This week we feature our favorites sounds of 2017

The end of the year is a slow time for record releases, so we're taking a week off from picking new tracks to feature on Birch Street Radio. Instead we're highlighting our favorite music from the past 12 months.

While 2017 was a troubled year for the world, it was a fine year for creativity. And while we're not going to try to rank the year's "best" albums or songs or artists, we're pretty happy with all the music we've added to our playlist in the course of the year.

Along with "stars" like U2, Beck, Arcade Fire, Van Morrison and Coldplay, we've been pleased to bring you emerging and indie artists like Avenhart, Banditos, Caroline Reese, Cayetana, Edgar Road, Gracie and Rachel, Great American Canyon Band, Lizzie No, Making Movies, Margaret Glaspy Michaela McClain, Paper City Exile, Pavey Ark, Shawna Caspi, Sorcha Richardson, The Defending Champions, The New Respects, The Right Now, Wyland and many, many more.

Birch Street Radio got its start almost five years ago, but 2017 was its biggest and best year so far. Thanks to our listeners around the world for tuning in to our unique blend of new and classic music from bands and singer-songwriters, rockers and folkies, major-label stars and indie artists. And thanks to all the musicians who give us such great sounds to share!