Top 10 Albums of 2012

It's that time of year where websites and magazines put out there Best of 2012 list.  This year I either bought or was given 10 new CDs of music; I thought I'd rank them too.   All of the albums have been good and I recommend them all, but here is my list...



1. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist (Deluxe Addition)

The only hip-hop album on my list.  I can't figure out what I love more about the album, the lyrics that Macklemore flows through like a poet or the addictive hooks that Ryan Lewis put behind him.  This album hasn't left my car CD deck for almost three months.  And they are doing all independently, not getting screwed by a record label. Best 3 Songs: Thrift Shop, 10 Thousand Hours, Victory Lap


2. Cheap Girls - Giant Orange

Cheap Girls

The classic 3-piece rock band you can find playing small clubs around the country.  I got to see them live this year and hang out with them a bit before the show too.  Great guys making great music.  Best 3 Songs: Gone All Summer, Ruby, Dim Lights




3. The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten


Another great rock band out of New Jersey.  They've been compared to Springsteen ad nauseam but they have their own sound that has progressed really well over the last few years.  Their fourth album is probably their strongest to date.  Best 3 Songs: Handwritten, 45, Biloxi Parrish

4. Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls

 Brittany Howard is bringing back the strong female lead in a kick ass rock band.  Their debut album is one strong start for a band I hope is around for a long time.  Best 3 Songs: Hang Loose, Hold On, Heartbreaker


5. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Here

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros is sort of a throwback band.  You can imagine sitting around a campfire on a California beach listening to the group (there are over 10 people) stomping and clapping and singing.  It's music that you can't help but tap your foot.  Best 3 songs: Man on Fire, I Don't Wanna Pray, That's What's Up


6.  The Front Bottoms - The Front Bottoms

A two-piece indie rock band, also from Jersey, that incorporate a bullhorn and yodeling giving them a unique sound that I've fallen in love with.  I saw them perform live with The Cheap Girls this fall and they put on a good show.  They are one of those band you find by accident and fall in love with.  Best 3 songs: Maps, Flashlight, Mountain



 7. Jack White - Blunderbuss

The White Stripes were one of those bands I would get really into for a bit and then forget about just as quickly.  Jack White's first solo album feels different.  It has a gritty sound that really showcases White's unique voice and incredible guitar skill.  Best 3 songs: Sixteen Saltines, Freedom at 21, I'm Shakin

8. Bruce Springsteen - Wrecking Ball

I'm a huge Springsteen fan.  I've seen him a few times in concert and his show in Greensboro in 2009 was the best concert I've ever seen.  The new album has some good tracks but it just hasn't grabbed me since it's release.  I think I just may be in a phase where I'm not as into Bruce but I'm sure one day it will be high on my list.  Best 3 songs: We Take Care Of Our Own, Death To My Hometown, Land Of Hope And Dreams.

9. Gypsy the Cat - The Late Blue

When my friend gave me this CD he described them as similar to Foster the People and I think that description is rather apt.  An Australian duo, their music is described as "indie/dream pop," though I'm not sure I know what that even means.  Best 3 songs: Only In December, Bloom, Zombie World

10. Boban i Marko Markovic Orkestar - Golden Horns - Best of Boban i Marko Markovic Orkestar

A friend gave me this album after hearing it on NPR and it sounds like something you'd imagine NPR loving.  A horn driven album full of upbeat instrumentals, it has a world-music vibe that gets you tapping your toes.  Best 3 songs: Khelipe E Cheasa, Sljivovica, Udri Mile