adlo
30th December 2012, 08:19 PM
AndyP has started a thread like this in previous years, I was doing this for elsewhere and thought I would post in here. I know my music tastes vary greatly to most in here, but what the hell, maybe Eldrick will find a few new tunes.
2012 was a strange year. A heap of solid albums, but very few standouts and nothing in the league of my faves from the past 2 years. The most raved about albums were very underwhelming for me, namely Frank Ocean: Channel Orange and Kendrick Lamaar: Good Kid, mAAd City. To a lesser extent the same could be said about Tame Impala: Lonerism and Jack White with his typically hit and miss affair Blunderbuss.
Making this list has made me realise how many good quality albums were released. Yes, I listen to a stupid amount of new music but my job calls for it and this would represent a quarter of new music I listened to this year.
My top ten:
1. Grizzly Bear: Shields
Huge expectations for this album after their previous album Veckatimist as well as the excellent quality of Daniel Rossens solo EP that was released early in the year consisting of tracks that didn't make the cut for the new Grizzly album. So much more noise and power compared with previous albums which translated very well as a live performance. For me, alongside The National, Grizzly Bear would be the stand out Indie band in the world right now.
Tracks: Half Gate, Sleeping Ute
2. Andrew Bird: Break It Yourself
This album was such a grower. Ethereal, very moody. Arguably his best album in a very strong discography. Bird admits to not showering or eating for days on end when the creative process takes over, he gets so lost playing his violin.
Tracks: Orpheo Looks Book, Lusitania (beautiful St Vincent guest spot), Desperation Breeds..
3. Port St Willow: Holiday
Another huge grower. A long time collaborator with The Antlers, another favourite band of mine, this album took many listens to grasp. Great moody, falsetto vocals.
Tracks: Amawalk, Consumed
4. Efterklang: Piramida
Such a lush, beautifully orchestrated album. Based on time spent in an abandoned Arctic mining town, the band collected samples and those samples show up in this near perfect album.
Tracks: Black Summer (or pretty much any track)
5. Walkmen: Heaven
Had a few tracks been left of this long LP (13 tracks) it would have been close(r) to my favourite album of the year. This is an incredibly consistent band releasing possibly their best album to date. The rockier tracks on this album make you happy to be alive.
Tracks: Song For Leigh, The Love You Love, Heaven
6. Burial: Kindred/Truant EPs
King of ambient 2-step/dubstep, these are the most ambitious and dense tracks from Burial and they are bliss.
7. Antlers: Undersea EP
This is another atmospheric chill out indie marvel and came on the back of last years excellent LP, Burst Apart. This EP has a very distinct vibe, perfectly summarised by its title Undersea.
Track: Crest
8. Daniel Rossen: Silent Hour/Golden Mile EP
As previously mentioned, this EP whet the appetite for the Grizzly Bear LP beyond belief. Without the full band, these tracks are presented with a little less layering and density. The results are great.
Tracks: Return To Form, Saint Nothing
9. Sharon Van Etten: Tramp
The best singer/songwriter album of the year for me. Great lyrics delivered with authenticity. Detailing a prolonged break up, it isn't always a comfortable listen. Excellent spots from Matt Berninger (The National) and Zach Congdon (Beirut).
Tracks: Magic Chords, Leonard
10. The XX: Coexist
This is a worthy follow up to their debut. Initially a little underwhelming, after repeated listens I felt this album has more density and conviction than the debut.
Tracks: Unfold, Chained
The next 10...
11. Antibalas: Antibalas
Undoubtedly the modern day kings of afro-beat, Fela Kuti himself would find the grooves on this album irresistible.
Tracks: Dirty Money, Him Belly No Go Sweet
12. Alabama Shakes: Boys and Girls
A great take on southern rock with awesome female soul vocals.
Tracks: Hang Loose, Hold On
13. Anais Mitchell: Young Man In America
Her second folk masterpiece in a row. One of the most underrated artists out there right now.
Track: Coming Down
14. JBM: Stray Ashes
A real sleeper in the singer/songwriter field.
Tracks: Thames, Winter Ghosts
15. Band of Skulls: Sweet Sour
Fun rock from young Brighton trio. Good riffs and nice use of dual vocalists.
Tracks: Devil Takes Care Of His Own, Lies, You're Not Pretty..
16. The Amazing: Gentle Stream
Swedish psychedelic rock, what's not to like?
Track: Gone
17. Angus Stone: Broken Brights
No idea if this was as well received as his work with his sister, but it should be. Far exceeds it in my opinion.
Tracks: End Of The World, It Was Blue
18. Here We Go Magic: A Different Ship
Nigel Goderich helped these guys produce an excellent indie album.
Tracks: Make Up Your Mind, How Do I Know, Over The Ocean
19. Alt-j: An Awesome Wave
A good album but a little overrated by most IMO, highlighting the lack of any true indie greatness in 2012.
20. Meshell Ndegeocello: A Dedication to Nina Simone
One of my favourite female artists covering her favourite tracks by another of my favourite female artists, a recipe for success. Album only hurt by some average guest vocals (at the insistence of the record label). Meshell solo tracks are awesome.
Tracks: Four Women, See Line Woman
The next 10...
21. Glen Hansard: Rhythm and Repose
Another solid effort by The Frames frontman. Similar vibe to Swell Season but benefits from Hansard flying solo. Vocals reminiscent of Cat Stevens.
Track: What Are We Gonna Do
22. Calexico: Algiers
These guys produce consistent central American inspired desert style country blues. Great ambience. An underrated gem.
Tracks: Sinner In The Sea, Maybe on Monday
23. Chris Robinson Brotherhood: Big Moon Ritual
Nice psychedelic southern blues-rock from the ex Black Crowes frontman. The companion album also released this year, The Magic Door is equally good.
Tracks: Star or Stone, Beware Oh Take Care
24. Tallest Man On Earth: There's No Leaving Now
A weaker effort than The Wild Hunt but another consistently good album from one of the best singer songwriters in the game.
Track: Wind and Walls
25. Balthazar: Rats
This albums vibe is so chilled. Belgian indie pop, deserves more attention.
Track: Sinking Ship
26. Clubroot: III - MMXII
Ambient dubstep, excellent beats to chill.
Tracks: Summons, Demon Drum
27. DIIV: Oshin
Lets go surfing. Great jangly surf rock, instrumental tracks are the standouts.
Tracks: Druun pt. 1 & 2, Air Conditioning
28. Damien Jurado: Maraqopa
Singer songwriter from Seattle, fans of Damien Rice or Father John Misty should enjoy this.
Tracks: Maraqopa, Everyone A Star
29. Ultraista: Ultraista
Nigel Goderichs side project with Atoms For Peace drumer, nice looping drums and dancey female vocals.
Track: Smalltalk
30. John Mayer: Born and Raised
Gave this a token listen based on my like for Mayers blues era tunes and dismissed it a little too quickly. Revisited to find this album has some great Mayer melodies in some americana tinged singer songwriter tunes. The guy is a douche but he sure has a knack for melody.
Tracks: If I Ever Get Around To Living, The Age of Worry
It keeps going...
Sheepdogs: Sheepdogs (Southern riff Rock)
Bahamas: Barchords
Sigur Ros: Valtari
Volor Flex: My Story
Elbow: Dead In The Boot (Quality B sides that would make most bands weep)
Cat Power: Sun
Gummy Soul: Bizarre Tribe- A Quest To The Pharcyde (Great hip-hop mash up of two of the great 90s hip-hop bands)
Fiona Apple: The Idler Wheel...
Lord Huron: Lonesome Dreams (Poor mans Fleet Foxes without the dense harmonies)
Bobby Womack: The Bravest Man in the Universe (Great comeback album with excellent modern production/beats)
Dr John: Locked Down (New Orleans funk jazz with Dan Auerbachs blues rock touch on production)
David Byrne & St Vincent: Love This Giant (Great tracks are as good as it gets, shame the album only had 3 of those)
Oddisee: People See What They Hear (Very promising new hip hop producer)
Helio Sequence: Negotiations
Divine Fits: A Thing Called Divine Fits
DJ Burn One: Where There's Smoke
Desolate: Celestial Light Beings
The Shins: Port of Morrow
THEESatisfaction: awE naturalE
Shearwater: Animal Joy
Sugarman 3: What The World Needs Now (Hammond Organ driven soul music, epic grooves)
2012 was a strange year. A heap of solid albums, but very few standouts and nothing in the league of my faves from the past 2 years. The most raved about albums were very underwhelming for me, namely Frank Ocean: Channel Orange and Kendrick Lamaar: Good Kid, mAAd City. To a lesser extent the same could be said about Tame Impala: Lonerism and Jack White with his typically hit and miss affair Blunderbuss.
Making this list has made me realise how many good quality albums were released. Yes, I listen to a stupid amount of new music but my job calls for it and this would represent a quarter of new music I listened to this year.
My top ten:
1. Grizzly Bear: Shields
Huge expectations for this album after their previous album Veckatimist as well as the excellent quality of Daniel Rossens solo EP that was released early in the year consisting of tracks that didn't make the cut for the new Grizzly album. So much more noise and power compared with previous albums which translated very well as a live performance. For me, alongside The National, Grizzly Bear would be the stand out Indie band in the world right now.
Tracks: Half Gate, Sleeping Ute
2. Andrew Bird: Break It Yourself
This album was such a grower. Ethereal, very moody. Arguably his best album in a very strong discography. Bird admits to not showering or eating for days on end when the creative process takes over, he gets so lost playing his violin.
Tracks: Orpheo Looks Book, Lusitania (beautiful St Vincent guest spot), Desperation Breeds..
3. Port St Willow: Holiday
Another huge grower. A long time collaborator with The Antlers, another favourite band of mine, this album took many listens to grasp. Great moody, falsetto vocals.
Tracks: Amawalk, Consumed
4. Efterklang: Piramida
Such a lush, beautifully orchestrated album. Based on time spent in an abandoned Arctic mining town, the band collected samples and those samples show up in this near perfect album.
Tracks: Black Summer (or pretty much any track)
5. Walkmen: Heaven
Had a few tracks been left of this long LP (13 tracks) it would have been close(r) to my favourite album of the year. This is an incredibly consistent band releasing possibly their best album to date. The rockier tracks on this album make you happy to be alive.
Tracks: Song For Leigh, The Love You Love, Heaven
6. Burial: Kindred/Truant EPs
King of ambient 2-step/dubstep, these are the most ambitious and dense tracks from Burial and they are bliss.
7. Antlers: Undersea EP
This is another atmospheric chill out indie marvel and came on the back of last years excellent LP, Burst Apart. This EP has a very distinct vibe, perfectly summarised by its title Undersea.
Track: Crest
8. Daniel Rossen: Silent Hour/Golden Mile EP
As previously mentioned, this EP whet the appetite for the Grizzly Bear LP beyond belief. Without the full band, these tracks are presented with a little less layering and density. The results are great.
Tracks: Return To Form, Saint Nothing
9. Sharon Van Etten: Tramp
The best singer/songwriter album of the year for me. Great lyrics delivered with authenticity. Detailing a prolonged break up, it isn't always a comfortable listen. Excellent spots from Matt Berninger (The National) and Zach Congdon (Beirut).
Tracks: Magic Chords, Leonard
10. The XX: Coexist
This is a worthy follow up to their debut. Initially a little underwhelming, after repeated listens I felt this album has more density and conviction than the debut.
Tracks: Unfold, Chained
The next 10...
11. Antibalas: Antibalas
Undoubtedly the modern day kings of afro-beat, Fela Kuti himself would find the grooves on this album irresistible.
Tracks: Dirty Money, Him Belly No Go Sweet
12. Alabama Shakes: Boys and Girls
A great take on southern rock with awesome female soul vocals.
Tracks: Hang Loose, Hold On
13. Anais Mitchell: Young Man In America
Her second folk masterpiece in a row. One of the most underrated artists out there right now.
Track: Coming Down
14. JBM: Stray Ashes
A real sleeper in the singer/songwriter field.
Tracks: Thames, Winter Ghosts
15. Band of Skulls: Sweet Sour
Fun rock from young Brighton trio. Good riffs and nice use of dual vocalists.
Tracks: Devil Takes Care Of His Own, Lies, You're Not Pretty..
16. The Amazing: Gentle Stream
Swedish psychedelic rock, what's not to like?
Track: Gone
17. Angus Stone: Broken Brights
No idea if this was as well received as his work with his sister, but it should be. Far exceeds it in my opinion.
Tracks: End Of The World, It Was Blue
18. Here We Go Magic: A Different Ship
Nigel Goderich helped these guys produce an excellent indie album.
Tracks: Make Up Your Mind, How Do I Know, Over The Ocean
19. Alt-j: An Awesome Wave
A good album but a little overrated by most IMO, highlighting the lack of any true indie greatness in 2012.
20. Meshell Ndegeocello: A Dedication to Nina Simone
One of my favourite female artists covering her favourite tracks by another of my favourite female artists, a recipe for success. Album only hurt by some average guest vocals (at the insistence of the record label). Meshell solo tracks are awesome.
Tracks: Four Women, See Line Woman
The next 10...
21. Glen Hansard: Rhythm and Repose
Another solid effort by The Frames frontman. Similar vibe to Swell Season but benefits from Hansard flying solo. Vocals reminiscent of Cat Stevens.
Track: What Are We Gonna Do
22. Calexico: Algiers
These guys produce consistent central American inspired desert style country blues. Great ambience. An underrated gem.
Tracks: Sinner In The Sea, Maybe on Monday
23. Chris Robinson Brotherhood: Big Moon Ritual
Nice psychedelic southern blues-rock from the ex Black Crowes frontman. The companion album also released this year, The Magic Door is equally good.
Tracks: Star or Stone, Beware Oh Take Care
24. Tallest Man On Earth: There's No Leaving Now
A weaker effort than The Wild Hunt but another consistently good album from one of the best singer songwriters in the game.
Track: Wind and Walls
25. Balthazar: Rats
This albums vibe is so chilled. Belgian indie pop, deserves more attention.
Track: Sinking Ship
26. Clubroot: III - MMXII
Ambient dubstep, excellent beats to chill.
Tracks: Summons, Demon Drum
27. DIIV: Oshin
Lets go surfing. Great jangly surf rock, instrumental tracks are the standouts.
Tracks: Druun pt. 1 & 2, Air Conditioning
28. Damien Jurado: Maraqopa
Singer songwriter from Seattle, fans of Damien Rice or Father John Misty should enjoy this.
Tracks: Maraqopa, Everyone A Star
29. Ultraista: Ultraista
Nigel Goderichs side project with Atoms For Peace drumer, nice looping drums and dancey female vocals.
Track: Smalltalk
30. John Mayer: Born and Raised
Gave this a token listen based on my like for Mayers blues era tunes and dismissed it a little too quickly. Revisited to find this album has some great Mayer melodies in some americana tinged singer songwriter tunes. The guy is a douche but he sure has a knack for melody.
Tracks: If I Ever Get Around To Living, The Age of Worry
It keeps going...
Sheepdogs: Sheepdogs (Southern riff Rock)
Bahamas: Barchords
Sigur Ros: Valtari
Volor Flex: My Story
Elbow: Dead In The Boot (Quality B sides that would make most bands weep)
Cat Power: Sun
Gummy Soul: Bizarre Tribe- A Quest To The Pharcyde (Great hip-hop mash up of two of the great 90s hip-hop bands)
Fiona Apple: The Idler Wheel...
Lord Huron: Lonesome Dreams (Poor mans Fleet Foxes without the dense harmonies)
Bobby Womack: The Bravest Man in the Universe (Great comeback album with excellent modern production/beats)
Dr John: Locked Down (New Orleans funk jazz with Dan Auerbachs blues rock touch on production)
David Byrne & St Vincent: Love This Giant (Great tracks are as good as it gets, shame the album only had 3 of those)
Oddisee: People See What They Hear (Very promising new hip hop producer)
Helio Sequence: Negotiations
Divine Fits: A Thing Called Divine Fits
DJ Burn One: Where There's Smoke
Desolate: Celestial Light Beings
The Shins: Port of Morrow
THEESatisfaction: awE naturalE
Shearwater: Animal Joy
Sugarman 3: What The World Needs Now (Hammond Organ driven soul music, epic grooves)