Every year I identify gold star releases -- those essential albums from the last year or so that would enhance any traditional music lover's collection.

This year's gold star selection process was full of surprises. A few of the albums that I felt strongly about at the time of their releases didn't thrill when I went back to them, and I found a few albums that grew on me to the point that they demanded featuring as gold star. Plus, a collection of albums that I picked up in London late in 2011 crept in as contenders as well.

In the end, this morning's broadcast features double-tracks from the top gold stars that were hands-down winners. It also features single tracks from the surprise winners. I'm also including a few cuts from the "Also Outstanding" category too.

The full list of my 2011 Gold Stars: Litha, Genticorum, Spiers/Boden, Ewan McLennan, Jim Moray, Cecil Sharp Project, Tabor/Oysterband, John Kirkpatrick, Martin Simpson, McElvogue/Kerr. Runners up: Julie Fowlis, Iarla Ó Lionáird, T with the Maggies, Mánrán.

For a full list, including Gord's picks, check out www.musicfromtheglen.ca in the coming days.