Here We Are, Halfway to the End of the World.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here we are, halfway through 2012, and there’s been a lot of good music so far. So rather than doing a typical “Best of xxxx So Far!” list, I decided I’d rather just put up the 2012 albums I’ve listened to so far that I think are worth hearing at least once. From what I understand, there is even more stuff coming later this year, so I’m going to be very busy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Atrium Carceri is back with their signature brand of Dark Ambient and Drone. While the album is kind of all over the place, the music remains engrossing and interesting all the way through.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is some really great post-rock from this year. And it’s freeeeeeee!! (You should still give them a few dollars, though) - Linkadiddly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’d write something interesting for these two Black Swan albums, but I’m too much of a fanboy, so I’m just going to tell you to get them. Now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is Drudkh, stripped and raw. It’s definitely not their best work, but it is worth hearing at least once, especially if you’re a Drudkh fanboy like I am.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I didn’t think this was interesting as it’s predecessor, but it is still an enjoyable listen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is El-P at the top of his game. His flow is the best it’s ever been, his beats are still incredible, and his use of guest spots actually do something for the album. Cancer 4 Cure  is incredibly consistent and hard-hitting. This is by far my favorite hip-hop  album of the year so far.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It should be a deadly sin for me not to have heard Fiona Apple before. This was a great introduction and stands as one of the best indie/pop albums of the year so far.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All I can say is that I still can’t believe these girls are Swedes. They so perfectly encapsulate Americana.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although it’s a bit “top-heavy”, Some Nights shows that fun. are still able to put out catchy and interesting indie-pop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is kind of a friendly plug, but one of my buddies put this out and this is a legitimately good album. Go check them out here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This band was formerly known as “Hop Along, Queen Ansleis”.  They put a really great indie album under that name, reformed, and released this. I think this is probably the best thing they’ve done yet. Also, their song “Tibetan Pop Stars” is one of my favorite songs from the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southern rap with El-P on production. Pretty great if you ask me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new Melvins EP. I shouldn’t have to tell you to get it. Oh yeah… it’s free. Linkage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think it’s official that Spektor can do no wrong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you like Manchester Orchestra, you should like this too. It’s the side project of their vocalist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sigur Ros release another pretty album. Not one of my favorites, but worth listening to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The guitars on here are ridiculously gorgeous. A solid screamo album for this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Saddest Landscape continue to make heart-wrenching screamo, not straying from their formula at all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those pesky Swedes and their amazing folk albums…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A delicious post-rock EP from this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verse are back, baby.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This album is strange. It’s strange because there’s nothing inherently special the music. It’s simply arranged and simply produced. However, Katie Crutchfield’s vocals are still heart-wrenching and unbearably pretty. This ties into her lyrics as well. Her lyrics direct, and cut straight into your heart, making you empathize with her every word. It’s a simple singer-songwriter album, but don’t let it fool you, because Katie’s vocal melodies and urgent delivery make for an endearing listen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who doesn’t love a little shoegaze?