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Best Of 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