I was going to save this post for next week, but then I figured that I’d be too distracted by postholiday festivities to commit to something before the new year.

This year was filled with some amazing albums by stellar artists, and they should be celebrated. I’m sure you’ve seen about a million top 10 lists at this point, but it won’t hurt to check out one more.

I’ve decided to make two lists: One for the top 10 albums of the year, and the other for the top 20 songs of the year. The reason I doubled the song list is because there are always musicians out there who make an awesome track, but their album is lackluster. Or, some just have EPs out, and it’s not strong enough to compete with a full-length studio album. So, this gives those a fair chance to be recognized.

Without further ado, here are the lists:

Albums (in no particular order):

• Tegan and Sara, Sainthood: The thing about this Canadian duo is that they’re consistent. This is their sixth studio album, and they never disappoint. I can’t wait until March, when I’ll be able to hear this album live at the Fox Theater in Oakland. For more information about this album, check out my past blog post.
• Grizzly Bear, Veckatimest: I first heard of this band in late 2007, when their cover of Hole’s “He Hit Me” played on a Seattle-based indie station. I was hooked ever since. This is their third studio album, and I’m glad to see them get the recognition they deserve. They are definitely unique to the music industry, bringing something different to the table. This album is currently in my car stereo.
• Taking Back Sunday, New Again:Arguably one of the best bands I’ve ever seen live (thanks to the famous mic tricks by Adam Lazzara), I have always had a soft spot in my heart for TBS. Three years is a long time to wait for an album, but my patience paid off. They are just how I remembered them, possibly better.
• Metric, Fantasies: I’m not surprised that Metric was on 90 percent of the top album lists I found on the Internet. This album is fantastic and has really put them on the map, transforming them from indie darlings to the next big thing.
• Coconut Records, Davy: Jason Schwartzman is an artistic genius. If you haven’t already, check out this album.
• Phoenix, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix:Even if you wanted to, you couldn’t get away from Phoenix this year. This album pushed out to insanely successful singles; one was featured in a Cadillac commercial. This was, hands down, Phoenix’s year. Here’s a fun tidbit: Lead singer Thomas Mars and Coconut Records’ Jason Schwartman are cousin in-laws. Mars is the partner of the lovely Sofia Coppola, daughter of Francis Ford Coppola and esteemed director in her own right.
• Tinted Windows, S/T: I like to think of Tinted Windows as the underdog of the supergroups. When I found out that members of Hanson, Smashing Pumpkins, Cheap Trick and Fountains of Wayne formed, I could hardly wait to hear the finished product. People were abuzz, wondering if the music could be good. Well, guess what? It is.
• Yeah Yeah Yeahs, It’s Blitz!:Karen O is one sexy bitch. She exudes sexiness in her voice and lyrics. This is why fans can’t get enough of YYYs, and their album was a hot hit all year long.
• 30 Seconds to Mars, This is War:Finally, the band settled their legal battles and put out another record. Jared Leto’s voice is stronger than ever, and this album is a piece of art. Plus, how could you not love the marketing idea of 2,000 unique images for the cover of the album? I wonder if anyone has any ambition to collect them all…
• An Horse, Rearrange Beds:This Aussie band can thank Tegan and Sara for their success in the United States. Fresh off a tour opening for the twins, this band released their album, and has appeared in many music magazines as a band to watch. And if that wasn’t enough, they snagged an appearance on David Letterman. If you love indie pop, then this is for you!

Top 20 song (again, in no particular order):

• “Sweet Disposition” by the Temper Trap
• “Hell” by Tegan and Sara
• “Daylight” by Matt & Kim
• “Help, I’m Alive” by Metric
• “1901” by Phoenix
• “No You Girls” by Franz Ferdinand
• “Sink Into Me” by Taking Back Sunday
• “Fireflies” by Owl City (possibly the BEST song of the year)
• “Very Busy People” by the Limousines
• “Shake It Out” by Manchester Orchestra
• “Love Letter to Japan” by The Bird and the Bee
• “Zero” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• “Satellite Heart” by Anya Marina
• “Hearing Damage” by Thom Yorke
• “Cousins” by Vampire Weekend
• “Reeling” by Passion Pit
• “Death” by White Lies
• “Day N Nite” by Kid Cudi
• “Two Weeks” by Grizzly Bear
• “Can You Tell” by Ra Ra Riot

And there you have it, folks. I would like to give an honorable mention shout-out to Bon Iver. He is amazing, but I haven’t had time to listen to his newer stuff. Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!