a Cuckoo

Probably this Scottish band's biggest hit. Off the 2003 album, Dear Catastrophe Waitress.

Yo La Tengo

This is one of my favorite YLT songs, and the video is tremendous.

Benoit Piolard: A Coin on the Tongue

Off this artist's 2010 album, Lasted.

Maurice El Medioni and Roberto Rodriguez

This is a long track, but take the time to listen to this instrumental jam by the Algerian pianist Medioni and Cuban percussionist Rodriguez. Their album, Descarga Oriental, was released in 2006.

Housse de Racket: Roman

I really like this French duo's sound. Qu'est-ce que tu en penses?

Hollie Cook

Here's a laid back reggae piece from this English artist. Learn more about her here.

Heartless Bastards

And speaking of great voices, the Cincinnati, Ohio based Heartless Bastards' lead singer, Erika Wennerstrom, has a voice that was made for grunge-fused rock. This is the title track off their 2009 album, The Mountain.

Birdy: Skinny Love

There is something about the piano and a sweet voice that get me (nearly) every time. I think you will like this English artist's song below as well.