The Top 10 Best Albums of 2012!

Happy Almost New Year!

In honor of the world not caving in itself (not yet at least) I thought it would be fun to do a year in review of the albums that truly shifted the music scene, and moved my soul as well.

Here's my personal list of the top 10 best albums of 2012!

10.Jack White -Blunderbuss
http://jackwhiteiii.com/news/

This record for me is Jack White at his best. Between his insightful lyrics, gritty sound that we have all come to know and love in his body of work, and the fact that he musically never rest on his laurels, He is always pushing the boundaries of what he can do and this album is no exception.If you were not a fan before I feel this record will change your mind as it did with mine.


9.Cat Power -Sun
http://www.catpowermusic.com/

It's funny, I always forget about Cat Power but every single album she puts out is absolutely brilliant and more groundbreaking then before and makes me fall in love with her all over again. She is one of the few indie artists in my opinion that has never had one bad album...at all...Which is a huge feat in itself and this album stays true to that sentiment. Honest and insightful lyrics, mixed with unforgettable melodies is what separates her from the rest. New Indie artists take note: She is the standard for what you should all strive to be.


8.Fiona Apple-The Idler Wheel
http://www.fiona-apple.com/

I remember when she came out I wasn't sure about her. I couldn't decide if the whole crazy introvert
 thing was an act or for real. Well between calling out the industry for it's "bullshit" to always writing music to the beat of her own drum, she has truly proved just what a one of a kind songwriter she is. While I feel this album is not nearly as groundbreaking as When the Pawn, my list would just not feel complete without it. Just Fiona, her voice and her band are all this album entails,Which is a welcome change from all the overly produced albums of her contemporaries.


7.Bruce Springsteen -Wrecking Ball
http://brucespringsteen.net/

I will be honest, usually I could care less about The boss and his rather nice ass, but this album for me was a pleasant surprise. I can finally see why people love him so much, he is truly the every man. He is just salt of the earth Americana and that obviously resonates with millions of people.If you were not a fan before I feel this is a good introduction to his music. While is it very classic Springsteen it still feels just commercial enough to keep your ear interested. This album is a good testament of his songwriting skills and his wonderful musicianship.You will not be disappointed.


6. Norah Jones -Little Broken Hearts
http://www2.norahjones.com/

I have always loved Norah and I am so happy to say that she is back and better then ever. An odd but brilliant collaboration with Danger Mouse makes this one of the most poignant albums of the year and one of the most haunting. This style suits her perfectly and I am honestly surprised this album hasn't shown up more on "The Best of" Lists of more music critics, since this is a stunning piece of work and a must own for any music lover.



5.The Killers -Battle Born
http://www.thekillersmusic.com/

The Killers always put out good solid music, and while this is not as great as their last couple of albums it is still a welcome addition to their discography.Sweeping melodies, haunting vocals and that classic Killers sound we have all come to love about them. I'll be honest and say when I first started listening to them back in the day (Vegas native here baby!lol) I never thought they would get as big as they have, but I guess that is the nature of the beast and I just hope some of my other favorite local Vegas bands makes it just as big one day (C'mon Slow to Surface, I'm looking at you!).



4.Ben Folds Five -The Sound of the Life of the Mind
http://www.benfolds.com/

Love Ben Folds, he truly never ceases to amaze me. His is one of the most underrated musical geniuses of our generation and I am glad he is back with this tour de force of an album. Every song on this album is a standout and that is just testament to his wonderful songwriting. My personal favorite however is of course "Do It Anyway" (Sorry I have a thing for Fraggles, lol) But this song is just one of many gems on this amazing album. The kinetic energy, beautiful melodies and some genuinely heartbreaking moments like on the song "Thank you for breaking my heart" make this a staple for any music lover's collection.



3.Mumford and Sons -Babel
http://www.mumfordandsons.com/

Another band that I am starting to play catch up on and this is definitely a very solid follow up to their 2009 album Sigh No More.They have a wonderful ability to still sound fresh while giving a musical nod to the past and this album follows in that trend. I know when I listen to an album I always try to find that one filler song and shockingly (for me at least) that song does not exist. Every song is big, passionate and beautiful. Whether you are a fan of indie, bluegrass or alt country or new rock there is something for everybody on here. I know this will be on constant rotation in my house for awhile. Just good classic songs from one of the most promising indie bands from the past 10 years.




2.Bob Dylan-Tempest
http://www.bobdylan.com/us/home

I know I might get some shit for putting Him at #2 But trust me, writing this list was so hard since this year was jam packed with wonderful music from my favorite artists. Every album on this list is amazing, so take my reviews with a grain of salt.This is classic Bob Dylan at his best, even if he seems to be channeling Tom Waits from time to time on this record. Insightful lyrics, and excellent musicianship just show why Bob Dylan has been at the top of his game for so long.

1.Over The Rhine-The Long Surrender
http://overtherhine.com/

I am very aware that this album technically came out last year, but for me they are one of the best bands of the past 20 years and are long over due for their recognition. (plus this is my list so I can do whatever the fuck I want, so suck it! hahaha.) Between their sweeping melodies, Linford's beautiful lyrics, Karin's haunting voice, and religious / social undertones this album has a little bit for everybody, which is what separates them for me from other indie folk artists.They have been doing consistently good music for 20 plus years and if you are not already a fan I implore you to go out and buy this album. For me, they are the antithesis of  breathtakingly brilliant storytelling.

So there you have it, My list of the top 10 albums of 2012 (and 2011) !
What are your thoughts? Agree or disagree with my list? Who would be your top 10?
Comment and Let's discuss!

xoxoxoxox -----Nerdychick