I can’t believe that 2012 has come and nearly gone already! It feels just like yesterday when I was sitting right here in my living room drafting my Best Of 2011 – They Went To Eleven post… but I suppose it was quite a few yesterdays ago! Anyway, here is my list for 2012 (in no particular order)… man, what a great year in music!
Good Old War – Come Back As Rain
Not only is this album one of the very best things to happen to my ears this year, their show was one of the best of the year as well. These guys just keep getting better and better and I can’t wait to see them play again!
Paper Route – The Peace Of Wild Things
I’ve waited for what felt like many years for this album to come out and it did not disappoint. And the cherry on top is that I actually got to see them perform live this year as well. They’re an incredibly talented band I hope their next album isn’t long in coming!
First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar
This Swedish sister duo have always impressed me but this album atoll them off of my “bands to watch” list and firmly secured them a spot on my iPod. Reminiscent of Jefferson Airplane and featuring some incredibly beautiful melodies and harmonies. Listen ASAP if your haven’t already.
Milo Greene – Self Titled
I’ll be honest in saying that I only discovered this band this week via a friend but I have no hesitations with including them here! They’re similar to Local Natives and Of Monsters And Men but I think they’re better!
Sucre – A Minor Bird
Yes, yes I know I may be biased but I truly believe this is one if the best albums of the year. Amazing vocals and instrumentation and an ethereal vibe I just couldn’t be more in love with this album! Plus, if iTunes thinks it’s good enough to use in all of their new iPod ads then it’s probably worth checking out!
Imagine Dragons – Night Visions
Yeah, I know they’re all over the radio and they’re on almost every movie preview this year… But given how much I listen to their album it would be hypocritical for me not to include them on this list.
MoZella – The Brian Holland Sessions
I’ve never been a huge fan of hers but this album with it’s old timey feel and fantastic production won me over. Check it out if you haven’t done so already!
The Shins – The Port Of Morrow
While I’ve listened to The Shins for many years, through their good times and their “we’re breaking up, oh wait just kidding” times I don’t know that I’ve ever put any of their albums on a best of the year list. They’re such a chill band that they often get forgotten about but with the new band member line up they apparently have struck some sort of perfect musical equilibrium because the album is fantastic through and through.
James Vincent McMorrow – Early In The Morning
Very Bon Iver but very very good… it takes talent to pull this style off and James Vincent certainly deserves some props.
Lincoln Durham – The Shovel vs. The Howling Bones
This album is like nothing else on this list… it’s gritty and raw and utterly amazing. He’s on my must see live in 2013 list for sure!
Notable EP’s
I don’t usually list EP’s in my top album lists but these two were so good that I had to include them!
Ben Howard – The Burgh Island EP
I admit that Ben Howard could fart into a microphone and I would most likely buy it and tell you to do the same… but believe me when I say that this EP is far better than recorded flatulents.
Andrew Belle – The Daylight EP
The same goes for Mr. Belle here… I would love just about anything he does. But regardless of that this EP is certainly worth your time and money.
Thank the Good Lord for good music… it makes a rainy Tuesday full of work, exercise, and school a little more bearable. 2013 is going remarkably well though… I hope the same is true for all of you!
