Best Of 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Best Of 2012
20. The xx - Coexist:
The xx's latest release isn't bad just not as engaging as their debut.
You have the dark and atmospheric sounds as before but more complex layers that
take additional listens to truly appreciate.
19. Dinosaur Jr - I Bet
On Sky: on their 3rd release since the return of the original members,
Dinosaur Jr craft songs full of loud guitars, 90s melodies and sub par J Mascis
vocals.
18. Beach House - Bloom: Lush,
intoxicating, ethereal are some words to describe the latest Beach House
release. Expertly crafted melodies engulf your mind, soothe and relax
your body.
17. Pet Shop Boys - Eyslium: A bit more
subdued and less dance friendly, the latest Pet Shop Boys release is great on
headphones or just relaxing as background music. Perfectly constructed
songs full of synth pop and soft vocals.
16. Kasey Chambers &
Shane Nicholson - Wreck & Ruin: On their 2nd release together Kasey
and Shane invoke the great duet sounds of Johnny Cash and June Carter. Tons of
banjos, fiddles, alternating vocals and bluegrass to keep your feet tapping.
15. Justin Townes Earle -
Nothing's Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now: Steve Earle's son
is out with another amazing record full of steel guitar, rough vocals, horns
and Hammond organs. Great Americana songwriting by Justin.
14. Soul Savers - The
Light The Dead Sea: This time out the British electronic duo enlisted
David Gahan to sing on their latest record. Multifaceted orchestration
and layers that blend perfectly with David's voice.
13. Beachwood Sparks -
The Tarnished Gold: 11 years later
Beachwood Sparks returns with a solid collection of Alt Country/Americana songs
that keep you engaged from start to finish.
12. Tamaryn - Tender New
Signs: This one took a number of listens before it sunk in. There are not
a ton of catchy hooks and toe tapping melodies just layers of fuzz, tender
vocals and shoegazing. One of my favorites this year for listening on
headphones.
11. Raveonettes - The
Observer: I haven't had a Raveonettes cd I have liked from start to
finish since their debut EP but this one has snapped the trend. Lots of
fuzzy guitar, wall of sound and hushed vocals.
10. Air - Le Voyage Dans
La Lune: Air's latest pays homage to the nighttime sky with vintage
samples of early astronomy. It is classic Air with lush atmospheric beats
and a wide array of sounds.
9. Grant Lee Phillips -
Walking In The Green Corn: Grant Lee's latest takes a few listen’s to
appreciate. The toe tapping melodies you are used to have been replaced
by somber and intimate songs with stripped down instruments.
8. The Lumineers - The
Lumineers: The Denver, CO three piece mix rustic Americana with simple
and infectious melodies that keep your toes tapping and wanting more.
7. Bob Mould - Silver
Age: On Bob's latest he doesn't shy away from loud guitars, a bit of anger
and personal reflection. These songs take you back to the mid 80's when Hüsker
Dü were rocking out and setting the bar for bands to follow.
6. Murder By Death -
Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon: On their 6th release, Murder by Death keep the
Gothic Americana/Rustic/Alt Country going with more songs about drinking and
storytelling.
5. Jon Spencer - Meat and
Bone: After an 7 year hiatus followed by a year of reunion shows, Jon
Spencer with original members return with a gritty, dirty, loud, brash, blues
explosion that any fan will welcome with open arms.
4. Tim Booth - Love Life:
Tim Booth of James fame quietly released his 3rd solo album this year to
little fan fare. While it wasn't big news Tim doesn't disappoint and
showcases his wide range of musical styles and clever lyrics.
3. Norah Jones - Little
Broken Hearts: Norah with the help of Danger Mouse released her best
album to date. Gone is the soft jazz, replaced by fuzzy melodies that
bury deep into your head.
2. 2:54 - 2:54: The
debut from the Thurlow sisters is a blend of Shoegaze, Brit Rock and
Psychedelia. Whispering vocals hover over sonic guitars and atmospheric
keyboards. One of the best 1st releases I have heard in years,
1. Mark Lanegan - Blues
Funeral: After 8 years and countless
collaborations with others Mark returns with another amazing solo record.
Mixing up styles, Mark adds textures and layers to his dark and brooding
work.
Honorable Mentions
Spiritualized
Cornershop
Paul Banks
Aimee
Mann
Andrew Bird
Kelly Hogan
Dodgy
The Tallest Man on Earth
Mimi Page
Posted by mardenhill 12/22/2012 09:42:00 PM 3 comments
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