The process of compiling my annual list of the year’s best albums rarely varies. It usually begins in mid-November with a combination of notetaking and mental obsessing. Then over Thanksgiving weekend I begin putting ideas into various categories that I couldn’t even try to explain. Finally, the first couple of weeks of December sees this list finally coming together.

As you may expect, that initial list is much longer than the official post of the best of the year. There can be anywhere between 60 and 100 records vying for inclusion. This week’s show comprises the 31 records that were in consideration before that final cut.

But that’s not to say that these records are not as good as my “chart toppers”. No, these days there’s a fine line between a what makes the top ten and what makes the lower rungs. All of these records are fabulous albums that deserve to be heard by everybody. This is why the first time ever I’ve put together this “runners up” episode. 

I would love it if every listener bought at least one record I played on either of these shows. These great artists deserve to be compensated for their hard work, and every purchase surely helps not only pay their bills but fund their next set of wonderful songs. And if you buy these records directly from the artist or label, please let them know you heard these tunes on The Ledge! Let them know who is giving them promotion!

For more information, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com