As 2012 ends, the best films deserve acknowledgement, a tip of the hat. Here are the films I most admired in 2012, those that entertained as well as inspired, that offered insight as well as consummate cinematic experiences.

Here's my list of top 10 albums -- in nonsense order -- with witty commentary, of course.

On the show "Elevated Rhymestate" I feature the latest and greatest in hip-hop and urban music. To my ears, 2012 was a great year for music.

I've always been the kind of person that doesn't like to limit myself to one genre of music, and this year was perfect for that.

Ever wonder if popular music is better today than it was, say, 40 years ago? Frankly, it isn't. Even with Gangnam style, it's hard to imagine this year producing so many recordings as important as the best of 1972.

This year offered so many fine albums in the indie-rock vein that it was hard to choose just 10.

On my radio show Hindsight, I spin a wide range of indie pop and rock from all sides of the pond. This year offered a lot of great songs from which to choose.

If you stop to look around at a major concert or event in St. Louis, you'll likely see one of KDHX's many volunteer photographers, angling for the perfect shot.

For my year-end review, I put together a list of 9 singles that I just couldn't resist in 2012.

Lots of people might look at this list and say, “Who are all these people?” In roots and Americana music, and at my house, they're stars. And these albums explain why.