Dirty Projectors: Swing Lo Magellan

Here's another tremendous 2012 album. This was sort of a stripped down record for this band, and the change up in style was brilliant.

Alabama Shakes: Boys & Girls

I mentioned this group earlier this year and their debut album has yet to lose its vitality after numerous listens. Brittany Howard’s voice is one of the most interesting in the business right now.

Sharon Van Etten: Tramp

While I simply cannot come up with numbered "best of" lists, this album may very well be my favorite of 2012. Yep, that's the best I can do.

Frank Ocean: Channel Orange

I've mentioned Frank Ocean on the blog before, and I don't think there will be a best of 2012 list out there that doesn't have his Channel Orange near the top. The album is thoughtful, well-layered hip hop, with equal dashes of R&B, Soul.

Merry Christmas!

Maddy Prior and The Carnival Band: Ding Dong Merrily on High

Exterminador: El Baile Del Santa Clos

Guster: Donde Esta Santa Claus

Sufjan Stevens: I'll Be Home for Christmas

Howler: Back of Your Neck

Off the 2012 album, America Give Up.

Adios 2012!

Thank you, dear readers, for another great year. I appreciate your comments, e-mails and suggestions throughout the year. This blog has readers all over the world, from Malaysia to the Netherlands, and I look forward to sharing another year of music with you in 2013!

That being said, I'm going to finish this year up by posting a few Christmas songs, and then I'll also list a slew of tracks / albums that were my favorites this year.

Punch Brothers

Progressive bluegrass out of Brooklyn? Yes, indeed. Let me know what you think of this track off the 2012 album, Who's Feeling Young Now?