Top Ten Albums of 2012: 5 through 1

A couple of artists that I am very familiar with and three I had never heard of before the start of the year.

5. Elton John versus Pnau – Good Morning to the Night – When I first heard this, I couldn't believe I sat through the end of the album. It is bunch of Elton John songs mashed up with electronica from Pnau. I wanted to write it off, but it has a touch of nostalgia, it is interesting and most importantly it is fun.

 



4. Bob Mould – Silver Age – When you deal with Bob Mould, you have a rough idea what it is going to sound like and you know it is going to be an honest album that explores his thoughts and emotions. I purposely avoided paying close attention to the lyrics for this reason. His world can be a little dark and depressing. That said, this album roars like the best of Husker Du, Sugar and his solo work.

3. Emeli Sande – Our Version of Events – I saw reviews for this early in the year, and, I decided to give it a try. She is another British soul singer with powerful ballads and great hooks. There seem to be so many of them. I didn't think this album could measure up to all the great music from this genre over that past few years, but it does. At times it will remind you of Adele, at times Beyonce, at times Janelle Monae, yet she is her own person. This album is at the top of many critics' lists and it was at the top of mine for awhile, also. It is a great debut.

 
2. Japandroids – Post–Nothing – A friend told me the week before this came out that it would be my favorite album of the year and he was close. If Bob Mould roars, this album explodes. They have unpolished rawness that makes rock music exciting. Even though they are from Vancouver, BC, they have the classic American influences of Springsteen, Petty, Husker Du and The Replacements. At times, the album just overwhelms (in a good way).

1. The Unthanks – Diversions Vol.1, The Songs of Robert Wyatt and Antony & the Johnsons – I stumbled across this listening to a BBC interview with the band. It is simple, spare folk music with pure melodies and weird songs. I found myself drawn back to the album over and over again. It is odd, haunting and beautiful. It is my favorite album of the year.