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View Full Version : Music in 2012 [New: 5 Biggest Disappointments, What to Look forward to in 2013]


Shaun
10-12-2012, 06:16 AM
http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/3421/music2012.jpg

I'm in the process of compiling the following :D

Top 50 Albums of 2012
Top 100 Tracks of 2012
Worst 10 Albums
5 Biggest Disappointments
5x "Don't Believe the Hype"s
5 Reasons not to give up in 2013
5 Wishes for 2013

So yeah... although I've not worked out an order for 3 of those categories yet, I thought I'd get the thread up and running for later when I want to post them. :pipe:

Speculate if you want... I've decided upon the fifty albums bar one though :p

Kate!
10-12-2012, 06:32 AM
Looking forward to the top 100 tracks

Fetch The Bolt Cutters
10-12-2012, 08:16 AM
:amazed:

Fetch The Bolt Cutters
10-12-2012, 08:19 AM
my favorite things about december are shauns album list and that most annoying people of the year thing they have on BBC3

Benjamin
10-12-2012, 08:33 AM
I hope Of Monsters & men feature in the top 50 albums.

Top tracks hopefully will include Asaf Adivan 'One Day', Of Monsters & Men 'Little Talks' and Cold Specks 'Winter Solstice'.

Black Dagger
10-12-2012, 10:26 AM
my favorite things about december are shauns album list and that most annoying people of the year thing they have on BBC3

Yes, the annoying list :lovedup:

Although they'll hate on Ry this year, ain't nobody got time for dat.

Looking forward to this Shaun <3.

Shaun
11-12-2012, 12:29 AM
I'll start with the songs... I'll post them in chunks of ten at a time as YouTube videos, and do ten or twenty a day this week & next, then do the albums Christmas week and the final details before New Years.

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3229/songs2012.jpg

#100 - "National Anthem", Lana del Rey
sxDdEPED0h8

Lovely music video, pretty song. Not her best effort, but a nice reminder that 'Video Games' wasn't a one-off.

#99 - "We Were Children", Tribes
52QHnUF13hs

They didn't really make that much of an impact on 2012 it turns out, but that's pretty much to be expected of a January release. They had a handful of good songs, and this was one of them.

#98 - "Headphones", Little Boots
pJaH2GqT220

Getting very worried for the prospect of her ever getting around to releasing a comeback album now, because to be honest I'm not sure anyone cares any more. 'Headphones', however, was an incessant reminder of her ear for a good hook.

#97 - "The Only Place", Best Coast
AJW00gx4wvE

Sadly the rest of the album was just a bag of indie-surf pop without the anthems. This was briefly enchanting.

#96 - "DJ, Ease My Mind", Niki + the Dove
VnexkG4RrtA

Great sound to them, but lacking in personality. This was the most promising of their pre-album tracks, and after the release of Instinct in May, a rarity.

#95 - "A Matter of Time", The Killers
qdQ4jgWAWkM

Just about the only good thing off Battle Born. Sadface.

#94 - "Nostradamus and Me", Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
_ljoMpZ-HQw

If there were a line graph connecting "how much I love it" on the Y axis and "how much I talk about them" on the X axis, Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti would be in the top left. I really should sell them more. They're fascinating.

#93 - "Bavarian #1 (Say You Will)", Miike Snow
y5_3CB4fse8

Pretty much the whole album sounded like this, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

#92 - "Gooo", TNGHT
3-kjLzAIYAY

INSANE

#91 - "Let's Have a Kiki", Scissor Sisters
eGCD4xb-Tr8

All of the silly ad-libs and voicemails and ferocity aside, the underlying drums on this are just fun.

Shaun
11-12-2012, 03:39 AM
added spoilers cos loading time lul

Shaun
11-12-2012, 07:42 PM
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3229/songs2012.jpg

#90 - "We'll Be Coming Back", Calvin Harris & Example
kPC_evpbwDM

Obviously not going to be a song with much longevity, but the year or so that a Calvin Harris track as good as this hangs around can make pop just a little bit brighter.

#89 - "Bonfire", Knife Party
e-IWRmpefzE

I have to use a song used in Breaking Bad, okay, and this was stupidly crazy.

#88 - "Big Mouth", Santigold
cxdQ_uD5IWk

The first of three Santigold tracks on this countdown, 'Big Mouth' for a brief while was my favourite song of the year. It hasn't quite endured, though, and although the video's fun, others stuck around for longer.

#87 - "Don't Deny Your Heart", Hot Chip
Gf3bmQh8_dM

Was already a favourite off of In Our Heads before they released this "football = gay" vid.

#86 - "All That Matters (The Beautiful Life)", Ke$ha
xMF_mdtDJQo

A witty nod of the head to the pitfalls of decadence and opulence, or a really bloody good dance track? Well, the latter, but shut up.

#85 - "Dead in the Water", Ellie Goulding
mDhfb8mSuH8

Totes pretty.

#84 - "Nothing That Has Happened So Far Has Been Anything We Could Control", Tame Impala
C1VelTQ3hdY

Another act getting three mentions. Mmmmmm psychedelia.

#83 - "Phone Sex", Blood Diamonds & Grimes
FxmCvdY4NZQ

We need more pop songs with steel drums please.

#82 - "New God Flow", G.O.O.D. Music
GJcQ5j3q0S0

WHO RUNNIN **** TODAY? GOOD MUSIC

#81 - "Like the Wind", NoNoNo
yY6KLIx92q4

i like it ok

MeMyselfAndI
11-12-2012, 07:44 PM
I still don't get the huge fascination for threads like these

Niall
11-12-2012, 07:46 PM
-prays for Yellow Halo or Melancholy Sky- http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/075ee6d1.gif

Shaun
11-12-2012, 07:47 PM
don't post in them then.

Jake.
11-12-2012, 07:48 PM
Looking good Shaun!

Jake.
11-12-2012, 07:48 PM
don't post in them then.

:laugh:

Shaun
11-12-2012, 07:50 PM
-prays for Yellow Halo or Melancholy Sky- http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/075ee6d1.gif

didn't like Melancholy Sky but yes the other :amazed:

MeMyselfAndI
11-12-2012, 07:53 PM
i am actually kneeling to pray that Leona Lewis is #1"!

Doogle
11-12-2012, 07:53 PM
Will wait till the top 50 and listen to them tbh

Shaun
11-12-2012, 07:54 PM
leona does feature :p

Niall
11-12-2012, 07:56 PM
didn't like Melancholy Sky but yes the other :amazed:

:amazed: :amazed:

I am pleased. :love:

Jake.
11-12-2012, 07:57 PM
leona does feature :p

At number 79

Benjamin
11-12-2012, 07:59 PM
Hopes for a top ten finish for Psy, Icona Pop and Azeila Banks.

MeMyselfAndI
11-12-2012, 08:04 PM
At number 79

You haven't listened to the album so hush.
'Glassheart' is a master piece

Jake.
11-12-2012, 08:10 PM
You haven't listened to the album so hush.
'Glassheart' is a master piece

You clearly can't take a joke so hush. Besides you judged the music I like despite never listening to them so :hmph:

Shaun
11-12-2012, 08:11 PM
Hopes for a top ten finish for Psy, Icona Pop and Azeila Banks.

I didn't include PSY... I felt it was sort-of obvious :p

Brother Leon
11-12-2012, 08:16 PM
82 :worship:
Pusha went inside out.

Me. I Am Salman
11-12-2012, 08:24 PM
Hope Rihanna/Usher make it in there.

Doogle
11-12-2012, 08:30 PM
I see Phresh Out The Runway getting a top 5 finish tbh

Shaun
11-12-2012, 08:41 PM
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3229/songs2012.jpg

#80 - "The One", Twin Shadow
AdEM-5-MwvA

Imagine Prince covering 'Close to Me', but letting Antony Hegarty do the vocals. Amazing.

#79 - "Night Light", Jessie Ware
YyY5upiRO8Q

Sleek, cool, sexy, poppy, amazing.

#78 - "Circumambient", Grimes
5oqxz6hpGbs

Right from the opening crackle, an enigmatic, slick production and brilliant song.

#77 - "m.A.A.d. city", Kendrick Lamar
P4KgdepFHX4

Just a mindblowingly good demonstration of his rapping abilities. Not my favourite of the album, but we'll get to that later...

#76 - "Trouble", Leona Lewis
D5U6CaNlyEQ

Whilst her songwriter was going mental trying to irritate as many people as possible with her public appearances, Leona herself was busy getting into the twenty first century. She puts her powerful vocals on hold here and lets a modern, great production envelop her.

#75 - "DoYaThing", Gorillaz, James Murphy and Andre 3000
yNeF30RverQ

Pretty much only here because of Andre's verse. Very funky and fun, though.

#74 - "Cyan", Kindness
jddGsBE_eIs

Speaking of funk. Not a great album, but someone to look out for in the future.

#73 - "Wasted Days", Cloud Nothings
JIitQNXVgb8

Few bands can make an indie rock track just under 9 minutes long and consistently engaging throughout.

#72 - "Grew Up at Midnight", The Maccabees
P256NeWNEqM

So peaceful, so lovely.

#71 - "Sun Goes Down", Icona Pop
WeZeIWMdMKY

perfect

Doogle
11-12-2012, 08:43 PM
Twin Shadow and Maccabees :amazed:

Jake.
11-12-2012, 09:19 PM
Hope Rihanna/Usher make it in there.

Yes I'm sure that after rating her album 1.5 Rihanna will be making a top 5 enterance

Jake.
11-12-2012, 09:20 PM
Omg I wasn't even far off with Leona :amazed:

MeMyselfAndI
11-12-2012, 09:29 PM
Surely 'Glassheart' the song will qualify aswell though

Shaun
11-12-2012, 09:31 PM
I like Glassheart but could do with a better bit after the chorus than that dubstep bit. I prefer Trouble, so it's the only song to chart here :p

Me. I Am Salman
11-12-2012, 10:30 PM
Yes I'm sure that after rating her album 1.5 Rihanna will be making a top 5 enterance

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0g9yvjwgG1r7fx1xo1_500.gif

Me. I Am Salman
11-12-2012, 10:31 PM
any excuse to use that gif

Doogle
11-12-2012, 10:38 PM
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0g9yvjwgG1r7fx1xo1_500.gif

:joker::joker::joker::joker::joker::joker::joker:: joker:

Jake.
11-12-2012, 10:39 PM
any excuse to use that gif

:joker:

LemonJam
11-12-2012, 11:17 PM
-looks into Twin Shadow-

Night Light <3

Fetch The Bolt Cutters
12-12-2012, 10:37 AM
riots gone ftw

Shaun
12-12-2012, 05:17 PM
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3229/songs2012.jpg

#70 - "Masquerade", Nicki Minaj
D8JgwqAx-bU

I'm glad I pretty much ignore the majority of the online community when it comes to pop music, because if to be believed, Nicki Minaj is the antichrist. In actuality, she pens great pop songs like this.

#69 - "On and On and On", Jack White
VPOXpJXXl8Q

Slightly trippy, mostly jaunty and infectious piano rambling.

#68 - "Regret", Fiona Apple
LUOsyBPFfAo

The album's darkest-sounding track. Sounds like a Regina Spektor song. Love.

#67 - "On the Sea", Beach House
Gb0Rs_-Hsjo

The album's stand-out pretty melody, and a convincing argument against my fear of the ocean.

#66 - "Everything is Embarrassing", Sky Ferreira
1jtTeMgWNhA

I didn't really think anything of hers prior to this was much cop, but this is soulful, catchy and cute.

#65 - "Lost", Frank Ocean
cH8u2FSrfUU

2012 is his year. This is the first of four reasons why in this countdown.

#64 - "Born to Lose", Sleigh Bells
887Glv9BSkg

Probably the closest track to their debut formula, which isn't necessarily a bad thing when your debut is as wall-shakingly brilliant as theirs was.

#63 - "Dance Again", Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull
bjgFH01k0gU

I really didn't want to live in a world where I enjoyed a J-Lo/Pitbull collaboration, but this is just RedOne at his best.

#62 - "Good Times", Cooly G
fYw0ekXmoUE

The natural offspring of Katy B and the Knife. So you know it's good.

#61 - "Scream", Usher
IS4GmLQVx2M

Another unexpected boost of quality this year after J-Lo came in the form of Usher. This isn't his only appearance on my list, but it's his catchiest. If only it weren't for that dancing video game advert.

Mrluvaluva
12-12-2012, 05:29 PM
Blood Diamonds & Grimes "Phone Sex" is one of those songs I am still quite torn about. I have played it often, but am still not quite sure about it. I know I am making no sense....:laugh:

Shaun
13-12-2012, 05:22 AM
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3229/songs2012.jpg

#60 - "Gangnam Style (강남스타일)", PSY
9bZkp7q19f0

It was a bit of a shock how successful exactly this was.

#59 - "Big Hoops (Bigger the Better)", Nelly Furtado
qjvXmpOTtdQ

Did. Not. Deserve. That. Flop.

#58 - "Your Love", Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs
2wttcQKlI9I

Album was iffy. Song was not.

#57 - "Liquorice", Azealia Banks
ZlWRhnYgWcc

Incredible video. Spawned many gifs. Oh and 90s rave pop = always welcome.

#56 - "Silhouettes", Avicii
6VJBBUqr1wM

**** Guetta. Great pop/dance music is Avicii.

#55 - "Losing You", Solange
Hy9W_mrY_Vk

A year without Beyonce doesn't necessarily mean a year without ferocity from the Knowles family. Just slow enough a grower to keep surprising you.

#54 - "Hit Me", Mystikal
-w0tzbKtRuA

James Brown isn't dead. This is ****ing brilliant.

#53 - "Va Va Voom", Nicki Minaj
3U72hzeBLOw

Terrible video. Really, really terrible video. Amazing song.

#52 - "Hood", Perfume Genius
OOpkr8uNWpk

It's a little depressing that a video like this can, in this day and age, be censored or indeed banned. Let's deal with that depression by listening to a sweet, pretty song.

#51 - "Push and Shove", No Doubt
hunha8UtqCk

Immensely good, if just for the Busy Signal feature.

Mrluvaluva
13-12-2012, 06:24 AM
Your Love. :love:

Shaun
14-12-2012, 12:09 AM
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3229/songs2012.jpg

#50 - "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards", Tame Impala
wycjnCCgUes

Just so feel-good. Summery, yummy, enrapturing.

#49 - "Anemany", Purity Ring
SAbCYkE2QMM

Breathy, weird, full of pretty little bits.

#48 - "Play the Game Boy", A*M*E
SAbCYkE2QMM

Sounds like Robyn and Mini Viva going a bit mental over Street Fighter. What's not to love?

#47 - "Deep Sea Diver", Bat for Lashes
http://open.spotify.com/track/1uNeWHoquQW3fvGmykILYm

Proof that she's the closest to a Kate Bush prodigy we have.

#46 - "Fire's Highway", Japandroids
ixOKfFFchw4

No nonsense late-80s rock. Always good.

#45 - "Mama Told Me", Big Boi & Kelly Rowland
CRUVMg6yvCs

The most reliable half of Outkast released another amazing album just last week :love: this is its poppiest element.

#44 - "Hustle Bones", Death Grips
dCgxi-h1PoI

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

#43 - "Genesis", Grimes
1FH-q0I1fJY

Of all of 2012's Japanese goth enthusiasts I think Grimes was my favourite. Skip a minute if you like, it's just intro. The rest is a sweeeeeeet series of hooks.

#42 - "Open", Regina Spektor
oK9jb4fVBug

If you can get past the gasping this is one of the prettiest ballads of the year; heck, even her career.

#41 - "Take a Walk", Passion Pit
dZX6Q-Bj_xg

I'd never have the enthusiasm or motivation to go for a walk every time I get pissed off. If I'm out, though, and this comes on my iPod, it puts a spring in my step :pipe:

Apple202
14-12-2012, 06:03 PM
I love the Va Va Voom video, glad to see the song chart though:love:

Shaun
14-12-2012, 06:29 PM
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3229/songs2012.jpg

#40 - "Love Interruption", Jack White
iErNRBTPbEc

Sure, the news of the White Stripes splitting was pretty sad, but I think we all secretly knew they were going stale. This solo album completely reinvigorated the man, and this was the most fun moment.

#39 - "Cherokee", Cat Power
PDbPrOuXq2s

I just want to marry her voice.

#38 - "Baby Come Home", Scissor Sisters
lM2d28lBM3k

Slightly let-down album piqued by one or two excellent songs? Sound familiar with the Scissor Sisters? Let this triumph distract from that depressing statistic.

#37 - "Bad Religion", Frank Ocean
qqkYW_vcyPw

Few taxi confessional-songs use 'allahu akhbar'. Few R&B musicians come out as fans of peen. Ocean breaks new territory here with one of the year's most pained, desperate vocal performances.

#36 - "Anything Could Happen", Ellie Goulding
5hzgS9s-tE8

EEEEE. EEEE. EEEE-EEEE-EEEE.
EEEEE. EEEE. EEEE-EEEE-EEEE.

#35 - "Only in my Dreams", Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
Ta46M5rksBk

Silly. Enjoyable. One of the best riffs of the year. If you don't know him, can I persuade you into at least looking at his face with the description "Kiefer Sutherland wearing a Nicki Minaj wig"?

#34 - "Perfect World", Gossip
A8mw5i43-uQ

The band may generally be one of the most disposable and forgettable, but every once in a while a song like this justifies every ounce of success they earn. amazing. But then it is a Xenomania production.

#33 - "Backseat Freestyle", Kendrick Lamar
nSX2oGUNgN8

the vocal ascensions are dizzying.

#32 - "Run Boy Run", Woodkid
lmc21V-zBq0

Totally over the top production, but both its video and song captures attention from start to finish. Also the drums make this for me.

#31 - "Something New", Girls Aloud
ZHSFTrcJYmM

OBLIGATORY "LET'S BE FIERCE" MOMENT. \bate bitches.

Tom4784
14-12-2012, 06:32 PM
Good list so far.

Niall
14-12-2012, 06:36 PM
Everything Is Embarrassing. :lovedup:

And Take A Walk omg. :worship:

Shaun
15-12-2012, 07:00 PM
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3229/songs2012.jpg

#30 - "Pelican", The Maccabees
Rcp8SE_FxBg

just obviously good.

#29 - "Running", Jessie Ware
kvlFWmvgeVI

The build up to the chorus is my favourite part, and it's just an ace electronic-soul fusion.

#28 - "Tonight", Saint Etienne
UEWEAqNR2XQ

The gods of UK pop returned this year with a more mellow, mature, nostalgic take on current electro/disco music. This is a triumphant party anthem. **** 'Just Dance'.

#27 - "Myth", Beach House
FuvWc3ToDHg

AHHHHH IT'S SO SUMMERY AND PRETTY.

#26 - "C'Mon", Ke$ha
5Rwwqqc5Gk4

**** the Ke$ha haters. She's brilliant. This might not stand the test of time but for now it's disposable pop at its best.

#25 - "Thinkin Bout You", Frank Ocean
F15IjgyHd60

Obviously a major favourite of the hip this year, but why? The falsettos? The trip-wave backing? The simple, romantic lyrics? The fact he can stop time with his music? Probably that.

#24 - "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together", Taylor Swift
WA4iX5D9Z64

It happened with Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA" - everyone was slightly alienated and put off by the rest of the career leading up to this, and then reacted defiantly to a undeniably fan****ingtastic slice of brilliance. *jams*

#23 - "The Riot's Gone", Santigold
PjZp9GfirSs

She's more noted for her quirky, rapid-fire delivery, so this relaxing piece of heaven came as a very nice surprise. Just extremely cute.

#22 - "Shady Love", Scissor Sisters + Azealia Banks
x0T5-PDeJ7c

The video's a bit silly, but the song was the first exciting thing about 2012. Azealia's on excellent form as usual, but it's Shears' odd rapping style that somehow makes this. Not to mention the synthed bassline during the verses.

#21 - "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst", Kendrick Lamar
LG5koBqrUSs

Storytelling rap at its finest. Helps that the beat is wonderfully turn of the century in its sound too. The ending prayer is chilling.

Shaun
16-12-2012, 01:31 PM
new page

Shaun
16-12-2012, 01:51 PM
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3229/songs2012.jpg

#20 - "Northern Lights", Kate Boy
raqxctNC04k

It sounds Swedish. Is she Swedish? *googles*
Oh look, she is. Well, what more do you expect from Scandipop than a dark, swelling sample of pinball machines and a killer chorus?

#19 - "Starships", Nicki Minaj
SeIJmciN8mo

It's a shame that RedOne exposes and saturates himself so frequently with the most forgettable of dirge, because it overshadows the pop diamonds like this. More hooks than a fisherman's shed. Amazing. The less said about her arse, the better, though.

#18 - "Angels", The xx
_nW5AF0m9Zw

When this emerged I was so excited about their return, so Coexist's overwhelming averageness came as a major let-down. At least this makes up for that somewhat.

#17 - "Blue Jeans (Smims & Belle Remix)", Lana del Rey, Azealia Banks, Smims & Belle (Foster the People, Isom Innis)
9xp-6ZTLikE

Blue Jeans featured on my 2011 list quite highly. It's not often that I take a look at remixes so I have to thank my occasional veer from routine for this find. Ridiculously catchy.

#16 - "Cut the World", Antony + the Johnsons
U9a1C1qXHfM

I'm not saying I wish to see Willem Dafoe's throat slit too often but this video, this song and - generally - Antony Hegarty's voice just send me into this solipsistic dream-state that's painful to emerge from. Beautiful beautiful song.

#15 - "End of the Line", Sleigh Bells
1OBOaOLOzEw

As was the theme with their 2010 debut Treats, Reign of Terror was an unforgiving wall of noise finally succumbing to one glorious, rapturous song: 'End of the Line' is a sweet, sublime comedown and one that's always enjoyable. The kitten is looking at me as if to say she agrees. That or she just likes my keyboard-tapping.

#14 - "Climax", Usher
nNTyfVh3nmU

Probably the greatest vocal performance of the year, and the biggest surprise too. Just a phenomenally good R&B jam, and a very sensual video & performance. Love.

#13 - "Higher Ground", TNGHT
6HzyUHxmkg0

The only way this could have been marginally better would be to place a vocal on it... and dare I suggest Nicki Minaj? For the time being, there wasn't a beat more unrelenting and ridiculously hair-ripping as this this year.

#12 - "Yellow Halo", Goldfrapp
TonrJLsps2s

I was extremely scared for a while that this would be their swansong. It has all the classic tell-tale signs of a band on the final lap of their career: it's nostalgic, it closes with a thank you to the fans, it's serene and it's peaceful. Whether or not it turns out to be true, for now the song comes as Goldfrapp at their best: the most convincing connecting piece between music and solace.

#11 - "Default", Django Django
DDjpOrlfh0Y

Please just let them win something. It wasn't the Mercury, so... I dunno. A Brit would be hoping for too much. But this level of funkiness cannot go unrewarded.

Doogle
16-12-2012, 01:55 PM
End of the Line :love: only song on the album (along with Comeback Kid/the Xtina cover) that I ever listen to.

Me. I Am Salman
16-12-2012, 01:56 PM
Climax :worship:

Niall
16-12-2012, 02:26 PM
Yellow Halo :worship: and they're in the midst of making a new album right now so it definitely won't be their last. :lovedup:

Shaun
16-12-2012, 10:57 PM
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3229/songs2012.jpg

Top ten time...

Shaun
16-12-2012, 11:00 PM
#10 - "Elephant", Tame Impala

LnKUD_OztRE
If the idea of John Lennon covering T. Rex appeals to you, this shall be right up your street. If it doesn't, then give it a chance, because it'll go down as a classic.

Shaun
16-12-2012, 11:02 PM
#9 - "Disparate Youth", Santigold

mIMMZQJ1H6E
Summeriest hook of the year recipient right here. Who'd have thought Santigold would've been soundtracking DirectLine ads? Bloody catchy yah.

Apple202
16-12-2012, 11:03 PM
lol I thought Alex Burke had just got #10 then :laugh3:

Shaun
16-12-2012, 11:04 PM
#8 - "I Love It", Icona Pop

UxxajLWwzqY
I THREW YOUR **** INTO A BAG AND PUSHED IT DOWN THE STAIRS, I CRASHED MY CAR INTO THE BRIDGE. I DON'T CARE.

i love it.

Benjamin
16-12-2012, 11:05 PM
Icona Pop. :worship:

Apple202
16-12-2012, 11:05 PM
yes yes yes for icona

Shaun
16-12-2012, 11:07 PM
#7 - "Awol Marine", Perfume Genius

o_qJdq1rGvc
Eternal sadface. The prettiest piano melody of the year, if not the BLOODY MILLENIUM. Nah bro Chopin and Saint-Saens and Einaudi are safe. For now.

Shaun
16-12-2012, 11:09 PM
#6 - "Bad Girls", M.I.A.

2uYs0gJD-LE
Obviously an amazing video, but the song itself was a massive return to form after the rather meh MAYA. The rest of the snippets from the upcoming Matangi are equally promising, and prove M.I.A. to still be one of the best around.

Doogle
16-12-2012, 11:10 PM
Icona :worship:

Took me long enough to get into the song but I don't care I love it~~~

Shaun
16-12-2012, 11:13 PM
#5 - "Laura", Bat for Lashes

UznHTBZIa8E
This deserved to be the year's Someone Like You but y'know... Just block out the rest of the world and listen to this and try not to at least sigh out of comfort and satisfaction. Mesmerisingly pretty.

Doogle
16-12-2012, 11:13 PM
:lovedup:

Shaun
16-12-2012, 11:15 PM
#4 - "It's Not My Fault, I'm Happy", Passion Pit

vmtsXAmKSkA
A lot of the top ten seems to mirroring 2011's and I guess this comes close to M83's Midnight City in all-around uplifting listenability. It's just so so happy and I love it.

Shaun
16-12-2012, 11:19 PM
#3 - "Esta Noche", Azealia Banks

NTeSsV_2sLE
Hate on Munchi for refusing to let his work be monetised, or love him for producing the sickest synth of the year? It's the blogger's dilemma. This fusion of Montell Jordan's Get It On Tonight and Azealia's token foul-mouthed catchphrase delivery was perfect.

Shaun
16-12-2012, 11:24 PM
#2 - "Pyramids", Frank Ocean

s26qTrH2atA
As far as conceptualisation and execution goes this is the hands-down song of the year. Two sections of equal brilliance, and entirely captivating for just under ten minutes. How many other songs can you say the same of? [Wish the video just used the proper version though...]

Shaun
16-12-2012, 11:27 PM
#1 - "Oblivion", Grimes

JtH68PJIQLE
Breathy, sweet, catchy, ethereal belter. The song that made me sit up and pay the most attention this year.

Niall
16-12-2012, 11:30 PM
Laura :worship:

Doogle
16-12-2012, 11:36 PM
what a top 5 :worship:

Tom4784
17-12-2012, 12:11 AM
That top 10, I don't dislike any of them.

Novo
17-12-2012, 01:40 AM
That top 10, I don't know any of them.

http://www.abandonia.com/vbullet/images/smilies/generic/ninja

Shaun
17-12-2012, 05:48 PM
Let's move onto the meatier stuff now... I've had a bit of difficulty finding fifty because 2012's been, overall, not so great for music. Therefore I've had to use a couple of EPs and mixtapes rather than fifty full LPs, but the end result is much the same... here's the first ten :)

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/8159/albums2012review.jpg

#50 - "Happy to You", Miike Snow
http://static.the-fly.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Miike-Snow-400x400.jpg?bcbdf5

It didn't quite spawn the indie-dance anthems that 2009's debut did with Animal or the excellent and underrated Black & Blue, but what this album did offer was a fine selection of very similar-sounding brass-pop tracks.

nzxYUsnZV6M

#49 - "Cut the World", Antony + the Johnsons
http://static.the-fly.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Antony-The-Johnsons-400x400.jpg?bcbdf5

It was just a live album with loads of old songs so doesn't really deserve to rank too highly here, but what was interesting and new about it was its, of course, standard display of raw, live emotion and excellent showmanship.

cxmTRmKt_6Y

#48 - "Cruel Summer", G.O.O.D. Music
http://0351de3.netsolhost.com/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/good-music-cruel-summer-album-cover-400x4001.jpg

Wasn't quite focused or cohesive enough to really blow me away, but featured enough stellar moments (see Creepers, in the spoiler, or New God Flow, or I Don't Like) to deserve a placing.

3QDbrmdUAOE

#47 - "Instinct", Niki & the Dove
http://cdn.pigeonsandplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/niki_and_the_dove-400x400.jpg

It's strange. At the time I raved about this and them... but since I've grown quite bored of them. That said, the album is strong, and has a very distinct sound... I just think it's one that's now sadly overused.

XojSSa0jwxU

#46 - "Born to Die", Lana del Rey
http://static.the-fly.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/lana-del-rey-born-to-die-400x400.jpg?bcbdf5

A handful of excellent, beautiful, poignant songs surrounded by a mix of quite forgettable ones.

JRWox-i6aAk

#45 - "Magic Hour", Scissor Sisters
http://store.universal-music.co.uk/content/ebiz/universalmusic/invt/Z./C./e./0602537046188/0602537030576_medium.jpg

Their career low is still good enough to warrant repeated listens. Never go away please, my favourite band named after a lesbian sex position <3

V40WL8wK5EA

#44 - "Push and Shove", No Doubt
http://cdn.idolator.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/09/no-doubt-push-and-shove-album-cover-400x400.jpg

It might not have been quite the chart-commanding comeback we were all secretly hoping for, but it was consistent and decent enough to at least not disappoint everyone.

Pb_zZ3xItPI

#43 - "Write Me Back", R Kelly
http://0.tqn.com/d/top40/1/0/t/l/2/r-kelly-write-me-back-rca.jpg

Didn't go into 2012 expecting to love an R Kelly record... I wouldn't say it's one of my favourites of this year, but it's really quite excellent all the same.

D3ufEF45-J4

#42 - "The Late Blue", Gypsy and the Cat
http://www.israbox.com/uploads/posts/2012-10/1350751907_1.jpg

One of the few albums charting here that I've been too lazy to review... basically, if you like Empire of the Sun, the Drums or Vampire Weekend, you'll enjoy this album.

w3d2a5xpCgw

#41 - "Danger (EP)", Katy B
http://www.tropicalbass.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Katy-B.jpg

Only four songs, but an EP so jam-packed with collaborations and exciting new potential directions for 2010's best newcomer that just about should please everyone. My favourite was the below 'Light as a Feather', but all were good. And free! Amazing.

mSmERvcbXoI

Harry!
17-12-2012, 08:51 PM
Shaun can I say I have enjoyed reading your top 100 songs. A great mix!

Shaun
17-12-2012, 08:51 PM
Thanks Harry :love:

Jamie585
17-12-2012, 09:15 PM
s8cbak34DR0

Does anyone else like this?

MY favorite song from this year :laugh:

Apple202
17-12-2012, 09:29 PM
brokenhearted is amazing jamie

Jords
18-12-2012, 11:20 AM
Grimes :lovedup:

Shaun
18-12-2012, 03:05 PM
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/8159/albums2012review.jpg

#40 - "Red", Taylor Swift
http://cdn.idolator.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/13/taylor-swift-red-album-400x400.jpg

Who'dathunkit? A good Taylor Swift album. Ignore the naysayers.

WpIAi-O2VcU

#39 - "Fall to Grace", Paloma Faith
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-teyg95Mhc5U/ULuWUmGaf9I/AAAAAAAAAaE/u7wsHZj4Kj0/s1600/Paloma-Faith-Fall-To-Grace-Front-Cover-67017.jpg

Cunningly released just prior to her decision to drain all life out of INXS' Never Tear Us Apart, at least the first half of 2012 was spent thinking "oh isn't this weird girl lovely? What a nice voice. What nice songs."

O0O2DfNRxv4

#38 - "Confess", Twin Shadow
http://gravyandbiscuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Twin-Shadow-400x400.jpg

Not quite the most exciting thing to emerge out of dark, indie synthpop this year but a bloody good contender. Think Kele Okereke if his solo album wasn't crap.

ZH5XjFJtXUw

#37 - "True", Solange
http://www.thelmagazine.com/imager/solange-true-ep/b/original/2279869/8e24/Solange-True-EP-Cover.jpg

Garish artwork aside, a solid album from the Knowles family's second most interesting export.

bRt5rwlJCJQ

#36 - "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded", Nicki Minaj
http://static.entertainmentwise.com/photos/Image/pink-friday-roman-reloaded.jpg

Another understated year here for Ms. Minaj rounded off quite nicely by a strong selection of amazing pop songs. Shame about the overall consistency of the rap ones.

vdrqA93sW-8

#35 - "What We Saw From the Cheap Seats", Regina Spektor
http://fingersbecomethumbs.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/reginaspektor-alltherowboats.jpg

Nothing she can do will ever disappoint me... and whilst this didn't quite seize me in the same spirit that songs like Samson, Us or Fidelity did, it was an intriguing, visceral and powerful record from start to finish.

7mBfW-CdgLE

#34 - "Looking 4 Myself", Usher
http://cdn.idolator.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/04/Usher-Looking-4-Myself-400x400.jpg

The decision to work with producers like Luke Steele, Danja and Diplo rather than a saturated Max Martin or Dr. Luke schedule was an inspired one, as it contributed towards arguably Usher's career high. A very, very good album.

r2Hpr2fd4I8

#33 - "(III)", Crystal Castles
http://www.ourvinyl.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Crystal-Castles-Crystal-Castles-III-Album-400x400.jpg

A couple of gorgeous songs here and there reassured fans of their continuity and quality, but for me this was their weakest album yet. That's a little like saying The Red Shoes is your favourite Kate Bush album though, because there's always going to be something interesting, peculiar and sinister on tap.

JxVm2_ojQtk

#32 - "ƒin", John Talabot
http://www.urb.com/files/2012/01/john-talabot-fin-400x400.jpg

The album appears to be one of the most mutually agreed-upon classics of the year by your average critic, and for me whilst I'm not quite as tapped into the Barcelona house scene as some, it's a strong and over-the-top production that's worth a listen.

85ElR5l-jaU

#31 - "Warrior", Ke$ha
http://cdn.idolator.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/19/keha-warrior-400x400.jpg

The heartiest of "**** off!"s to her detractors, this album is flawless pop music.

QZtZnCXPtkk

Tom4784
18-12-2012, 03:10 PM
Twin Shadow <3. I've yet to listen to Crystal Castles' latest album yet though, keep meaning to get around to it.

Shaun
18-12-2012, 06:07 PM
http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/9015-the-top-100-tracks-of-2012/10/

brb just beating pitchfork to the post with my top two :dazzler:

Me. I Am Salman
18-12-2012, 06:12 PM
Looking 4 Myself :worship:

Me. I Am Salman
18-12-2012, 06:14 PM
Solange's album cover makes my eyes hurt

Fetch The Bolt Cutters
18-12-2012, 07:12 PM
does kin feature? :amazed:

Doogle
18-12-2012, 07:16 PM
Yes Kesha & Twin Shadow :worship:

Shaun
19-12-2012, 11:23 AM
does kin feature? :amazed:

no 2baha

Fetch The Bolt Cutters
19-12-2012, 12:16 PM
:(

Shaun
19-12-2012, 12:19 PM
it would've been like 52nd if that helps

Shaun
19-12-2012, 03:30 PM
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/8159/albums2012review.jpg

#30 - "Icona Pop", Icona Pop
http://cdn2.pitchfork.com/albums/18426/homepage_large.61b474eb.jpg

Just in case you needed any further proof that Sweden is the best country in the world, 2012 again saw the frosty nation dominate pop music. This, their newest export, is Icona Pop, and they came here to party.

vG649VIouI0

#29 - "Reign of Terror", Sleigh Bells
http://cdn4.pitchfork.com/albums/17457/homepage_large.1d9cc6c5.jpg

I believe I may have made the mistake of labeling this as one of those albums superior to their debut - because it's not - but at the same time it was a confident, noisy, anarchic 36 minutes and what's not to love about that.

g0_BlUbGBSo

#28 - "Ill Manors", Plan B
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b7/Plan_B_-_Ill_Manors_album.jpg

Angry, political and meaty, this album didn't exactly hold back and saw Plan B demonstrate some intense and insightful observations. The film wasn't much cop though, was it :(

e6Xe3CMzMIw

#27 - "The Money Store", Death Grips
http://o.scdn.co/300/7c5ef14a69a384dd24b6d3966271eb9559ff809a

Their slightly more legal and proper album of 2012 - ie. the one that wasn't leaked without the label's consent and had an erect dick on the cover - Death Grips' breakthrough seems to be the critics' favourite of their two 2012 offerings. For me, it's not, but that's a bit like saying vanilla isn't my favourite ice cream flavour. It's excellent.

DigtCrO77L8

#26 - "Halcyon", Ellie Goulding
http://cdn2.pitchfork.com/albums/18355/homepage_large.b18d34fc.jpg

Not quite as replayable or pretty as her 2010 album Lights, but that was its strength. A number of melodic, stripped bare tracks that showcased her ability to bedazzle with romance rather than tunes. But if you wanted tunes then 'Anything Could Happen' was more than enough.

8BRdY0NR08g

#25 - "Playin Me", Cooly G
http://cdn2.pitchfork.com/albums/18036/homepage_large.86832149.jpg

How many other dub/triphop albums this year did you see with the balls to cover Coldplay's Trouble? Effortlessly cool, really chilled and a quintessentially British artist. Lovely.

o_RLlQuc4QM

#24 - "Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors", Big Boi
http://cdn.hiphopdx.org//images/news/BigBoiViciosu.jpg

Yet again a star-studded showcase from the most dependable half of Outkast. Perhaps not the most cohesive of albums, but it has enough going on and enough quality to make it worth more than a couple of listens.

pmVxIi3FH9E

#23 - "Master of my Make-Believe", Santigold
http://cdn2.pitchfork.com/albums/17740/homepage_large.425309c3.jpg

In retrospect I can see why it was met with a bit of a lukewarm reception: she made the mistake of releasing the album's 3 most exciting and snappy tracks - Big Mouth, Go! and Disparate Youth - months prior to the rest. It's not a write-off, though, and Santi White is still more than capable of getting people dancing.

SZoHSce004M

#22 - "Sun", Cat Power
http://cdn2.pitchfork.com/albums/18160/homepage_large.171770f0.jpg

Her and Regina might as well be crowned the most dependable women in modern folk music, because yet again Cat Power bedazzled us with angsty, mystifying music this year.

_nl3Oo4-IQ4

#21 - "Words and Music by Saint Etienne", Saint Etienne
http://cdn3.pitchfork.com/albums/17804/homepage_large.04bf1ab5.jpg

hook hook hook hook hook catch. Faultless album.

tAk6slCEuIw

Shaun
20-12-2012, 09:17 AM
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/8159/albums2012review.jpg

#20 - "In Our Heads", Hot Chip
http://www.residentadvisor.net/images/reviews/2012/domino-293.jpg

It might not have contained floor-fillers of the same spirit as Over and Over or Ready for the Floor, but the fourth Hot Chip album was as solid and unusual as ever.

99z1_IMJNl8

#19 - "Fantasea", Azealia Banks
http://static3.music-jobs.com/uploads/site_44/blog/2012/07/fantasea-azealia-banks_320.jpg

We're still awaiting the first proper album from Ms. Banks so I suppose it's testament to the awesome ferocity of 212 that this year still saw her succeed, headline festivals and dominate the online music community. This mixtape - the first thing of any real length - was kooky, bumpy, aquatic and mesmerising.

5MpDuNv7-lU

#18 - "Shrines", Purity Ring
http://cdn.pitchfork.com/albums/18020/homepage_large.113f3519.jpg

Just a really ****ing dark and weird album.

PmRraoL9v7k

#17 - "Attack on Memory", Cloud Nothings
http://cdn4.pitchfork.com/albums/17319/homepage_large.6d5f6176.jpg

Although tired by the latter half of the 00s, indie rock has enjoyed a couple of really fantastic albums this year. None less excellent than the forward-thinking, melodic, well-crafted Cloud Nothings, whose third album pretty much impressed everyone. Get it if you love the Libertines or Strokes. And who doesn't.

vFBdMlT2R3A

#16 - "No Love Deep Web", Death Grips
http://cdn.pitchfork.com/albums/18397/homepage_large.6698e088.jpg

Must see these live.

yZ48vTRH7HU

#15 - "Devotion", Jessie Ware
http://cdn3.pitchfork.com/albums/18114/homepage_large.ed0b398b.jpg

More than enough wonderful pop songs here for a debut, Jessie Ware was basically the most-talked about British female this year (well, ignoring the Adele fallout). With good reason.

bMJkddvJ4L4

#14 - "Given to the Wild", The Maccabees
http://cdn3.pitchfork.com/albums/17438/homepage_large.34a33007.jpg

I'd never listened to the band prior to January's release of this, their third album. JUST RLY BLOODY GOOD. Naturally Pitchfork hated it, because it's British, but **** them.

MkcnPnY_2Mk

#13 - "Celebration Rock", Japandroids
http://cdn2.pitchfork.com/albums/17735/homepage_large.6cc98599.jpg

Singlehandedly shook the cobwebs off of post-punk music.

TRVCtbfuDqw

#12 - "Mature Themes", Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
http://louderthanwar.com/wp-content/uploads/Resized-ariel-pinks-haunted-graffiti-mature-themes-album-art-cover.jpg

Too much going on in this album for me to even begin to tackle. Really rich, weird sound.

YSKOCjjKCyY

#11 - "Lonerism", Tame Impala
http://cdn.pitchfork.com/albums/18319/homepage_large.140bf2a7.jpg

I'm not actually sure about placing it this low. I cannot find one bad thing in this... I think it's just on the basis of it not quite seizing me emotionally as much as my top ten.

KQH2Kq1QXaI

Shaun
20-12-2012, 05:14 PM
#10 - "Django Django", Django Django
http://cdn2.pitchfork.com/albums/17666/homepage_large.049fae68.jpg

JQGTORbJgB4
The segues of the tracks into each other build and ebb majestically, and give the UK band a debut album to be proud of. Think the Beach Boys get given a remixing by Fatboy Slim.

Shaun
20-12-2012, 05:19 PM
#9 - "The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do", Fiona Apple
http://havingsaidthat.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/1339447838_Fiona-Apple-The-Idler-Wheel-300x300.jpg

Fby632bPn0E
I'd never bothered to delve into the highly-revered but slightly feminist-centric Fiona Apple back catalogue, but this is a pretty convincing argument to break routine. Staunchly powerful and emotionally weighty songwriting :love:

ty scott

Jords
20-12-2012, 05:22 PM
Awful album name :joker:

Jords
20-12-2012, 05:22 PM
I need to listen to Tame Impala

Shaun
20-12-2012, 05:23 PM
#8 - "Blunderbuss", Jack White
http://www.undertheradarmag.com/uploads/review_images/JackWhite_Blunderbuss_frontHR1.jpg

OpWu2hOA2dE
Although a certain number of his other side-projects were a little iffy - see the Raconteurs - there was nothing to fear this year when Mr. White ditched his sister and went solo. A really fantastic album, and classic blues rock.

Shaun
20-12-2012, 05:27 PM
#7 - "Bloom", Beach House
http://www.velocitiesinmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/bloom.jpg

BfzFVbkutFE
The gods of all indie duos, this was a really summery, blissful and beautiful album.

Shaun
20-12-2012, 05:30 PM
#6 - "The Haunted Man", Bat for Lashes
http://hypetrak.101medialablimit.netdna-cdn.com/images/2012/10/bat-for-lashes-the-haunted-man3.jpeg

EXK0Ejzin4c
Everything she does is beautiful and you cannot deny it just shut up and listen and let her bewitch you.

Shaun
20-12-2012, 05:30 PM
anyone fancy predicting the top five :pipe:

Jords
20-12-2012, 05:31 PM
Grimessssss :love:

Shaun
20-12-2012, 05:33 PM
Before I get to the top five... I'll dish out the dubious honours of the ten worst albums of the year :pipe:

Black Dagger
20-12-2012, 05:36 PM
anyone fancy predicting the top five :pipe:

Frank Ocean
Kendrick?
Passion Pit

Not sure on another 2 but yeah, I think those 3 will have places.

Shaun
20-12-2012, 05:59 PM
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3208/worstalbums.jpg

#10 - "Streets in the Sky", the Enemy
http://www.musicbot.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Streets-in-the-Sky-200x200.jpg

I'm usually quite patient with the Enemy because a lot of the critical press have written them off entirely, but to be fair to them their debut album We'll Live and Die in these Towns was wonderful. This was not. Repetitive, uneventful dirge.

#9 - "Lex Hives", The Hives
http://filtermagazine.com/images/sized/images/uploads/hives_lex-hives-200x200.jpg

Terrible, terrible, monotonous nonsense. Hate it.

#8 - "#3", The Script
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51amnNzvuYL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

The same GCSE student poetry placed over the same five chord progressions and the most tedious thing to come out of Ireland since Patrick.

#7 - "Sounds from Nowheresville", The Ting Tings
http://hour.ca/_images/montreal/2011/large/2011_hr_spins_tingtings.jpg

Even amongst my most defiant of cries that Shut Up and Let Me Go and Great DJ were decent pop songs, there was always the sneaky suspicion that the Ting Tings were garbage. Taking four years to produce this confirmed that.

#6 - "Express Non-Stop", Alphabeat
http://images.plixid.com/imager/w_300/h_/0ad8a8d7bf6a364d68e60ac7cbc87550.jpg

PLEASE MAKE THEM STOP

#5 - "Strangeland", Keane
http://alexvampire.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/keane-strangeland-300x300.jpg?w=300

Excruciatingly dull, the worst band in the world.

#4 - "The Temper Trap", The Temper Trap
http://www.kryztoff.com/RAW/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/The-Temper-Trap-300x300.jpg

Such a disappointment, but then I should have always suspected it after I only bothered with Sweet Disposition three years ago. But this was truly, truly awful.

#3 - "Overexposed", Maroon 5
http://static.wetpaint.me/thevoice/ROOT/photos/310/reg1024overexposedcm-1505060434898029740.jpg

Apt title.

#2 - "Ora", Rita Ora
http://theturnmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/rita-ora-album-cover-ora-300x300.jpg

Totally devoid of any identity, Rita Ora decided to make her impression by copying everyone existing already. Outstanding in its potential to bore.

#1 - "Uno!", Green Day
http://static.nme.com/images/gallery/GreenDayUno600Gb230812.jpg

Please just stop. "Past it" would be a compliment. The only ever successful artist to produce three albums in a year was Robyn, and that's because pulling off cold, distant emotional electropop is a heck of a lot easier to sustain than the energy required for post-punk (lol, they ditched that in 1997) pop. A series of bafflingly hookless tracks only held together by Billie Joe Armstrong's bloodlust for youth and relevance. Give up and retire with dignity.

Black Dagger
20-12-2012, 06:01 PM
LOL Green Day.

Shaun
20-12-2012, 06:05 PM
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/8159/albums2012review.jpg

back to the good stuff...

Shaun
20-12-2012, 06:09 PM
#5 - "Visions", Grimes
http://cdn2.pitchfork.com/albums/17368/homepage_large.42bf6de8.jpg

1YuAeeF-2Ec
I might have given her song of the year, but the album doesn't quite hold onto my attention in the same manner. That said, it's still phenomenal, and a weird concoction of goth, electronica and K-pop. Really cannot recommend her enough if you haven't given her a chance already.

Shaun
20-12-2012, 06:11 PM
#4 - "Gossamer", Passion Pit
http://cdn2.pitchfork.com/albums/18013/homepage_large.5cfdc584.jpg

EBLuWKnKIn0
I tend to slightly overrate 'very good' albums as 'great' ones on the basis of how happy they make me. It happened last year with Patrick Wolf, and this year's recipient of my love and emotional response is Passion Pit. So happy :love:

Shaun
20-12-2012, 06:28 PM
#3 - "Channel Orange", Frank Ocean
http://cdn2.pitchfork.com/albums/18028/homepage_large.45e3c196.jpg

s7HyAJAQuXc
The runaway winner of pretty much every other list going, please don't take my placing of him at #3 as some form of subversive manoeuvre... it was and is an excellent album. I just honestly prefer the top 2...

Shaun
20-12-2012, 06:33 PM
#2 - "Put Your Back N 2 It", Perfume Genius
http://cdn4.pitchfork.com/albums/17498/homepage_large.347b95c5.jpg

E5WNqvdIfJ8
In June I had the wonderful opportunity of seeing this man live. It wasn't exactly a barrel of laughs, but then this album is about the most dark, atmospheric and depressing listen of the year - don't let that put you off though, because Mike Hadreas is capable of genius songwriting.

#1 - "good kid, m.A.A.d. city", Kendrick Lamar
http://cdn3.pitchfork.com/albums/18431/homepage_large.25b1edda.jpg

295I11eOKLg
My first ten out of ten. As groundbreaking as that sounds, it was just a welcome opportunity to see hip hop drop all of its pretenses and just return to genius, innovative storytelling this year. In retrospect, this is the greatest album since Kanye's MBDTF, and is just as eventful and grand.

Samuel.
20-12-2012, 06:41 PM
:worship:

Doogle
20-12-2012, 06:43 PM
Kendrick and Frank in the top 3 :worship:

Black Dagger
20-12-2012, 07:05 PM
Passion Pit :worship:

Tom4784
20-12-2012, 07:33 PM
Perfume Genius <3

Fetch The Bolt Cutters
20-12-2012, 08:33 PM
#9 - "The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do", Fiona Apple
http://havingsaidthat.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/1339447838_Fiona-Apple-The-Idler-Wheel-300x300.jpg

Fby632bPn0E
I'd never bothered to delve into the highly-revered but slightly feminist-centric Fiona Apple back catalogue, but this is a pretty convincing argument to break routine. Staunchly powerful and emotionally weighty songwriting :love:

ty scott

http://i.imgur.com/H09Eo.gif

Shaun
21-12-2012, 08:58 PM
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/111/disappointments.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f1/TDCC_Beacon_Cover.jpg/220px-TDCC_Beacon_Cover.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/81/Mdna-standard-edition-cover.jpg/220px-Mdna-standard-edition-cover.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9a/Bloc_Party_Four.jpg/220px-Bloc_Party_Four.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d9/Coexist.jpg/220px-Coexist.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1e/The_Killers_-_Battle_Born.jpg/220px-The_Killers_-_Battle_Born.jpg

#5 - "Beacon", Two Door Cinema Club
Sounded the same as Tourist History, but with none of the tunes.
#4 - "MDNA", Madonna
Slightly embarrassing. Three good songs, two thousand bad ones.
#3 - "Four", Bloc Party
Oh dear.
#2 - "Coexist", The xx
For all intents and purposes it wasn't a terrible album, but it was everything xx wasn't. A hollow, empty and dull listen from start to finish.
#1 - "Battle Born", The Killers
I never wanted this to happen, but the Killers have produced something so undeniably bad that I, who up until 2009 called them my favourite band/musician ever, cannot defend it.

Smithy
24-12-2012, 01:59 PM
the most tedious thing to come out of Ireland since Patrick.



omfg :laugh3:

Shaun
28-12-2012, 06:46 PM
http://img547.imageshack.us/img547/7711/worsthypes.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e2/ComeOfAge.jpg/220px-ComeOfAge.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/5a/Emeli-Sande-Our-Version-Of-Events.jpg/220px-Emeli-Sande-Our-Version-Of-Events.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Cover_art_of_album_%27Jake_Bugg%27.png/220px-Cover_art_of_album_%27Jake_Bugg%27.pnghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d0/Alt-J_-_An_Awesome_Wave.png/220px-Alt-J_-_An_Awesome_Wave.pnghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/46/Fun_-_Some_Nights_album_cover.png/220px-Fun_-_Some_Nights_album_cover.png

#5 - "The Vaccines Come of Age", The Vaccines
Their debut wasn't really all that amazing, and this just repeated their formulaic nonsense to tedium. Also, stop putting your name in the ****ing title.
#4 - "Our Version of Events", Emeli Sande
Failed to live up to the "Critics Choice" hype she picked up at the BRIT Awards at the start of the year, with this again average LP, and then proceeded to appear on every television screen she could. The most irritating woman of the year.
#3 - "Jake Bugg", Jake Bugg
Certainly a talented kid, but the next big thing ready to take on the talent shows and mainstream he ain't. A hit and miss album.
#2 - "An Awesome Wave", Alt-J
The dullest listen all year. Absolutely nothing to be amazed by.
#1 - "Some Nights", fun.
SHUT UP. JUST SHUT THE HELL UP. YOU MAKE MIKA LOOK LIKE WEETABIX. EXCRUCIATING MUSIC.

Marcus.
28-12-2012, 06:51 PM
love some night

Me. I Am Salman
28-12-2012, 07:14 PM
all vomit inducing

Shaun
28-12-2012, 07:42 PM
http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/4139/2013wot2luk4wd2.jpg

http://25.media.tumblr.com/ab4077cfb072c5c7e94d12a3755d2a61/tumblr_mfr933PEjj1riyi0qo1_400.gif
We were originally teased with the prospect of a 2012 LP from M.I.A., what with the phenomenal and unexpected release of Bad Girls at the start of the year, but she's been unusually quiet since. The occasional leak and sneak-peek aside - the preview of Come Walk With Me, the release of Attention to a fan - let's hope 2013 is a little louder come Matangi

http://24.media.tumblr.com/e04198cfb0ea83aa7c9ff1f33f1b6d86/tumblr_mfr7j1CDXM1qgqw54o1_500.gif

This isn't concrete, but maybe a sixth solo Kanye LP isn't too much to hope for? He's obviously been busy working on it, but with a heck of a lot of distractions - the Throne team-up, the G.O.O.D. Music collective - and the rather challenging prospect of matching up to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, does he have it in him?

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5q79mJJJv1rusea3o1_500.gif

It's testament to how much time and effort they put into each album that it's only been four albums in a decade from Arcade Fire, and although details on their 2013 release - tentatively timed for the summer - are scarce, there's already plenty to be excited about.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwtx41aLv91qcjdz6o1_500.gif

Another group of titans gearing up for their fourth LP in a decade are Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who've promised a Spring release. Now that the duo are so well-known that they've had songs covered by Glee, will they continue down the pop path or return to their fuzzier, earlier sound?

http://25.media.tumblr.com/b7e67de601c2ce687731aabbfb00ae3f/tumblr_mfr3w4ABvu1rm47nyo1_500.gif

Still clinging onto some integrity and indie cool, unlike her other end-of-2011 breakthrough counterpart Lana del Rey, Azealia Banks should finally get around to releasing her debut album "Broke With Expensive Taste" at some point in February 2013. Let's hope it's somehow better than her free stuff, and hope in vain for some form of proper 'Esta Noche' release.

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m032s2Q8uo1r7qp5so1_500.gif

Oh, just this little shindig that will feature BEYONCE AT THE SUPERBOWL. Tears and feathers shall be shed. There's also the possibility of new music. Amazing.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/1e3eebf4f97c5fe9a9f3b997d3d8f237/tumblr_mfqm1dczoy1s1y7tlo1_250.gif

There's nothing concrete in the works but can we please have a follow-up to Janelle Monae's brilliant 2010 release The Archandroid? Please?

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9j6om148O1r7i08so1_1280.gif

Following this year's disappointment of Katy B cancelling her gig in Bath, I can at least take solace in the fact that a follow-up to her debut is on the way. The four-track EP 'Danger' this year was a promising sign.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/95884e96838f582bfe2825392cd5244e/tumblr_mfnadmvEE01r97zkco1_500.gif

Well there'll be at least one good song on the third GaGa LP, right? Right?

NEW:
There's also the breakthroughs to look forward to. Tom Odell's already picked up a BRIT Critics Choice award, and to date there hasn't been a recipient of that that hasn't succeeded. Angel Haze looks poised to put aside all of the silly rap rivalries and Twitter shades thrown around by the likes of Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea and Azealia Banks, and going by her YouTube videos, is likely to set fire to the year. A*M*E and Charli XCX should make some interesting debut albums following a string of great releases from both of them. In the world of indie King Krule and Woodkid are also promising.

Brother Leon
28-12-2012, 08:13 PM
Would replace Jake with Frank Ocean and it's spot on for me. Enjoyed reading this. Thanks Shaun. 2013 will be promising with Jay,Kanye & Em all releasing albums.

MeMyselfAndI
28-12-2012, 08:24 PM
lol @ you having Emeli Sande as a big disapointment, despite having so much **** in your top 10 albums

Black Dagger
28-12-2012, 08:31 PM
lol @ you having Emeli Sande as a big disapointment, despite having so much **** in your top 10 albums

You've probably not even attempted to listen to any of that top 10. Shoo.

MeMyselfAndI
28-12-2012, 08:33 PM
I'm allowed my opinion thankyou, This is just one persons opinion & the thread goes on for like 3 weeks. Get your own music taste rather than worship one persons, his music is no better than mine. I think Emeli Sande's albums FAR better than Kendrick Lamar's.

Fetch The Bolt Cutters
28-12-2012, 08:35 PM
http://cdn.thisisbigbrother.com/customavatars/avatar15014_56.gif

Black Dagger
28-12-2012, 08:35 PM
I have my own music taste tyvm. There were plenty of albums I loved this year that Shaun didn't like (Temper Trap) or weren't high up in his list (or featured at all)

I was just simply stating you've probably not attempted to listen to that top 10, so you can't say they are **** on that basis. Yawn.

MeMyselfAndI
28-12-2012, 08:36 PM
I have, I decided to listen to Kendrick, I actually found it funny how **** he was

Tom4784
28-12-2012, 08:54 PM
I'm allowed my opinion thankyou, This is just one persons opinion & the thread goes on for like 3 weeks. Get your own music taste rather than worship one persons, his music is no better than mine. I think Emeli Sande's albums FAR better than Kendrick Lamar's.

I disagree, Shaun's only released an EP this year but it's far better then the rather tedius album you put out.

armand.kay
28-12-2012, 09:04 PM
Emeli sande <<< http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/ed2305b7.png

Brother Leon
28-12-2012, 09:09 PM
I'm allowed my opinion thankyou, This is just one persons opinion & the thread goes on for like 3 weeks. Get your own music taste rather than worship one persons, his music is no better than mine. I think Emeli Sande's albums FAR better than Kendrick Lamar's.

Yeah, and Glassheart is album of the Century :joker:

Black Dagger
28-12-2012, 09:11 PM
Emeli has one decent song.

MeMyselfAndI
28-12-2012, 09:12 PM
Yeah, and Glassheart is album of the Century :joker:

I think it is:)

armand.kay
28-12-2012, 09:27 PM
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdurg7CtLi1qcwgrvo1_500.gif