My friends, this is the time of year when the new release calendar dries up, artists start taking breaks for the holidays, and the music industry in America (along with most of the rest of the world) shuts down for a few weeks. It’s also usually the time when I look at the list of albums for the year and have no good answers to the question of what takes the spot for my number one. 2012 was harder than any of the previous years since 2008, because I did not have any clear choice as to what my top album would be. However, I finally figured it out, and it is….something that you’ll have to wait to read about. Sorry, folks, but this year, I am actually submitting my top albums list on time (unlike last year). My list will go up in the queue whenever it can be fit in, so you’ll just have to wait.

In the meantime, feel free to indulge in today’s very short list of new releases, and share your feelings on what the best albums of the year were for you.

Chevelle, Stray Arrows – A Collection of Favorites (Epic)

After over 15 years together as a band, Chevelle is finally releasing their first greatest hits album, and although Stray Arrows carries the subtext A Collection of Favorites, don’t let that mislead you into thinking this isn’t a greatest hits collection. Of the eleven tracks culled from Chevelle’s discography for this release, only “Sleep Apnea” and “The Meddler” were not previously released as singles from any of the band’s six full-lengths. However, that should not discourage you from buying the disc – all of the older tracks are newly remastered, even those taken from 2011’s Hats Off to the Bull. On top of that, there is also a new track entitled “Fizgig” that closes out the album. So in the end, even if it is a collection of singles that you might already know, it’s still a great collection with some nice additions to keep you interested. Besides, the holidays are coming up – this is the best option you have to get someone to listen to this band, if they’re willing.

Also being released this week:

Mogwai, A Wrenched Virile Lore (Sub Pop)

My Heart to Fear, Lost Between Brilliance and Insanity (Solid State)

Alexisonfire, Death Letter EP (Dine Alone)

Next Week: In another week of very few releases, a new DVD from Metallica leads the way. Keep an eye out for that one!