That time of year again: favorites records. So much good music this year. So let’s get into this shit:

My favorite record of the year:

Cold Cave’s Cherish the Light Years
This record, oh, this record. Sexy, dirty, inspired and dark synth pop.
Recommended for fans of old New Order and non-derivative retro.
Standout tracks: Confetti, Villains of the Moon

Followed closely by:

Beastie Boys’ Hot Sauce Committee Part Two
They can’t make a bad record and you can suck it if you didn’t like To the 5 Boroughs.
Recommended for fans of Beastie Boys and rap that isn’t retarded.
Standout tracks: Too Many Rappers, Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament

And then:

Shabazz Palaces’ Black Up
This record will defy you at every turn. Brilliant.
Recommended for fans of experimental light-years-ahead awesome shit.
Standout tracks: Free Press and Curl, Swerve

Can’t forget:

Zola Jesus’ Contatus
Find a comfy seat, pour a glass of whiskey, turn off the lights, and turn this up loud. Haunt.
Recommended for you, me, and everyone we know.
Standout tracks: Seekir, Vessel

And, oh yeah:

Fucked Up’s David Comes to Life
From start to finish: grand. It’s a punk-rock opera for the love of jeebus, but it’s so far beyond punk rock…I dunno, I think this band is pretty amazing.
Recommended for adults who aren’t afraid of their emotions.
Standout tracks: Pick any. Killer record.

Other records I liked quite a bit and I think you’ll like:
Girls: Father, Son, Holy Ghost (I was/am surprised at how much I enjoy this.)
Das Racist: Relax
Kurt Vile: Smoke Ring for my Halo (this record is on heavy rotation for me as of late.)
EMA: Past Life Martyred Saints
Future Islands: On the Water
YACHT: Shangri-La
Austra: Feel It Break
M83: Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming!
Real Estate: Days
Tim Hecker: Ravedeath, 1972