In no order, but I kind of started with the ones that impressed me the most (hint, hint) first:
1) 'Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend! - Godspeed You! Black Emperor
This is an album that came out of left field at the start of October. It was their first record in ten years and It was an event to say the least and something I don't think anyone quite saw coming. I actually was planning to see them later that week, so it made that concert all the more special. It's been said many times before, but Godspeed were a band that came around at exactly the right time. They make music that isn't mean to be digested in one sitting, they make music that could literally score a movie. They were at the forefront of post-rock during the early 2000s and it's glad to have them back. I think whenever I am writing (which hasn't been lately as you could probably guess), they're a band I would want to have playing in the background. I don't think I heard a more compelling album this year without vocals (or with, for that matter).
2) Bloom - Beach House
I recall hearing Flying Lotus, an artist I quite enjoy, poke fun at this record, saying that it sounded typical of most dream pop bands out there. Now to a degree that may be true, but it also misses the point. There is a level of growth present here that never compromises the band's sound. It is an album full of lush noises and it has a certain vibrancy to it that a lot of other bands can't offer. Is there a more emotive vocalist out there than Victoria Legrand? Her singing is as expressive as you would hope for. I think this may be their best record yet, albeit does share sounds similar to their previous albums, but it boasts a confidence and richness they haven't yet explored. I saw them last year and it was a great a show as I could hope for.
3) >> - Beak>
Since Portishead make a record on average every 10 years, this is what we have to settle for. Now that may sound like an insult, but it is anything but. This is an album unlike anything I heard in 2012. Geoff Barrow seems to be stuck in 1971 and I hope he stays there, because frankly we need more music like this. It's no secret the man is a fan of krautrock and the band Can and it shows on full display here. From the eerie vocals to the repetitive but immaculate instrumentation, this is a collection of songs that offers a great deal with each listen. I had the luxury of seeing them in concert and while it may not be Portishead, it's most certainly the next best thing.
4) Love This Giant - David Byrne & St. Vincent
Talk about an unlikely duo...but of the best kind. David Byrne is apparently a real stickler when it comes to collaboration,basically, the guy doesn't just work with anybody. I also happen to be a fan of St. Vincent, so when I learned they were going to make a record together, I was ecstatic. However, I was also wondering what the hell it would sound like? The use of a brass band really makes this album stand out, not to mention sound unlike anything in contemporary pop music. Apparently it was St. Vincent's idea and bless her for it. While I am tempted to hear what stripped down versions of these songs would sound like, the textures the brass adds to them are worth savoring. I did get to see these two live and it was a killer show as you probably were guessing. I mean hearing Burning Down the House performed with a brass section? Are you fucking kidding me? Bring it on.
5) Shields - Grizzly Bear
This band rocks let me just say that loud and clear. I've loved their previous albums, so my expectations were pretty high, especially coming after Veckatimest. Luckily they knocked it out of the park on their fourth record and have continued to make fantastic music. The production on this album is stunning. Yes, it's true that they are one of those indie bands that most people have heard of, but who cares? I will always love em. Their sound continues to grow and the melodies....ahh the melodies, they are simply beautiful. "Yet Again" is one of my favorite songs of 2012 and if you haven't heard it yet, why on earth are you reading this blog? Go and download the damn thing now! Yes, that's right, I said download. Don't act like you buy music anymore. Ed Droste's delicate vocals shine all over this record and Daniel Rossen continues to amaze and develop as a songwriter. I finally got to see these guys at the 930 Club ast year and it was damn well worth the wait.
6) Lonerism - Tame Impala
Kevin Parker has gone back in time and is in stuck in the 60s and he's come back to show us what's been missing for the last couple of decades. It probably doesn't hurt that the guy sounds a lot like John Lennon as well. This record was a pretty anticipated one for me as I really enjoyed their first one and was anxious to see where they would go from there. This record does take a number elements of Innerspeaker, but it expands upon them and goes into some wonderful directions. Parker lives and breathes psychedelia and it shows all over this album. I've heard comparisons to The Flaming Lips, but I think this band is different enough and has its own individual style. I mean, come on, "Feels LIke We're Going Backwards" is seriously the catchiest thing I have heard all year and sadly you won't ever hear it on the radio. This band appears like they are on the verge of getting bigger and bigger and frankly they bloody well deserve it. I caught them this past week (don't ask me how I have money to see all these shows) and they killed it.
7) Negotiations - The Helio Sequence
Now this one was sort of difficult to digest. I say this because it's a pretty tough act to follow up Keep Your Eyes Ahead, since well, that thing was a goddamn masterpiece. It's one of my favorite records and was one of my favorites of the past decade, so I can't say it was an easy task, but for the most part, they fulfilled it. This album does share similarities with their last, it's got some epic choruses and a certain boldness to it. Brandon Summers aka the indie Edge (U2 joke), likes to play with his guitar effects and he does it to pretty damn good effect here. Songs like "Downward Spiral" and "Hall of Mirrors" are beautiful sonic soundscapes. I lucked out and was able to see this band perform at the Black Cat and it was a dream to see "The Captive Mind" performed right before my eyes. You'd be hard pressed to guess it's just two guys on the stage. Now that's impressive.
8) Blunderbuss - Jack White
In 2011, it was with great dismay that I learned The White Stripes had broken up. I can't say I was completely surprised, but it did hurt. I never had the chance to see them live and well that's always a bummer. But i was sort of curious as to what solo Jack White would sound like? It's no secret that The White Stripes are basically Jack White. He writes and sings just about everything, no offense to Meg, but she is basically a very famous, but likely well paid session musician. Anyway, this album kicks ass. Seriously, it's probably the first true great rock record of 2012, but Ty Segall has also got a claim on a few of those. "Sixteen Saltines" is the shit, I must've air guitared the hell out of this thing (yes, I still do those kind of things). White is no slouch when it comes to the guitar (or the drums for that matter). He's got two killer back up bands playing with him now and i got to see them both play with him at Lollapalooza. If he's got more records like this in him, he can go solo as long he pleases.
9) Slaughterhouse - Ty Segall Band
Apparently Ty Segall wanted to pull a Ryan Adams. He released three albums in 2012 and they were all awesome (unlike Ryan Adams). This guy, like Kevin Parker and Jack White is also stuck in another dimension, mostly the 70s. He loves some garage rock and protopunk and The Stooges, I would imagine would very much love the hell out of this thing. This records oozes vintage 70s guitar rock and it reminds us why that was a great decade for music. This man makes music that was being made 40 years ago and we need more of that frankly. It's also worth mentioning this guy puts on a fucking show, I mean, I don't think I've seen more crowd surfing (as dumb as I think it is) at a show in sometime. All of his records in 2012 were killer, but this one, after some serious air shredding, spoke to me the most.
10) Out of the Game - Rufus Wainwright
It seems Rufus wants you to dance....wait what? Enlisting producer Mark Ronson was a bold move and one that really payed off. I think Wainwright described this as his most "danceable" record to date and in many ways that's true. It definitely has a pop sensibility to it, not that his other records weren't catchy, but there's something here that makes you want to tap your foot all the more. "Out of the Game" is a great opener and one of my favorite tracks on the album. It features an irresistible riff that makes it one of the pop gems of the year. This man has certainly gotten more recognition of the year, but he's still not kicking Lady GaGa to the curb (not that she should be kicked to it). It was a real treat to see him live and damn can this man play the piano (albeit you probably could guess that if you've ever heard one of his records). Oh and what a voice.
Runners Up:
In Our Heads - Hot Chip
Heaven - The Walkmen
Pink - Four Tet
Synthetica - Metric
PBX Funicular Intaglio Zone - John Frusciante
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