This year, and especially in the last month after being introduced to Spotify, I have been trying to keep track of some of the best albums released in 2012. With the help of friends and Pitchfork I have been given plenty of recommendations, and here's how I'd rank my favourites so far.
10. Devotion - Jessie Ware
9. Slaughterhouse - Ty Segal Band
8. Mature Themes - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
7. Port of Morrow - The Shins
6. Shields - Grizzly Bear
5. Life is Good - Nas
4. Kill For Love - Chromatics
3. Bloom - Beach House
2. Channel Orange - Frank Ocean
1. The Seer - Swans
That Swans album is exhausting. I don't think I have the strength to listen to it a second time.
ReplyDeleteI never get through it in one sitting, but half a dozen of the songs get a go just about every day.
DeleteDamn, there is still so much music from this year that I need to listen to. I have only really listened to Slaughterhouse from your list, and that's a good one. Gonna have to check out that Swans album, too.
ReplyDeleteA few of my favorites so far are from Matthew Dear, White Rabbits and Howler.
I love Beach House, but only in a random playlist. I find them too repetitive to listen to the entire album at once.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite albums of 2012 so far are:
ReplyDelete1. The xx-Coexist
2. Fiona Apple-The Idler Wheel...
3. Beach House-Bloom
4. Spiritualized-Sweet Heart Sweet Light
5. Jonny Greenwood-The Master OST
Thanks to you Steven, I have been listening to Spiritualized a lot lately. Fantastic album. Would definitely be in my UPDATED Top 10.
DeleteThe Frank Ocean album is SO good. And I had no idea Grizzly Bear or Chromatics had new albums out, must listen!
ReplyDeleteThe Nas album cover is so awful it's worrying. I've been reluctant to listen to any of his stuff after his first album, which, personally has never been topped from him to date.
I have only heard Illmatic from Nas and its amazing. It is a bad cover, but I was surprised to find this album consistent and great easy-listening/background music. Catchy, fun and energetic and I have felt like it a lot lately. I doubt #1 and #2 will change. They are quite far ahead of everything else I have heard this year.
DeleteBeach House - Bloom
ReplyDeleteGrimes - Visions
Hot Chip - In Our Heads
Frankie Rose - Interstellar
NEW:
Grizzly Bear - Shields
How to Dress Well - Total Loss
I enjoy the Fiona Apple and XX cd's, but they are not either bands best albums.
Started listening to the Channel Orange album thanks to your rec. I'm enjoying it so far.
DeleteI have you to thank for Hot Chip :-)
DeleteMy favorites of 2012 so far:
ReplyDelete1. Fiona Apple, The Idler Wheel…
2. Air, Le voyage dans la lune
3. Goldfrapp, The Singles
4. Bob Dylan, Tempest
5. Beach House, Bloom
Cheers for the recommendations. I have been meaning to listen to Fiona Apple, but have not yet sought it out.
DeleteThis reminds me I still need to download that Chromatics album. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite album of the year so far: Niki & The Dove, Instinct.
I will definitely check out Niki and the Dove. I think you'll dig the Chromatics album. It kicks ass.
DeleteI agree on the Jessie Ware album, and still have to listen The Shins and Grizzly Bear.
ReplyDeleteI recommend The Maccabees- Given to the wild. Nominated for the Mercury Prize (Best British album, prestigious award), just like Jessie Ware, it's a combination of Arcade Fire with Coldplay and much more. It's really good.
Sounds great. Thanks Diana.
DeleteOh I love Channel Orange. Great pick.
ReplyDeleteI guess my top pick so far this year would be the xx's Coexist. Great album.
I have grown to enjoy Coexist more each day after giving it a listen recently. Great pick.
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