In lieu of holiday cards that I am horrible at selecting, and which tend to linger on my desktop rather than make their way to a mailing, and seeing that music is the best expression of celebration, what better way to wrap up the year than a compilation. So that's what I did for my friends an family this year.

I am hesitant to say that this is representative of my thoughts on the top 10 albums released this year, though several fit that description, more it is a sampling of my favorite releases of this year, in no particular order or ranking. This is followed by a selection of songs from albums reissued this year and wrapped up with a smattering of songs from bands that have reunited for tour this year, or in the case of the Feelies, announced their intent to reunite.

Luna-"Speedbumps"; Rendezvous, Jetset 2004. Luna is hands-down my favorite band, and Speedbumps is the most frenetic and addictive off of their swan song, Rendezvous.

Aloha- "Summer Away"; Here Comes Everyone, Polyvinyl Record Co. 2004. Simple rock arrangements and discernible pop hooks laced with a dose of vibes and restrained longing for youth.

Camera Obscura- "Keep It Clean"; Underachievers Please Try Harder, Merge Records 2004. Hailing from Glasgow and embracing the textures of Phil Spector's Wall of Sound, Camera Obscura has made a home on my ipod hot list. "Keep It Clean" showcases the Ellie Greenwich/Jeff Barry- Lee Hazelwood/Nancy Sinatra styling of its lead songwriters.

The Arcade Fire- "Neighborhood 1"; Funeral, Merge Records 2004. Believe the hype. This is the first band (since Luna) to catch me uttering profanities out of shear amazement. Seriously. Holy Effing Fill In the Blank. I screamed myself speechless.

Calexico- "Alone Again Or"; Convict Pool EP, Quarterstick Records 2004. Technically an EP, assuredly a cover (Love) but an incredible offering from Tucson's finest. Sonorant, decked with conversing trumpets and topped-off by Joey Burns' tenor and John Covertino's smooth command of the throne.

Fiery Furnaces- "Chris Michaels"; Blueberry Boat, Rough Trade 2004. Almost a rock-opera, the weaving of different musical parts alongside apt storytelling make the sophomore release of Brooklyn-based brother-sister duo Fiery Furnaces a top contender of many critics year end lists. Where did your for lunchtime go?

AC Newman- "Drink to Me Babe Then"; The Slow Wonder, Matador 2004. Frontman for indie supergroup the New Pornographers follows up last years most excellent Electric Version with his first solo effort- chock-full of stellar songwriting and rock candy structure.

Death From Above 1979- "Romantic Right", You're A Woman, I'm A Machine Vice 2004. Noise rock at its screeching metal best. Danceable odes to frustration and angst. Perhaps the best act on the Vice label.

Blonde Redhead- "Falling Man", Misery Is A Butterfly, 4AD 2004. Biggest musical surprise of the year. Band transitioned from noise rock to sweeping, orchestral mood music. Almost indefinable but definitely incredible.