5:06am

Dr. Dog “THESE DAYS” from Be the Void (Anti/Epitaph 2012) N  —At #12 comes the latest album by this incredible Philly band who never seem to disappoint.Buy it!

5:16am

Calexico “Splitter” from Algiers (Anti 2012) N  —At #11, Calexico have always been a great live band for me but their studio albums haven't measured up. This one though is a different story. Great songs and can't wait to see them live at the Pageant on January 31.Buy it!

5:24am

Allo Darlin' “Neil Armstrong” from Europe (Slumberland 2012) N  —Starting my top 10 is this London band led by the beautiful voice of Australian Elizabeth Morris. If you like Camera Obscura, you're bound to like Allo Darlin'.Buy it!

5:32am

Aimee Mann “Labrador” from Charmer SINGLE (Superego 2012) N  —At #9 comes Aimee Mann, always a favorite of mine. I'd put this one as her best release since her classic Bachelor #2.Buy it!

5:41am

The Avett Brothers “The Once and Future Carpenter” from The Carpenter (American 2012) N  —At #8 come the Avett Brothers. This album is a fine addition to their collection.Buy it!

5:51am

The Lumineers “Classy Girls” from The Lumineers (Dualtone 2013) N  —At #7 is the debut album of this Denver band. I look forward to hearing how they progress.Buy it!

5:59am

Father John Misty “Well, You Can Do It Without Me” from Fear Fun (Sub Pop 2012) N  —#6 - J. Tillman, former drummer of Fleet Foxes, left the band and put out the first album under the moniker Father John Misty in 2012. They'll be at the Firebird next Tuesday, January 8.Buy it!

6:09am

Kathleen Edwards “Empty Threat” from Voyageur (Zoe www.thehip.com 2012) N  —#5 - From just the 4th full-length of this underappreciated singer songwriter from Ottawa, CA.Buy it!

6:20am

The District Attorneys “California Fire” from Slowburner (This is American Music 2012) N  —#4 - From the debut of this Atlanta-based band. A terrific album of melodic rock songs with a flavor of twang.Buy it!

6:30am

Gold Motel “Brand New Kind of Blue” from Gold Motel (Good as Gold 2012) N  —#3 - With no New Pornographers release in 2012, this is as close as I could get. From this Chicago band's 2nd album, loaded with pop hooks.Buy it!

6:38am

Field Report “Fergus Falls” from Field Report (Partisan Records 2012) N  —#2 - From the debut album of this band. The leader, Christopher Porterfield, had been in a band from Wisconsin called Deyarmond Edison that also had Justin Vernon and members of Megafaun. He left the band and after several years formed Field Report.Buy it!

6:51am

Nada Surf “Teenage Dreams” from The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy (Deluxe Edition) (City Slang 2012) N  —My #1 album of the year. Just a great batch of melodic, hook-filled songs. Here's hoping 2013 provides the same quality of music as 2012.Buy it!