It’s that time again to take a look back at some of my favorite songs that were released this year. As I get older, it gets harder and harder to keep up on the latest tunes. As a result, it sometimes takes a little while to get to the good stuff. For example, two of my favorite songs I discovered this year, were actually released last year. Those songs (The Twist by Frightened Rabbit and Take Off Your Sunglasses by Ezra Furman and the Harpoons) are not on this list, but deserve a shout out.

So, Without further ado, here is the list (in no particular order).

Little Bribes by Death Cab for Cutie

This song features some of my favorite lyrics of the year, including the line “Then we kissed like lonely people do,” which I find so wistfully hopeful.

This Tornado Loves You by Neko Case

Neko Case’s Middle Cyclone is one of my favorite albums of the year, packed with so many songs that could have made this list. This song edges them out simply because I dig how you are never quite sure whether she’s singing about an actual tornado or just using it as a metaphor for a real train wreck of a relationship.

Daylight by Matt & Kim

As soon as that piano riff kicks in, there is simply no holding this bouncy song down. Just try. I dare you.

The Rake’s Song by The Decemberists

Hats off to the Decemberists for making a song about a guy killing his kids such a toe tapper. I love the way the music builds as the story slowly unfolds.

You Are the Blood by Sufjan Stevens

This cover is a shambling mess that goes all over the place. And you know what? It works. We need more music from Sufjan Stevens in 2010.

January Wedding by The Avett Brothers

This is such a sweet and simple song, from an album filled with sweet and simple songs.

Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

For some reason, I get a real Ennio Morricone vibe from this track. Combine that with the genuine sense of affection that just drips from the two singers and I am hooked.

Lenin by The Arcade Fire

Another song from the Dark Was the Night compliation. Benefit albums are just not meant to be so good, but this one breaks the mold. This track finds the Arcade Fire doing their thing, and doing it well.

Someday by Tegan & Sara

When Tegan and Sara are on their game, they craft pop songs that camp out in your brain and stay there for an extended visit. They are on their game with this one.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Slow Doomsday by Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Now We Can See by The Thermals, Plane Crash by Liam Finn & Eliza Jane, Heaven Can Wait by Charlotte Gainsbourg (with Beck), Coast of Carolina by Telekinesis, Sunlight by Tune-Yards, Northern Lights by Bowerbirds, Lisztomania by Phoenix and Everyday by Veitver