9. The Wild Youth by Daughter (2012)

These days, Daughter is most popular for their super depressing cover of Daft Punk's "Get Lucky," but before that they released one of the most truism-filled EPs of 2012. The Wild Youth is endlessly quotable, striking millenial nerves at every turn—lead singer Elena Tonra was born in 1990—without completely tying itself to that generation or its way of life. Penultimate track "Youth" always gets to me. 

8. Please Clap Your Hands by The Bird and the Bee (2007)

In their nearly decade-long career (!), Anglo-American band The Bird and the Bee (a.k.a. singer Inara George and in-demand producer Greg Kurstin) have released two LPs of original material and an entire album of Hall & Oates covers, but I've always thought the hidden gems were on their many, many EPs. Of particular note are "Man" and "The Races" from this EP. And don't forget the excellent cover of The Bee Gees' "How Deep Is Your Love" that neatly and lovingly ties things off. 

7. EP 1 by FKA Twigs (2012)

I know. Most people think EP 2 is where it's at, but when I think of how much better "Hide" is than almost any other song I've heard in the past two years, I can't help but give my praise to EP 1. If you don't believe me, watch FKA Twigs, the artist formerly known as just Twigs, perform the song in a cave in Mexico this past winter and then you can tell me you don't agree. 

6. Vampires With Dreaming Kids by Twin Sister (2008)

Most of the music world was introduced to Twin Sister through their Color Your Life - EP, which boasts the hazy "Lady Daydream," but Twin Sister was putting out irresponsibly saccharine songs as far back as 2008 and Vampires With Dreaming Kids is their best. I'm especially drawn to the charming ode to domesticity, "I Want A House." 

5. Small Sound by Tennis (2013)

It's not terribly often that an established band releases a great EP in the middle of their career (established bands tend to rely on singles and their fandom to sell the next album), but such is the case with Tennis who released Small Sound between 2012's Young and Old and Ritual In Repeat, released this week. Small Sound is a revelation. Upbeat, but measured and filled with enough catchy hooks to merit repeat listenings. In fact, Track #2, "Timothy," was so strong that it made it onto Ritual.

4. Sun Giant by Fleet Foxes (2008)

Fleet Foxes are one of those bands that you always want more from, not knowing that they're always giving you only as much as you need. Such is the case with the wonderfully well-balanced Sun Giant, which is at turns serene and replete with conflict. It's also the home of Fleet Foxes' most popular tune to date, "Mykonos." So, in a way, they've never been able to do better than that song—not that I agree with that conclusion. 

3. King Krule by King Krule (2011)

Duh. Everyone knows that this is the EP that not only put King Krule on the critically-acclaimed map, but also held fans like myself over until the release two years later of 6 Feet Beneath The Moon. Most tend to gravitate toward album closer "The Noose of Jah City," which is admittedly unforgettable, but I've always felt an intense connection to "Portrait in Black and Blue." Spastic gyrations...

2. Pure Bathing Culture by Pure Bathing Culture (2012)

If Pure Bathing Culture were to say that their musical style was informed by the music of the late Luther Vandross, I would not be surprised. Their unique mixture of 80s easy listening meets tropicalia meets dream pop just works and that's most apparent on their short but infinitely sweet debut EP. Closing number "Gainesville" is especially poignant and always reminds me of the fall. 

1. Cotton Jones Basket Ride by Cotton Jones (2007)