Well here we are. It was a rush at the end, but I made it just in time. As I said in part 1, this was a strange year in music and though there were some good albums, there's probably only one or two that will eventually contend for any best-of-the-decade list. Instead many of these titles might in the future be looked at as turning point albums, after which the artists either achieved greatness or faded away. Only time will tell.
The three albums that sit atop my chart are probably the most polarizing of the list in that there is very little room for middle ground in their enjoyment. Either you'll love them, or hate them. It's obvious at this point that indie shoegaze isn't my thing, so if you're up for more guts and glory, then prepare for battle...
The three albums that sit atop my chart are probably the most polarizing of the list in that there is very little room for middle ground in their enjoyment. Either you'll love them, or hate them. It's obvious at this point that indie shoegaze isn't my thing, so if you're up for more guts and glory, then prepare for battle...
#3
Swans
The Seer
This is by some distance the darkest album I've listened to this year, and for a long time before that. The opening track is titled "Lunacy", which is eminently poignant given that large parts of this album sound as if it were written in an asylum. I cannot stress enough how insane it is. That it was conceived at all is near sorcery, and as a recording it is a triumph.
Nearly two hours of sheer terror are the best way to describe this. It's not a heavy metal album, it doesn't have shrieking vocals or slashing guitars, in fact just the opposite. This is a kind of slow torture, a creeping dread, a shrouded evil that seeps into your being in a droning, unrelenting, ever-building manner. You might be thinking "why would I subject myself to this?", and to be fair, you might be right. If you can handle the dark, however, you will go places few other auditory expositors are able, never mind willing, to take you. This is a monumental achievement in post-rock expressionism, and it is impossible to appreciate it from listening to clips or even a single track at a time, but here are some samples anyway. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Nearly two hours of sheer terror are the best way to describe this. It's not a heavy metal album, it doesn't have shrieking vocals or slashing guitars, in fact just the opposite. This is a kind of slow torture, a creeping dread, a shrouded evil that seeps into your being in a droning, unrelenting, ever-building manner. You might be thinking "why would I subject myself to this?", and to be fair, you might be right. If you can handle the dark, however, you will go places few other auditory expositors are able, never mind willing, to take you. This is a monumental achievement in post-rock expressionism, and it is impossible to appreciate it from listening to clips or even a single track at a time, but here are some samples anyway. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Lunacy
The Seer Returns
Avatar
#2
Death Grips
The Money Store
When I first heard "Ex-Military" last year, I didn't really know what to think. In the end, I really liked it. Similarly, even with that past exposure and a general idea of what this album might be like, I still didn't know quite what to make of it on first listen. This is not controlled chaos, this is absolute madness. It makes Kanye's dark twisted fantasy look like a cotton candy carnival ride.
The production on this is just nuts. It's sharks with fricken laser beams on acid. Distorted wub bass, warped vocals, bit crushed kicks, this is future music and how. You probably hate it. Lots of people do. I can't explain why it's so cool, it just is. There is nobody that sounds like these guys, and as if one dope album wasn't enough for this year, they also put out No Love Web Deep, which is almost as awesome and very nearly also made this list. It's just mind boggling stuff that bashes its way into your psyche and leaves you wondering what on earth they could possibly come up with next.
The production on this is just nuts. It's sharks with fricken laser beams on acid. Distorted wub bass, warped vocals, bit crushed kicks, this is future music and how. You probably hate it. Lots of people do. I can't explain why it's so cool, it just is. There is nobody that sounds like these guys, and as if one dope album wasn't enough for this year, they also put out No Love Web Deep, which is almost as awesome and very nearly also made this list. It's just mind boggling stuff that bashes its way into your psyche and leaves you wondering what on earth they could possibly come up with next.
Hustle Bones
I've Seen Footage
Hacker
#1
Coheed & Cambria
The Afterman: Ascension
I make no apologies for my admiration of Claudio Sanchez and his seriously awesome band Coheed and Cambria. For whatever reason these guys are often dismissed as being pop-punk because they have obsessive fans, many of whom are of the younger generation. They are also a concept band that has a fully-fleshed illustrated fantasy story to accompany the themes of their albums. Frankly, I couldn't care less about the comics. These guys kick ass, plain and simple. Claudio's voice can take some getting used to but writing soaring, epic progressive tracks is an art that he has mastered.
This is the first half of what is a two-part double album, but by itself this is the best album that Coheed have released since their sophomore album in 2003. The return of Josh Eppard to the drums and the addition of Zach Cooper on bass seem to have lifted the band to new heights and given them an energy not seen in ages. Though this is a short album, only nine songs and just under forty minutes, every track is memorable and as a whole the record feels like an adventure. The second part comes out in February and all indications are that it will be just as good if not better. It's been a big year for Sanchez, and long may his new found zeal continue.
This is the first half of what is a two-part double album, but by itself this is the best album that Coheed have released since their sophomore album in 2003. The return of Josh Eppard to the drums and the addition of Zach Cooper on bass seem to have lifted the band to new heights and given them an energy not seen in ages. Though this is a short album, only nine songs and just under forty minutes, every track is memorable and as a whole the record feels like an adventure. The second part comes out in February and all indications are that it will be just as good if not better. It's been a big year for Sanchez, and long may his new found zeal continue.
Domino The Destitute
The Afterman
Goodnight, Fair Lady
EP #1
Brother Ali
The Bite Marked Heart
One of the good guys of hip hop came out with two discs this year, this being the first and shorter release, and also the best. With seven great tracks that all feature trademark smooth production and even smoother lyrics. The combination of soul and R&B vibes with tight beats keeps you bouncing from start to finish. The Brother just seems to be getting better and better.
Shine On
I'll Be Around
Years
That's all folks! See you in 2013!
