So since 2012 is long gone, I thought now's a great time to share our favourite releases from 2012. Besides, I'm pretty sure I've heard everything I wanted to.
RULES:
- "Top 10" is recommended. No more than that. You can do honourable mentions though.
- Only Albums, LPs and EPs. No single releases.
- Respect opinions.
Let's get sharing now.
10.
Christian Mistress - Possession
The perfect band to open for Black Sabbath. Welcome back music of the cult, I really missed you.
9.
First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar
A folk release from the Swedish duo that pulls you in for the stories. Accompanying with melodic string arrangements and country vocals, this is bliss in harmony.
8.
Agalloch - Faustian Echoes
Agalloch's latest EP is a standalone 21 minute epic track. Unlike their previous album, the two-part song brings a distinctive narrative to the structure; one that is covered with dark folklore. Furthermore, they prove once again why their guitarwork do the storytelling. A welcoming release no doubt.
7.
El-P - Cancer 4 Cure
Personally, 2012 changed how I looked at hip-hop. And I have to thank El-P for that. His lyrical content is just ingenious, and the self-production is mind-blowingly out of this world. How he brings in the jazzy vibe to the electronic equation is worthy of praise. Plus, in a perspective this is smart songwriting. An artist that is undoubtedly ahead of his time.
6.
Cloudkicker - Fade
Ben Sharp a.k.a Cloudkicker extends his discography to another stepping stone. He brings in more instrumentation and writes out some of the most compelling takes he's done. A revolting soundscape with loud drums, guitar and bass; all done by himself. Fans of post-rock are highly recommended to check this out.
5.
Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
Yep, more surprises to an already surprising year. I was left in loud approval when I first heard Pyramids. But what I did not expect was the album to be absolute diamonds. Each track delivers its own class to the next. Add to the mix an amazing delivery of soulful vocals. Hopefully this is the first coming of 21st Century R&B.
4.
Dinosaur Jr. - I Bet On Sky
Dinosaur Jr. should be a no-brainer. Being one of the best rock groups out of the 90's, these guys can still riff out great songs and are the living example of why age is irrelevant when it comes garage music. The reunion of the original lineup has left the band re-identified. Consequently, J Mascis treats us with some of the best guitar solos he's done. As obvious as it sounds, his influence is of legendary repute for me. And releasing I Bet On Sky solidifies more of their creative songwriting ability.
3.
Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city
HOLY SHIT - that's what I said after my first listen of the album. Masterfully well-done. This is how concept albums should be done. Plus, there's an organic feel to it that fits in so dramatically. Considering the number of popular producers this album has received, I must admit that Kendrick has naturally brought out the best of everyone. Sure it could sound all mainstream at first, but when you listen to this as a whole the focus is undeniably a come together of a hip-hop dream. It has most definitely changed my perception of modern hip-hop.
Deftones - Koi No Yokan
Deftones has a very special place in my music books. They have consistently outdone themselves with each new release, and this particular release is no different. A superb set of different moods and unsettling tension. And this is their new magnum opus. They have gone out and triumphed through a impressive showcase of skilled musicianship. Chino Moreno has technically never sounded this good before, a rejuvenation that has sparked more emotion into the band. Layers of swinging down-tuned riffs are paired with a wicked drum flow that chronically progresses into a display of sonic dynamics. It's like going through portals and dimensions. In their 24 year career ride, the band effortlessly carve out new textures that place them as one the best rock bands of this generation.
1.
Baroness - Yellow & Green
I really don't have much to say for this. This is my most played album from the last year. Eula is still my Song of the Year. I've said a lot in my review about it. But ofcourse, instead of saying that's it my summer album, it actually is my AOTY for 2012.
RULES:
- "Top 10" is recommended. No more than that. You can do honourable mentions though.
- Only Albums, LPs and EPs. No single releases.
- Respect opinions.
Let's get sharing now.
10.
Christian Mistress - Possession
The perfect band to open for Black Sabbath. Welcome back music of the cult, I really missed you.
9.
First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar
A folk release from the Swedish duo that pulls you in for the stories. Accompanying with melodic string arrangements and country vocals, this is bliss in harmony.
8.
Agalloch - Faustian Echoes
Agalloch's latest EP is a standalone 21 minute epic track. Unlike their previous album, the two-part song brings a distinctive narrative to the structure; one that is covered with dark folklore. Furthermore, they prove once again why their guitarwork do the storytelling. A welcoming release no doubt.
7.
El-P - Cancer 4 Cure
Personally, 2012 changed how I looked at hip-hop. And I have to thank El-P for that. His lyrical content is just ingenious, and the self-production is mind-blowingly out of this world. How he brings in the jazzy vibe to the electronic equation is worthy of praise. Plus, in a perspective this is smart songwriting. An artist that is undoubtedly ahead of his time.
6.
Cloudkicker - Fade
Ben Sharp a.k.a Cloudkicker extends his discography to another stepping stone. He brings in more instrumentation and writes out some of the most compelling takes he's done. A revolting soundscape with loud drums, guitar and bass; all done by himself. Fans of post-rock are highly recommended to check this out.
5.
Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
Yep, more surprises to an already surprising year. I was left in loud approval when I first heard Pyramids. But what I did not expect was the album to be absolute diamonds. Each track delivers its own class to the next. Add to the mix an amazing delivery of soulful vocals. Hopefully this is the first coming of 21st Century R&B.
4.
Dinosaur Jr. - I Bet On Sky
Dinosaur Jr. should be a no-brainer. Being one of the best rock groups out of the 90's, these guys can still riff out great songs and are the living example of why age is irrelevant when it comes garage music. The reunion of the original lineup has left the band re-identified. Consequently, J Mascis treats us with some of the best guitar solos he's done. As obvious as it sounds, his influence is of legendary repute for me. And releasing I Bet On Sky solidifies more of their creative songwriting ability.
3.
Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city
HOLY SHIT - that's what I said after my first listen of the album. Masterfully well-done. This is how concept albums should be done. Plus, there's an organic feel to it that fits in so dramatically. Considering the number of popular producers this album has received, I must admit that Kendrick has naturally brought out the best of everyone. Sure it could sound all mainstream at first, but when you listen to this as a whole the focus is undeniably a come together of a hip-hop dream. It has most definitely changed my perception of modern hip-hop.
2.
Deftones - Koi No Yokan
Deftones has a very special place in my music books. They have consistently outdone themselves with each new release, and this particular release is no different. A superb set of different moods and unsettling tension. And this is their new magnum opus. They have gone out and triumphed through a impressive showcase of skilled musicianship. Chino Moreno has technically never sounded this good before, a rejuvenation that has sparked more emotion into the band. Layers of swinging down-tuned riffs are paired with a wicked drum flow that chronically progresses into a display of sonic dynamics. It's like going through portals and dimensions. In their 24 year career ride, the band effortlessly carve out new textures that place them as one the best rock bands of this generation.
1.
Baroness - Yellow & Green
I really don't have much to say for this. This is my most played album from the last year. Eula is still my Song of the Year. I've said a lot in my review about it. But ofcourse, instead of saying that's it my summer album, it actually is my AOTY for 2012.
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