I'm glad I waited until the end of the year instead of listing my favorite CDs at the beginning of summer as originally planned. Some of the best releases have hit the shelves in the past five months. (Or, I became aware of them fairly late in the game.)

As usual, this is a list of 12 CDs (or a baker's dozen, technically, due to two from the same legend) in no particular order that I revisit more than others. It could easily be a list of 24 or 50, but that would be unwieldy. Some genres, like R&B and hip-hop, aren't well represented here, but that's a coincidence. There were many worthwhile releases this year in those genres, but they aren't in my top 12. Who knows, next year that may be all that I list.

Nirvana "Live at Reading": While I was browsing in a well-known local shopping center the other day, a Muzak version of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" slipped into the mix of Christmas jingles somehow. Maybe Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain saw it coming and killed himself rather than be embraced by the masses. It didn't work. He's more beloved than ever. This is a cleaned-up version of the grunge trio's blistering performance at the 1992 Reading Festival in England. It is a magnificent document that captures the band at its incandescent best.

Reigning Sound "Love and Curses": My new favorite band is composed of a bunch of middle-aged geezers (like me) who play like Dylan's 1966 "Blonde on Blonde" era ensemble mashed with [fill in the name of your favorite garage band]. Lead singer/songwriter Greg Cartwright will never be a household name, but that's because there just ain't no justice. "Stick Up for Me" is the best political anthem since the masses misunderstood "Born in the U.S.A." You'll love this incendiary masterpiece on the first spin.

Blakroc "Blakroc": The Black Keys made their rep as a couple of fearless Southern experimentalists who lingered at the crossroads of rock 'n' roll and gutbucket blues wondering who to sell their souls to. Well, the Keys are now making music with Mos Def, Pharoahe Monch, Q-Tip, Raekwon, RZA, Jim Jones and Billy Danze. Damon Dash executive-produces the most inventive rock/hip-hop hybrid in years. He even brought along Noe, the best Jay-Z imitator since, well, Jay-Z. Not every song is brilliant, but all are brilliantly played.

Rickie Lee Jones "Balm in Gilead": Rickie Lee Jones has settled into an inspired mode of prophesying and calling on listeners to repent. She's most doctrinaire when it comes to sharing the beauty of her voice. Her spiritually informed songs are jazz inflected with hints of the bohemian-inspired pop she once rode to the top of the charts. This is her best CD ever.

Leonard Cohen "Live in London": Leonard Cohen made a triumphant return to the stage with a series of sold-out concerts around the world. "Live in London" captures the feel of the show, even down to the recycled jokes and audience patter. This 2-CD set is the next best thing to experiencing one of the greatest performers of our time in concert.

Sharon Robinson "Everybody Knows": Leonard Cohen's main collaborator and chief backup singer released a very compelling soul record reminiscent of late '80s Sade. This CD is a slow burn, but every song eventually connects with the heart and mind.

Bill Callahan "Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle": Callahan's deep, rich baritone may prove to be an acquired taste for some, but his powerful songs linger far into the night. Call it folk music if you want, but it's deeper and more hypnotic than that.

The Fiery Furnaces "I'm Going Away": Longtime fans of this Brooklyn-based, brother-and-sister act complain that they sold out and became "accessible" with this release. Hallelujah, now I finally "get" what the Fiery Furnaces are about. Who said art-rock can't be about great pop songs, too?

Monsters of Folk "Monsters of Folk": What happens when you mix Bright Eyes' Mike Mogis and Conor Oberst, M. Ward and My Morning Jacket's Jim James? Perfect songs! You will never tire of this CD.

The Felice Brothers "Yonder is the Clock": Imagine The Band crossed with the Hold Steady in some backwoods Americana juke joint. That's just scratching the surface. These songs are unforgettable.

Morrissey "Years of Refusal": Morrissey couldn't make a bad record if you put a gun to his head. His lyrics are so clever he could give tips to Elvis Costello. This sounds better than anything he ever did with the Smiths.

Bob Dylan "Together Through Life" & "Christmas in the Heart": What would a Tony Norman music list be without Bob Dylan? I don't know and I don't want to find out.

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