I didn’t have a hard time compiling this list at all this year. In alpha order because that’s how I sort my music. Bonus: listen to my Spotify Playlist of the highlights from each album. (I actually arranged the order of that one for optimal listening pleasure.)

Cults - self titled
Just a fun album. Also one of my fave live performances of the year at Lolla.
Highlights: “Go Outside”, “Bad Things”

The Decemberists - The King is Dead
This one came out early but it haunted me all year and there was never a doubt this would be on my list.
Highlights: “This Is Why We Fight”, “Rise To Me”

Does It Offend You, Yeah? - Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You
On their sophomore effort, DIOYY keeps the playful and dancy in the mix, but adds a dimension that reminds me of early Radiohead,
Highlights: “Pull Out My Insides”, “Wrong Time Wrong Planet”

Eisley - The Valley
The DuPree girls have never been more emotional and that made for great songs.
Highlights: “Smarter”, “I Wish”

Diego Garcia - Laura
My soundtrack to Spain. Diego really explored his Latin roots.
Highlights: “You Were Never There”,”Under This Spell”

Mates of State - Mountaintops
I can always count on Mates of State to put me in a better mood. Even their slower tempo songs are good!
Highlights: “Maracas”, “Desire”

My Morning Jacket - Circuital
MMJ keeps finding ways to amaze me.
Highlights: “Wonderful (The Way I Feel)”, “Slow Slow Tune”

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Belong
Shoegaze-y goodness. (Also, check our their debut if you haven’t already, I love that one too.)
Highlights: “Belong”, “Heart in Your Heartbreak”

Phantogram - Nightlife EP
This EP has been in constant rotation since it came out.
Highlights: “Don’t Move”, “Make a Fist”

The Rapture - In The Grace of Your Love
Hands down my favorite dancy pants album of the year.
Highlights: “In The Grace of Your Love”, “How Deep Is Your Love?”

Patrick Stump - Soul Punk and Truant Wave EP
I really love that Patrick Stump went this way on his solo material. It’s totally a pop album made by someone who is a “Soul Punk”. His love of both soul and punk comes through into something altogether different. I’m also amazed that he played every instrument on this album. Dude has got it going on….
Highlights: “Spotlight (Oh Nostalgia)”, “Run Dry (X Heart X Fingers)”,”Coast (It’s Gonna Get Better)”

Single of the Year:
Mayer Hawthorne - The Walk
I really loved this single but still warming up to the album.