Top Releases of 2012

A year ago today I was doing the same thing I am doing now, looking ahead onto a new year that is full of wonder and possibilities.  There is no way I can fully know what to expect, and it's impossible to look into the future and get a solid grasp of what the music world will throw my way; right now, it's all up for grabs.  What's going to be my favorite album of 2013?  What is going to disappoint me?  Which band will release a debut album that blows me away?  These are the same questions I (and all of us for that matter) was faced with at the beginning of 2012.  I didn't have answers, I didn't have a clue.  It's for this reason that I love lists, if nothing else it's a reflection of the year that passed, a representation of the artists you listened to and the albums that grew to symbolize a small segment of your life.  It's all there, neatly organized in a countdown. For me, that's why I do lists.  I don't do them because I want to brag about what I listened to, nor do I think my list is better than everyone else's.  No, I do it because it gives a certain portrayal of who I am for that year, it shows what I was into and what I cared about.  Going through the years of previous lists, it's fascinating to look back and see how I've changed and how my music tastes shifted.  Each list fills in the answers that you asked yourself at the beginning of each year, and it exhibits that child-like excitement and curiosity that you felt 12 months prior.  To go back and observe that introspection is a wonderful thing, and the best part?  You get a chance to do it at the beginning of each and every single year.  The music side of me now has a clean slate going into 2013, and whenever a part of you has an uncertain future, how can you not help but feel a flurry of anticipation?  That's how I feel now, and that's how I felt then, way back in January of 2012.  Now, though, my questions have been answered, and 2012 will slowly disappear behind us (but that doesn't mean we won't forget it) as new and inspiring music makes its way into our ears.  So, without further adieu, here are my favorite releases of the year that passed....

25.  Blondes by Blondes

"Lover"

24.  Strange Weekend by Porcelain Raft

23.  Duality by Captain Murphy

22.  Shrines by Purity Ring

"Crawlersout"

21.  Allah-Las by Allah-Las

"Tell Me (What's On Your Mind)"

20.  Confess by Twin Shadow

"Beg For The Night"

19.  2 by Mac DeMarco

18.  Our House on the Hill by The Babies

17.  Heaven by The Walkmen

"We Can't Be Beat"

16.  Spiderwebbed by Stumbleine

15.  Melody's Echo Chamber by Melody's Echo Chamber

14.  Gossamer by Passion Pit

"It's Not My Fault, I'm Happy"

13.  Coexist by The xx

"Tides"

12.  Shields by Grizzly Bear

"Gun-Shy"

11.  Sweet Heart Sweet Light by Spiritualized

"Little Girl"

10.  There's No Leaving Now by The Tallest Man on Earth

"To Just Grow Away"

9.  Nocturne by Wild Nothing

8.  Oshin by DIIV

7.  Attack on Memory by Cloud Nothings

"Fall In"

6.  Bend Beyond by Woods

"Impossible Sky"

5.  Kindred EP by Burial

"Loner"

4.  Spooky Action at a Distance by Lotus Plaza

3.  Bloom by Beach House

"Lazuli"

2.  Lonerism by Tame Impala

"Music To Walk Home By"

1.  Celebration Rock by Japandroids

"Evil's Sway"

So there ya have it, 2012 in a nutshell!  As with every list I'm sure you agree on some while you completely disagree with others, but that's the beauty of music...no one has to agree on anything, we all just listen to what we like.  Anyway, I look forward to what will hopefully be a stellar 2013 music year, there are sure to be some great releases heading our way (Beach Fossils and Toro Y Moi, I'm looking at you) as well some debut hopefuls (ON AN ON, my fingers are crossed!).  Here's wishing everyone a happy new year, and hoping that your holidays were merry!  Thank you all for reading, it has been a pleasure writing for you, and I hope to see you guys soon!!!

Chris Malinchak

The last time I wrote about Chris Malinchak was about two months ago when he released "These Dreams", a specimen of disco and house fusion. Today, we are faced with a fresh song from Malinchak called "All Shook Up", the newest addition to his repertoire of beat-heavy electronic bangers.  What's great about "Leaving Tomorrow" is the use of samples, which tend to take on a more soulful tone.  I am even sniffing hints of funk somewhere in there.  This one also comes to you from French Express, a label comprised entirely of foot-tappers and head-rockers.  It's only reasonable that Malinchak would fall directly into the mix.  You can see the array of French Express artists at the label's SoundCloud here.  If it's Malinchak you want, he has a Facebook, Twitter, and SoundCloud that you can tune in to.  Have a listen to brand new "All Shook Up" below.  Enjoy!

 Chris Malinchak - All Shook Up by FRENCH EXPRESS

Chris Malinchak

Yesterday I received a notification on Facebook from an artist I 'like' named Chris Malinchak, a New York City musician who produces beats from the lucky label French Express.  Thanks to the ol' Crackbook, I was informed of a new song he released that was accompanied by a caption which simply read: "Dreams that keep me up at night". Lo and behold, the track was entitled "These Dreams", a work that fits superbly with his steady flow of output over the past couple of months.  The beat loops over its 6-minute duration are fresh and energetic, exposing us to his infectious rhythm and ensuring that we won't be bored. Despite the lyrics that repeat "no excuses, no excuses, no excuses, you know what you've done", the overall tone actually functions quite sprightly and fits the bill for those casual summer cruises.  Windows down, of course.  I've posted "These Dreams" below for stream, but for more downloads or information you can take a visit to either SoundCloud, Facebook, or Twitter.

 Chris Malinchak - These Dreams by Chris Malinchak

Blondes

It's hard for me to determine exactly what kind of music the duo of Blondes creates. Obviously, yes, it is electronic, but each song is a long, drawn out enterprise that requires a bit of patience.  Yes, there are plenty of hooks and catchy beats, but it doesn't possess the instant attraction like pop artists (a la Rihanna for example) have.  It's also more subdued and not quite so in-your-face.  Essentially what I'm getting at here is that if you're somewhere like a stereotypical college party or in a club, you would never hear Blondes being played. There are no lyrics, it doesn't have a fast enough tempo, and the songs are way too long in duration.  So while it is "house", and is certainly "electronic", it's not anything you can really dance to.  This isn't at all meant to disregard their debut album that came out this year, in fact Blondes was one of the first releases to come out in 2012 that really wowed me, but for me it seems to put Blondes in a curious position.  Sure, they make incredibly complex, fascinating, and unique songs, but they average music consumer does not appreciate such things.  It also helps to listen to Blondes on repeat occasions, for it's in these moments when the band is able to build the song structure and let the end product simmer in your mind.  I've posted two songs from this year's debut album Blondes below, "Lover" and "Gold", so check 'em out and see for yourself if it's your type of thing.  Enjoy!

Lover

Gold