I love music. Among being a Junkie for many things, I am a music junkie. The year 2012 saw some very encouraging new bands hit the scene and some older bands continue to demonstrate why they are the best at what they do. There were a ton of new albums this year and here is my list, with some samples, of what I think are the best of 2012.
Probably the most diverse album that Springsteen has ever put out, which is saying alot, his 2012 album Wrecking Ball is one of if not the best new album of 2012. Speaking for the Occupy crowd, the Presidents campaign, and hard middle class values that Springsteen has always represented, the album hits with a ferocious message of change. There are several different types of music as Bruce blends some EStreet with Seeger Sessions and even some hip-hop and dropnick to show that he is still the BOSS of not just Joizy. If you havent heard it, you are missing a gem of music and if you havent seen Bruce live, then you are missing out on the best performer in rock music. Hopefully he continues to make records as good as this one.
Of course the new Dave Matthews Band album would be on the list of best of 2012 not just cause I am a huge fan, but the album is solid. The band is daring enough to explore new concepts of change and particularly the aging that the band is experiencing. The lyrics have always been driven by impending death with a catchy tune but on this album there is something in between that and an actually genuinely happy tune in Belly Belly Nice. Mercy became the theme of the 2012 Obama campaign as Dave toured for and with Obama at over 8 stops. Steve Lillywhite, the producer of the "big 4", was back again to bring the best out of this band which he did. He was able to capture where the band is now as people. Aging, changing, fighting, and still with a ton of energy. Check em.
One of our favorite bands, The Avett Brothers, were back at it again in 2012. They brought back Rick Rubin to produce and put out a very soulful follow up to their break through I and Love and You. This album from track one to the end is a beautiful ride through the eyes of a band that has traveled the roads for a while now and is just finding their full stride. A must listen.
Mumford and Sons debut was one of the best debut albums in the last 20 years. Soulful, powerful, triumphant, layered, and musically awesome. I didn't think the band could follow up that album with anything except for a disappointment. Babel, is nothing short of a modern day classic. The album sounds very familiar to the previous album except for a further development of the promise that this band demonstrated throughout their debut. The best elements were amplified and more experiments on topics of music were covered. Marcus Mumford can write a song. We stumbled on this band a couple of years ago as they were being talked about as the UK Avetts but they are very unique and unlike the Avetts, you cannot miss this band unless you live under a rock. The band sold a ton of records in a short and then sustained period of time which is unheard of these days. If anything, check out the video above. Especially you "Wire" fans, as I am sure Omar is smiling on Stringer Bell somewhere.
Alerted to this band by all things my main man Tony Bourdain on No Reservations in early 2012, The Alabama Shakes have been a force that blew up music in 2012. The video and song above is everything I love about music. Hard fast, passion, slow then slam, and that voice is incredibly unique. That sound is coming from deep inside like a new version of Janis Joplin. To think she was just a post office worker until she caught a break! I cannot stop listening to this album and cannot wait to see them live. If you havent heard it, again, one of the best debuts by any band in the last 10 years or so. Check it out and thank you Mr. Bourdain!
This song above was impossible to miss in 2012 and why would you want to have missed it, ton of fun. I love a band with a story and this band has a great one. Check it out. In the meantime, get the album, put it on, listen straight through and as with the others listed, amazing debut. We LOVE this album and are incredibly lucky that they will be opening for the DMB for the Winter Tour of 2012. Love it.
Sometimes a chick rocker with a cool voice and a guitar is all you need. Ever since Alanis and Ani there have maybe been a few, but Sharon Van Etten's 2012 Tramp is very promising as an artist with something to say. Great album to listen through for a mellow mood. Not too much video out there as she is not very widespread yet so this Conan appearance will have to do. Tramp is her third album and slowly she has gotten better with each album. Check her out.
A few other notables from 2012 were definitely Green Days "Uno""Dos""Tres" three albums of punk pop in one year. So unheard of it landed Billy Joe in rehab by the time it was done. Any of these albums is as good as anything they have ever done (impressive). Santigold's "Master of My Make Believe" was an inspiring funk-reggae-electronic-fusion with Jamaican and Brooklyn influences that slams! and for my hip hoppers, finally another Philly rapper with some skills, Meek Mill's "Dreams and Nightmares" was finally a rap record with some rap skills. Plus anybody or artist that beats up Chris Brown is good by me in my book. A mix tape master for years he finally shines with his own album. And of course the most impressive and controversial is the R&B singer Frank Ocean's album "Channel Orange" which is the most impressive R&B debut since R.Kelly in the early 90's. Controversy has surrounded him since he started as he his number one love song was about his love for another male. In the hip hop world that is a complete no no, but he has been widely accepted for his openness about the subject and his talent. Another reminder that 2012 was great for music and great for change.
EXTRA: Not an Album but great music Moment of 2012. Nirvana plays together for the first time since the 1994 death of Kurt Cobain.
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