Each year I make this list, and it just keeps getting harder to make. Some really solid releases didn't make the list, unfortunately, but these are the very best of the best of 2012 in local music land. Thank you for producing such fantastic local music, DFWd. Stay positive. Stay sweet. Let's do this again in 2013.

10. Ella Minnow - Honey Sweet Devils (tie)

Ella Minnow is one of those bands that's hard to pin a label on, and they're hard to ignore. Especially live.

10. Cozy Hawks - No Blues (tie)

Shout out to Central Track for being the first to find these bros. One of the catchiest indie rock records of the year.  

9. Blackstone Rangers - Into the Sea

Expect big things from these dudes in 2013. Dark wave pop at its finest.

8. Oil Boom - Gold Yeller

After a lineup change, they went from blues rock to 60s garage rock and they continue to be great despite their "complete melodic dismissal of fossil fuels."

7. The Birds of Night - Snaps

I've been hooked since the minute they sent me a demo drenched in 50s-60s cool, and their debut record shows an exciting band just getting started. It's like cool is just a member of the band.  

6. RTB2 - 2

Even though they don't need it, the high production value of their second record sure does feel nice. There is nothing this band is not good at.

5. Analog Rebellion - Full Frontal

Simply put, Daniel Hunter is one of the most talented artists in the DFWd. 

4. Skeleton Coast - Skeleton Coast

A psychedelic wall of sound out of crazy Ft. Worth that is both sonically pleasing and complex all at the same time. 

3. Sarah Jaffe - The Body Wins

This is The Jaffe's most mature record of her career. 

2. Mind Spiders - Meltdown

When you get a 7.7 on Pitchfork, you're probably doing something well. A relentless punk record that helps prove everything's fine in Denton, America.

1. Daniel Hart - The Orientalist

Some of the finest, hand-crafted pop gems can be found right here. Dramatic and beautiful, this record came out of nowhere to earn the top spot this year. Also, "O Sangeeta" is the best local song of the year, no question.