30. Girls “Honey Bunny” Father, Son, Holy Ghost (True Panther Sounds) It was another incredible year for San Francisco’s best band. The group followed up their excellent debut, Album, with a solid EP and the critically acclaimed Father, Son, Holy Ghost. “Honey Bunny,” showcases exactly what makes the group so special. Vocalist/songwriter Chris Owens’ deftly combines his disarming sense of humor (“They don’t like my boney body/They don’t like my dirty hair”), unfiltered honesty, and an incredible ear for melody … →

40. Nico Jaar “Darkside” Darkside (Clown & Sunset) Nico Jaar had the license put his fuckin’ feet up over his Christmas break. You think your year was mega busy because you got promoted to project manager? Please. Dude dropped one critically acclaimed LP and two fantastic EPs, all while attending an Ivy League school and running his own label. The three tracks on Darkside are basically just one long track broken into three parks and show a different side of … →