AESOP ROCK - John Something / Checkers
That I had to put two of my favorite Aes Rock tracks on a single year’s b-sides would be one thing (HUGE shout to “John Something”). That he dropped two LPs this year? Epic. Still getting my head around the late year I Heard It’s A Mess There Too.

SPOON - Chateau Blues / Guess I’m Falling in Love
Another year, another mix, one of my all-time favorite groups, Spoon, would be featured prominently. These two jams are more of the same from the kings of Indie Rock, so I’ll look forward to the inevitable full-length next year to make it back onto the A-sides.

WEDNESDAY - Townies / Wound Up Here (By Holdin On) / Elderberry Wine
One of the few "country-influenced” acts that I really get behind. The slide guitar. The plaintive vocals. It’s a mood. I’ve got to get to a live show.

^ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES - Sushi and Coca-Cola
This is a “one-listen hit” that just hasn’t found its audience yet. I predict that it will become a wedding song staple. Released too late in the year to make much of an impact on my musical mosaic.

^DjRUM - A Tune for Us
Here’s your starting point for an album that simply envelopes with sonic texture. It just didn’t “fit” on the hit parade of the main playlist. Headphones or a serious Hi-Fi system is a must. The full record is a statement - Under Tangled Silence. Not for everyone, but if it tickles you, I think you’ll thank me.

^GEESE - Husbands / Islands of Men
Look, I get that this group is exciting a lot of folks, myself included. But, but, but… I’m not convinced it is not a rehash of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. I’m not fully in the boat yet.

^MILD ORANGE - Mood
Straight up War on Drugs vibes. If that’s your thing, this might be your thing too.

^SMERZ - Big City Life
This one comes from an interesting LP of the same name. The textural sounds are really nice.

MEN I TRUST - Paul’s Theme / To Ease You / Come Back Down / etc
So many chill tunes fill out two volumes of new music over the past year. Nothing beats my favorite, Tailwhip, but certainly worthy of the B-sides inclusion.

TENNIS - At The Wedding / Sister
Too much sonic overlap with MEN I TRUST, but if you’re into the silky smooth bass grooves, give these a listen.

^CLOUD NOTHINGS - Alive in the World
This record would sit really nicely next to some of the late 90’s indie darlings - Dinosaur Jr.

^BENJAMIN BOOKER - Black Opps / Pompeii Statues / Hope for the Night Time
Definitely not for the casual listen. Who is this guy? I’m looking forward to a live gig so as to figure it out.