Yes, it’s that time of year …

As with most “best of” lists, the exclusions often become more interesting than the inclusions. Creating a comprehensive, definitive list of the best of anything is a fool’s errand. I won’t try to sell anyone on this being even remotely exhaustive. This is but a selection of songs I enjoyed this year.

That is my preemptive defense to the “you missed X. Therefore, your list sucks” type of comment. Not that I expect to receive any comments, but I like to be prepared.

I must admit, I am a rabid consumer of lists. They are rich with hidden treasure and, as someone who’s on a constant search, I couldn’t be happier. And now, powered by streaming music services, it’s possible to not only read, but to experience, just about every list published on the Internet. [For example, here are Pitchfork's Top 100 songs of 2011. You'll need six hours to hear all of these songs.]

Of course, it’s easy to feel over-caffeinated pouring over hundreds of lists, jittering from poll to poll in search of the prize. Unlimited access is silent when it comes to the limit of time. It offers no remedy.

Well, here I am adding to the problem. Sorry about that.

But I do sincerely thank you for your time and hope you enjoy these - my favorite songs from this rapidly ending year.

I Break Horses – “Hearts”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – “We Almost Lost Detroit”

The Horrors – “Monica Gems”

Artic Monkeys – “The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala”

Bombay Bicycle Club – “How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep”

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – “New Day”

YACHT – “Shangri-La”

The War on Drugs – “Your Love Is Calling My Name”

Wooden Shjips – “Home”

Ford & Lopatin – “Joey Rogers”

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks – “Stick Figures in Love”

Bon Iver – “Perth”

The Joy Formidable – “Whirring”

PJ Harvey – “The Words That Maketh Murder”

M83 – “Reunion”

Kurt Vile – “Society Is My Friend”

Apparat – “Black Water”

Rey Pila – “No Longer Fun”

Smith Westerns – “Smile”

James Blake – “Limit to your Love”

Junior Boys – “Banana Ripple”

Jay Z, Kanye West – “Ni**as in Paris”