Anyone who's had a lousy year would do well to jam Harvey Danger's "The Show Must Not Go On" as the clock strikes midnight. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

David Bazan's "Wolves at the Door" tells grim stories, but it's rooted in the spirit of forgiveness. JUCO hide caption

In "The Smile of Rachael Ray," David Mead crafts a melancholy Christmas song with an unlikely star. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Wye Oak's Civilian, known now and forever as Stephen Thompson's third favorite record of 2011. Merge Records hide caption

In "Palomino," Mates of State's Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel approach long-gone love with characteristic generosity of spirit. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

After a long absence, the Philly band Buried Beds returns on an auspicious note with "Steady Hand." Courtesy of the artist hide caption

Leave it to Clem Snide's Eef Barzelay to find the winsome beauty in a commonly dismissed Journey song like "Any Way You Want It." Courtesy of the artist hide caption

In "When I Was Young," Nada Surf makes a case for embracing our lives as we've decided to live them.

As hopeful and humane as it is devastatingly sad, Nick Lowe's "House for Sale" is more than just a metaphor.