The past 365 days have played host to quite the amount of amazing new music. Some of these records made the list for being satisfying follow-up efforts while some made it for being awesome new bands in general. In both of these categories, this year has turned out many treats for the ear.

Vampire Weekend – Contra

Beach House – Teen Dream

Sufjan Stevens – The Age of Adz

Arcade Fire – The Suburbs

Local Natives – Gorilla Manor

Ray LaMontagne – God Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise

Deer Tick – The Black Dirt Sessions

Sleigh Bells – Treats

Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More

She & Him – Volume Two

First Aid Kit – The Big Black &the Blue

Deerhunter – Halcyon Digest

Best Coast – Crazy For You

Band of Horses – Infinite Arms

The National – High Violet

The Ruby Suns – Fight Softly

Dr. Dog – Shame, Shame

M.I.A. – Maya

The Black Keys – Brothers

Yeasayer – Odd Blood

The Weepies – Be My Thrill

Belle & Sebastian – Write About Love

Glasser – Ring

Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Caribou – Swim

Who would you have included or excluded from the list? Please share!

Peace,