TALKING STRIPES: December 2012

If there seems to be a lot of consensus about which artists’ albums were real stand-outs in 2012 – Japandroids, Beach House, Frank Ocean – it’s for good reasons. These albums featured solid and interesting song construction, texture, and unique perspectives; the music transported you to another place. It was also easy to get lost in the lo-fi pleasures of Tame Impala, and mesmerized by the electronic pulses of Tanlines’s long-awaited full-length debut.

Best Album Picks:

Fear Fun – Father John Misty

Maybe it’s Joshua Tillman’s beautiful voice, but somehow this album makes the ethereal real.

Channel Orange – Frank Ocean

His soulful r&b marries heart and clever descriptions. Sample lyric: “My TV ain’t HD, that’s too real.”

Celebration Rock – Japandroids

How can you not be swept away by the sound of fading fireworks at the end of “Continuous Thunder”?

Bloom – Beach House

Picking up where their previous effort, “Teen Dream,” left off, the Baltimore duo pull off another lazily mystical album.

Boys & Girls – Alabama Shakes

This Alabama band’s debut disc somehow manages to feel current and timeless. Brittany Howard’s higher gritty vocals are alluringly distinctive.

Mixed Emotions – Tanlines

If there’s been a criticism about this Brooklyn duo’s first LP, it’s that the songs don’t have a definitive arc. But sometimes it’s nice to linger in the infinite.

The Only Place – Best Coast

There’s a wistful sense of remorse tucked into the songs on this record – songs whose melodies might otherwise have you believe that everything’s fine.

Young & Old – Tennis

Have you not been seduced by Alaina Moore’s glorious vocals yet? How about her lyrics contemplating longing and existence? Open yourself to the possibilities.

Lonerism – Tame Impala

Some days you just need a dose of Australian pyschedelia.

Best Of 2012 Playlist:

“The Only Place” – Best Coast

“Stay Useless” – Cloud Nothings

“Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” – Father John Misty

“Continuous Thunder” – Japandroids

“Hold On” – Alabama Shakes

“I Know What Love Isn’t” – Jens Lekman

“Don’t Leave Me” – Regina Spektor

“Cameo Lover” – Kimbra

“One Heart Missing” – Grace Potter & The Nocturnals