The Ledge #546: Runners Up

The process of compiling my annual list of the year's best albums rarely varies. It usually begins in mid-November with a combination of notetaking and mental obsessing. Then over Thanksgiving weekend I begin putting ideas into various categories that I couldn't even try to explain. Finally, the first couple of weeks of December sees this list finally coming together.

As you may expect, that initial list is much longer than the official post of the best of the year. There can be anywhere between 60 and 100 records vying for inclusion. This week's show comprises the 31 records that were in consideration before that final cut.

But that's not to say that these records are not as good as my "chart toppers". No, these days there's a fine line between a what makes the top ten and what makes the lower rungs. All of these records are fabulous albums that deserve to be heard by everybody. This is why the first time ever I've put together this "runners up" episode. 

I would love it if every listener bought at least one record I played on either of these shows. These great artists deserve to be compensated for their hard work, and every purchase surely helps not only pay their bills but fund their next set of wonderful songs. And if you buy these records directly from the artist or label, please let them know you heard these tunes on The Ledge! Let them know who is giving them promotion! You can find this show at almost any podcast site, including iTunes and Stitcher...or

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1. Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, Been Lovin' You Too Long

2. Curtis Godino Presents The Midnight Wishers, Always Waiting

3. Dehd, Bad Love

4. Slang, Hit The City

5. Young Guv, Too Far Gone

6. Michael Rault, Neither Love Nor Money

7. Cola, Blank Curtain

8. The Black Angels, Without a Trace

9. Gabbard Brothers, Feel Better Love Better

10. Tijuana Panthers, Helping Hand

11. Lorne Behrman, I Can Burn You Down

12. Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin, A Rocket Ship to You

13. Dan Israel, Seriously

14. Popular Creeps, Keep It To Myself

15. The Afghan Whigs, I'll Make You See God

16. Guided By Voices, Alex Bell

17. The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Ineffable Mindfuck

18. Dropkick Murphys, Talking Jukebox

19. The Sparklers, Late Great Saturday Night

20. El Camino Acid, Get Along

21. Scruff Myers' Superhands, Kissing for Granted

22. Surf Curse, Lost Honor

23. Nervebreakers, I Don't Wanna Hold Your Hand

24. Jon Spencer & the HITmakers, Get It Right Now

25. PLOSIVS, Rose Waterfall

26. Swami John Reis, Do You Still Wanna Make Out?

27. The Trouble Seekers, Cool Liar

28. The Schizophonics, Desert Girl

29. The New Brutarians, The Prettiest Girls Sing The Saddest Songs

30. Suzi Moon, Family Memories

31. The Dirty Truckers, Remember One