Now that I have the first semester of grad school out of the way I have time to sit still and make lists. That's what Christmas is all about, isn't it? I've been pondering which beer and/or liquor would pair best with each of the different theoretical approaches to pyschotherapy. I've made a list of books to read (and made the decision to start with Wendell Berry's A Place on Earth). There are lists of things to buy for my apartment, of preparations needed for next semester and of events, gatherings and celebrations being held now and into the new year. But one list I particularly enjoy making this time of year is that of the best music released in the past 12 months. I'm not alone, of course. Every other music publication or fan who cares to take the time creates a list as well. I especially like to read everyone else's opinions so that I can scoff and mock and compare to my clearly superior selections. So, I present the 40 albums that I most enjoyed this year, in descending order. I've tried to make this simple. The order was determined based on the number of repeat listens or the quality of the listening experience (that probably makes more sense if you're in my head). I've added some videos in an effort to hold your attention. Let the arguing begin.
40. Fang Island - Fang Island
39. S. Carey - All We Grow
38. Avi Buffalo - Avi Buffalo
37. Avey Tare - Down There
36. Best Coast - Crazy For You
35. Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroid34. Lower Dens - Twin Hand Movement
33. Field Music - Field Music (Measure)
32. Wolf Parade - Expo 86
31. Spoon - Transference
30. Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record29. The New Pornagraphers - Together
28. The Black Keys - Brothers
27. LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening
26. Belle & Sebastian - Write About Love
25. Sleigh Bells - Treats24. Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma
23. Shearwater - The Golden Archipelago
22. Retribution Gospel Choir - 2
21. Sufjan Stevens - Age of Adz
20. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy19. Warpaint - The Fool
18. Local Natives - Gorilla Manor
17. Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here
16. She & Him - Volume 2
14. Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty
13. Male Bonding - Nothing Hurts
12. The Besnard Lakes - ...Are the Roaring Night
11. The Morning Benders - Big Echo
10. Menomena - Mines 9. The Roots - How I Got Over
8. Charlotte Gainsboug - IRM
7. Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
6. The Radio Dept. - Clinging to a Scheme
4. Beach House - Teen Dream
3. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
2. Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest
1. The National - High Violet
