duga's Top 25 Albums of 2012

Blarobbarg · 12-13-2012, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duga

17. THEESatisfaction – awE natural

Something I’ve been really interested in recently are the few artists out there proudly holding down the R&B fort. The genre has so much room for innovation, but the lack of interest in it has created a very stagnant genre. Frank Ocean, The Weeknd, and a few others come to mind…but it was THEESatisfaction that most impressed me this year. While the artists I just mentioned have expanded the genre, they still sound like a nostalgia act. THEESatisfaction have transcended that and brought R&B squarely into the 21st century. The songs are generally short, much like the attention spans of most listeners these days but they are somehow fully realized. Now that takes skill. Just try not to enjoy “Existinct”.

16. Killer Mike – R.A.P. Music

As much as I love a smooth rap album (just give me some Tribe and I’m a happy guy), sometimes I like it to be really ghetto. Killer Mike provides that fix and then some. It’s not just aggressive, but really catchy and memorable. There aren’t many instances where I’m inspired to memorize the lyrics to a particular song, but there are few occasions here where I really want to rap along to it and pump my fist. Just try “Go!”. I’ve also noticed a lot of rappers these days going into stuff about Reagan…why is he so popular to talk about now? “Reagan” is the one low-point of the album (but it is still mildly entertaining to hear Reagan being compared to the devil). Aside from that misstep, this is a really great album.

I love that THEESatisfaction record, but believe it or not, I actually forgot it was a 2012 release! For some reason I thought it came out last year. Weird.

As happy as I am to see R.A.P. Music on here, I'm surprised it wasn't higher on the list, and I'm very surprised to hear that you don't like "Reagan!" That's one of my favorite songs on the whole album, when I turn it on I'm waiting for it so I can star singing along.

Marcel · 12-13-2012, 02:37 PM

I would have placed Blunderbuss in my TOP 5 of the year, but still glad to see it on the list.

Can't wait for the top 10!

duga · 12-13-2012, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blarobbarg

As happy as I am to see R.A.P. Music on here, I'm surprised it wasn't higher on the list, and I'm very surprised to hear that you don't like "Reagan!" That's one of my favorite songs on the whole album, when I turn it on I'm waiting for it so I can star singing along.

As much as I love the more aggressive side of rap, I tend to reach for the smooth stuff more. There are a couple entries further down the line that if you haven't checked out, you definitely should. I think the fact that RAP Music isn't higher is a testament to how good the music was this year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcel

I would have placed Blunderbuss in my TOP 5 of the year, but still glad to see it on the list.

Can't wait for the top 10!

As much as I like it, it drags a little bit at the end. I never thought I'd be throwing another Jack White album on best of lists, so I'm pleasantly surprised he made such a good album.

Mojo · 12-13-2012, 03:26 PM

Only one of the second bunch I've heard is Jack White. Again once only and again, I struggled to find an interest in it. Not a bad album by any means but it didn't do much for me.

I'm gonna make a point of getting through all the others, or at least the ones that are on Spotify. Quite a few of them are on my to-do list anyway. So slow down.

**Janszoon** · 12-13-2012, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duga

16. Killer Mike – R.A.P. Music

As much as I love a smooth rap album (just give me some Tribe and I’m a happy guy), sometimes I like it to be really ghetto. Killer Mike provides that fix and then some. It’s not just aggressive, but really catchy and memorable. There aren’t many instances where I’m inspired to memorize the lyrics to a particular song, but there are few occasions here where I really want to rap along to it and pump my fist. Just try “Go!”. I’ve also noticed a lot of rappers these days going into stuff about Reagan…why is he so popular to talk about now? “Reagan” is the one low-point of the album (but it is still mildly entertaining to hear Reagan being compared to the devil). Aside from that misstep, this is a really great album.

Alright, you've sold me on checking this album out.

**Goofle** · 12-13-2012, 03:59 PM

Hardcore G-Shit is right up your alley Janszoon.

Another great entry, going to start one of my own as I am sure my "Top 25" are pretty set in stone now.

bob. · 12-13-2012, 05:01 PM

yeah....after a year of seeing everybody talk about it....i think i'll check it out also

also downloaded the Melody’s Echo Chamber album due to your review....looking forward to more!

SGR · 12-14-2012, 07:59 AM

Yeah, check out RAP Music guys, it really is a great album!

duga · 12-17-2012, 12:35 PM

Time for the next round of albums. Just to draw out the suspense (and because they deserve more in depth reviews), the top 10 will be done individually.

15. DIIV – Oshin

DIIV are tapping into a sound that a lot of other bands are attempting these days, only DIIV actually do it right. That sound is mixing dreampop and shoegaze with production values and themes of the 80’s. It produces some very entertaining music, and I think DIIV will be the band that takes that kind of style as far as it can go. Just try not to enjoy “How Long Have You Known”. Their next album can go in either of two directions…they take this style further and prove my theory about there being a lot more to do with shoegaze right or they rehash what they did on this album and we can all forget about them. Time will tell…

14. Spiritualized – Sweet Heart Sweet Light

Jason Pierce of Spacemen 3 fame has been making music with Spiritualized for quite some time, but it wasn’t until Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space that they found a completely unique voice. It seems that album opened the floodgates, because over the course of their next few albums Spiritualized were able to take the progressiveness of LAGWAFIS and turn it into an indie machine. Sweet Heart Sweet Light takes everything good about that album and condenses it into purely entertaining shoegaze-tinged pop rock. This will slide right into your subconscious until you can’t stop listening to it. Bands like this are why I still explore shoegaze and dreampop.

13. Grimes – Visions

Quirky electronic music and an even quirkier voice…this is one of those anomalous albums where I’m really not sure how everything works. But it does. It works really well. Grimes explores electronic music like few others…with no regard. I understand why so many electronic artists play it safe – it’s really easy to do. But with electronic music we have the potential to make sounds that have never been heard before. We can put music together in a way that we never even thought possible. Grimes clearly take that to heart, and after listening to her previous albums, she really does like to explore. I respect that and if she keep pumping out music like this, I won’t complain.

12. Santigold – Master of My Make-Believe

I randomly stuck this on when it first came out, not expecting much. After it was over I played it again. And again. Santigold combines just enough indie-isms with pop sensibility that I can’t get enough. “Disparate Youth” is one damn addicting track. I get the impression that Santigold makes music the way she wants to make music. I’ll admit I haven’t gone back to her previous albums, but if they are anything like this then I’m sure they are great, too. I look forward to seeing what else she can do.

11. Chris Cohen – Overgrown Path

I didn’t realize this guy was the guitarist for Deerhoof until after I listened to it. This is interesting, because their music sounds nothing alike and my opinion may have been different if I had known that coming into it. Where Deerhoof are quirky and disjointed, Chris Cohen’s solo material is pure throwback psychedelia. And really really good psychedelia at that. You can’t help but get lost in the music once the guitar in the first verse kicks in on “Caller No. 99” and it doesn’t let go until the end of the album. This just highlights the talent of not only Chris Cohen, but of Deerhoof as well. Those guys are great.

Paedantic Basterd · 12-17-2012, 12:38 PM

I am probably going to have to pick up everything you mention here that I don't have waiting for me this week.

12-13-2012, 03:26 PM	#14 (permalink)
Mojo Melancholia Eternally Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: England Posts: 5,018	Only one of the second bunch I've heard is Jack White. Again once only and again, I struggled to find an interest in it. Not a bad album by any means but it didn't do much for me. I'm gonna make a point of getting through all the others, or at least the ones that are on Spotify. Quite a few of them are on my to-do list anyway. So slow down. __________________ Last.FM \| Echoes and Dust

12-13-2012, 05:01 PM	#17 (permalink)
bob. Still sends his reguards. Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Trying to get out of the cat town.... Posts: 5,039	yeah....after a year of seeing everybody talk about it....i think i'll check it out also also downloaded the Melody’s Echo Chamber album due to your review....looking forward to more! __________________ A kiss is the beginning of cannibalism. Reach out, pierce the fine fabric of the sheltering sky, take repose.

12-17-2012, 12:35 PM	#19 (permalink)
duga MB quadrant's JM Vincent Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 3,762	Time for the next round of albums. Just to draw out the suspense (and because they deserve more in depth reviews), the top 10 will be done individually. 15. DIIV – Oshin DIIV are tapping into a sound that a lot of other bands are attempting these days, only DIIV actually do it right. That sound is mixing dreampop and shoegaze with production values and themes of the 80’s. It produces some very entertaining music, and I think DIIV will be the band that takes that kind of style as far as it can go. Just try not to enjoy “How Long Have You Known”. Their next album can go in either of two directions…they take this style further and prove my theory about there being a lot more to do with shoegaze right or they rehash what they did on this album and we can all forget about them. Time will tell… 14. Spiritualized – Sweet Heart Sweet Light Jason Pierce of Spacemen 3 fame has been making music with Spiritualized for quite some time, but it wasn’t until Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space that they found a completely unique voice. It seems that album opened the floodgates, because over the course of their next few albums Spiritualized were able to take the progressiveness of LAGWAFIS and turn it into an indie machine. Sweet Heart Sweet Light takes everything good about that album and condenses it into purely entertaining shoegaze-tinged pop rock. This will slide right into your subconscious until you can’t stop listening to it. Bands like this are why I still explore shoegaze and dreampop. 13. Grimes – Visions Quirky electronic music and an even quirkier voice…this is one of those anomalous albums where I’m really not sure how everything works. But it does. It works really well. Grimes explores electronic music like few others…with no regard. I understand why so many electronic artists play it safe – it’s really easy to do. But with electronic music we have the potential to make sounds that have never been heard before. We can put music together in a way that we never even thought possible. Grimes clearly take that to heart, and after listening to her previous albums, she really does like to explore. I respect that and if she keep pumping out music like this, I won’t complain. 12. Santigold – Master of My Make-Believe I randomly stuck this on when it first came out, not expecting much. After it was over I played it again. And again. Santigold combines just enough indie-isms with pop sensibility that I can’t get enough. “Disparate Youth” is one damn addicting track. I get the impression that Santigold makes music the way she wants to make music. I’ll admit I haven’t gone back to her previous albums, but if they are anything like this then I’m sure they are great, too. I look forward to seeing what else she can do. 11. Chris Cohen – Overgrown Path I didn’t realize this guy was the guitarist for Deerhoof until after I listened to it. This is interesting, because their music sounds nothing alike and my opinion may have been different if I had known that coming into it. Where Deerhoof are quirky and disjointed, Chris Cohen’s solo material is pure throwback psychedelia. And really really good psychedelia at that. You can’t help but get lost in the music once the guitar in the first verse kicks in on “Caller No. 99” and it doesn’t let go until the end of the album. This just highlights the talent of not only Chris Cohen, but of Deerhoof as well. Those guys are great. __________________ Confusion will be my epitaph...

12-13-2012, 02:37 PM	#12 (permalink)
Marcel Groupie Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 21	I would have placed Blunderbuss in my TOP 5 of the year, but still glad to see it on the list. Can't wait for the top 10!

12-14-2012, 07:59 AM	#18 (permalink)
SGR No Ice In My Bourbon Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: /dev/null Posts: 4,327	Yeah, check out RAP Music guys, it really is a great album!

12-17-2012, 12:38 PM	#20 (permalink)
Paedantic Basterd Music Addict Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 5,184	I am probably going to have to pick up everything you mention here that I don't have waiting for me this week.