It's Friday night. The New Year's weekend begins.
Before looking forward to the promise of what's ahead, time to take one last look backward at the extraordinary artists who gave us great music in 2011.
Do you have any favorites to share?
Here are a few that racked up the plays on my iPod.
Helplessness Blues - Fleet Foxes
This is Why We Fight - The Decemberists
Smile - Smith Westerns
Pumped Up Kicks - Foster the People
Love the Way You Walk Away - Blitzen Trapper
Mona Lisa - Atlas Sound
Calgary - Bon Iver