Clockwise from upper left: Peter Gabriel, Nick Murphy (formerly known as Chet Faker), King Creosote, L.A. Salami, Nick Cave Courtesy of the artists hide caption

King Creosote
"Abducted," by Cults, tops the list of Bob Boilen's favorite songs of 2011. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Diamond Mine by King Creosote & Jon Hopkins, Bob Boilen's pick for the album of the year. Domino Records hide caption
Wye Oak's Civilian, known now and forever as Stephen Thompson's third favorite record of 2011. Merge Records hide caption
Jon Hopkins (left) and King Creosote collaborate on the new album Diamond Mine, out May 24. Courtesy of the artists hide caption