I’m not going to lead off this post with an self absorbed rant about whether anyone could possibly care about what music I liked this year.  Suffice it to say that I went through a lot of music this year (for me) and I made a list of what I liked the best.  I am sharing it with you because who cares, don’t read it, whatever. Jesus.

TOP 10

10. Beirut- pretty little indie type songs with horns.  A band that knows its strengths and limitations and plays to its strengths. (I read that last part in a review somewhere and really agreed.)

 9. Decemberists- The King is Dead.

8. Washed Out- Within and Without

7. REM- Collapse into now.  Listened and loved it, picked it back up when they announced their retirement, loved it more.

6. Jeff the Brotherhood- We are the Champions. Awesome rock for your stupid face.  Turn off your brain, and turn up this awesome album. 

5. Fleet Foxes- Helplessness Blues.  Unbelievably warm album that gives you a big sonic hug.

4. Girls- Father Son and Holy Ghost

3.  Real Estate-Days-  love love love this gorgeous album.

2. Yuck- Everyone says they sound like Dinosaur Jr. so I will too.     

1. Fucked Up- David Comes to Life.  I probably like other albums on the list better, but I feel like this one really accomplished something special.

Honorable Mention:  Cults, Middle Brother, Destroyer, Noel Gallagher, Kurt Vile, Low Anthem, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Beastie Boys.

Most Disappointing: Okkervil River.  This band has made some of my favorite albums ever, and “Black Sheep Boy” would be damn close to making my top 5 all time, but their release this year was plodding and close to unlistenable.

What have you done for me lately?  Foo Fighters, Black Keys.  Two good albums that don’t scratch any itches that couldn’t be scratched by thumbing through their back catalog. Added some good tunes to my shuffle, though, so thanks dudes.

Maybe you were always terrible- Red Hot Chili Peppers

It’s Not You, It’s Me:  St. Vincent- Strange Mercy, Bon Iver. I know they’re good, but I hit skip a lot when they pop up. 

QUICK EDIT:  I just want to pre-emptively say that Stephanie listens to horrible horrible music that stinks.