This is not your typical rendering of seasonal songs. She takes on the traditional holiday songs (along with a few originals), melding them into one another, and making them her own. At times, you forget you’re listening to holiday music as these gorgeous arrangements captivate you, making this one of Tori’s best albums in a long time and one that you can enjoy all winter long.

This Brooklyn-based band hit their stride in 09 mixing the lush, floating, psychedelic sounds of the Beach Boys with melodies and harmonies reminiscent of CSN. Strangely beautiful but weirdly accessible.

I normally wouldn’t consider myself a big fan, however, they mix things up on their third release with Karen O channelling her inner Terri Nunn (à la Berlin). The songs would be at home on the dance floor, a rock club or a tv series. Lots of range from a band showing some maturity.

Yes, this London-based indie pop band sounds like a mix of Arcade Fire and Beirut, but there’s nothing wrong with that. A strong debut from a band that I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more from in the years to come.

This years critics’ darling delivered. Florence Welch leads a soul inspired indie rock band which provides the perfect accompaniment to her bluesy vocal style.

Another great record from a great band. While it’s not quite the perfection they reached on “Sky Blue Sky,” this album is a testament to their craft. Like a fine wine, they continue to get better with age.

It took me a while to get into this album...good thing it came out in January. There is a lot of space on this record and often times I would get lost, but ultimately, the music would draw me back in. Not always an easy listen, but one that is definitely worth the effort.

Channeling his inner Jeff Buckley, Rocco uses his impressive voice to explore some real range throughout his songs. The result is captivating.

On his solo debut, the lead singer for the Strokes finds himself sounding like an 80s throwback. There are traces of New Order, A Flock Of Seagulls and even Cyndi Lauper. But don’t despair, he makes the synthesizer work in his favor.

On his solo debut, Auerbach (one half of The Black Keys), doesn’t stray far from the blues-rock music the band is known for. However, songs like “When The Night Comes” show some real tender moments that you don’t get from the duo. Sometimes less is more.