As 2012 winds down, it’s time for newspapers, news programs, websites and overly passionate bloggers to start writing their “Best of 2012” lists. My taste in music is often described as different — or hipster — by friends and family, so in that spirit here is my top eight (because 10 is too mainstream) list of best albums for the year 2012.
1. Godspeed You! Black Emperor – “Allelujah! Don’t Bend! Ascend!” Few bands return after an ‘indefinite hiatus,’ but GY!BE returned to put out their best album yet. This album is by far not only their best but also the best album this year. This album features the post-rock/ambient/found sound that GY!BE has become known for. The mixing of songs like “We Drifted Like Worried Fire,” which sounds akin to what they were playing 10 years ago, with “Their Helicopters’ Sing” — a progressive track that sounds like nothing done before — this album is not only one of a kind, but also the best of the year.
2. Mumford and Sons – “Babel” Mumford and Sons returned this year, and while some bands that have had the hype they did on the first album often return in mediocrity, “Sophomore Slump” “Babel” is far from it. This album has reached international acclaim and really shows off the indie folk style that has made Mumford and Sons famous. The title track “Babel” is a fine example of what makes this band special, and how they stand out from a lot of repetitive music getting radio play nowadays.
3. fun. – “Some Nights” Originally I had ignored fun. Being a fan of lead singer Nate Ruess’ earlier band, The Format, I was worried. This is a catchy and clever album, and really a pleasant surprise. While songs like “Some Nights,” — which received an incredible amount of radio play are delightful, it’s other gems like “Why am I the One” that are what put this album in the top list.
4. Andrew Bird — “Hands of Glory” Classically trained musician Bird is back again with his most ambitious album yet, “Hands of Glory.” This album stretches from creepy ghost-like sounds, to more folk oriented sounds with a cowboy twang. Bird’s cover of “Railroad Bill” breathes light in to a traditional song and gives it a new life the way that all covers hopefully should. Cover songs aside, Bird’s self-written work, such as“Spirograph,”also cause this album to shine.
5. Fiona Apple — “The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do” Back in 1996, Apple came on to the music scene with tracks like “Criminal” and “Shadow Boxer” and since then despite making two other CDs really hasn’t shined until her newest release “The Idler.” Forget everything going on about Apple in the media — drug busts and canceling concerts because her dog died. Her album is incredibly sharp and amazing.
6. Frank Ocean — “Channel Orange” Relative newcomer to the world of music, Ocean is quickly becoming a big name in the world of R&B. “Channel Orange” is a phenomenal album. The lyrical content is fresh and exciting and Ocean is picking up a lot of buzz from other hip-hop artists. What makes this album of the year material are tracks like “Sierra Leone” and “Pyramids.” These powerful tracks feature amazing lyrical content and an impressive beat.
7. Deftones — “Koi No Yokan” Heavy hitters of the Nu-Metal trend so prominent in the late ‘90s to early ‘00s and then largely forgotten, Deftones have returned with their best album in 12 years. This album features a full range of sound, and is really a breath of fresh air to the stale alternative metal that is being put out by most bands. Heavy hitters like “Rosemary” — reaching almost seven minutes in length — are what make this album shine. They sound new and fresh coming from a band that has been together for 24 years.
8. Grizzly Bear — “Shields” Grizzly Bear’s fourth album “Shields” shows what it means for a band to grow and progress. The band has grown out of the adolescent stage and into a full-fledged adult. The album has countless little moments that make it special, and on a lyrical level the tracks offer a deep conversation with the listener. “Sleeping Ute” is an amazing track that might seem like it is about failed relationships, but on a second listen feels like it might be about even more.
Honorable Mention:
Sufjan Stevens — “Gold and Silver.” Every holiday season a few performers write a few new holiday songs, record a few that are in public domain and then release it just in time for the season. Although it doesn’t feel like album of the year material given that it is a Christmas CD. What make’s Stevens’ project, “Gold and Silver,” stand out is the fact that it is a massive five-CD box set featuring multiple new recordings and classics re-recorded. The box set also includes stickers, temporary tattoos and paper ornaments — some assembly required.
http://www.westerncourier.com/the_edge/top-albums-of-the-year/article_8e15df54-3f05-11e2-b8c2-0019bb30f31a.html
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