If every music journalist jumped off a bridge, would you? Well, yes Mom, I guess I would. A right of passage into the New Year, we all make our Top Ten list out of necessity (or out of peer pressure). So, here it is ... Enjoy.---

This is as complete as possible, what, with me being gone this year to California for a month, Europe for another month, drunk off eggnog the past two weeks and generally hectecly busy otherwise. Either way, here's the damn list, nice and tidy, each one of the ten summed up in about ten words.

Local Natives, Gorilla Manor
Sweet '70s California-groovin' harmonies. I wore a hole through the CD.

Anais Mitchel, Hadestown

Rock-opera (Orpheus and Eurydice): Sunday afternoon Lazy Boy listening, start to finish.

Menomena, Mines
Riveting, captivating and long awaited release from the scornful trio.

Arcade Fire, The Suburbs
Always classic releases; knew it'd be on the list before listening.

Y La Bamba, Lupon

Luscious, rich Mexicana-influenced soundscapes behind operatic, floating voice.

Maps & Atlases, Perch Patchwork
Midwestern Math-rock: Yeah, it's back ... and better than ever.

The Budos Band, The Budos Band III
Funky, mood-brightener. Daptone Records reigns supreme.

Josh Ritter, So Runs the World Away

Amazingly creative songwriter. "The Curse" is song of the year. A good guy, too.

Carolina Chocolate Drops, Genuine Negro Jig
Plain old fun. Music of my Southern homeland. Always on my iPod while farming.

The Moondoggies, Tidelands
Catchy roots-rock. More great two/three-part harmonizing ... (theme?).