It’s that time of year again, when everybody starts making ‘Best Of’ lists. I’m still working on my Book and Movie Superlatives, but I figured I’d share some of the music I’ve been listening to these past twelve months. (The idea is one song per month, which never works out as neatly as you want it to. Regardless, I keep trying.)

This year’s soundtrack is the usual alternative/rock, punctuated by a few random bits of . . . electronic? Electronic is what iTunes is telling me: I’m shit at describing music genres, so I’m just going to have to take their word for it. Is there a difference between electronic and techno? I generally just think of it all as Music That’s Fun to Bounce Around And/Or Exercise To.

With that all said, here are my most-listened to songs of 2014, with accompanying links, of course. (I tried to get whatever version I’m most used to, but sometimes that was problematic. For example, Major Lazer’s song is considerably shortened here, but the music video made me laugh, so I just went with it.)

“Runs in the Family” – Amanda Palmer
“Road to Nowhere” – Talking Heads
“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” – Lorde
“Original Don” – Major Lazer (feat. the Partysquad)
“You’re a Wolf” – Sea Wolf
“Freaks” – The Hawk in Paris
“Skyscrapers” – Ok Go
“Lose Your Soul” – Dead Man’s Bones
“Spank” – The Bloody Beetroots (feat. Tai & Bart B. More)
“Stolen Dance” – Milky Chance
“Riptide” – Vance Joy
“This Devil’s Workday” – Modest Mouse