Though I gave “Comedown Machine” an overall thumbs down, “Happy Ending” is the record’s one redeeming quality. It was nice to get something new Casablancas and co.

2. “Passing Through a Screen Door” by The Wonder Years

Words cannot describe how absolutely stoked I was when I found out The Wonder Years were (finally) releasing a track from their upcoming album “The Greatest Generation.” The band’s previous release, “Suburbia, I’ve Given You All and Now I’m Nothing,” was my go-to summer record last year, so my expectations were skyrocketing as I hit play. I was not disappointed—this is easily the best song I’ve heard out of 2013 so far.

3. “Miracle Mile” by Cold War Kids

As a rule of thumb, I don’t usually see bands more than once—one exception to that rule is Cold War Kids. I caught the band at Voodoo in 2008 and again in 2009, and both times were equally mindblowing. Everything this band releases is perfection, and “Miracle Mile” is no exception.

4. “From a Tire Swing” by Lydia

While Lydia’s latest release, “Devil,” wasn’t entirely standout, it was good studying music.

5. “Weathered Souls” by Transit

I expected “Young New England” to be Transit’s next step into perpetual awesomeness. I caught the Boston-based band in Atlanta last November and was thoroughly impressed—which is why it deeply saddens me that the album was so completely off base. The one gem on the record was “Weathered Souls.”

6. “Now” by Paramore

Because it’s Paramore.

7. “Right Here” by The Story So Far

While TSSF’s whiny, brash lyrics are sort of getting old, the single from their new album is pretty okay.

8. “Cab Rides and Cigarettes” by Alcoa

The solo project of Defeater frontman, Derek Archambault, Alcoa could be the love child of Death Cab for Cutie and The Menzingers. “Bone and Marrow” is such a seriously awesome release that I almost can’t handle it.

9. “Never Wanted Your Love” by She & Him

Because I still can’t get over how good M. Ward sounds with Zooey Deschanel

10. “I Will Steal You Back” by Jimmy Eat World

I don’t think I’ve ever made an actual, physical mixtape without a Jimmy Eat World song, and I am so excited to have some new material.

11. “Beverly Wyatt” by The World is a Beautiful Place and I am No Longer Afraid to Die

Despite the band’s sickeningly long name, The World is a Beautiful Place and I am No Longer Afraid to Die is probably one of the best new bands I’ve heard this year. I came across the band because it always seems to be grouped with one of my favorite new bands, Dads, and I was not disappointed in the least. This song is some of TWIABPAIANATD’s best work so far.