My pal Jed does a curious thing every year, he posts a Best Of Music list for the previous year. So, at the end of December 2011 he posted his Best of 2010 list. This may seem odd but it allows him some distance and perspective on a particular years releases to see what actually had staying power. I respect this tactic but have not embraced it for my 2011 Retrospective.

My selections were made based on creating a decent flow to the mix and selecting songs that caught my ear in one way or another. That being said, I definitely had to cut a load of quality releases from the running that could easily make a Volume 2 of goods (i.e. Tristen, Frank LoCrasto, Toro y Moi, countless others). Despite all of that, I think it's a strong mix and a good representation of the year. I hope when December 2011 comes along I feel the same way (I will).

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1. Nick Waterhouse - Is That Clear
2. Nikki Lane - Gone, Gone, Gone
3. Glossary - The Flood
4. NORM - Wasted
5. Gruff Rhys - Sensations In The Dark
6. I Come to Shanghai - Love Shark, Trapped in a Dream, Stand By
7. TV Girl - Lizzy Come Back to Life
8. Jim Guthrie - Death To Everyone
9. Kindercastle - Red Berry
10. Eureka Gold - Wayward
11. Wye Oak - Holy Holy
12. Telekinesis - Please Ask for Help
13. the Goldroom - All Thumbs
14. Mr. Gnome - We Sing Electric
15. COOLRUNNINGS - Brunettes
16. Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Nerve Damage!
17. Yellow Ostrich - Mary
18. We Are Trees - Girlfriend
19. Thee More Shallows - Eagle Rock (Demo)
20. Jessie Baylin - A Song For While I'm Away (Thin Lizzy)
21. Alex Turner - Stuck On The Puzzle
22. Jonny Corndawg - Night Rider