The 2012 Year In Music Review

Courtesy of Andrew Heffling – esq. MPLS, USA.

The Year in Music (2012) Andrew J. Heffling

In my unprofessional opinion, this past year (as with 2011), was another down year in the music world. I should probably stop comparing everything to 2010 – It just doesn’t seem fair. A couple of the releases on this list gained entry only because of the exceptional live shows I was fortunate enough to attend. Seeing a good concert live seems to change the entire dynamic of the actual record the band is promoting. As always, a few absolute classics were released this year. If you haven’t added any of these (the top 2 for sure) to your iTunes, CD, or vinyl collection yet, I’d suggest doing so as soon as possible. Here’s to hoping for an excellent 2013. Below is my list to disagree with:
Top 10 Records (2012)
11. Polica – Give You The Ghost: This was also on last years’ list (released digitally at the end of 2011), but the physical record wasn’t released until 2012. I’m throwing this at #11 as a bonus selection for the reader – and also to take up more space.
10. Frank Ocean: channel ORANGE: I’m seeing this record at, or near the top of most “best of” lists this year. I’m not sure how groundbreaking it is, but in a weak year it’s definitely good enough to make this top ten list. Plus, there are a few killer singles. Key Tracks: “Pyramids”, “Sweet Life”, “Lost”, “Bad Religion”.
9. Killer Mike – R.A.P. Music: An exciting “political” rap record. And one that is littered with booming and abrasive production. Key tracks: “Untitled”, “Reagan”, “R.A.P. Music”.
8. Doomtree – No Kings: Full of hits, this record from Minneapolis hip hop collective Doomtree ruled local airwaves and my speakers for all of 2012. The first night of December’s Doomtree Blowout 8 was also a First Avenue highlight for me this year. Plus, Andrew Sims goes to our neighborhood Y (local
celebrity workout vibes). Key Tracks: “No Way”, “Bangarang”, “Punch-Out”, “Little Mercy”, “Fresh New Trash”.
7. Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city: Mentored by none other than Dr. Dre, this record album serves as a diary of sorts to living life in Compton, CA. I can’t relate to anything on this record. Key Tracks: “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe”, “Backseat Freestyle”, “m.A.A.d. City”, “Swimming Pools (Drank)”.
6. Bruce Springsteen – Wrecking Ball: A soundtrack of sorts to this years’ presidential election. Seeing The Boss & The E Street Band live for the first time this past November was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will never be forgotten. With a crowd spanning all ages, Kelsey and I danced and sang along to 3 hours of non-stop rock ‘n roll. Key tracks: “We Take Care of Our Own”, “Shackled and Drawn”, “Wrecking Ball”, “Land Of Hope and Dreams”.
5. The xx – Coexist: Intimate, minimal, spacious. Three adjectives one could use to describe this record. I’d also add beautiful. This was a tough ticket back in October when the group came to First Avenue. Actually the only person I knew who got to go was our regular waitress/bartender from Pat’s Tap. Jamie XX’s production was heavily influenced by current electronic music and his own DJ sets. An excellent next step after this UK’s group first record. Key Tracks: “Angels”, “Chained”, “Reunion”, “Swept Away”.
4. The Walkmen – Heaven: A heavy hitter returns from 2010 – thank god. Honestly I don’t think I could ever leave a record by these guys off of the list. This concert at the end of June (again at First Avenue), was my first live experience the band. DO NOT miss them if they play a show near you. The Walkmen have been around for a while now, but man they just keep getting better. Plus, the self-titled track is so undeniably catchy. Key Tracks: “We Can’t Be Beat”, “The Love You Love, “Heaven”.
3. Beach House – Bloom: Take those adjectives I used in that “Coexist” review and throw them in here too. Beach House has defined their own sound; something that I didn’t know if they could do after their
last record a couple of years ago. “Bloom” is a gorgeous album from start to finish. Key Tracks: “Myth”, “Other People”, “Irene”.
2. Japandriods – Celebration Rock: Another record I’d put up against Weezer’s classic “Blue Album”. Solid rock cuts all the way through. The record opens and closes to the sound of fireworks exploding. Celebration indeed. Key Tracks: “The Nights of Wine and Roses”, “The House That Heaven Built”, “Continuous Thunder”.
1. Divine Fits – A Thing Called Divine Fits: I’ve kept a copy of this record at home, in my car and at work since it came out this past summer. You should too. A side project (for lack of a better phrase) for Spoon’s Britt Daniel comes through as an instant classic. It’s a party record that’s solid from start to finish. Hopefully this isn’t just a one-time thing. Spoon + Wolf Parade = Awesomeness. Key Tracks: “My Love Is Real”, “Flaggin’ A Ride”, “Would That Not Be Nice”, “Baby Get Worse”, “Like Ice Cream”.
Top 20 Singles (2012)
20. Sharon Van Etten – Warsaw: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AurxyoeF_oA
19. The Rolling Stones – Doom and Gloom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPFGWVKXxm0
18. Alabama Shakes – Hold On: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le-3MIBxQTw
17. Solange – Losing You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy9W_mrY_Vk
16. DOOMTREE – Punch-Out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlCOU9dnc0w
15. Death Grips – I’ve Seen Footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DigtCrO77L8
14. Tame Impala – Elephant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H570ifQfpDk
13. Beach House – Irene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdG7QxFc40Y
12. Kendrick Lamar – Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBnDYdWlF0k
11. Divine Fits – My Love Is Real: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UruZj56LwYk
10. Bruce Springsteen – Wrecking Ball: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqASHIMbkcg
9. The xx – Reunion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVLVNLuC33w
8. Best Coast – The Only Place: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJW00gx4wvE
7. Kanye West – Mercy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Dqgr0wNyPo
6. Bob Dylan – Duquesne Whistle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mns9VeRguys
5. Divine Fits – Baby Get Worse: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu08CxbunGM
4. Frank Ocean – Pyramids: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s26qTrH2atA
3. The Walkmen – Heaven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QaFK_GvO_s
2. Lower Dens – Brains: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI2o-BuQ8eE
1. Japandroids – The House That Heaven Built: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRVCtbfuDqw

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