Your Top 10 Albums of 2012

LoathsomePete · 12-21-2012, 10:58 AM

Alright I've done some heavy thinking on it and I think I've got my list in order.

10. BADBADNOTGOOD - BBNG2

While I can't say I'm a big fan of the source material these guys used, I can't help but respect how they managed to turn it into something truly beautiful. Incredibly talented musicians at a very young age who know exactly how to hit you where it hurts. I would really like to see them live.

09. Wovenhand - The Laughing Stalk

Definitely one of David Eugene Edwards' heavier albums with elements of noise-rock thrown into sweeping songs about guilt, redemption, and faith. He's really one of the few Christian musicians I can respect because he never forces his viewpoint on you, he merely invites you to inspect it.

08. Sigh - In Somniphobia

Well it took them over a decade but they really did manage to craft something that was similar to the chaotic joy of Imaginary Sonicscape without sounding like a rip off of their own material. In effect Sigh have continued to produce amazing album after amazing album and really are one of the most interesting bands in metal right now.

07. Matt Elliott - The Broken Man

Miserable folk music is miserable. It's definitely not the album you want to listen to on a sunny day or in a car with friends, but it is an album to put on if you're feeling down and just need someone to empathize with. Songs can go on a little too long, but still, a solid album is a solid album.

06. Fiona Apple - The Idler Wheel...

Catchy, witty, and a solid mainstream reaction, sometimes things in life just work out, and this is definitely one of them.

05. Aesop Rock - Skelethon

I can't say I was the biggest fan of his previous solo effort None Shall Pass nor was I all that engaged with last year's Hail Mary Mallon, so I was a little skeptical that this album was going to be as good as his early '00's stuff. Not only is it as good, I think (over time) it will be looked up as superior, as with age comes wisdom and that will always help an artform based largely around wordplay.

04. Tindersticks - The Something Rain

This one caught me completely off-guard and I did not expect to like it anywhere near as much as I did. While I would have changed the opening track "Chocolate" to be the closer, it does showcase Stuart Staples' talent as a writer, with a diction and syntax that really reminded me of "The Gift" by The Velvet Underground, right down to the bizarre turn of events by the end of the song. Do not let this one slip by.

03. Grimes - Visions

While I'm no stranger to saying I love misery and discomfort, occasionally something penetrates my veneer of bitterness and drowns out the voices that tell me to set homeless people on fire. In the case of 2012, this goes to the indie electronic Canadian group Grimes and their retardedly catchy and fun Visions which just doesn't get old no matter how many times I listen to it on repeat in the car.

02. Killing Joke - MMXII

Despite featuring some of the most atrocious artwork I've seen in a very long time, Killing Joke have once again demonstrated that despite their age, they still wear the pants in the world of alternative music. Jaz still manages to contain his youthful fury and the rest of the band members still know how to write heavy, slow, and beautiful music. Killing Joke really might be the most important band in rock music right now.

01. El-P - Cancer4Cure

Like with Grimes, I've had a really hard time turning this album off. I deliberately made sure to use the opening and closing songs on my "Best of Hip Hop 2012" playlists just so I had more chances to hear them in the car when I'm browsing what CD to listen to. Really there's not much I can say that hasn't already been said, but El-P has demonstrated once again that he still holds the talented and ferocity of many younger emcees.

There are a bunch of other albums this year that I loved, but these are the 10 that I found myself listening to the most.

Phantom Limb · 12-21-2012, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goofle11

Those two bored me to be honest. Solid list though.

I can understand GY!BE being a bit boring, but Shields is absolutely amazing. It's a grower for sure. I didn't fully appreciate it until I had listened to it maybe 8 or 9 times through. I am a bit biased seeing as Grizzly Bear is my favorite band, but you can't deny how beautifully orchestrated it is.

Oh, and I saw them live right after they released Shields and it was fucking brilliant! I suppose that has something to do with it.

**Goofle** · 12-21-2012, 11:09 AM

Another solid/great list. Not checked out that Wovenhand album though.

bob. · 12-21-2012, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goofle11

Another solid/great list. Not checked out that Wovenhand album though.

i think it's my favorite of theirs now....and i've been following them sense the beginning

....Pete wrote an excellent review...well done man

LoathsomePete · 12-21-2012, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goofle11

Another solid/great list. Not checked out that Wovenhand album though.

Thanks, it's funny but the list hasn't changed all that much from my mid-point, except I only left Sigh on as the sole metal album. I hope you enjoy the new Wovenhand.

**Goofle** · 12-21-2012, 11:39 AM

Repeated listens would allow me to enjoy it more, I just wanked to skip every track first time round. I will eventually give it another go but not for a while.

FinnsMusic · 12-21-2012, 02:58 PM

This took me far too long to decide on (how could I leave out Grizzly Bear, Chromatics, Leonard Cohen...!) but here's my (rather arbitrary) list.

1. Kendrick Lamar // good kid, m.A.A.d city
2. Frank Ocean // channel ORANGE
3. Fiona Apple // The Idler Wheel...
4. Flying Lotus // Until the Quiet Comes
5. Grimes // Visions
6. Godspeed You! Black Emperor // 'Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!
7. Tame Impala// Lonerism
8. Death Grips // The Money Store
9. Swans // The Seer
10. Beach House // Bloom

Provided this is from a list of around 150 albums I listened to from this year, this was difficult.

Sparky · 12-26-2012, 03:13 PM

1.) JJ DOOM-keys to the kuffs
2.) Action Bronson/Party Supplies-Blue Chips
3.) DJ Shaman/KDOTODOT-Trap Jesus 1(2011 time capsule)
4) LIL UGLY MANE-Mista Thug Isolation
5.) El-P-Cancer for Cure
6.) TNGHT-s/t EP
7) Jack White-Blunderbuss
8.) Ab Soul-Control System
9.) Killer Mike-Rap Music
10.) Captain Murphy-Duality

**Goofle** · 12-26-2012, 03:16 PM

Wasn't "Trap Jesus" in 2011?

Sparky · 12-26-2012, 03:18 PM

yeah ur right i had to take st vincent out of my list already too lol.

time fly's by

12-21-2012, 10:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
LoathsomePete Cardboard Box Realtor Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Hobb's End Posts: 7,648	Alright I've done some heavy thinking on it and I think I've got my list in order. 10. BADBADNOTGOOD - BBNG2 While I can't say I'm a big fan of the source material these guys used, I can't help but respect how they managed to turn it into something truly beautiful. Incredibly talented musicians at a very young age who know exactly how to hit you where it hurts. I would really like to see them live. 09. Wovenhand - The Laughing Stalk Definitely one of David Eugene Edwards' heavier albums with elements of noise-rock thrown into sweeping songs about guilt, redemption, and faith. He's really one of the few Christian musicians I can respect because he never forces his viewpoint on you, he merely invites you to inspect it. 08. Sigh - In Somniphobia Well it took them over a decade but they really did manage to craft something that was similar to the chaotic joy of Imaginary Sonicscape without sounding like a rip off of their own material. In effect Sigh have continued to produce amazing album after amazing album and really are one of the most interesting bands in metal right now. 07. Matt Elliott - The Broken Man Miserable folk music is miserable. It's definitely not the album you want to listen to on a sunny day or in a car with friends, but it is an album to put on if you're feeling down and just need someone to empathize with. Songs can go on a little too long, but still, a solid album is a solid album. 06. Fiona Apple - The Idler Wheel... Catchy, witty, and a solid mainstream reaction, sometimes things in life just work out, and this is definitely one of them. 05. Aesop Rock - Skelethon I can't say I was the biggest fan of his previous solo effort None Shall Pass nor was I all that engaged with last year's Hail Mary Mallon, so I was a little skeptical that this album was going to be as good as his early '00's stuff. Not only is it as good, I think (over time) it will be looked up as superior, as with age comes wisdom and that will always help an artform based largely around wordplay. 04. Tindersticks - The Something Rain This one caught me completely off-guard and I did not expect to like it anywhere near as much as I did. While I would have changed the opening track "Chocolate" to be the closer, it does showcase Stuart Staples' talent as a writer, with a diction and syntax that really reminded me of "The Gift" by The Velvet Underground, right down to the bizarre turn of events by the end of the song. Do not let this one slip by. 03. Grimes - Visions While I'm no stranger to saying I love misery and discomfort, occasionally something penetrates my veneer of bitterness and drowns out the voices that tell me to set homeless people on fire. In the case of 2012, this goes to the indie electronic Canadian group Grimes and their retardedly catchy and fun Visions which just doesn't get old no matter how many times I listen to it on repeat in the car. 02. Killing Joke - MMXII Despite featuring some of the most atrocious artwork I've seen in a very long time, Killing Joke have once again demonstrated that despite their age, they still wear the pants in the world of alternative music. Jaz still manages to contain his youthful fury and the rest of the band members still know how to write heavy, slow, and beautiful music. Killing Joke really might be the most important band in rock music right now. 01. El-P - Cancer4Cure Like with Grimes, I've had a really hard time turning this album off. I deliberately made sure to use the opening and closing songs on my "Best of Hip Hop 2012" playlists just so I had more chances to hear them in the car when I'm browsing what CD to listen to. Really there's not much I can say that hasn't already been said, but El-P has demonstrated once again that he still holds the talented and ferocity of many younger emcees. There are a bunch of other albums this year that I loved, but these are the 10 that I found myself listening to the most. __________________ Last.FM 101 Albums That May Not Change Your Life, But I Really Like And You Might Too

12-21-2012, 02:58 PM	#7 (permalink)
FinnsMusic Groupie Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Melbourne Posts: 18	This took me far too long to decide on (how could I leave out Grizzly Bear, Chromatics, Leonard Cohen...!) but here's my (rather arbitrary) list. 1. Kendrick Lamar // good kid, m.A.A.d city 2. Frank Ocean // channel ORANGE 3. Fiona Apple // The Idler Wheel... 4. Flying Lotus // Until the Quiet Comes 5. Grimes // Visions 6. Godspeed You! Black Emperor // 'Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend! 7. Tame Impala// Lonerism 8. Death Grips // The Money Store 9. Swans // The Seer 10. Beach House // Bloom Provided this is from a list of around 150 albums I listened to from this year, this was difficult. __________________ Currently listening to albums from 2012 to stay 'up-to-date' with culture, as well as 'classic' electronic and indie albums, the additional hip hop record here and there, as well as my collection of comedy albums, from Louie C.K. to Bill Cosby. My RYM My Last.fm (Just started) My Jam (Just started) I played around with my computer and made this ambient music piece, check it out if you can: https://soundcloud.com/finnssoundclo...e-and-death-of Spoiler for My Top 50 Albums of 2012 (Still in progress): 1. Kendrick Lamar // good kid, m.A.A.d city [4.5/5] 2. Frank Ocean // channel ORANGE [4.5/5] 3. Fiona Apple // The Idler Wheel... [4.5/5] 4. Flying Lotus // Until the Quiet Comes [4.5/5] 5. Grimes // Visions [4.5/5] 6. Godspeed You! Black Emperor // 'Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend! [4.5/5] 7. Tame Impala // Lonerism [4/5] 8. Death Grips // The Money Store [4/5] 9. Swans // The Seer [4/5] 10. Beach House // Bloom [4/5] 11. Leonard Cohen // Old Ideas [4/5] 12. Killer Mike // R.A.P. Music [4/5] 13. Jessie Ware // Devotion [4/5] 14. Andy Stott // Luxury Problems [4/5] 15. Grizzly Bear // Shields [4/5] 16. Converge // All We Love We Leave Behind [4/5] 17. Chromatics // Kill for Love [4/5] 18. METZ / METZ [4/5] 19. Dexys Midnight Runners // One Day I'm Going to Soar [4/5] 20. Jack White // Blunderbuss [4/5] 21. El-P // Cancer 4 Cure [4/5] 22. Goat // World Music [4/5] 23. Bob Dylan // Tempest [4/5] 24. Bill Fay // Life is People [4/5] 25. Gojira // L'enfant sauvage [4/5] 26. Max Richter // Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi - The Four Seasons (Konzerthaus Kammerorchester Berlin/André de Ridder; Daniel Hope) [4/5] 27. Caspian // Waking Season [4/5] 28. Staff Benda Bilili // Bouger le monde! [4/5] 29. Bobby Womack // The Bravest Man in the Universe [4/5] 30. The Men // Open Your Heart [4/5] 31. Ty Segall // Twins [4/5] 32. Liars // WIXIW [4/5] 33. Spiritualized // Sweet Heart Sweet Light [4/5] 34. Dr. John // Locked Down [4/5] 35. Dan Deacon // America [4/5] 36. Actress // R.I.P [4/5] 37. Sharon Van Etten // Tramp [4/5] 38. Kindness // World, You Need a Change of Mind [4/5] 39. Chairlift // Something [4/5] 40. Martin Rossiter // The Defenestration of St Martin [3.5/5] 41. Sean Price // Mic Tyson [3.5/5] 42. Miguel // Kaleidoscope Dream [3.5/5] 43. Japandroids // Celebration Rock [3.5/5] 44. Django Django // Django Django [3.5/5] 45. Crystal Castles // (III) [3.5/5] 46. Jamey Johnson // Livin' for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran [3.5/5] 47. Cat Power // Sun [3.5/5] 48. Anaïs Mitchell // Young Man in America [3.5/5] 49. Taylor Swift // Red [3.5/5] 50. Lana Del Rey // Born to Die [3.5/5]

12-26-2012, 03:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
Sparky not really Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 5,223	1.) JJ DOOM-keys to the kuffs 2.) Action Bronson/Party Supplies-Blue Chips 3.) DJ Shaman/KDOTODOT-Trap Jesus 1(2011 time capsule) 4) LIL UGLY MANE-Mista Thug Isolation 5.) El-P-Cancer for Cure 6.) TNGHT-s/t EP 7) Jack White-Blunderbuss 8.) Ab Soul-Control System 9.) Killer Mike-Rap Music 10.) Captain Murphy-Duality Last edited by Sparky; 12-26-2012 at 03:19 PM.

12-26-2012, 03:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
Sparky not really Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 5,223	yeah ur right i had to take st vincent out of my list already too lol. time fly's by