The 20 albums released in 2011 that I listened to the most. Of course, there’s significant overlap with the countless other best-of lists, but there are gems here that were overlooked by many, as well as return-to-form releases and great records from long-time favorites.

Stay two funky steps ahead of the usual Peggy Lee and Vince Guaraldi holiday fare you’re bombarded with at Starbucks with this bag of audio treats.
A playlist of jazz, soul, surf, funk & pop hand-selected by DJ D-Mac for Daily Candy.

Just a few songs I’ve been personally feeling lately, including great new releases from indie artists St. Vincent and CANT, a brilliant cumbia/house hybrid from Quantic, vital revivalist soul from Raphael Saadiq, and some incredible reworkings of classics from Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye.