Favorite Albums of 2012: #20-1

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(20) - Open Your Heart - The Men (Sacred Bones)
Not a huge fan of the country rock songs here, but the ones that are reminiscent of Sonic Youth and Husker Du are excellent. Great bookends to this album, too.
Top jam: "Please Don't Go Away"


(19) Children of Desire - Merchandise (Katorga)
Mid-fi 80s goth jams with chorus guitars, drum machine and Morrissey vox. Not on Captured Tracks, but it certainly would fit in well there. "Time" is probably my favorite song of 2012.
Top jam: "Time"


(18) Gallery EP - Craft Spells (Captured Tracks)
Mellow 80s pop jams with chimey guitars, synths, programmed drums. I really liked Craft Spells' LP from 2011, and it seems the songs are getting even better.
Top jam: "Sun Trails"


(17) Spooky Action at a Distance - Lotus Plaza (Kranky)
Admittedly, the songs on this album are not too different from Lockett Pundt's Deerhunter songs. Bored vocals singing quality melodies, soft drums, and guitars that both chime and jangle and continue to layer on top of each other. Subtract the first and last songs, and this would've ranked even higher.
Top jam: "Remember Our Days"


(16) When I Couldn't Breathe - Sundials (Asian Man)
Jangly 90s indie/alternative with a slight pop punk edge. At first I was deceived by the outward simplicity of these songs, and then discovered all the subtle quirks hidden underneath. The melodies are great, and pretty much every song is a jam.
Top jam: "Mosby Blues"


(15) Of All Things I Will Soon Grow Tired - Joyce Manor (Asian Man)
Nine tracks of versatile, absolutely brilliant pop punk clocking in at just over 13 minutes total. RIDICULOUS.
Top jam: "Bride of Usher"


(14) Overgrown Path - Chris Cohen (Captured Tracks)
For several years, Chris Cohen was a crucial member of Deerhoof, and he also spent time in Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti. I am pleasantly surprised that he released a solo record in 2012 that is better than the one his former bandmates in the 'Hoof did. Smooth pop with those chimey guitars I love and keep talking about, and jazzy chords. Somewhere between 60s psych and 70s adult contemporary.
Top jam: "Caller No. 99"


(13) Wind Hand Caught in the Door - South South Million (Triple Down)
Trevor Naud and Daniel Clark from my favorite (and simply the best) Detroit band Zoos of Berlin have waited more than ten years to finally put this record out. I was lucky to receive it in an email from Trevor back in 2010, and it's been a joy to have been able to spend the last two+ years with it. Short, aimless, sample-heavy, experimental soundscapes with pop sensibility. Imagine if The Avalanches did drugs and only created ballads. Put it to wax, boys!
Top jam: "Wolf Dreams"


(12) Plumb - Field Music (Memphis Industries)
If you know me well, then you probably recognize the fact that Field Music are one of my absolute favorite bands to come out of the 21st century thus far. At first, I was very disappointed by this, their fourth LP. Then I got my head out of my ass. They're still doing the very complex 60s brit pop thing, but Plumb is even more subtle and orchestral, and even more like The Beatles. Still doesn't come close to touching 2007's Tones of Town, though.
Top jam: "A New Town"


(11) Giant Orange - Cheap Girls (Rise)
An awesome band from Lansing, can you believe it? I know they've been around a while, but this is my first full taste, and it did me well. 90s-style indie/alternative with some of the best melodies of the year and great riffage. Believe it or not, though, this is not the best this particular sub-genre of rock 'n' roll had to offer in 2012.
Top jam: "Manhattan on Mute"


(10) Oshin - DIIV (Captured Tracks)
Yes, I know stupid band name. But, with few standouts, this record does its job well. Clean, chimey, delayed guitar warped by all the layers, backed by driving bass and drums, and fronted by reverb-heavy, buried vocals. Mysterious! And totally awesome.
Top jam: "Human"


(9) Let's Get You Somewhere Else - Luther (Chunksaah)
Had I discovered this even a little earlier than the week of Christmas, it could have broken into the top five. More 90s indie/alternative with pop punk elements, but this time with a slight nod to emo thrown in at times for good measure. Really really great.
Top jam: "Rattlesnake"


(8) Runner - The Sea and Cake (Thrill Jockey)
As Travis Bravender would say, "This sounds like a record by The Sea and Cake." After Radiohead, they are the single most consistently amazing band in existence. Their latest does not take away from that whatsoever.
Top jam: "Pacific"


(7) Celebration Rock - Japandroids (Polyvinyl)
More Replacements-rock than the somewhat shoegaze-y party emo of Post-Nothing. Still it has its emo moments, and they are wonderful. I don't even pay attention to the unifying lyrics, the chord progressions are inspiring enough. Not the best guitar album of 2012 like I feel like almost everyone else is saying, but it definitely is up there.
Top jam: "Fire's Highway"


(6) Mature Themes - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti (4AD)
Is it possible for Ariel Pink to get weirder and more silly than he was on 2010's near perfect Before Today? Apparently so. Is it possible for his songs to get even better? At first, I thought so, but now the jury's actually still out. Mature Themes has plenty of songs that are awesome on their own merit. But, it's the outright zaniness that makes songs like "Kinski Assassin," "Is This the Best Spot?," "Schnitzel Boogie" and "Symphony of the Nymph" great.
Top jam: "Mature Themes"


(5) Swing Lo Magellan - Dirty Projectors (Domino)
As situationally understated as Swing Lo Magellan is, it's nice to hear a more restrained, stripped down Dirty Projectors. I'm surprising myself by stating that. The drums and guitars are not as huge, and that is  exactly what makes this record so charming. Believe it!
Top jam: "Just From Chevron"

 
(4) Nocturne//Nowhere 7" - Wild Nothing (Captured Tracks)
Wild Nothing had an incredible year this year, and Pitchfork failed to acknowledge this fact. Doesn't matter. The Nowhere 7" that was released early in 2012 was a pleasant surprise, and the timing for Nocturne couldn't have been more perfect. No song here touches the best ones from my favorite album of 2010, Gemini, but it doesn't even matter as the album is still just about perfect. Bonus to hear these dreamy 80s goth-pop gems with some pep and in such high fidelity. Probably my favorite production of the year.
Top jam: "Midnight Song"


(3) Lonerism - Tame Impala (Modular)
Yes, I know. Modern psych pop with John Lennon's ghost singing. This record is incredible, and it's structure continues to catch me off guard (and that is a really cool thing). Awesome guitars, synths, drums, production, etc., etc. Very much looking forward to seeing them live next month.
Top jam: "Music to Walk Home By"


(2) Floral Green - Title Fight (Side One Dummy)
These young melodic hardcore punk boys really grew up! Those roots are still there, but Floral Green adds some Small Brown Bike and a touch of Hum to the mix. I would argue that this record is perfect. Not one moment here is less than excellent. Second best guitars of 2012.
Top jam: "In-Between"

 
(1) Just Married//An Obscure Moon Lighting an Obscure World EP - Glocca Morra (Kind of Like)
No one made better music in 2012 than the noodly, upbeat Philadelphia emo/punk band Glocca Morra. They've already made me forget about Algernon Cadwallader. Not really, but they've helped to soften the blow of AC's demise. Just Married showcases upbeat tempos, technical yet tasteful musicianship, great production, always shifting song structures, catchy melodies (in both the vocals and the guitars). An Obscure Moon Lighting an Obscure World is simpler, less emo, and more dark pop punk mixed with 90s indie rock in the vein of Archers of Loaf, I guess. Glocca Morra is most definitely an Aaron Quillen kind of band. What a treat to get two stellar releases in one year from them. Best guitars of 2012, hands down. These guys are THE GUYS!
Top jam: "Broken Cigarettes"

Favorite Albums of 2012: #40-21

Once again, I was able to compile a list of 40 albums that I legitimately really liked to loved in 2012. Here is the first half of that list. Also, with each half of the list comes a 20-song mix! Tracked in order of the list, from bottom to top (track one is #40, track two is #39, etc.). The track list is revealed in the blurbs that I write, listed as each album's "top jam."

Anyway, let's do this.

DOWNLOAD MIX HERE


(40) Among the Leaves - Sun Kil Moon (Caldo Verde)
Mark Kozelek shamelessly singing about being an asshole to the tune of gorgeous folk music. I am a sucker for this shit. Excellent fall soundtrack.
Top jam: "Sunshine in Chicago"


(39) Metz - Metz (Sub Pop)
Sounds like classic Sub Pop and Touch & Go rock music a la Nirvana and The Jesus Lizard. Totally bad ass with my kind of huge drums.
Top jam: "The Mule"


(38) I'm Going to Kill Myself - Sneeze (self-released)
Fuzzy, lo-fi pop punk. Some songs aren't especially impressive, but most of them totally are.
Top jam: "Red Bullgirls"


(37) A Thing Called Divine Fits - Divine Fits (Merge)
Britt Daniel and Dan Boeckner team up and release an album that's best songs really make me look forward to the next Spoon record. "Would That Not be Nice" and "Like Ice Cream" are two the best songs I had heard all year.
Top jam: "Like Ice Cream"


(36) Broad Shoulders - Dikembe (Tiny Engines)
Technical, melodic, fun emo. Not a huge fan of the vocals and the drummer plays way too many fills, but otherwise, this rules.
Top jam: "We Could Become River Rats"


(35) Seconds Matter EP - Brightside (It's a Trap!)
Pop punk with some subtle emo tendencies. Nice guitar leads that aren't too emo noodly. Hopefully they'll come out with a full length in 2013?
Top jam: "Memo"

 
(34) Electric Cables//Fear and Doubt EP - Lightships (Geographic)
Gorgeous guitar pop from one of the main Teenage Fanclub dudes. Reminds me of a more orchestral version of The Byrds.
Top jam: "Stretching Out"


(33) Dream Journal EP - Living Room (self-released)
More awesome emo, more awesome goodness. 2012 was a ridiculous year for quality emo, I will tell you that. I am thankful for this revival taking place.
Top jam: "Red Saints"


(32) Up and Down, Away! - The Rants (self-released)
Michigan boys The Rants had been mum since 2006's excellent Spirit! Then they recorded an album and released it in 2012 through iTunes without telling anybody. What the hell, right? This is some top notch party garage pop. Put it to wax, boys!
Top jam: "Xray"


(31) Sirs - Sirs (Topshelf)
Loud, fast, intense, quirky emo punk. This music is so much, and the way this short (23 minutes!) album is sequenced is ridiculous.
Top jam: "King's English"

 
(30) Family Business - Prayer Breakfast (Flannelgraph/Crossroads of America)
I've been awaiting a full length from this Bloomington supergroup for some time now, and it did not disappoint. Sounds like a slightly emo'd up (that's a good thing) Pavement and Built to Spill with vocals not unlike a mix of Jeff Mangum and Jeremy Enigk.
Top jam: "Soon Enough"


(29) A Different Ship - Here We Go Magic (Secretly Canadian)
I guess I am of the opinion that Here We Go Magic is one of the most underrated bands around. This is their third LP that I know of, and second time making it on one of my top 40 lists. Where's the love? This one was produced by Nigel Godrich, and you can definitely tell.
Top jam: "Hard to be Close"


(28) Breakup Song - Deerhoof (Polyvinyl)
Another year, another good Deerhoof record. Of all the Deerhoof records I know, this is my least favorite. But, it's Deerhoof, and thus it is worthwhile. Both more polished and obnoxious than I'd like, but the middle section of Breakup Song is pretty much untouchable. It also might feature the best closer of 2012. Also, when the eerie yet beautiful harmonizing guitars come in towards the end of "Zero Seconds Pause," that's probably the single greatest moment in any song released in 2012.
Top jam: "Zero Seconds Pause"


(27) Dwell & Dwell EP - Snooze (self-released)
This is a jangly indie pop project from my friend (and Alec Jensen wife) Emily Jane Powers and her friend Andrew. It is so good. Slumberland Records better be paying attention.
Top jam: "Talk Yourself Down"


(26) Everyone Everywhere - Everyone Everywhere (self-released)
This is some ridiculously well produced emo with nice (ie sorta boring) vocals. Every instrument sounds awesome, and every part of every song is enjoyable. I am very jealous of the punk/emo scene in Philadelphia right now.
Top jam: "Queen Mary II"


(25) Silver Age - Bob Mould (Merge)
Former Husker Du frontman's new solo record, which sounds very much like his 90s band Sugar. Awesome songs, awesome production. This album rips.
Top jam: "The Descent"


(24) Bloom - Beach House (Sub Pop)
When this record first leaked in late April or early May or whenever, it quickly became my favorite album of the year at that time. Then, as 2012 rolled on, it grew increasingly boring to me. Still, can't shake those spring vibes, or the mid-2012 nostalgia that comes with it (this was one of the 2012 albums that my girlfriend Sara and I first bonded over). Lastly, "Other People" is probably Beach House's best song yet.
Top jam: "Other People"


(23) Birdfeeder EP - Big Awesome (self-released)
Really stupid band name, but this EP is fantastic, even if I was skeptical at first (Bravender tipped me off to it the week of Christmas, and it really complicated things when it finally came time to organize this list). Very well produced emo with great chord progressions and melodies. A full length by these guys could crush me.
Top jam: "Grey's Birthday"


(22) Centipede Hz - Animal Collective (Domino)
Is it possible that Animal Collective released the most critically underrated album of 2012? It is not only possible, it is fact. It's like a brighter, not quite as chaotic Strawberry Jam. Don't get me wrong, it's no Feels or Merriweather Post Pavilion, but, it still rules.
Top jam: "Father Time"


(21) Nope - Coping (Protagonist)
If you had to guess what this album sounds like, what would you suggest? Don't bother, I'll just tell you. EMO. Bright, upbeat, positive, complex emo. And it is so good, even if the production is not so much. The songs are great, and all their twists and turns are really what make them so.
Top jam: "B"

2012 Songs

Once again, for 2012, I've decided to make two mixes showcasing my absolute favorite songs from albums that either just missed the cut for my favorite albums list or that were from records that I didn't care about aside from this one song. I just wanted to at least highlight these particular diamonds in the rough. These are not listed in order of quality, but in track list order. Here you are:

Part One
1. "Wayne County Roads" - Tyvek, from On Triple Beams
2. "Gospel/Grace" - Frankie Rose, from Interstellar
3. "Andrew in Drag" - The Magnetic Fields, from Love at the Bottom of the Sea
4. "Reel to Reel" - Damien Jurado, from Maraqopa
5. "Oblivion" - Grimes, from Visions
6. "Simple Song" - The Shins, from Port of Morrow
7. "Presence of Mind" - The Fresh & Onlys, from Long Slow Dance
8. "Baby's Wearing Blue Jeans" - Mac DeMarco, from Rock and Roll Night Club
9. "Lessons" - Beach Fossils, from Shallow 7"
10. "Muscle Man" - Ty Segall Band, from Slaughterhouse
11. "Baby Boy" - Pile, from Dripping
12. "Give Up" - Placeholder, from Nothing is Pure
13. "See Me Cry" - Seapony, from Falling
14. "Prizma" - Tamaryn, from Tender New Signs
15. "Hold On" - Alabama Shakes, from Boys & Girls
DOWNLOAD HERE

Part Two
1. "Swamp With Potential" - Hard Girls, from Isn't It Worse
2. "Mess Me Around" - The Babies, from Our House on the Hill
3. "Doughnut for a Snowman" - Guided by Voices, from Let's Go Eat the Factory
4. "Millions" - Eternal Summers, from Correct Behavior
5. "Suburban Coated Creatures" - Weird Dreams, from Choreography
6. "What Did You See?" - Cemeteries, from The Wilderness
7. "Sunday (Psychic Conversation #9)" - Crocodiles, from Endless Flowers
8. "Just Friends" - Lightning Love, from Blonde Album
9. "Please be My Third Eye" - La Sera, from Sees the Light
10. "It All Means Nothing" - Screaming Females, from Ugly
11. "A Hermes Blues" - White Fence, from Family Perfume, Vol. 1
12. "Silver Self" - Maps & Atlases, from Beware and be Grateful
13. "Staircase" - Radiohead, from The Daily Mail EP
14. "The One Who Broke Your Heart" - David Byrne & St. Vincent, from Love This Giant
15. "Hey Jane" - Spiritualized, from Sweet Heart, Sweet Light
DOWNLOAD HERE

Favorite Books Read in 2012

FINALLY, my 2012 year-end lists. One month+ late. Here we go!


(15) Black Hole - Charles Burns (1995-2005)
Stark, depressing, messed up comic series collected in this one-off graphic novel. Cool story, surprisingly disappointing ambiguous ending (which I usually like). The artwork steals the show.


(14) The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty - Buster Olney (2004)
A very enjoyable look at the New York Yankees' dynasty in the late 1990s and their wondrous fall to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2001 World Series.


(13) Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card (1985)
I know I'm an idiot for taking so long in my life to getting around to read this. Didn't love it as much as I had hoped, but still, so much fun to read. Until I got to the bizarre, ambling ending that I hated.


(12) Rabbit, Run - John Updike (1960)
In retrospect, I really loved this, even if I was distracted at times, which made it hard to properly get down the details at certain points. Dark and funny insight into the disturbing nature of man, which is always a great combination. Updike's prose is pretty much untouchable.


(11) Battle Royale - Koushun Takami (1999)
Yup. Obviously disturbing and difficult to wrap one's mind around the concept of an author writing about children murdering each other. Trust me, it's not in a glorifying manner. This was fun.


(10) A Visit From the Goon Squad - Jennifer Egan (2010)
A post-modern-ish story of the music industry and (much moreso) warped relationships. The unique format of this novel is a plus.


(9) Heavy Liquid - Paul Pope (1999-2000)
Awesome sci-fi graphic novel with a refreshingly original story and Pope's excellent, slightly manga-inspired artwork.


(8) Those Guys Have All the Fun - James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales (2011)
An oral history of ESPN told by those deeply involved. Sure, there are plenty of boring business/financial ramblings, but the high drama is so worth it.


(7) Tree of Smoke - Denis Johnson (2007)
Awesomely dark and funny Vietnam War tale. Johnson's prose is ridiculous in the best way. Too heavy  of a book to read at such a distracting time as I read it, so, like Rabbit, Run, I will definitely read this again.


(6) The Art of Fielding - Chad Harbach (2011)
Didn't quite live up to the hype for me, but still an excellent read about baseball and coming-of-age.


(5) The Lonely Polygamist - Brady Udall (2010)
Dude is a fundamentalist Mormon with four wives and too many children, and struggles big time with this in both serious and comical ways. What's not to love about that premise?


(4) One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Ken Kesey (1962)
This didn't completely knock me out like I had hoped, but it was both much funnier and more sad than expected. Still gets a Goodreads rating of five stars out of five.


(3) Blankets - Craig Thompson (2003)
Heavy handed and overtly emotional and sensitive, but, due to my Christian upbringing, so much of this brought me back to middle school and high school. I am a complete sucker for that nostalgia, even if it's bittersweet. Best graphic novel I read in 2012.


(2) Portnoy's Complaint - Philip Roth (1969)
First time a book has made me laugh out loud since I read A Confederacy of Dunces at the beginning of 2011. Due to bizarre circumstances of his frustrating relationship with his mother, guy becomes addicted to masturbation as a child and sex as an adult. Hilarity ensues. Written from the perspective as if the narrator was in a therapy session. Brilliant, perverse, and the most fun I had reading a book in 2012.


(1) White Teeth - Zadie Smith (2000)
The flow and style of Zadie Smith's debut novel reminded me so much of DFW's The Broom of the System, and that is a huge compliment. This had even more memorable characters, and somehow was even funnier. While White Teeth wasn't difficult to follow, there are too many details to even begin to go further here. Trust me, you should read this. Everyone.