Well the world didn't end like we all expected, so I guess I'd better get to my selection of the best albums of 2012. This year was a difficult one, not only personally, but for the blog and also music in general. Where last year was a year of experimentation this year some of the crazy new sub-genres really reached out further into directions that maybe weren't so expected, and some more successfully than others. Certainly the underground hip-hop scene is alive and well, and the heavier genres like hardcore and post rock had strong years. Not so much for pop music, which was utterly dreadful, and the folk/indie scene seemed to stagnate, though no doubt bigger fans of that stuff will disagree with me.
There were lots of little concept EPs that impressed, which made it quite difficult to narrow it down to a top seven, but the same can't be said for the LP selection. Up until a few weeks ago I had a really hard time trying to come up with more than a dozen albums that impressed me, never mind a full list, but in the end there were some hidden gems that popped out on closer inspection. The albums that made it were pretty good albeit a little lacking, I felt, in the punch and polish that we've seen in the past couple years.
As usual the disclaimer that there are probably several great albums that I completely missed, and lots that just didn't jive with me for whatever reason. For example, you won't find Frank Ocean's "Channel Orange" here. I'm not an R&B guy as it is, and while it was clean and well-produced, I just didn't get much enjoyment out of it. Anyway let's get down to business, shall we?
Oh, and in case you missed them, here are my newly re-coded best of 2010 and 2011 charts.
There were lots of little concept EPs that impressed, which made it quite difficult to narrow it down to a top seven, but the same can't be said for the LP selection. Up until a few weeks ago I had a really hard time trying to come up with more than a dozen albums that impressed me, never mind a full list, but in the end there were some hidden gems that popped out on closer inspection. The albums that made it were pretty good albeit a little lacking, I felt, in the punch and polish that we've seen in the past couple years.
As usual the disclaimer that there are probably several great albums that I completely missed, and lots that just didn't jive with me for whatever reason. For example, you won't find Frank Ocean's "Channel Orange" here. I'm not an R&B guy as it is, and while it was clean and well-produced, I just didn't get much enjoyment out of it. Anyway let's get down to business, shall we?
Oh, and in case you missed them, here are my newly re-coded best of 2010 and 2011 charts.
#21
Degiheugi
Dancing Chords And Fireflies
If you asked me who Degiheugi was a few short months ago I would have told you I'd never heard of him, but thankfully all that has changed now that I've been exposed to his groovy beats from France. Trip hop is probably the best way to describe the sound as a whole as it melts elements of downtempo and hip hop together with a jazzy twist.
You definitely get your money's worth with this one, as its running time is just under 80 minutes, though some tracks do feel a bit like filler that should have been relegated to b-side status. Still, for an independent release the production is crisp and cool. Put in on, press play, chill out, and thank me later.
The Consumer
Un Jour Comme Un Autre
I Know A Woman Somewhere
#20
Michal Menert
Even If It Isn't Right
From trip hop to glitch hop, Michal Menert returns after a couple years with his sophomore effort on Derek Vincent Smith's PLM label. His sound is unmistakably similar to Pretty Lights, though it is a little less wobbly and more jazzy. Making up for lost time with a double disc release of twenty seven tracks blended into over 100 minutes, this one might not quite be as engrossing as his mentor's work, but it's very groovy and well worth checking out even if you're not into Pretty Lights.
As individual tracks there aren't many that scream single but as a whole the album works nicely, moving from funky big beats to trippy rollers and then into dubsteppy bass bins. It's a perfect soundtrack for some boarding or a long drive in the sunshine.
The Same Disease
Remember
Out Of This World
#19
B. Dolan
House Of Bees Vol. 2
There is no middle ground in modern hip hop. You either write flashy pop-star productions with a million dollar hook, or you stay true to your roots, spit thought-provoking lyrics, and ride the underground train to mid-level notoriety. At least that's what we're led to believe. With his latest release, Bernard Dolan shows that there might yet be room for a little of both. The activist rapper combines his politically incendiary verse with catchy, intelligent production incorporating some classic samples.
His first single "Film The Police" is a fresh re-interpretation of the legendary NWA anthem, and other such historical tracks like "Ohio" are used to compliment the abrasive style. This is Dolan's best work to date, and elevates him among the leaders of the political rap movement alongside contemporaries like Immortal Technique. If you dig serious rap with a brain, be sure to check this one if you haven't already.
Which Side Are You On
2Bad (Epic Beard Men)
Tin Soldiers
EP #7
Wild Belle
Wild Belle
Starting just where we left off from last year's EP list, this one is also self-titled and it's our first look at the Bergman siblings, Natalie and Elliot, who grace the cover of this hip-tacular release. It's a bit of a fusion of reggae and the funky blues sound performed so well by the Black Keys. The production is catchy enough, but it's the lazy seduction of Natalie's voice with a hint of Astrud Gilberto in it that keeps us enchanted. A good start, what comes next should be interesting.
It's Too Late
Keep You
Backslider
Tomorrow... part 2!
No comments:
Post a Comment