Sound In The Signals - Best Of 2012 List
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to check out my favorite releases of this year! Thanks for a great
year. I also included my most surprising release of the year as well as
my most disappointing release of the year. I hope you all continue to
visit the site in 2013. We have some great stuff coming up!
So here we are at the end of another year and it’s time for yet another best of list. These are the releases I though where worth checking out. I’ve included albums, EP’s, mixtapes, and anything else I thought stuck out this year. Of course I always forget a few albums, but for the most part this is what I really enjoyed this year. I always have a big list but I’m going to try and keep it as small as possible without leaving out anything I really liked. There are a few albums out this year I didn’t get to hear. That I’ll probably end up hearing in 2013 and wishing they were on this list. One of those is the new Joe Buck album...the clips on Amazon sound good though.
I’m going to pick a few from each of these categories (these aren’t necessarily my top favorites or anything…the list is in no order because I hate having to pick and choose between albums I really like). I’m discussing a few from each category mainly because I was inspired to write a quick piece on them (maybe they surprised or I just thought of something neat to say about them). That doesn't take away from my enjoyment of releases that I didn't write a quick blurb about, but with a list this long I just picked a few.
Rock/Alternative/Metal
Further Seems Forever – Penny Black
I don’t think anything would have thought this band would ever release another album. I also don’t think many would have thought a new album would have the same vocalist as a previous album, but this year FSF fans got a long awaited treat a new album featuring original vocalist Chris Carraba. This album turned out nicely as a huge FSF fan it was great to hear the band at it again. I can’t help but want to hear this remixed by James Paul Wisner (I feel like his work on their previous releases was great). The mixing isn’t that bad, and it works great for the most part, but it might be one of the few drawbacks at times. All in all It’s great to hear the band firing on all cylinders and it’s a really great album.
All Time Low – Don’t Panic
I thought this album was exactly what the band needed. This album is a huge step of from Dirty Work. This was one of my most anticipated albums this year and it really lived up to the hype.
Handguns - Angst
Awesome album. This was a great all around album and one I listened to a lot. Full of good jams.
You, Me, And Everyone We Know – A Great Big Hole
I wasn’t sure I would hear anything from this band again (now more of a solo project). The EP is short, sweet, and a nice strong effort.
Green Day – Uno – Dos – Tre
The good, the bad, the ugly. It’s all there on these three albums. There are some misses and some stuff that would have been better left as b-sides. Honestly though there is a ton of great material that makes these albums a really fun listen. Fans of the band should find at least 10-18 good songs spread out over the albums.
Blink 182 – Dogs Eating Dogs
After the long wait for Neighborhoods it was nice to have a short time gap between that album and this EP. I think this EP shows Blink can still make a nice cohesive release. I won’t say it’s better than Neighborhoods…it might rank close to the same quality in my opinion. It is a little more cohesive though. Fun songs and it’s always nice to hear new Blink.
William Beckett – What Will Be – Talk The Walk – Winds Will Change
Rome – Dedication
For his first solo outing this was kind of what I expected and really wanted it to sound like. Without Sublime Rome can still create some great music.
Set Your Goals – Only Right Now/I’ll Walk It Off
The Chariot – One Wing
The Chariot almost always delivers (minus the way their first album sounded). At this point I feel like they can’t let me down. This album may not be the best Chariot album, but it’s really splitting hairs because I have enjoyed all of their albums.
Anberlin – Vital
A Loss For Words – Returning To Webster Lake
John Mayer – Born And Raised
Mixtapes – Even On The Worst Nights
This is just a super fun pop-punk album. I’ve heard stuff like this before and I admit I can understand if people think it can get stale at times, but this band does the style the right way and I really enjoyed the album
Arrange – New Memory
I never would have thought Arrange could follow-up Plantation with just as strong an effort. I may still prefer Plantation but New Memory is just as good in so many ways.
Every Time I Die – Ex-Lives
Best Coast – The Only Place
I still can’t decide if I like this album as much as I liked their debut. It’s a good album. I like the production style used on it. At the end of the day the duo continue to create California inspired pop/punk/alternative that is worth checking out.
Joyce Manor – Of All Things I Will Soon Grow Tired
Alanis Morissette – Havoc And Bright Lights
Matchbox Twenty – North
Dirty Heads - Cabin By The Sea
Desaparacidos – Marikkkopa/Backsell
Eve 6 – Speak In Code
Sam Means – Nona
Nate Reuss had a huge year this year. That being said Nate's former bandmate from The Format, Sam Means, was no slouch either. This EP is fantastic and I listened to it a ton this year.
Fun. – Some Nights
I think this album finally got Nate Reuss the attention he has deserved for years.
Say Anything – Anarchy, My Dear
The Darkness – Hot Cakes
This band needed to reunite in my opinion. The album is fun and continues the fun classic rock sound they had on previous releases. I really wouldn't want it any other way.
The Early November – In Currents
The Killers – Battle Born
Neon Trees – Picture Show
Yellowcard – Southern Air
Ben Folds Five – The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind
Ben Kweller – Go Fly A Kite
Gallows – Gallows
Good Old War – Come Back As Rain
Circa Survive – Violent Waves
Showbread – Cancer
Bruno Mars – Unorthodox Jukebox
How To Destroy Angels – An Omen
Doombird - Cygnus
Go Radio – Close The Distance
Peace’d Out - Peace’d Out
Pentimento - Pentimento
Deftones – Koi No Yokan
Indian School – The Cruelest Kind
Soundgarden – King Animal
Mercystreet – Mercystreet
Converge – All We Love We Leave Behind
Anchor & Braille – The Quite Life
The Rocket Summer – Life Will Write The Words
TRS’s albums are always somewhat good. I enjoyed quite a few tracks others not so much. The good songs on this album make the entire album worth checking out.
Post Season – Restless Nights
The Spill Canvas – Gestalt
Good comeback album. I didn’t know what to expect. The last few Spill Canvas releases were hit or miss. This album kind of brings the vibe back to what I really enjoyed about this bands earlier releases.
Misser – Every Day I Tell Myself I’m Going To Be A Better Person
Eve 6 – Speak In Code
The Tallest Man On Earth – There’s No Leaving Now
The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten
All-American Rejects – Kids In The Street
This might be the best All-American Rejects album from the band since their debut. I really hadn’t been that enthused about this band for a long time. This album was kind of a surprise due to how much I enjoyed it.
The Wonder Years/Stay Ahead Of The Weather-Punk Is Dead. Get A Job
My Chemical Romance – Conventional Weapon Series
The Vaccines – Come Of Age
You Blew It – Grow Up Dude
The Little Indians – An Album From The Little Indians
MxPx – Plans Within Plans
Country(ish)
Zac Brown Band – Uncaged
Leroy Powell – La Muerte Del Amor
Bob Wayne – Till The Wheels Fall Off
Bob's last couple albums, to me, have been about him refining his sound and I think he continues to do that on this release.
Shooter Jennings – Family Man
Shooter had a lot riding on this album and he made good on his word with this album. This is probably my favorite country album this year. It feels sort of like a sequel to The Wolf. The Wolf lyrically sounded like a man in his twenties. Family Man sounds lyrically like a man in his early thirties. Cool release a nice collection of good songs. A couple miss-steps but nothing that really takes away from the overall album.
Joseph Huber – Tongues of Fire
Rachel Brooke – A Killers Dream
Rachel continues to crank out great songs. This album is slightly different from her previous material, but done just as well. This is a must have album!
Jamey Johnson – Living For A Song
Jackson Taylor And The Sinners – Bad Juju
Davy Jay Sparrow - Olde Fashioned
Lukas Nelson & The Promise Of The Real – Wasted
I really like this album it has it all nice instrumentation, a good selection of songs, and good vocals. I think Lukas is doing the Nelson name justice with this album.
Chris Knight – Little Victories
Bloody Jug Band – Coffin Up Blood
Unknown Hinson – Reloaded
Justin Townes Earle – Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band – Between The Ditches
Old Crow Medicine Show – Carry Me Back
Carolina Chocolate Drops – Leaving Eden
This is just an all around neat album.
Sarah Gayle Meech – One Good Thing
T. Junior – Man In Grey
Corb Lund - Cabin Fever
Hip-Hop/Rap/R&B
Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
Mellowhype - Number
Flatbush Zombies – Drugs
One of the most exciting underground hip-hop releases of the year. This is one I would recommend highly.
2 Chainz – Based On A T.R.U. Story
I like this in the some way I like Waka Flocka Flame's Flockaveli. It's so off the wall it warrants repeated listens.
Action Bronson – Rare Chandeliers
Chief Keef – Finally Famous
The Knux – Ktwn
I’m going to pick a few from each of these categories (these aren’t necessarily my top favorites or anything…the list is in no order because I hate having to pick and choose between albums I really like). I’m discussing a few from each category mainly because I was inspired to write a quick piece on them (maybe they surprised or I just thought of something neat to say about them). That doesn't take away from my enjoyment of releases that I didn't write a quick blurb about, but with a list this long I just picked a few.
Rock/Alternative/Metal
Further Seems Forever – Penny Black
I don’t think anything would have thought this band would ever release another album. I also don’t think many would have thought a new album would have the same vocalist as a previous album, but this year FSF fans got a long awaited treat a new album featuring original vocalist Chris Carraba. This album turned out nicely as a huge FSF fan it was great to hear the band at it again. I can’t help but want to hear this remixed by James Paul Wisner (I feel like his work on their previous releases was great). The mixing isn’t that bad, and it works great for the most part, but it might be one of the few drawbacks at times. All in all It’s great to hear the band firing on all cylinders and it’s a really great album.
All Time Low – Don’t Panic
I thought this album was exactly what the band needed. This album is a huge step of from Dirty Work. This was one of my most anticipated albums this year and it really lived up to the hype.
Handguns - Angst
Awesome album. This was a great all around album and one I listened to a lot. Full of good jams.
You, Me, And Everyone We Know – A Great Big Hole
I wasn’t sure I would hear anything from this band again (now more of a solo project). The EP is short, sweet, and a nice strong effort.
Green Day – Uno – Dos – Tre
The good, the bad, the ugly. It’s all there on these three albums. There are some misses and some stuff that would have been better left as b-sides. Honestly though there is a ton of great material that makes these albums a really fun listen. Fans of the band should find at least 10-18 good songs spread out over the albums.
Blink 182 – Dogs Eating Dogs
After the long wait for Neighborhoods it was nice to have a short time gap between that album and this EP. I think this EP shows Blink can still make a nice cohesive release. I won’t say it’s better than Neighborhoods…it might rank close to the same quality in my opinion. It is a little more cohesive though. Fun songs and it’s always nice to hear new Blink.
William Beckett – What Will Be – Talk The Walk – Winds Will Change
Rome – Dedication
For his first solo outing this was kind of what I expected and really wanted it to sound like. Without Sublime Rome can still create some great music.
Set Your Goals – Only Right Now/I’ll Walk It Off
The Chariot – One Wing
The Chariot almost always delivers (minus the way their first album sounded). At this point I feel like they can’t let me down. This album may not be the best Chariot album, but it’s really splitting hairs because I have enjoyed all of their albums.
Anberlin – Vital
A Loss For Words – Returning To Webster Lake
John Mayer – Born And Raised
Mixtapes – Even On The Worst Nights
This is just a super fun pop-punk album. I’ve heard stuff like this before and I admit I can understand if people think it can get stale at times, but this band does the style the right way and I really enjoyed the album
Arrange – New Memory
I never would have thought Arrange could follow-up Plantation with just as strong an effort. I may still prefer Plantation but New Memory is just as good in so many ways.
Every Time I Die – Ex-Lives
Best Coast – The Only Place
I still can’t decide if I like this album as much as I liked their debut. It’s a good album. I like the production style used on it. At the end of the day the duo continue to create California inspired pop/punk/alternative that is worth checking out.
Joyce Manor – Of All Things I Will Soon Grow Tired
Alanis Morissette – Havoc And Bright Lights
Matchbox Twenty – North
Dirty Heads - Cabin By The Sea
Desaparacidos – Marikkkopa/Backsell
Eve 6 – Speak In Code
Sam Means – Nona
Nate Reuss had a huge year this year. That being said Nate's former bandmate from The Format, Sam Means, was no slouch either. This EP is fantastic and I listened to it a ton this year.
Fun. – Some Nights
I think this album finally got Nate Reuss the attention he has deserved for years.
Say Anything – Anarchy, My Dear
The Darkness – Hot Cakes
This band needed to reunite in my opinion. The album is fun and continues the fun classic rock sound they had on previous releases. I really wouldn't want it any other way.
The Early November – In Currents
The Killers – Battle Born
Neon Trees – Picture Show
Yellowcard – Southern Air
Ben Folds Five – The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind
Ben Kweller – Go Fly A Kite
Gallows – Gallows
Good Old War – Come Back As Rain
Circa Survive – Violent Waves
Showbread – Cancer
Bruno Mars – Unorthodox Jukebox
How To Destroy Angels – An Omen
Doombird - Cygnus
Go Radio – Close The Distance
Peace’d Out - Peace’d Out
Pentimento - Pentimento
Deftones – Koi No Yokan
Indian School – The Cruelest Kind
Soundgarden – King Animal
Mercystreet – Mercystreet
Converge – All We Love We Leave Behind
Anchor & Braille – The Quite Life
The Rocket Summer – Life Will Write The Words
TRS’s albums are always somewhat good. I enjoyed quite a few tracks others not so much. The good songs on this album make the entire album worth checking out.
Post Season – Restless Nights
The Spill Canvas – Gestalt
Good comeback album. I didn’t know what to expect. The last few Spill Canvas releases were hit or miss. This album kind of brings the vibe back to what I really enjoyed about this bands earlier releases.
Misser – Every Day I Tell Myself I’m Going To Be A Better Person
Eve 6 – Speak In Code
The Tallest Man On Earth – There’s No Leaving Now
The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten
All-American Rejects – Kids In The Street
This might be the best All-American Rejects album from the band since their debut. I really hadn’t been that enthused about this band for a long time. This album was kind of a surprise due to how much I enjoyed it.
The Wonder Years/Stay Ahead Of The Weather-Punk Is Dead. Get A Job
My Chemical Romance – Conventional Weapon Series
The Vaccines – Come Of Age
You Blew It – Grow Up Dude
The Little Indians – An Album From The Little Indians
MxPx – Plans Within Plans
Country(ish)
Zac Brown Band – Uncaged
Leroy Powell – La Muerte Del Amor
Bob Wayne – Till The Wheels Fall Off
Bob's last couple albums, to me, have been about him refining his sound and I think he continues to do that on this release.
Shooter Jennings – Family Man
Shooter had a lot riding on this album and he made good on his word with this album. This is probably my favorite country album this year. It feels sort of like a sequel to The Wolf. The Wolf lyrically sounded like a man in his twenties. Family Man sounds lyrically like a man in his early thirties. Cool release a nice collection of good songs. A couple miss-steps but nothing that really takes away from the overall album.
Joseph Huber – Tongues of Fire
Rachel Brooke – A Killers Dream
Rachel continues to crank out great songs. This album is slightly different from her previous material, but done just as well. This is a must have album!
Jamey Johnson – Living For A Song
Jackson Taylor And The Sinners – Bad Juju
Davy Jay Sparrow - Olde Fashioned
Lukas Nelson & The Promise Of The Real – Wasted
I really like this album it has it all nice instrumentation, a good selection of songs, and good vocals. I think Lukas is doing the Nelson name justice with this album.
Chris Knight – Little Victories
Bloody Jug Band – Coffin Up Blood
Unknown Hinson – Reloaded
Justin Townes Earle – Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band – Between The Ditches
Old Crow Medicine Show – Carry Me Back
Carolina Chocolate Drops – Leaving Eden
This is just an all around neat album.
Sarah Gayle Meech – One Good Thing
T. Junior – Man In Grey
Corb Lund - Cabin Fever
Hip-Hop/Rap/R&B
Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
Mellowhype - Number
Flatbush Zombies – Drugs
One of the most exciting underground hip-hop releases of the year. This is one I would recommend highly.
2 Chainz – Based On A T.R.U. Story
I like this in the some way I like Waka Flocka Flame's Flockaveli. It's so off the wall it warrants repeated listens.
Action Bronson – Rare Chandeliers
Chief Keef – Finally Famous
The Knux – Ktwn
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist
PacDiv – GMB
I always enjoy PacDiv releases. I really like this one. The artwork was cool and the music was delivered. This album to me is a lot better than their official debut album.
Trinidad James – Don’t Be Safe
Odd Future – Odd Future Tape Vol. 2
This was probably the best Odd Future release of the year. The surprise return of Earl Sweatshirt and his guest feature on one song on the album was really one of the more interesting moments in hip-hop this year.
Yonas – Before The Black Swan
Game – Jesus Piece
Iamsu! – Kilt
Big Boi – Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors
Bodega Bamz – Strictly For My Papiz
Vince Staples – Winter In Prague
Kendrick Lamar – Good Kid M.A.A.D. City
Travis Barker & Yelawolf – Psycho White
I don’t think this is a must have but at the same time I found myself listening to it a lot. The pairing of these two artist might not bring anything new to their respective talents, but they do compliment each other well.
Treated Crew – Treated Crew
P.O.S. – We Don’t Even Live Here
This is a fantastic album. Easily one of the best hip-hop albums I heard all year long. If you haven’t heard it do yourself a favor and get it quick you are seriously missing out.
Fresh Espresso – Bossalona
Murs And Fashawn – This Generation
Jack Mushroom – One Up
Kids These Days – Traphouse Rock
This is a neat eclectic album that covers a wide range of style. This album is definitely worth checking out. Kind of neat to hear how they make all the sounds, instruments, and styles work.
The Weeknd – Trilogy (Re-Release)
These albums (or mixtapes) were released last year. Nothing much new on this release other than three new tracks. I included it because the re-master done on this for official release has improved all three albums to a degree I felt I had to include the albums again this year.
JMSN-†Priscilla†
Joey Bada$$ - 1999
Meek Mill – Dreams And Nightmares
Styles Of Beyond – Receda Beach
Most Disappointing Release Of The Year
Sir Michael Rocks – Lap Of Lux
I like Rocks work with The Cool Kids and some his previous solo material. I could not get into this release and it was really the first of his projects I couldn’t get into. He’s still an artist I think has a lot of potential but with the excitement I had for this release compared to what I actually thought of it caused it to fall short. I plan to give this a few more listen in 2013 to try and get into it. The style changes in Rocks new stuff from his earlier work may have affected my enjoyment of the release a little. In no way is this mixtape terrible I was just left disappointed.
Most Surprising Album Of The Year
Kiss – Monster
I am not a huge fan of much of what Kiss has turned their career into over the last couple of decades. I’m not a huge fan of new members wearing the original members make-up and I think the band have almost become a bad parody of themselves (maybe some of you out there always thought they were). With that being said this album delivered exactly what I would want to hear from a Kiss album and it is a lot better than some of their other releases over the last couple decades. The low expectations were greeted with a reward of a decently fun rock album.
PacDiv – GMB
I always enjoy PacDiv releases. I really like this one. The artwork was cool and the music was delivered. This album to me is a lot better than their official debut album.
Trinidad James – Don’t Be Safe
Odd Future – Odd Future Tape Vol. 2
This was probably the best Odd Future release of the year. The surprise return of Earl Sweatshirt and his guest feature on one song on the album was really one of the more interesting moments in hip-hop this year.
Yonas – Before The Black Swan
Game – Jesus Piece
Iamsu! – Kilt
Big Boi – Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors
Bodega Bamz – Strictly For My Papiz
Vince Staples – Winter In Prague
Kendrick Lamar – Good Kid M.A.A.D. City
Travis Barker & Yelawolf – Psycho White
I don’t think this is a must have but at the same time I found myself listening to it a lot. The pairing of these two artist might not bring anything new to their respective talents, but they do compliment each other well.
Treated Crew – Treated Crew
P.O.S. – We Don’t Even Live Here
This is a fantastic album. Easily one of the best hip-hop albums I heard all year long. If you haven’t heard it do yourself a favor and get it quick you are seriously missing out.
Fresh Espresso – Bossalona
Murs And Fashawn – This Generation
Jack Mushroom – One Up
Kids These Days – Traphouse Rock
This is a neat eclectic album that covers a wide range of style. This album is definitely worth checking out. Kind of neat to hear how they make all the sounds, instruments, and styles work.
The Weeknd – Trilogy (Re-Release)
These albums (or mixtapes) were released last year. Nothing much new on this release other than three new tracks. I included it because the re-master done on this for official release has improved all three albums to a degree I felt I had to include the albums again this year.
JMSN-†Priscilla†
Joey Bada$$ - 1999
Meek Mill – Dreams And Nightmares
Styles Of Beyond – Receda Beach
Most Disappointing Release Of The Year
Sir Michael Rocks – Lap Of Lux
I like Rocks work with The Cool Kids and some his previous solo material. I could not get into this release and it was really the first of his projects I couldn’t get into. He’s still an artist I think has a lot of potential but with the excitement I had for this release compared to what I actually thought of it caused it to fall short. I plan to give this a few more listen in 2013 to try and get into it. The style changes in Rocks new stuff from his earlier work may have affected my enjoyment of the release a little. In no way is this mixtape terrible I was just left disappointed.
Most Surprising Album Of The Year
Kiss – Monster
I am not a huge fan of much of what Kiss has turned their career into over the last couple of decades. I’m not a huge fan of new members wearing the original members make-up and I think the band have almost become a bad parody of themselves (maybe some of you out there always thought they were). With that being said this album delivered exactly what I would want to hear from a Kiss album and it is a lot better than some of their other releases over the last couple decades. The low expectations were greeted with a reward of a decently fun rock album.
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