There was a lot of great stuff this past year, for me in no particular order...

I'd say Southwire managed to meet my expectation, which was high.
Low had some very good songs on their album, in some ways I liked the stripped down EP that was co-released a little more.

Broke Heart Songs from Dave Mehling is pretty lovely.
The sheer amount of stuff Zac Bentz throws out 
 is a double-edged sword, I like a lot of it, but it 
makes it hard (for me) to get to know all of it 
well, but ...So We Burn (released as the 
Electric Witch) is definitely worth your time.

Two other releases from that general direction, If 
Thousands released For which is almost 
perfect for this time of year, and while you 
probably can't get it anymore Microphone 
Obscura from Tim Kaiser is always worth the
 time and attention.

I also really liked Out West by Next of 
Kin/Sonja and The Reckoning. I'd go as far to say 
this is likely the most underrated unknown 
album of the year.

Cars & Trucks Theater Stardusk is probably the best flat-out rock and roll album.

Some good singles this year, Shaunna Heckman, 
Low, Hannah Rey, Wino, WI.

Others worth mentioning:
Horse & Rider
Ryan Van Slooten
Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank
Snobarn