Another year in the books means it is time to compile a list of my favorite songs of the year. The usual caveats apply when I make a list like this. I am by no means on the cutting edge when it comes to music. I tend to like what I like, and it often takes a little while for the stuff to filter into my consciousness. Often times, I won’t discover stuff until years after its release. Regardless, here is a list of 25 songs released this year (in alphabetical order) that really got into my brain for one reason or another.

Arlandria by Foo Fighters

Dave Grohl returns to his roots and delivers an album that harkens back to the band’s early sound. The result is a refreshed energy and some kick ass tracks like this one.

Around my Head by Cage the Elephant

I’m a sucker for any song that can make good use of well executed “oohs” and “ahs” and this track definitely delivers the goods.

By Your Hand by Los Campesinos!

I always felt that Los Campesinos! sounded a bit like a UK version of early Weezer (that’s a good thing) and that vibe really comes across on this track.

Can’t Change Me by Lydia Loveless

I am sure Lydia Loveless gets tired of the Neko Case comparisons, but with a set of powerful pipes like hers it can’t be helped. Definitely worth keeping an eye on.

The Death of You and Me by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

I’ve always had soft spot for Noel Gallagher. Sure, there isn’t a lot of depth to his lyrics, but there is some magic there. Plus, I was instantly hooked by the Jon Brion-esque sound of the production of this track.

Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls) by Foster the People

I didn’t really connect with “Pumped Up Kicks” the way everyone else seemed to, but I sure dig this bouncy track.

Don’t Try and Hide It by The Dodos

A great track from a great album. Add in a bit of Pearl Jam’s “Daughter” and a dash of Neko Case and you get yourself a killer track.

East Harlem by Beirut

If there can be such a thing as a “quintessential sound” from a band as versatile and diverse as Beirut, this track sure seems to tap into it.

He Gets Me High by the Dum Dum Girls

This year seemed to be filled with a lot of kick ass female rockers and a return of the sound of the early 90s. Those two trends converge nicely in this track.

Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes

A beautiful song about coping with the realization that the universe doesn’t revolve around us. A nice little kick in the pants. Apply when needed.

I Don’t Wanna by Anna Waronker

This year was a good year for fans of the early 90s band, that dog. First, their former leader singer released another solo album and then the band got together for a reunion show later in the year. More please.

June Hymn by The Decemberists

The Decemberists put aside their penchant for concept albums and released an album that was simply filled with good songs. This is one of the stand outs.

The Last Living Rose by PJ Harvey

PJ Harvey is one of the few artists that can push her music to such extremes and still make songs that sound so uniquely “her.” She almost adapts an entirely different voice on this album, but it is still pure Polly Jean.

Lonely Boy by The Black Keys

Another year, another great Black Keys track. I find this video absolutely mesmerizing.

Machu Picchu by The Strokes

The Strokes are one of those bands that I appreciate more on the basis of a handful of tracks than the strength of their complete catalog. But when they connect with me, like they do with this track, it’s pure sonic gold.

Morning Mr Magpie by Radiohead

The release of King of Limbs earlier this year was the kind of event you don’t typically see in this era of music downloads. It’s hard to pick just one winner from this album, but this one is as good as any.

Romance by Wild Flag

Rock super groups aren’t supposed to sound so fun, but that’s what Carrie Brownstein and company accomplish here. Kick ass stuff.

Sea Salt by John Vanderslice

Lush. That’s the only word to describe the sound on this album (recording with a full orchestra will get that for you). Still, it’s the little things that grab me. I just love the piano plucking on this track.

Senator by Stephen Malkmus and the Jinks

A mini epic clocking in at just under four and half minutes. A great song that will probably be remembered more for the line about what Senators want.

Shell Games by Bright Eyes

I was really jacked up for the new Bright Eyes album this year, but it fell a little short for me. Still, it did deliver a couple killer tracks, so who am I to complain?

Tongue Tied by Grouplove

This song got a big boost when it was used prominently in the new Apple iPod Touch TV spot. Yay, advertising!

Two Cousins by The Slow Club

Compared to the band’s previous efforts, this song really seemed to come out of left field, so initially it left me a bit little cold. But before long, it seemed to burrow into my brain and compel me to listen to it repeatedly. Consider me a convert.

Vomit by Girls

Bringing back the 90s tradition of one word song titles that are never actually referenced in the song (ala Nirvana’s “Lithium” or Pearl’s Jam’s “Corduroy”).

Wake and Be Fine by Okkervil River

Man, I sure love me some rock songs that can incorporate a good old fashioned waltz vibe.

We Sing in Time by The Lonely Forest

The early 90s alternative music scene seemed dominated by either by grungy acts like Nirvana or overly earnest acts like Live. That latter sound seems to be making a comeback in this song. I’m okay with that as long as it doesn’t get out of hand.