My list of the best albums I heard this year, along with some songs from those albums.

Arcade Fire – The Suburbs.
This was my favorite record of the year.

Suburban War by Arcade Fire

Broken Bells – Broken Bells.

The High Road by Broken Bells

The New Pornographers – Together

Crash Years by The New Pornographers

Vampire Weekend – Contra

White Sky by Vampire Weekend

Los Lobos – Tin Can Trust

Burn It Down by Los Lobos

And because Los Lobos plays such a great mix from bluesy roots music, to traditional latino, they deserve two songs here.

Yo Canto by Los Lobos

Mavis Staples – You Are Not Alone.
A great collaboration from Mavis Staples and producer Jeff Tweedy (from Wilco).

You Are Not Alone by Mavis Staples

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Mojo

Something Good Coming by Tom Petty and the Hearbreakers

Tom Petty continues to be one of my favorite songwriters. The optimistic tone of “Something Good Coming” is a good way to end this list, and look forward to the new year.

I’m watching the water, watching the coast.
Suddenly I know, what I want the most.
And I want to tell you, still I hold back.
I need some time, get my life on track.

I know that look on your face,
But there’s something lucky about this place.
And there’s something good coming, for you and me.
Something good coming, there has to be.