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Music: Grammys Preview -- The Fifty
Best Albums Of 2012
The Grammys are Sunday night on CBS and it looks to be one of the tightest races in
many a moon for Album Of The Year and other top categories. My money is on Mumford& Sons because when it comes down to it, the Grammys love commercial success(especially when paired with critical acclaim) and though it's silly to say after just twoalbums, Mumford & Sons is overdue.
To celebrate, here are my picks for the Best Albums of 2012. First I give the list and then
an extended version with comments and links to videos so you can sample the music.Enjoy! And let me know what your favorites of the year are, especially if they're not onthis list. We can argue over what should be ranked where, but the main point is todiscover some great new music. I hope you'll find some here.
THE BEST ALBUMS OF 20121. Rumer -- Seasons Of My Soul/Boys Don't Cry (70s pop perfection)
2. Branford Marsalis -- Four MF's Playin' Their Tunes (hard-driving jazz; faultless)
3. The Tallest Man On Earth -- There's No Leaving Now (inspiringly good Dylanesque
rock)
4. Frank Ocean -- Channel Orange (state of the art soul)
5. Paul Buchanan -- Mid Air (emotionally intense, late night confessions)
Bill Fay -- Life Is People (age+wisdom+piano+God)
6. Johann Johannsson -- The Miners' Hymns (the film score of the year)
7. Fiona Apple -- The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And
Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do (pop artist at peak of her
powers)8. Jamey Johnson -- Living For A Dream: A Tribute To Hank Cochran (all-star
country hoedown)9. Dr. John -- Locked Down (triumphant New Orleans music)
Jon Cleary Occapella! (tip of the hat to Allen Toussaint)
10. Mumford And Sons -- Babel (flowering of Americana)
The Lumineers -- The LumineersPigpen Theatre Co. -- Bremen
The Avett Brothers -- The Carpenter
11. Kasey Chambers And Shane Nicholson -- Wreck And Ruin (world class folk-
country-blues)12. Nas -- Life Is Good (rap for grown ups)
13. Leonard Cohen -- Old Ideas (magisterial pop)
14. Josephine -- Portrait (two English lasses with talent to burn)
Lianna La Havas -- Is Your Love Big Enough
15. Grant-Lee Phillips -- Walking In The Green Corn (acoustic gem)
16. Antibalas -- Antibalas (Fela Kuti lives!)
May 1, 2014
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17. Iris Dement -- Sing The Delta (comeback of the year)
Boo Hanks with Don Flemons -- Buffalo Junction
18. Vijay Iyer Trio -- Accelerando (jazz piano)
Brad Mehldau -- Where Do You Start/Ode
19. The Hives -- Lex Hives (rock, by god)
Japandroid -- Celebration Rock
The Doughboys -- Shakin' Our Souls
20. Bruce Springsteen -- Wrecking Ball (life in them old dogs yet)
Bob Dylan -- Tempest
21. Chris Smither -- Hundred Dollar Valentine (blues master)
22. Diana Krall -- Glad Rag Doll (digging deeper jazz talent)
23. Ed Sheeran -- + (thoughtful British pop)
24. Kendrick Lamar -- good kid, mA.A.d city (rap smarts)
25. Melody Gardot -- The Absence (singular voice heads to Brazil)
26. Father John Misty -- Fear Fun (Fleet Foxes redux, in a good way)
Damien Jurado -- Maraqopa
Lord Huron -- Impossible Dreams
Boy And Bear -- Moonfire
27. The Time Jumpers -- The Time Jumpers (Western swing)
28. Neil Young And Crazy Horse -- Psychedelic Pill/Americana (still kicking, still
stinging)
29. Michael Kiwanuka -- Home Again (70s soul circa Bill Withers)
Miguel -- Kaleidoscope Dream (70s soul circa Marvin Gaye)
30. Bettye LaVette -- Thankful N' Thoughtful (soul survivor)
31. Various Artists -- Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest Of Us (church music for those
who don't go to church and some who do)32. Billy Bragg And Wilco -- Mermaid Avenue Volume 3 unexpected gem from vault)
33. Regina Spektor -- What We Saw From The Cheap Seats (quirky pop)
Norah Jones -- Little Broken Hearts (leaving jazz behind)
34. Jack White -- Blunderbuss (eclectic; electric)
35. Tame Impala -- Lonerism (psychedelica redefined)
36. Green Day -- Uno!/Dos!/Tres! (purging punk pop)
37. Brandi Carlile -- Bear Creek (an indie voice in the wilderness)
38. Ravi Coltrane Spirit Fiction (jazz royalty, wearing the crown well)
39. John Mayer -- Born And Raised (skip the interviews, play the music)
40. Punch Brothers -- Who's Feeling Young Now?/Ahoy (bluegrass expanded)
Jason Aldean Night Train (country demanded)
Dwight Yoakam -- 3 Pears (rebel remanded)
41. Brian Eno -- Lux (genius in solo instrumental mode)
42. Bruno Mars -- Unorthodox Jukebox (Michael Jackson's heir apparent)
43. Suzanne Vega -- Close Up Vol. 4: Songs Of Family (revealing catalog)
44. Jake Bugg -- Jake Bugg (promising UK folkie)
45. Band Of Horses -- Mirage Rock (career best for rockers)
46. The Magnetic Fields -- Love At The Bottom Of The Sea (miserablist pop)
47. Bryan Ferry -- The Jazz Age (left turn instrumentals)
48. David Byrne And St. Vincent -- Love This Giant (a rock giant shows signs of life)
49. Damon Albarn -- Dr. Dee (pastoral concept album about English eccentric)
50. Kris Kristofferson -- Feeling Mortal (one foot in the grave country)
BEST REISSUES
Bill Withers -- Bill + Withers: The Complete Sussex And Columbia Albums
Louis Armstrong -- The Okeh, Columbia And RCA Victor Recordings 1925-1933
EARLY FAVORITES FOR 2013
The Mavericks -- In Time
Richard Thompson -- Electric
Wayne Shorter -- Without A Net
Ron Sexsmith -- Forever Endeavour
William Tyler -- Impossible Truth
Aaron Neville -- My True Story
Eels -- Wonderful Glorious
Miles Davis Quintet -- Live In Europe 1969: The Bootleg Series Volume Two
THE BEST ALBUMS OF 2012 -- THE EXTENDED VERSION
1. Rumer -- Seasons Of My Soul/Boys Don't Cry (70s pop perfection)
I've been waiting two years to say this: Seasons Of My Soul is the best album of the year.
She's from the UK but Rumer isn't a soul sister like Adele. She's got a Karen Carpenter
vibe, a deceptively mellow voice that proves addictive. Still waters run deep, though; her
debut is an emotionally rich collection that deepens with every listen. Rumer also nods to
Burt Bacharach and her demos were so striking, it's no surprise to discover that
Bacharach himself invited her to meet with him and asked her to sing some of his new
songs. That's like starting a rock band and having Paul McCartney call you up and say he's
got a tune you might fancy. I can speak very confidently about this debut and Rumer's
potential. Seasons Of My Soul came out in the UK in 2010 and I fell in love with it
immediately. I've lived with it a long time and seen her in concert, where Rumer was even
more impressive than she is on CD. You can really spot an artist that's in it for the long
haul when they wow you in concert. I waited and waited for the album to come out in theUS but it was delayed again and again as success took her all over the world and her label
waited for the right time to launch her in the US. Her second album came out before that
happened; Boys Don't Cry is a striking covers album showing her great taste and
interpretive ability. Still, I suggest you start with the debut. That CD finally came out in
January of 2012 and I interviewed her to mark the occasion. She got some good notices
but didn't quite break out the way she did back in the UK. Don't worry; she's not goinganywhere and the US will catch on at some point. Here's her wonderful debut single,"Aretha."
2. Branford Marsalis -- Four MF's Playin' Their Tunes (hard-driving jazz; faultless)
Did somebody say jazz was dead? Ha. Not when talent like Branford Marsalis can deliverstraight no chaser jazz that's swinging, melodically strong and bursting with vigor.Experimentation is fine but there's no need for the trappings of other genres when themusic is this good. The title is my least favorite part; it's too obvious and blunt for analbum this good. Here's an in-studio look at the recording of the album closer "Treat It
Gentle." Jazz didn't die with Miles Davis and it's not just for the museum. Here's proof.
3. The Tallest Man On Earth -- There's No Leaving Now (inspiringly good Dylanesque
rock)
The Tallest Man On Earth is one of the most exciting talents to emerge in recent years. He
comes from Sweden, sings like he's from Woody Guthrie's part of the country and writesgreat folk-ish songs that would tag him as "the next Dylan" if anyone was still dumbenough to curse an artist with such a label. Best of all, he's reached the wide world thanksto the reach of digital music; great albums can indeed burst out from anywhere withoutthe help of a major label. I somehow missed his debut, but a rave in a UK magazine sentme to the web where I quickly sampled two or three songs and then immediatelydownloaded the entire album from iTunes because I couldn't bear to wait for a CD. (Ibought one later, anyway.) That was The Wild Hunt, my favorite album of 2010. Now he's
released his third full length album and There's No Leaving Now is a confident extensionof everything that's come before. TTMOE has subtly expanded his musical palette but theemphasis is still on his guitar and his songs, most of the time, with the occasional pianoand other instrumentation thrown in. If anything, it might be his strongest yet. So in fouryears we've had three albums and two EPs, and each one has steadily improved on what
came before. Plus, like Rumer, I've seen him in concert and was blown away by his skill,
charisma, humor and stage presence. He is the real deal. When it comes to discovering
acts all over the world in this post-record label, post-MTV, post-radio world, I've seen the
future of rock and roll and it's The Tallest Man On Earth. That's why it's so easy to spot
him, I suppose. Here's the lead single, the infectious "1904."
4. Frank Ocean -- Channel Orange (state of the art soul)
Frank Ocean's mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra scraped onto my list of the best albums of 2011. I
have to admit, I wasn't expecting the full-blown r and b mastery of Channel Orange,
which ranges from the mind-blowingly smart "Pyramids" to the cleverly emotional
"Thinkin Bout You." Marvin Gaye would be taking notes. (Okay, to be accurate Ocean has
been taking notes from Gaye. But you get my point: he's good.) The matter-of-fact
personal backstory is just a no-fuss bonus. It's like Jackie Robinson (re)breaking the color
code of baseball. When you're this talented, people will pay attention.
5. Paul Buchanan -- Mid Air (emotionally intense, late night confessions)
Bill Fay -- Life Is People (age+wisdom+piano+God)
Do you know the Blue Nile? They're a Scottish band of legendary impact in the UK, with
albums coming sparingly over the years and then not at all. Their live performances havebeen even rarer. But like, perhaps, Nick Drake, their work has an intensity and power yousimply can't get anywhere else, matched with mature lyrics and melodies to die for. Theirdebut Walk Across The Rooftops became a cult classic while Hats became their big seller,a landmark work that never quite moved beyond critical acclaim in the US. Nine yearsafter their last album, leader Paul Buchanan has delivered this heartbreaker, a solo albumpared down almost solely to his voice and a piano that as always focuses on the needs andconcerns of adults like few other artists. The title track (below) stops me dead in mytracks. You listen to this music late at night, with the lights off, your heart almost stoppingin sympathy with the beauty on display. Their debut album contained one of my favoriteromantic lines, a favorite because it's so mature. Buchanan pleaded with his lover to stay,stay, promising her, "I will understand you." Really, who could ask for anything more?Now if you don't find this performance entrancing, fair enough -- move on. I'm suresomething else on this list will appeal. But if you're intrigued like I was, trust me, the restof the album is just as good. Mid Air is the rare pop album that delves into family, a longmarriage, raising children and other concerns with the same passion the Stones brought
to drinking and drugging. Just a lot quieter.
Bill Fay is a genuine cult figure from the UK. But I shouldn't pretend I've ever heard of
him. Life Is People is his first album of all new songs in 41 years and it came with wordsof praise from all and sundry, many of whom claimed him as a touchstone in their lives.
What? How come I've never heard of him? That's the sort of praise -- when coming from
artists and critics you like -- that sends me running to the music. I haven't lived with it
long enough yet, but this album is growing on me steadily. Like Mid Air, it's mostly Fay's
voice and a piano (with a strong band backing him up at times) and years of distilledwisdom. I won't be surprised if a year from now it's grown in my estimation but it'salready a unique and noteworthy album. Plus, it's deeply religious in its way, with nods toGod threaded throughout the album quietly but persistently. In a year where I didn'tdiscover much pure gospel music, this was welcome. It's not gospel of the "Thank You,Lord" variety (though one track is called "Thank You Lord"). It's more a wide-eyed wonderover the beauty of creation, which happily encompasses this gentle reverie of an album.
6. Johann Johannsson -- The Miners' Hymns (the film score of the year)
Technically, this score for the film of the same name came out in 2011. But I justdiscovered it and it's too good to ignore on a technicality. The film is by Bill Morrison,who has made a career out of crafting movies from found footage. His landmark workDecasia turned decaying film stock into a beautifully sad thing of beauty and had a killer
score to match. Now comes this film, a genuine masterpiece as well. It is certainly one ofthe two or three best films released in the US in 2012. It uses footage from annualgathering of miners who were celebrating their union's strength. Cut together from variousevents over the years, it becomes an unwitting funeral for that very way of life. You
needn't own a copy of The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists to appreciate the moving,
beautiful way Morrison tells a story without a single word of narration or dialogue. It's all
held together by Johannsson's masterful score, a complex and stirring elegy indeed.
7. Fiona Apple -- The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And
Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do (pop artist at peak of her
powers)
I don't care if Fiona Apple's next album has a title as long as a novel, not when the pop
music she's creating is this good. I'll type out every word and say, if you've been a fan ofhers in the past, don't hesitate. She's at the top of her formidable game here. She mayindulge herself on the titles, but everything else here is wonderfully eccentric, catchy ashell and right to the emotional point. She does what she does and it's wonderful.
8. Jamey Johnson -- Living For A Dream: A Tribute To Hank Cochran (all-star
country hoedown)
He co-wrote the Patsy Cline classic "I Fall To Pieces." You could put that on your
gravestone but Nashville legend Hank Cochran wrote plenty of other gems in his longcareer. This is nominally a Jamey Johnson album but it's filled to the bursting with guests,making this a de facto all-star tribute to a great talent. Johnson, never in better form,serving as ringleader for artists like Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson, GeorgeStrait, Allison Krauss, Vince Gill and more. It's better than most tribute albums. I thinkJohnson's presence throughout gives this a cohesiveness so many other like-minded
projects lack. Here's Johnson and Krauss performing the first track, "Make The World Go
Away" on Letterman.
9. Dr. John -- Locked Down (triumphant New Orleans music)
Jon Cleary Occapella! (tip of the hat to Allen Toussaint)
Sometimes, with iconic artists like Dr. John that have reached the twilight of their careers,
every time they release a new album it's automatically touted as a career capper, a returnto glory, the best in years and so on and so forth. Well, I hope this isn't a career capperbecause that would mean we might not get anything this good again. But this isn't avictory lap, it's funky and locked in New Orleans jazz of the highest order. Does"Revolution" sound like a man fading away gracefully? Heck no. And when he says in anamusingly droll voice, "Let's all jut pray on it right now," that's not followed by a momentof silence, it's followed by a stirring solo that let's you know Dr. John is going to lead therevolution, given half a chance. Righteous stuff. Jon Cleary doesn't have the nationalprofile of Dr. John but those in the know know he's a New Orleans mainstay. His new
album is a tribute to the great Allen Toussaint and is as vibrant and loose and funky and
free as one would hope. Sure, there's "Southern Nights" (how couldn't there be?) but he
also digs up some lesser known gems. Much like Cleary himself. He plays most of the
instruments most of the time, though Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt and others stop by.
Irresistible. The fan video I've included is raw as can be. But the sound is great and it'sfun to peek over shoulders at his piano work.
10. Mumford And Sons -- Babel (flowering of Americana)
The Lumineers -- The Lumineers
Pigpen Theatre Co. -- Bremen
The Avett Brothers -- The Carpenter
As I get older, I'm drawn instinctively more and more towards "porch music," songs thatare delivered acoustically and with a folksy directness. I can still get stirred by hip-hopand that front porch can include an electric guitar (just run the cord through the window
so it can be plugged into an outlet in the kitchen). But the feeling of a band, the feeling of
people in a room creating music strikes a chord with me more and more. So the rise of
Americana, which of course has always been with us in one form or another, is welcome
indeed. Mumford And Sons have been at the commercial forefront. And they've flourished
in the glow of commercial success. Their follow-up Babel is stronger in every respect than
their debut; these guys are embracing a wider audience without ignoring the strumming
heart of what they do. They're stadium ready with this widescreen album but they're
taking the stage with banjo and acoustic guitars in hand. The Avett Brothers on the other
hand have shied away from the spotlight a bit. Their last album I And Love And You had a
thunderous sound (and was my favorite album of 2009). But the acclaim has spookedthem a bit I think. The Carpenter is a little more tentative and certainly quieter. (Andwhile the religious beliefs of certain Mumfords gets attention, The Carpenter has morenotable religious overtones). Mumford wins this round. Following in the wake of these twoexcellent bands are acts like The Lumineers, who deliver a great debut in the same vein.Sure, they deserve their own attention. But if you lvoe those two bands, this is right inyour wheel house. Coming from a more offbeat angle is Pigpen, a theater troupe that hascreated marvelous plays filled with humor, puppetry, storytelling and excellent songs.Many of those can be found on this album mixed with some originals and they have aconfidence and distinctive lyricism that should win this band/troupe a much wideraudience. See their theatrical productions; see them perform as a band on tour; or forheaven's sake buy their album.
Mumford And Sons "I Will Wait"
The Avett Brothers "Live And Die"
The Lumineers "Stubborn Love"
Pigpen Theatre Co. "Bremen" (Watch this for a glimpse of their theatrical magic as well)
11. Kasey Chambers And Shane Nicholson -- Wreck And Ruin (world class folk-
country-blues)
Both acts have terrific solo work, but this husband and wife team from Australia is one of
the best male/female country duos in a long, long time. Their first album together --
Rattlin' Bones -- just blew me away. This follow-up is just as good, filled with vivid
numbers drawing on folk and country and blues for a...well, a bone-rattlin' hoedown thatis infectious and moving and just plain fun. Did you buy O Brother, Where Art Thou? Buy
this.
12. Nas -- Life Is Good (rap for grown ups)
Nas has always understood that honesty is more powerful and strong than boasting,though he can do his share of boasting too. You won't find Killer Mike on my list; gangstarap that can't see beyond braggadocio doesn't interest me anymore. Here Nas raps with allthe fervent skill he's always possessed, ripping apart the competition while making it coolto worry about his teenage daughter. This is just about as good as Nas at his best andthat's as good as rap gets. Okay, I'm not street but I'm not a farmer either. That doesn'tstop me from loving good rap or good country. "Daughters" is a classic, a perfect intro forthose who don't usually delve into this genre. just try not to nod your head while listening.
13. Leonard Cohen -- Old Ideas (magisterial pop)
What a great second wind the great Leonard Cohen is enjoying. Financial travails brought
him down from the mountain and out onto the road where this cool figure embraced the
massive audience that had been waiting for him all these years. His craggy, Grand Canyon
of a voice had deepened even more, but Cohen delivered his portfolio of classic tunes withmajesty and appealing, witty reserve. Now we get this great, autumnal gem. He's paredaway the unessential. But the result isn't austere and cold; it's as tuneful and rich as ever.
Just older and wiser, a second flowering. Maybe it's been a while since you've purchased a
Leonard Cohen album. It shouldn't be.
14. Josephine -- Portrait (two English lasses with talent to burn)
Lianna La Havas -- Is Your Love Big Enough
The marvelous Corinne Bailey Rae threw down the gauntlet, embracing pop and soul and
rock with aplomb on her brilliant debut. That gauntlet has been snapped up by a handfulof talented artists, led by Josephine (who leans towards the full-bodied soul) and Lianna(who is a bit more folksy). Both feel like genuine artists right off the mark. These are thesort of debuts that leave you tapping your toes, waiting for them to come to town inconcert or release a new album right away. NIna Simone, Maxwell, Erykah Badu, PhoebeSnow, Bill Withers, Joni Mitchell - take your pick of excellent influences you can spothere. Can't wait for more.
15. Grant-Lee Phillips -- Walking In The Green Corn (acoustic gem)
What a pleasure. After fronting the excellent band Grant Lee Buffalo, Phillips finally
disbanded if after label support never matched the critical acclaim of the group. As a soloartist, he turned to a more acoustic sound, one that's grown richer and more assured witheach release. His latest was funded in part by fans, the sort of communal support you readabout but don't always see happening in practice for the acts that deserve it most. It's alovely work. If you've lost track of him over the years, now is as good a time as any tolisten again. He hasn't been waiting for you; he's gone ahead. Here's hoping you catch up.
16. Antibalas -- Antibalas (Fela Kuti lives!)
Honestly, I get so much music handed to me by labels or make impulsive buys based on a
rave review that half the time I forget why I've bought an album. But they all go on myphone (yep, it's 2013) and every once in a while I'll start to listen to an artist without thefoggiest idea of who they are. That was certainly the case with Antibalas. The first trackbegan and I was immediately intrigued. Was this some archival album, a compilation ofsome world music act I'd never heard of before? You can't help but have an open mindwhen you don't know the first damn thing about an album. All I knew was that I loved it.
Turns out Antibalas is a new act from Brooklyn of all places, a group devoted in part to
the music and spirit of Fela Kuti. Mission accomplished. This album was recorded for
Daptone Records, the home of the great Sharon Jones and a host of other acts that love
classic music genres but play them with the ferocity and passion of the new, not as some
musty work of revivalism. It's a perfect fit for this band. To top it off, the music video for
"Dirty Money" is clever enough to make me enjoy music videos again.
17. Iris Dement -- Sing The Delta (comeback of the year)
Boo Hanks with Don Flemons -- Buffalo Junction
What the heck happened to Iris Dement? I'd been wondering that for years. This little gal
with a huge, rustic voice that could shake mountains and sounded like it was living back nthe 1920s blew me and everyone else away when she broke through with My Life and itsinstant classic of a tune "Sweet Is The Melody." (I still sing that one, poorly, all the time.)Her next album was political in nature and proved, unfortunately, how few artists outsideof Dylan can create enduring tunes that are overtly political. And then...nothing. Turns outshe made an album of gospel covers I missed. But essentially it's been 16 years betweenalbums of new music for her. Why? She just wasn't ready, or to be exact she felt the songsweren't ready. They are now because Sings The Delta picks up right where she left off,delivering pure, coal country, mountain music of a variety so pure it makes most Nashvilleproduct sound like Carly Rae Jepsen. Remarkably, it's been worth the wait. I haven't beenwaiting for a new album from Boo Hanks because frankly I'd never heard of thisbluesman. Heck, his debut album came out when he was 79 years old, which has to beclose to a record. Now he's collaborating with Dom Flemons of the terrific group CarolinaChocolate Drops and Hanks' second album is a low-key, witty and tuneful delight.Thirteen songs under 30 minutes and it's both just right and over way too soon. His video(a fan's bootleg, I think) starts just as the song does and it's pretty raw but gives you asense of his playful style. Here's a fine No Depression feature telling his story.
18. Vijay Iyer Trio -- Accelerando (jazz piano)
Brad Mehldau -- Where Do You Start/Ode
I suppose jazz long ago became the realm of the wealthy and obsessive aficionados. The
clubs that show the top acts are very expensive and usually offer short sets at high prices.Or you head to even more expensive venues like Lincoln Center. It's a pity since jazz at itsbest is popular music. But it won't rustify as long as artists like Vijay Iyer and BradMehldau are around to deliver. Iyer's album is a probing affair that takes a few listens tosink in. Mehldau shows off both sides of his talent with two albums. The first contains hisusual wide-ranging covers while the second is all originals. You wouldn't want to give upeither, but here I'll give the edge to the originals. The Branford Marsalis is for theunconverted; these are for the believers.
19. The Hives -- Lex Hives (rock, by god)
Japandroid -- Celebration Rock
The Doughboys -- Shakin' Our Souls
The Hives are so good live and bursting with such confidence that it confuses me
sometime. Do these guys fill stadiums? Have they sold millions of copies of their albums?They sure look like they have and their music sure as hell deserves to do so. It's been fiveyears since their last album and they don't miss a trick, delivering a collection of songsthat builds catchy songs out of the barest of essentials (a hand clap, a brief phrase like"Come on!" repeated over and over, etc.) and making it uproariously fun. They knowthey're the biggest band of the world, even if we don't know it yet. Japandroids fromCanada also know how to rock and their second album shows them growing by leaps and bounds. Sure, the Ramones would havereleased seven albums in the last four years, but at least they're making sure they get itright. Maybe both groups took notes on The Doughboys. These garage rockers from Jerseytook their own sweet time. They flirted with fame in the 1960s, broke up and reunited for
a laugh in 2000. This time it stuck and they've finally recorded sporadically. Their new
album may be their best and no wonder Steven Van Zandt is a fan -- they sound as
hungry and ready to go as any kids on their first go-round. Great stuff.
20. Bruce Springsteen -- Wrecking Ball (life in them old dogs yet)
Bob Dylan -- Tempest
I'm a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen. But I haven't placed a Springsteen album of new
material on my best of the year list since Tunnel Of Love. He's a great artist and almostevery album has added at least a few new worthy songs to his catalog. But there's noquestion the early 1970s to the late 1980s were his peak years as a songwriter. His tributeto Pete Seeger was a revelation, however, and that barn-burning collection of coverspointed a way forward for him. He's finally capitalized on that breakthrough withWrecking Ball, which combines the musical richness of that album with fiery lyrics asimpassioned as anything he's done since Nebraska and Born In The USA. And for thesame reasons: nothing gets his ire up like a vicious economic downturn. hard times suithim. Dylan, on the other hand, has had his valleys like anyone. But he's delivered greatalbums all throughout his career, a rarity in any area of the arts. Tempest shoots itself inthe foot at the end, delivering its longest and least-interesting tracks as a finale. But thefirst seven or eight are just terrific, nimble and clever and rich. They'll be great livematerial for years to come. I can even enjoy "Tempest," even though as one wag put it this
tune about the Titanic with its 87 verses seems designed solely to become the one Dylan
song that almost can't be covered by anyone else. Ever.
21. Chris Smither -- Hundred Dollar Valentine (blues master)
I've got a lot of catching up to do with this journeyman blues talent, long championed by
Bonnie Raitt as a world class songwriter. If you need proof of what a great ear Raitt has,just check out this album. Apparently, he's been his own worst enemy for many years. ButSmither has been productive for many years now. It's all come together here, the firstalbum of all original songs in his four decades of writing and singing and playing. Here'sthe title track.
22. Diana Krall -- Glad Rag Doll (digging deeper jazz talent)
Diana Krall is an intriguing talent. She's always been taken seriously as a jazz musician,
despite her striking good looks. Still, I sometimes felt she overcompensated, trying todownplay her singing in favor of proving her jazz chops on occasion, treating vocals like alesser evil of sorts. That stopped for good when she accepted the challenge of recordingwith strings (arranged by Claus Ogerman. He's been involved with her best work, back in2001 with her hit The Look Of Love and then again on 2009's Quiet Nights. I think herwork with him has allowed her to loosen up and find strength in her voice. She finds justthe right balance on this delightfully loose album produced by T Bone Burnett andincluding mostly covers of tunes from the 1920s and 1930s drawn from her father'scollection of 78s.
23. Ed Sheeran -- + (thoughtful British pop)
A talented British lad, Ed Sheeran recorded an EP that caught the ear of both Jamie Foxxand Elton John. Since then he's released a debut album that was a smash hit in the UK,co-written a song for boy band One Direction, toured with Taylor Swift and appeared onher latest album and so on and so forth. So the surprise is how mature and not poppy assuch his debut sounds. He'll be duetting with Elton John at the Grammys I'll bet and itshould be a highlight of the evening. When everyone rushes out to buy his album, theywon't be disappointed.
24. Kendrick Lamar -- good kid, mA.A.d city (rap smarts)
This is the rap breakthrough of the year. Happily, it's for an artist that doesn't celebrate
violence or pretend he's harder than everyone else. Instead Lamar voices fear andinsecurity, along with the rush of pleasures that life can offer as well. HIs preacher manvoice on one track ("Martin had a dream! Martin had a dream! KENDRICK has a dream!")is hilarious and his insightful, vivid tracks are broken by the typical bits of comedy thatare untypically funny. I've no reason to think this but I suspect he might prove a goodactor, or at least a good guest on Saturday Night Live. Happily the hype has been
completely justified this time.
25. Melody Gardot -- The Absence (singular voice heads to Brazil)
Melody Gardot has traveled an unexpected path to music (mainly stemming from adevastating accident, after which playing music was the only time she didn't feel pain).But her three albums have proven consistently strong. The Absence may be globe-trotting
and draw inspiration from Brazil to Buenos Aires and beyond. But it's essentially true toher gift for strong melodies and a quiet, inviting aura. An excellent follow-up to My OneAnd Only Thrill .
26. Father John Misty -- Fear Fun (Fleet Foxes redux, in a good way)
Damien Jurado -- Maraqopa
Lord Huron -- Impossible Dreams
Boy And Bear -- Moonfire
Sometimes popular music is like mining for gold. Someone strikes a rich vein and then
you've got yourself a gold rush. Fleet Foxes and My Morning Jacket may have helpedpioneer a spacey, modern spin on Crosby, Stills & Nash mixed with modern
arrangements. But that sound -- you know it when you hear it -- is offering up treasure to
a lot of acts. Father John Misty is a spinoff from Fleet Foxes, Damien Jurado is enjoying a
fruitful collaboration with producer Richard Swift (a miner in the tunnels of popularmusic himself), Lord Huron is a wanderer who came to music via painting and Boy AndBear are Australians who delivered Moonfire in 2011; it just took a while for their gems to
make it to these shores and my attention. Sure, some of these acts will have proven to be
riding on the coattails of what others discovered and the veins they've jumped a claim on
will soon run dry. That doesn't make what they've mined any less appealing. And somewill surely show a gift for expanding on this initial burst of inspiration. Hey, MMJ can't
seem to be bothered with this path anymore, so someone should explore it.
Father John Misty "Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings"
Damien Jurado "Museum Of Flight"
Lord Huron "Time To Run"
Boy And Bear "Feeding Line"
27. The Time Jumpers -- The Time Jumpers (Western swing)
A Nashville institution, The Time Jumpers are a collective of sorts that has been
performing Western swing since the late 1990s. They finally released a live album in 2007to great acclaim. But this is their first studio album. It's sheer pleasure, with Vince Gillrejoining the group for the album, apparently a homecoming of sorts.
28. Neil Young And Crazy Horse -- Psychedelic Pill/Americana (still kicking, still
stinging)
Neil Young released two albums this year, not to mention a Jonathan Demme concert film
for his recent excellent album Le Noize (an intended acoustic affair that got noisier andlouder than expected). Americana is a head-turning collection of covers and Psychedelic
Pill is another fuzzy, loud, stomping collaboration with Crazy Horse. He's irascible, he's a
tinkerer (hey Neil, exactly how big are the music files for your new digital standard? I lovehigh quality but will each song need a terrabyte to meet your standards), he's a writer butmost of all he's a musician of remarkable consistency. Especially for one so musicallyrestless.
29. Michael Kiwanuka -- Home Again (70s soul circa Bill Withers)
Miguel -- Kaleidoscope Dream (70s soul circa Marvin Gaye)
A British act whose debut album is mature, accessible and sure to improve with time. Onemore reason to always pay attention to the BBC's Sound Of... poll. (He won it in January
of 2012.)
"Adorn" is the killer here from Miguel. But this is sexy, soulful stuff. Here's hoping success
will suit Miguel and he'll get even better.
30. Bettye LaVette -- Thankful N' Thoughtful (soul survivor)
Like Shirley Horn, this artist waited until late in her career before receiving the attention
her talent deserved. But the time was well spent, deepening her skills and preparing herto make the most of the opportunity. This may be her best album since the breakthroughI've Got My Own Hell To Raise.
31. Various Artists -- Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest Of Us (church music for those
who don't go to church and some who do)
Producer Phil Madeira wanted to show the ties that bind all the major religions of the
world. So he developed Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest Of Us, a collection of country,
folk, blues and other artists delivering songs of faith with a twist. I love the song below, in
which Shawn Mullins sings, "God don't hate the Muslims/ God don't hate the Jews/ God
don't hate the Christians/ But we all give God the blues." Not every song is droll; many
are just simple testaments of faith. And the acts are sterling, from Carolina Chocolate
Drops to Emmylou Harris, The Civil Wars and many more. It contains two traditionals,
which fit snugly alongside new tunes like "Leaning On You" and "Lights In The Valley."
Can I get an amen?
32. Billy Bragg And Wilco -- Mermaid Avenue Volume 3 unexpected gem from vault)
This album doesn't even really exist on CD (just as a digital download) but it's still one of
the best of the year. Billy Bragg and Wilco were given a cache of Woody Guthrie lyrics toset to music. The result was Mermaid Avenue Volumes 1 and 2. Each one was among the
best of their years way back in 1998 and 2000. Now all these years later, a boxed set withboth albums and 17 extra tracks has come out. Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessionsis the name of it. Even if you own the first two albums already, it's only $30 at Amazonand it's worth it to get those two and what amounts to an entire extra album. Or you canjust get the download of the 17 new tracks. These aren't the cast-offs or tracks that didn'tquite work. By and large, they're new tunes just as strong as the ones we've heard. Godknows why they didn't come out a decade ago. An unexpected treat. I couldn't find any ofthe new songs online so here's a gem from the earlier sets.
33. Regina Spektor -- What We Saw From The Cheap Seats (quirky pop)
Norah Jones -- Little Broken Hearts (leaving jazz behind)
So many female acts seem to have a hiccup in their singing these days; it must drive
Regina Spektor. But she keeps following the beat of her own eccentric drummer. Chart
dominance has escaped her, but her pop sense and quirky lyrics are serving her well.
Meanwhile, Norah Jones sort of lost her way for a while. But embracing pop has pushedher to embrace stronger melodies again as well; this is a return to form.
34. Jack White -- Blunderbuss (eclectic; electric)
He may have multiple side projects, movie soundtracks, producing gigs and now officalsolo albums. I still miss White Stripes, especially since I never got to see them in concert.Blunderbuss feels a little unfocused to me, as if Jack White weren't exactly clear what hismusical identity is meant to be without the conceit of a band. Still, song for song it'smuscular fun, though the "Love Is Blindness" cover is both good and yet somehow moresuited to a B side or live show. I do love this video, where Jack looks like he's auditioningfor Edward Scissorhands.
35. Tame Impala -- Lonerism (psychedelica redefined)
Psychedelic rock and yet another winner from Down Under. Retro but not, if you know
what I mean.
36. Green Day -- Uno!/Dos!/Tres! (purging punk pop)
After their weighty concept albums, Green Day have cleaned out their system by releasingnot one, not two but three albums of spiky punk pop. The natural inclination is toimmediately complain: why didn't they just release one great album with the best 14songs? But both Uno! and Dos! are pretty much filler free and putting out all three feels
like a nutty, freeing sort of gesture in and of itself. Fans seemed freaked out by the idea:even if you add up all their sales, it's less than 500,000 copies and the lowest total oftheir career. But then, 21st Century Breakdown did remarkably (and unfairly) little in
terms of album sales. It's a pity since they've influenced so many and still have the goods.I guess it's hard to maintain street cred when the last street you were on was Broadway.It's your loss, fans.
37. Brandi Carlile -- Bear Creek (an indie voice in the wilderness)
Let me be honest. When I'm getting ready to do my best of the year list, I play catch up by
surfing through all the other lists I can find and checking out artists that sound intriguing.
That's how I stumbled on Brandi Carlile. If I'd been able to spend more time with it, this
album might well rank higher. Obviously, others have been fans of her for years but she
was a terrific find, an act I can't wait to see in concert but which already has a back
catalog to explore. Hell, she's so cool Kris Kristofferson appears in her music video. As an
actor!
38. Ravi Coltrane Spirit Fiction (jazz royalty, wearing the crown well)
Many talented musicians have been the offspring of major acts. It's never easy to get out of
their shadows and establish your own identity. Ravi Coltrane had two talented parents buthe's made his own way long ago. Here's more proof.
39. John Mayer -- Born And Raised (skip the interviews, play the music)
I remember how gracious John Mayer was won he won one of his first Grammys, saying it
had come very quickly and he was going to work hard to earn it in the years to come. Welldone, I thought. He hasn't been terribly gracious since but his music has steadilyimproved. This may be his best album yet, striking a Laurel Canyon pose that suits himvery well. If you've been away for a while or never really been a fan, this is the time to giveanother listen. This should probably be higher but I'm still getting over the shock of likingit so much.
40. Punch Brothers -- Who's Feeling Young Now?/Ahoy (bluegrass expanded)
Jason Aldean Night Train (country demanded)
Dwight Yoakam -- 3 Pears (rebel remanded)
Some people think they don't like country music. Really? Not Hank Williams or JohnnyCash or Patsy Cline or Willie Nelson? Oh, well, okay they like some of them of course. Ifyou don't want to wait 40 years to appreciate some country music, try out the PunchBrothers, who have expanded the definition of bluegrass; Jason Aldean who is atraditionalist to many but only because Dwight Yoakam paved the way. All three havestrong new albums. Aldean's getting better and Yoakam has his best in a few years. ThePunch Brothers haven't even really peaked yet. Just to prove it, they've followed theirlatest album with an even better EP.
41. Brian Eno -- Lux (genius in solo instrumental mode)
Brian Eno is one of the most important artists in music history. A founding member of
Roxy Music, he's also been a key player in some of the best must by David Bowie, U2,Talking Heads and too many more to mention. Heck, he's even virtually invented entiregenres like ambient and New Age. His latest instrumental album is as intriguing andbeautifully shaped as always. How it will rank alongside masterpieces like Another GreenWorld or Music For Airports is yet to be seen. But it's the latest addition to a discography
that few will ever approach, much less match. I rarely say this but I'll say it here: a genius.Here's a wonderful collaborative video he made with visual input from fans.
42. Bruno Mars -- Unorthodox Jukebox (Michael Jackson's heir apparent)
I'm a bit disappointed with this album, to be honest. The music highs on it are so strong,
it deserves to be on here. ("When I Was Your Man" is classic.) But here and there on the
album, Mars is...crude. Mind you, I'm not remotely offended. (Green Day and Miguel have
songs that are rather hilariously crude on this list.) But it just doesn't suit Mars. He's the
heir apparent to Michael Jackson as far as I'm concerned, a complete entertainer who cancreate world-beating popular music. He needs to make a Thriller-like vow to create analbum on which there's no quirkiness, no rawness. An album where every single tracksounds like #1 hit a la "Locked Out Of Heaven." (Another gem.) He can do it. Just listen.
43. Suzanne Vega -- Close Up Vol. 4: Songs Of Family (revealing catalog)
It's pretty remarkable what Suzanne Vega has done here. She took a necessity (reclaimingsome of her songs by re-recording them) and turned it into a four volume project thatshowed the remarkable catalog of tunes she's written over the years AND deliveredversions that shine new light on them. A singular, under-appreciated talent.
44. Jake Bugg -- Jake Bugg (promising UK folkie)
Sure he's cute but don't hold that against him. Jake Bugg is a real folkie with a flare for
muscular melodies when called for. BUgg has enjoyed great success in the UK but he's
young enough to hear his music name-checked with Dylan and foolishly say Dylan's not
much of an influence. (Dude, if you're holding a guitar, Dylan is an influence. Trust me.
And if someone says you're influenced by Dylan, say "thank you.") It's come a little fast, so
we won't know until the second album how this is going to pan out. But he's got
"promising" written all over him and "Two Fingers" has a Supergrass sort of catchiness
that's hard to shake.
45. Band Of Horses -- Mirage Rock (career best for rockers)
I've never quite had a handle on Band Of Horses. But happily they've managed to plug
along anyway and improved mightily, peaking with 2010's Infinite Arms and now their
latest. In it for the long haul, clearly.
46. The Magnetic Fields -- Love At The Bottom Of The Sea (miserablist pop)
Here's hoping Stephen Merritt never finds true love, or at least never for very long. His
hand-crafted pop songs of misery and regret and occasional success are a never-ending
source of delight. it's been a while since 69 Love Songs captured the attention of the
world. But he's been consistently good long before and long after that cheeky stunt.
47. Bryan Ferry -- The Jazz Age (left turn instrumentals)
It was inevitable, I suppose. Rock stars have long turned to "symphonic" backing to put a
new, mature spin on their catalog. Others have gone acoustic or country or choral or doneanything to shine a new light on the classics fading further and further into the past.Surely it was only a matter of time before someone said, "My music needs to be played inthe style of a 1920s swinging jazz orchestra." Okay, maybe it wasn't that inevitable. But itmakes perfect sense for Bryan Ferry, whose work has always echoed cabaret and earliereras. Nonetheless, it makes sense but it's also bonkers. Ridiculous. Silly. And yet somehowquite wonderful. I'm a little surprised there aren't vocals on every track, perhaps asongbird to chirp in on the second or third verse a la those old 78s. But this odd conceit isactually charming and quite convincing. Put it on your coffee house and customers willprobably wonder what 1930s band is playing.
48. David Byrne And St. Vincent -- Love This Giant (a rock giant shows signs of life)
When Brian Eno isn't around, David Byrne finds inspiration in other places. This time, it's
St. Vincent, who proves an excellent foil for him. Together they've created a genuinealbum of collaboration, with some great horns and a distinctive back and forth that makesone hope they do this again soon.
49. Damon Albarn -- Dr. Dee (pastoral concept album about English eccentric)
Damon Albarn has proven so good in so many contexts, he deserves to be followedwithout question no matter where he goes. That might mean a cartoon rock band or worldmusic from Africa or a concept album about 16th century figure John Dee, a somewhatobscure historical figure to most who was a major figure in his time, a genuine scholarand also a spiritualist who tried to commune with angels. Albarn has crafted a lovely workwith choral flourishes, instrumentals and songs with melodies of Blur-like beauty. I couldcall it an opera; should call it an opera since that's what it is. But his pop fans are scaredenough already and if they listen without realizing it's an opera, they might actually like it.
50. Kris Kristofferson -- Feeling Mortal (one foot in the grave country)
Kris Kristofferson has always been more important as a songwriter than a recording artist.
But that shouldn't overshadow the fact that he's recorded some great work, from key early
works that expanded the notion of country to his collaborations with Johnny Cash, Willie
Nelson and Waylon Jennings in The Highwaymen. He always seemed like the lucky fellow
in that group but they appreciated more than I the depth of his songs. Still, he's 76 now
and delivering one of the best albums of his career. I call this category the one-foot-in-the-grave genre. Not because the artist has suddenly become better but because themortality they're staring down makes us focus and pay attention before it's too late. That
might seem cynical but we're the lucky ones if we do. It's probably not Kristofferson that's
feeling mortal, it's us.
BEST REISSUES
Bill Withers -- Bill + Withers: The Complete Sussex And Columbia Albums
Louis Armstrong -- The Okeh, Columbia And RCA Victor Recordings 1925-1933
As album sales fade, record labels have started to deliver no-frills boxed sets. I think it's
great. Bill Withers is one of the major talents of the 1970s and 1980s; he's beenrediscovered and appreciated anew a number of times now over the past decade. Toooften, he's seen as peaking with those first two classic albums. But the deeper I get intohis catalog, the more I see how strong he was throughout. You simply have to own Just AsI am and Still Bill. But you'll be smart if you keep going and listen to Justments, MakingMusic, Naked And Warm.... This nine CD set (all eight studio albums plus his live record)is a welcome reminder of how his talent goes way beyond "Ain't No Sunshine" and "LeanOn Me." Sure, you know "Grandma's Hands." But what about "Railroad Man" with JoseFeliciano from Justments ?
Louis Armstrong has been packaged and repackaged many times over. But you can't ever
tire of the Hot Fives and Hot Sevens, the key early work that defined jazz. Armstrong'sboxed set contains all of that music and a wealth of others. Every home used to have anencyclopedia. Every home should have this music. It's essential. And it's never been moreaffordable. "Potato Head Blues" is only Woody Allen's short list of the reasons he's happyto be alive. Listen and you'll know why.
EARLY FAVORITES FOR 2013
The Mavericks -- In Time
Richard Thompson -- Electric
Wayne Shorter -- Without A Net
Ron Sexsmith -- Forever Endeavour
William Tyler -- Impossible Truth
Aaron Neville -- My True Story
Eels -- Wonderful Glorious
Miles Davis Quintet -- Live In Europe 1969: The Bootleg Series Volume Two
Thanks for reading. Michael Giltz is the co-host of Showbiz Sandbox , a weekly pop
culture podcast that reveals the industry take on entertainment news of the day and
features top journalists and opinion makers as guests. It's available for free on iTunes.
Visit Michael Giltz at his website and his daily blog . Download his podcast of celebrity
interviews and his radio show, also called Popsurfing and also available for free on
iTunes. Link to him on Netflix and gain access to thousands of ratings and reviews.
Note : Michael Giltz is provided with free copies of albums with the understanding that
he would be considering them for review. Generally, he does not guarantee to reviewand he receives far more titles than he can cover.
Follow Michael Giltz on Twitter: www.twitter.com/michaelgiltz
Best Albums Of 2012
The Grammys are Sunday night on CBS and it looks to be one of the tightest races in
many a moon for Album Of The Year and other top categories. My money is on Mumford& Sons because when it comes down to it, the Grammys love commercial success(especially when paired with critical acclaim) and though it's silly to say after just twoalbums, Mumford & Sons is overdue.
To celebrate, here are my picks for the Best Albums of 2012. First I give the list and then
an extended version with comments and links to videos so you can sample the music.Enjoy! And let me know what your favorites of the year are, especially if they're not onthis list. We can argue over what should be ranked where, but the main point is todiscover some great new music. I hope you'll find some here.
THE BEST ALBUMS OF 20121. Rumer -- Seasons Of My Soul/Boys Don't Cry (70s pop perfection)
2. Branford Marsalis -- Four MF's Playin' Their Tunes (hard-driving jazz; faultless)
3. The Tallest Man On Earth -- There's No Leaving Now (inspiringly good Dylanesque
rock)
4. Frank Ocean -- Channel Orange (state of the art soul)
5. Paul Buchanan -- Mid Air (emotionally intense, late night confessions)
Bill Fay -- Life Is People (age+wisdom+piano+God)
6. Johann Johannsson -- The Miners' Hymns (the film score of the year)
7. Fiona Apple -- The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And
Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do (pop artist at peak of her
powers)8. Jamey Johnson -- Living For A Dream: A Tribute To Hank Cochran (all-star
country hoedown)9. Dr. John -- Locked Down (triumphant New Orleans music)
Jon Cleary Occapella! (tip of the hat to Allen Toussaint)
10. Mumford And Sons -- Babel (flowering of Americana)
The Lumineers -- The LumineersPigpen Theatre Co. -- Bremen
The Avett Brothers -- The Carpenter
11. Kasey Chambers And Shane Nicholson -- Wreck And Ruin (world class folk-
country-blues)12. Nas -- Life Is Good (rap for grown ups)
13. Leonard Cohen -- Old Ideas (magisterial pop)
14. Josephine -- Portrait (two English lasses with talent to burn)
Lianna La Havas -- Is Your Love Big Enough
15. Grant-Lee Phillips -- Walking In The Green Corn (acoustic gem)
16. Antibalas -- Antibalas (Fela Kuti lives!)
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17. Iris Dement -- Sing The Delta (comeback of the year)
Boo Hanks with Don Flemons -- Buffalo Junction
18. Vijay Iyer Trio -- Accelerando (jazz piano)
Brad Mehldau -- Where Do You Start/Ode
19. The Hives -- Lex Hives (rock, by god)
Japandroid -- Celebration Rock
The Doughboys -- Shakin' Our Souls
20. Bruce Springsteen -- Wrecking Ball (life in them old dogs yet)
Bob Dylan -- Tempest
21. Chris Smither -- Hundred Dollar Valentine (blues master)
22. Diana Krall -- Glad Rag Doll (digging deeper jazz talent)
23. Ed Sheeran -- + (thoughtful British pop)
24. Kendrick Lamar -- good kid, mA.A.d city (rap smarts)
25. Melody Gardot -- The Absence (singular voice heads to Brazil)
26. Father John Misty -- Fear Fun (Fleet Foxes redux, in a good way)
Damien Jurado -- Maraqopa
Lord Huron -- Impossible Dreams
Boy And Bear -- Moonfire
27. The Time Jumpers -- The Time Jumpers (Western swing)
28. Neil Young And Crazy Horse -- Psychedelic Pill/Americana (still kicking, still
stinging)
29. Michael Kiwanuka -- Home Again (70s soul circa Bill Withers)
Miguel -- Kaleidoscope Dream (70s soul circa Marvin Gaye)
30. Bettye LaVette -- Thankful N' Thoughtful (soul survivor)
31. Various Artists -- Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest Of Us (church music for those
who don't go to church and some who do)32. Billy Bragg And Wilco -- Mermaid Avenue Volume 3 unexpected gem from vault)
33. Regina Spektor -- What We Saw From The Cheap Seats (quirky pop)
Norah Jones -- Little Broken Hearts (leaving jazz behind)
34. Jack White -- Blunderbuss (eclectic; electric)
35. Tame Impala -- Lonerism (psychedelica redefined)
36. Green Day -- Uno!/Dos!/Tres! (purging punk pop)
37. Brandi Carlile -- Bear Creek (an indie voice in the wilderness)
38. Ravi Coltrane Spirit Fiction (jazz royalty, wearing the crown well)
39. John Mayer -- Born And Raised (skip the interviews, play the music)
40. Punch Brothers -- Who's Feeling Young Now?/Ahoy (bluegrass expanded)
Jason Aldean Night Train (country demanded)
Dwight Yoakam -- 3 Pears (rebel remanded)
41. Brian Eno -- Lux (genius in solo instrumental mode)
42. Bruno Mars -- Unorthodox Jukebox (Michael Jackson's heir apparent)
43. Suzanne Vega -- Close Up Vol. 4: Songs Of Family (revealing catalog)
44. Jake Bugg -- Jake Bugg (promising UK folkie)
45. Band Of Horses -- Mirage Rock (career best for rockers)
46. The Magnetic Fields -- Love At The Bottom Of The Sea (miserablist pop)
47. Bryan Ferry -- The Jazz Age (left turn instrumentals)
48. David Byrne And St. Vincent -- Love This Giant (a rock giant shows signs of life)
49. Damon Albarn -- Dr. Dee (pastoral concept album about English eccentric)
50. Kris Kristofferson -- Feeling Mortal (one foot in the grave country)
BEST REISSUES
Bill Withers -- Bill + Withers: The Complete Sussex And Columbia Albums
Louis Armstrong -- The Okeh, Columbia And RCA Victor Recordings 1925-1933
EARLY FAVORITES FOR 2013
The Mavericks -- In Time
Richard Thompson -- Electric
Wayne Shorter -- Without A Net
Ron Sexsmith -- Forever Endeavour
William Tyler -- Impossible Truth
Aaron Neville -- My True Story
Eels -- Wonderful Glorious
Miles Davis Quintet -- Live In Europe 1969: The Bootleg Series Volume Two
THE BEST ALBUMS OF 2012 -- THE EXTENDED VERSION
1. Rumer -- Seasons Of My Soul/Boys Don't Cry (70s pop perfection)
I've been waiting two years to say this: Seasons Of My Soul is the best album of the year.
She's from the UK but Rumer isn't a soul sister like Adele. She's got a Karen Carpenter
vibe, a deceptively mellow voice that proves addictive. Still waters run deep, though; her
debut is an emotionally rich collection that deepens with every listen. Rumer also nods to
Burt Bacharach and her demos were so striking, it's no surprise to discover that
Bacharach himself invited her to meet with him and asked her to sing some of his new
songs. That's like starting a rock band and having Paul McCartney call you up and say he's
got a tune you might fancy. I can speak very confidently about this debut and Rumer's
potential. Seasons Of My Soul came out in the UK in 2010 and I fell in love with it
immediately. I've lived with it a long time and seen her in concert, where Rumer was even
more impressive than she is on CD. You can really spot an artist that's in it for the long
haul when they wow you in concert. I waited and waited for the album to come out in theUS but it was delayed again and again as success took her all over the world and her label
waited for the right time to launch her in the US. Her second album came out before that
happened; Boys Don't Cry is a striking covers album showing her great taste and
interpretive ability. Still, I suggest you start with the debut. That CD finally came out in
January of 2012 and I interviewed her to mark the occasion. She got some good notices
but didn't quite break out the way she did back in the UK. Don't worry; she's not goinganywhere and the US will catch on at some point. Here's her wonderful debut single,"Aretha."
2. Branford Marsalis -- Four MF's Playin' Their Tunes (hard-driving jazz; faultless)
Did somebody say jazz was dead? Ha. Not when talent like Branford Marsalis can deliverstraight no chaser jazz that's swinging, melodically strong and bursting with vigor.Experimentation is fine but there's no need for the trappings of other genres when themusic is this good. The title is my least favorite part; it's too obvious and blunt for analbum this good. Here's an in-studio look at the recording of the album closer "Treat It
Gentle." Jazz didn't die with Miles Davis and it's not just for the museum. Here's proof.
3. The Tallest Man On Earth -- There's No Leaving Now (inspiringly good Dylanesque
rock)
The Tallest Man On Earth is one of the most exciting talents to emerge in recent years. He
comes from Sweden, sings like he's from Woody Guthrie's part of the country and writesgreat folk-ish songs that would tag him as "the next Dylan" if anyone was still dumbenough to curse an artist with such a label. Best of all, he's reached the wide world thanksto the reach of digital music; great albums can indeed burst out from anywhere withoutthe help of a major label. I somehow missed his debut, but a rave in a UK magazine sentme to the web where I quickly sampled two or three songs and then immediatelydownloaded the entire album from iTunes because I couldn't bear to wait for a CD. (Ibought one later, anyway.) That was The Wild Hunt, my favorite album of 2010. Now he's
released his third full length album and There's No Leaving Now is a confident extensionof everything that's come before. TTMOE has subtly expanded his musical palette but theemphasis is still on his guitar and his songs, most of the time, with the occasional pianoand other instrumentation thrown in. If anything, it might be his strongest yet. So in fouryears we've had three albums and two EPs, and each one has steadily improved on what
came before. Plus, like Rumer, I've seen him in concert and was blown away by his skill,
charisma, humor and stage presence. He is the real deal. When it comes to discovering
acts all over the world in this post-record label, post-MTV, post-radio world, I've seen the
future of rock and roll and it's The Tallest Man On Earth. That's why it's so easy to spot
him, I suppose. Here's the lead single, the infectious "1904."
4. Frank Ocean -- Channel Orange (state of the art soul)
Frank Ocean's mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra scraped onto my list of the best albums of 2011. I
have to admit, I wasn't expecting the full-blown r and b mastery of Channel Orange,
which ranges from the mind-blowingly smart "Pyramids" to the cleverly emotional
"Thinkin Bout You." Marvin Gaye would be taking notes. (Okay, to be accurate Ocean has
been taking notes from Gaye. But you get my point: he's good.) The matter-of-fact
personal backstory is just a no-fuss bonus. It's like Jackie Robinson (re)breaking the color
code of baseball. When you're this talented, people will pay attention.
5. Paul Buchanan -- Mid Air (emotionally intense, late night confessions)
Bill Fay -- Life Is People (age+wisdom+piano+God)
Do you know the Blue Nile? They're a Scottish band of legendary impact in the UK, with
albums coming sparingly over the years and then not at all. Their live performances havebeen even rarer. But like, perhaps, Nick Drake, their work has an intensity and power yousimply can't get anywhere else, matched with mature lyrics and melodies to die for. Theirdebut Walk Across The Rooftops became a cult classic while Hats became their big seller,a landmark work that never quite moved beyond critical acclaim in the US. Nine yearsafter their last album, leader Paul Buchanan has delivered this heartbreaker, a solo albumpared down almost solely to his voice and a piano that as always focuses on the needs andconcerns of adults like few other artists. The title track (below) stops me dead in mytracks. You listen to this music late at night, with the lights off, your heart almost stoppingin sympathy with the beauty on display. Their debut album contained one of my favoriteromantic lines, a favorite because it's so mature. Buchanan pleaded with his lover to stay,stay, promising her, "I will understand you." Really, who could ask for anything more?Now if you don't find this performance entrancing, fair enough -- move on. I'm suresomething else on this list will appeal. But if you're intrigued like I was, trust me, the restof the album is just as good. Mid Air is the rare pop album that delves into family, a longmarriage, raising children and other concerns with the same passion the Stones brought
to drinking and drugging. Just a lot quieter.
Bill Fay is a genuine cult figure from the UK. But I shouldn't pretend I've ever heard of
him. Life Is People is his first album of all new songs in 41 years and it came with wordsof praise from all and sundry, many of whom claimed him as a touchstone in their lives.
What? How come I've never heard of him? That's the sort of praise -- when coming from
artists and critics you like -- that sends me running to the music. I haven't lived with it
long enough yet, but this album is growing on me steadily. Like Mid Air, it's mostly Fay's
voice and a piano (with a strong band backing him up at times) and years of distilledwisdom. I won't be surprised if a year from now it's grown in my estimation but it'salready a unique and noteworthy album. Plus, it's deeply religious in its way, with nods toGod threaded throughout the album quietly but persistently. In a year where I didn'tdiscover much pure gospel music, this was welcome. It's not gospel of the "Thank You,Lord" variety (though one track is called "Thank You Lord"). It's more a wide-eyed wonderover the beauty of creation, which happily encompasses this gentle reverie of an album.
6. Johann Johannsson -- The Miners' Hymns (the film score of the year)
Technically, this score for the film of the same name came out in 2011. But I justdiscovered it and it's too good to ignore on a technicality. The film is by Bill Morrison,who has made a career out of crafting movies from found footage. His landmark workDecasia turned decaying film stock into a beautifully sad thing of beauty and had a killer
score to match. Now comes this film, a genuine masterpiece as well. It is certainly one ofthe two or three best films released in the US in 2012. It uses footage from annualgathering of miners who were celebrating their union's strength. Cut together from variousevents over the years, it becomes an unwitting funeral for that very way of life. You
needn't own a copy of The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists to appreciate the moving,
beautiful way Morrison tells a story without a single word of narration or dialogue. It's all
held together by Johannsson's masterful score, a complex and stirring elegy indeed.
7. Fiona Apple -- The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And
Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do (pop artist at peak of her
powers)
I don't care if Fiona Apple's next album has a title as long as a novel, not when the pop
music she's creating is this good. I'll type out every word and say, if you've been a fan ofhers in the past, don't hesitate. She's at the top of her formidable game here. She mayindulge herself on the titles, but everything else here is wonderfully eccentric, catchy ashell and right to the emotional point. She does what she does and it's wonderful.
8. Jamey Johnson -- Living For A Dream: A Tribute To Hank Cochran (all-star
country hoedown)
He co-wrote the Patsy Cline classic "I Fall To Pieces." You could put that on your
gravestone but Nashville legend Hank Cochran wrote plenty of other gems in his longcareer. This is nominally a Jamey Johnson album but it's filled to the bursting with guests,making this a de facto all-star tribute to a great talent. Johnson, never in better form,serving as ringleader for artists like Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson, GeorgeStrait, Allison Krauss, Vince Gill and more. It's better than most tribute albums. I thinkJohnson's presence throughout gives this a cohesiveness so many other like-minded
projects lack. Here's Johnson and Krauss performing the first track, "Make The World Go
Away" on Letterman.
9. Dr. John -- Locked Down (triumphant New Orleans music)
Jon Cleary Occapella! (tip of the hat to Allen Toussaint)
Sometimes, with iconic artists like Dr. John that have reached the twilight of their careers,
every time they release a new album it's automatically touted as a career capper, a returnto glory, the best in years and so on and so forth. Well, I hope this isn't a career capperbecause that would mean we might not get anything this good again. But this isn't avictory lap, it's funky and locked in New Orleans jazz of the highest order. Does"Revolution" sound like a man fading away gracefully? Heck no. And when he says in anamusingly droll voice, "Let's all jut pray on it right now," that's not followed by a momentof silence, it's followed by a stirring solo that let's you know Dr. John is going to lead therevolution, given half a chance. Righteous stuff. Jon Cleary doesn't have the nationalprofile of Dr. John but those in the know know he's a New Orleans mainstay. His new
album is a tribute to the great Allen Toussaint and is as vibrant and loose and funky and
free as one would hope. Sure, there's "Southern Nights" (how couldn't there be?) but he
also digs up some lesser known gems. Much like Cleary himself. He plays most of the
instruments most of the time, though Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt and others stop by.
Irresistible. The fan video I've included is raw as can be. But the sound is great and it'sfun to peek over shoulders at his piano work.
10. Mumford And Sons -- Babel (flowering of Americana)
The Lumineers -- The Lumineers
Pigpen Theatre Co. -- Bremen
The Avett Brothers -- The Carpenter
As I get older, I'm drawn instinctively more and more towards "porch music," songs thatare delivered acoustically and with a folksy directness. I can still get stirred by hip-hopand that front porch can include an electric guitar (just run the cord through the window
so it can be plugged into an outlet in the kitchen). But the feeling of a band, the feeling of
people in a room creating music strikes a chord with me more and more. So the rise of
Americana, which of course has always been with us in one form or another, is welcome
indeed. Mumford And Sons have been at the commercial forefront. And they've flourished
in the glow of commercial success. Their follow-up Babel is stronger in every respect than
their debut; these guys are embracing a wider audience without ignoring the strumming
heart of what they do. They're stadium ready with this widescreen album but they're
taking the stage with banjo and acoustic guitars in hand. The Avett Brothers on the other
hand have shied away from the spotlight a bit. Their last album I And Love And You had a
thunderous sound (and was my favorite album of 2009). But the acclaim has spookedthem a bit I think. The Carpenter is a little more tentative and certainly quieter. (Andwhile the religious beliefs of certain Mumfords gets attention, The Carpenter has morenotable religious overtones). Mumford wins this round. Following in the wake of these twoexcellent bands are acts like The Lumineers, who deliver a great debut in the same vein.Sure, they deserve their own attention. But if you lvoe those two bands, this is right inyour wheel house. Coming from a more offbeat angle is Pigpen, a theater troupe that hascreated marvelous plays filled with humor, puppetry, storytelling and excellent songs.Many of those can be found on this album mixed with some originals and they have aconfidence and distinctive lyricism that should win this band/troupe a much wideraudience. See their theatrical productions; see them perform as a band on tour; or forheaven's sake buy their album.
Mumford And Sons "I Will Wait"
The Avett Brothers "Live And Die"
The Lumineers "Stubborn Love"
Pigpen Theatre Co. "Bremen" (Watch this for a glimpse of their theatrical magic as well)
11. Kasey Chambers And Shane Nicholson -- Wreck And Ruin (world class folk-
country-blues)
Both acts have terrific solo work, but this husband and wife team from Australia is one of
the best male/female country duos in a long, long time. Their first album together --
Rattlin' Bones -- just blew me away. This follow-up is just as good, filled with vivid
numbers drawing on folk and country and blues for a...well, a bone-rattlin' hoedown thatis infectious and moving and just plain fun. Did you buy O Brother, Where Art Thou? Buy
this.
12. Nas -- Life Is Good (rap for grown ups)
Nas has always understood that honesty is more powerful and strong than boasting,though he can do his share of boasting too. You won't find Killer Mike on my list; gangstarap that can't see beyond braggadocio doesn't interest me anymore. Here Nas raps with allthe fervent skill he's always possessed, ripping apart the competition while making it coolto worry about his teenage daughter. This is just about as good as Nas at his best andthat's as good as rap gets. Okay, I'm not street but I'm not a farmer either. That doesn'tstop me from loving good rap or good country. "Daughters" is a classic, a perfect intro forthose who don't usually delve into this genre. just try not to nod your head while listening.
13. Leonard Cohen -- Old Ideas (magisterial pop)
What a great second wind the great Leonard Cohen is enjoying. Financial travails brought
him down from the mountain and out onto the road where this cool figure embraced the
massive audience that had been waiting for him all these years. His craggy, Grand Canyon
of a voice had deepened even more, but Cohen delivered his portfolio of classic tunes withmajesty and appealing, witty reserve. Now we get this great, autumnal gem. He's paredaway the unessential. But the result isn't austere and cold; it's as tuneful and rich as ever.
Just older and wiser, a second flowering. Maybe it's been a while since you've purchased a
Leonard Cohen album. It shouldn't be.
14. Josephine -- Portrait (two English lasses with talent to burn)
Lianna La Havas -- Is Your Love Big Enough
The marvelous Corinne Bailey Rae threw down the gauntlet, embracing pop and soul and
rock with aplomb on her brilliant debut. That gauntlet has been snapped up by a handfulof talented artists, led by Josephine (who leans towards the full-bodied soul) and Lianna(who is a bit more folksy). Both feel like genuine artists right off the mark. These are thesort of debuts that leave you tapping your toes, waiting for them to come to town inconcert or release a new album right away. NIna Simone, Maxwell, Erykah Badu, PhoebeSnow, Bill Withers, Joni Mitchell - take your pick of excellent influences you can spothere. Can't wait for more.
15. Grant-Lee Phillips -- Walking In The Green Corn (acoustic gem)
What a pleasure. After fronting the excellent band Grant Lee Buffalo, Phillips finally
disbanded if after label support never matched the critical acclaim of the group. As a soloartist, he turned to a more acoustic sound, one that's grown richer and more assured witheach release. His latest was funded in part by fans, the sort of communal support you readabout but don't always see happening in practice for the acts that deserve it most. It's alovely work. If you've lost track of him over the years, now is as good a time as any tolisten again. He hasn't been waiting for you; he's gone ahead. Here's hoping you catch up.
16. Antibalas -- Antibalas (Fela Kuti lives!)
Honestly, I get so much music handed to me by labels or make impulsive buys based on a
rave review that half the time I forget why I've bought an album. But they all go on myphone (yep, it's 2013) and every once in a while I'll start to listen to an artist without thefoggiest idea of who they are. That was certainly the case with Antibalas. The first trackbegan and I was immediately intrigued. Was this some archival album, a compilation ofsome world music act I'd never heard of before? You can't help but have an open mindwhen you don't know the first damn thing about an album. All I knew was that I loved it.
Turns out Antibalas is a new act from Brooklyn of all places, a group devoted in part to
the music and spirit of Fela Kuti. Mission accomplished. This album was recorded for
Daptone Records, the home of the great Sharon Jones and a host of other acts that love
classic music genres but play them with the ferocity and passion of the new, not as some
musty work of revivalism. It's a perfect fit for this band. To top it off, the music video for
"Dirty Money" is clever enough to make me enjoy music videos again.
17. Iris Dement -- Sing The Delta (comeback of the year)
Boo Hanks with Don Flemons -- Buffalo Junction
What the heck happened to Iris Dement? I'd been wondering that for years. This little gal
with a huge, rustic voice that could shake mountains and sounded like it was living back nthe 1920s blew me and everyone else away when she broke through with My Life and itsinstant classic of a tune "Sweet Is The Melody." (I still sing that one, poorly, all the time.)Her next album was political in nature and proved, unfortunately, how few artists outsideof Dylan can create enduring tunes that are overtly political. And then...nothing. Turns outshe made an album of gospel covers I missed. But essentially it's been 16 years betweenalbums of new music for her. Why? She just wasn't ready, or to be exact she felt the songsweren't ready. They are now because Sings The Delta picks up right where she left off,delivering pure, coal country, mountain music of a variety so pure it makes most Nashvilleproduct sound like Carly Rae Jepsen. Remarkably, it's been worth the wait. I haven't beenwaiting for a new album from Boo Hanks because frankly I'd never heard of thisbluesman. Heck, his debut album came out when he was 79 years old, which has to beclose to a record. Now he's collaborating with Dom Flemons of the terrific group CarolinaChocolate Drops and Hanks' second album is a low-key, witty and tuneful delight.Thirteen songs under 30 minutes and it's both just right and over way too soon. His video(a fan's bootleg, I think) starts just as the song does and it's pretty raw but gives you asense of his playful style. Here's a fine No Depression feature telling his story.
18. Vijay Iyer Trio -- Accelerando (jazz piano)
Brad Mehldau -- Where Do You Start/Ode
I suppose jazz long ago became the realm of the wealthy and obsessive aficionados. The
clubs that show the top acts are very expensive and usually offer short sets at high prices.Or you head to even more expensive venues like Lincoln Center. It's a pity since jazz at itsbest is popular music. But it won't rustify as long as artists like Vijay Iyer and BradMehldau are around to deliver. Iyer's album is a probing affair that takes a few listens tosink in. Mehldau shows off both sides of his talent with two albums. The first contains hisusual wide-ranging covers while the second is all originals. You wouldn't want to give upeither, but here I'll give the edge to the originals. The Branford Marsalis is for theunconverted; these are for the believers.
19. The Hives -- Lex Hives (rock, by god)
Japandroid -- Celebration Rock
The Doughboys -- Shakin' Our Souls
The Hives are so good live and bursting with such confidence that it confuses me
sometime. Do these guys fill stadiums? Have they sold millions of copies of their albums?They sure look like they have and their music sure as hell deserves to do so. It's been fiveyears since their last album and they don't miss a trick, delivering a collection of songsthat builds catchy songs out of the barest of essentials (a hand clap, a brief phrase like"Come on!" repeated over and over, etc.) and making it uproariously fun. They knowthey're the biggest band of the world, even if we don't know it yet. Japandroids fromCanada also know how to rock and their second album shows them growing by leaps and bounds. Sure, the Ramones would havereleased seven albums in the last four years, but at least they're making sure they get itright. Maybe both groups took notes on The Doughboys. These garage rockers from Jerseytook their own sweet time. They flirted with fame in the 1960s, broke up and reunited for
a laugh in 2000. This time it stuck and they've finally recorded sporadically. Their new
album may be their best and no wonder Steven Van Zandt is a fan -- they sound as
hungry and ready to go as any kids on their first go-round. Great stuff.
20. Bruce Springsteen -- Wrecking Ball (life in them old dogs yet)
Bob Dylan -- Tempest
I'm a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen. But I haven't placed a Springsteen album of new
material on my best of the year list since Tunnel Of Love. He's a great artist and almostevery album has added at least a few new worthy songs to his catalog. But there's noquestion the early 1970s to the late 1980s were his peak years as a songwriter. His tributeto Pete Seeger was a revelation, however, and that barn-burning collection of coverspointed a way forward for him. He's finally capitalized on that breakthrough withWrecking Ball, which combines the musical richness of that album with fiery lyrics asimpassioned as anything he's done since Nebraska and Born In The USA. And for thesame reasons: nothing gets his ire up like a vicious economic downturn. hard times suithim. Dylan, on the other hand, has had his valleys like anyone. But he's delivered greatalbums all throughout his career, a rarity in any area of the arts. Tempest shoots itself inthe foot at the end, delivering its longest and least-interesting tracks as a finale. But thefirst seven or eight are just terrific, nimble and clever and rich. They'll be great livematerial for years to come. I can even enjoy "Tempest," even though as one wag put it this
tune about the Titanic with its 87 verses seems designed solely to become the one Dylan
song that almost can't be covered by anyone else. Ever.
21. Chris Smither -- Hundred Dollar Valentine (blues master)
I've got a lot of catching up to do with this journeyman blues talent, long championed by
Bonnie Raitt as a world class songwriter. If you need proof of what a great ear Raitt has,just check out this album. Apparently, he's been his own worst enemy for many years. ButSmither has been productive for many years now. It's all come together here, the firstalbum of all original songs in his four decades of writing and singing and playing. Here'sthe title track.
22. Diana Krall -- Glad Rag Doll (digging deeper jazz talent)
Diana Krall is an intriguing talent. She's always been taken seriously as a jazz musician,
despite her striking good looks. Still, I sometimes felt she overcompensated, trying todownplay her singing in favor of proving her jazz chops on occasion, treating vocals like alesser evil of sorts. That stopped for good when she accepted the challenge of recordingwith strings (arranged by Claus Ogerman. He's been involved with her best work, back in2001 with her hit The Look Of Love and then again on 2009's Quiet Nights. I think herwork with him has allowed her to loosen up and find strength in her voice. She finds justthe right balance on this delightfully loose album produced by T Bone Burnett andincluding mostly covers of tunes from the 1920s and 1930s drawn from her father'scollection of 78s.
23. Ed Sheeran -- + (thoughtful British pop)
A talented British lad, Ed Sheeran recorded an EP that caught the ear of both Jamie Foxxand Elton John. Since then he's released a debut album that was a smash hit in the UK,co-written a song for boy band One Direction, toured with Taylor Swift and appeared onher latest album and so on and so forth. So the surprise is how mature and not poppy assuch his debut sounds. He'll be duetting with Elton John at the Grammys I'll bet and itshould be a highlight of the evening. When everyone rushes out to buy his album, theywon't be disappointed.
24. Kendrick Lamar -- good kid, mA.A.d city (rap smarts)
This is the rap breakthrough of the year. Happily, it's for an artist that doesn't celebrate
violence or pretend he's harder than everyone else. Instead Lamar voices fear andinsecurity, along with the rush of pleasures that life can offer as well. HIs preacher manvoice on one track ("Martin had a dream! Martin had a dream! KENDRICK has a dream!")is hilarious and his insightful, vivid tracks are broken by the typical bits of comedy thatare untypically funny. I've no reason to think this but I suspect he might prove a goodactor, or at least a good guest on Saturday Night Live. Happily the hype has been
completely justified this time.
25. Melody Gardot -- The Absence (singular voice heads to Brazil)
Melody Gardot has traveled an unexpected path to music (mainly stemming from adevastating accident, after which playing music was the only time she didn't feel pain).But her three albums have proven consistently strong. The Absence may be globe-trotting
and draw inspiration from Brazil to Buenos Aires and beyond. But it's essentially true toher gift for strong melodies and a quiet, inviting aura. An excellent follow-up to My OneAnd Only Thrill .
26. Father John Misty -- Fear Fun (Fleet Foxes redux, in a good way)
Damien Jurado -- Maraqopa
Lord Huron -- Impossible Dreams
Boy And Bear -- Moonfire
Sometimes popular music is like mining for gold. Someone strikes a rich vein and then
you've got yourself a gold rush. Fleet Foxes and My Morning Jacket may have helpedpioneer a spacey, modern spin on Crosby, Stills & Nash mixed with modern
arrangements. But that sound -- you know it when you hear it -- is offering up treasure to
a lot of acts. Father John Misty is a spinoff from Fleet Foxes, Damien Jurado is enjoying a
fruitful collaboration with producer Richard Swift (a miner in the tunnels of popularmusic himself), Lord Huron is a wanderer who came to music via painting and Boy AndBear are Australians who delivered Moonfire in 2011; it just took a while for their gems to
make it to these shores and my attention. Sure, some of these acts will have proven to be
riding on the coattails of what others discovered and the veins they've jumped a claim on
will soon run dry. That doesn't make what they've mined any less appealing. And somewill surely show a gift for expanding on this initial burst of inspiration. Hey, MMJ can't
seem to be bothered with this path anymore, so someone should explore it.
Father John Misty "Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings"
Damien Jurado "Museum Of Flight"
Lord Huron "Time To Run"
Boy And Bear "Feeding Line"
27. The Time Jumpers -- The Time Jumpers (Western swing)
A Nashville institution, The Time Jumpers are a collective of sorts that has been
performing Western swing since the late 1990s. They finally released a live album in 2007to great acclaim. But this is their first studio album. It's sheer pleasure, with Vince Gillrejoining the group for the album, apparently a homecoming of sorts.
28. Neil Young And Crazy Horse -- Psychedelic Pill/Americana (still kicking, still
stinging)
Neil Young released two albums this year, not to mention a Jonathan Demme concert film
for his recent excellent album Le Noize (an intended acoustic affair that got noisier andlouder than expected). Americana is a head-turning collection of covers and Psychedelic
Pill is another fuzzy, loud, stomping collaboration with Crazy Horse. He's irascible, he's a
tinkerer (hey Neil, exactly how big are the music files for your new digital standard? I lovehigh quality but will each song need a terrabyte to meet your standards), he's a writer butmost of all he's a musician of remarkable consistency. Especially for one so musicallyrestless.
29. Michael Kiwanuka -- Home Again (70s soul circa Bill Withers)
Miguel -- Kaleidoscope Dream (70s soul circa Marvin Gaye)
A British act whose debut album is mature, accessible and sure to improve with time. Onemore reason to always pay attention to the BBC's Sound Of... poll. (He won it in January
of 2012.)
"Adorn" is the killer here from Miguel. But this is sexy, soulful stuff. Here's hoping success
will suit Miguel and he'll get even better.
30. Bettye LaVette -- Thankful N' Thoughtful (soul survivor)
Like Shirley Horn, this artist waited until late in her career before receiving the attention
her talent deserved. But the time was well spent, deepening her skills and preparing herto make the most of the opportunity. This may be her best album since the breakthroughI've Got My Own Hell To Raise.
31. Various Artists -- Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest Of Us (church music for those
who don't go to church and some who do)
Producer Phil Madeira wanted to show the ties that bind all the major religions of the
world. So he developed Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest Of Us, a collection of country,
folk, blues and other artists delivering songs of faith with a twist. I love the song below, in
which Shawn Mullins sings, "God don't hate the Muslims/ God don't hate the Jews/ God
don't hate the Christians/ But we all give God the blues." Not every song is droll; many
are just simple testaments of faith. And the acts are sterling, from Carolina Chocolate
Drops to Emmylou Harris, The Civil Wars and many more. It contains two traditionals,
which fit snugly alongside new tunes like "Leaning On You" and "Lights In The Valley."
Can I get an amen?
32. Billy Bragg And Wilco -- Mermaid Avenue Volume 3 unexpected gem from vault)
This album doesn't even really exist on CD (just as a digital download) but it's still one of
the best of the year. Billy Bragg and Wilco were given a cache of Woody Guthrie lyrics toset to music. The result was Mermaid Avenue Volumes 1 and 2. Each one was among the
best of their years way back in 1998 and 2000. Now all these years later, a boxed set withboth albums and 17 extra tracks has come out. Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessionsis the name of it. Even if you own the first two albums already, it's only $30 at Amazonand it's worth it to get those two and what amounts to an entire extra album. Or you canjust get the download of the 17 new tracks. These aren't the cast-offs or tracks that didn'tquite work. By and large, they're new tunes just as strong as the ones we've heard. Godknows why they didn't come out a decade ago. An unexpected treat. I couldn't find any ofthe new songs online so here's a gem from the earlier sets.
33. Regina Spektor -- What We Saw From The Cheap Seats (quirky pop)
Norah Jones -- Little Broken Hearts (leaving jazz behind)
So many female acts seem to have a hiccup in their singing these days; it must drive
Regina Spektor. But she keeps following the beat of her own eccentric drummer. Chart
dominance has escaped her, but her pop sense and quirky lyrics are serving her well.
Meanwhile, Norah Jones sort of lost her way for a while. But embracing pop has pushedher to embrace stronger melodies again as well; this is a return to form.
34. Jack White -- Blunderbuss (eclectic; electric)
He may have multiple side projects, movie soundtracks, producing gigs and now officalsolo albums. I still miss White Stripes, especially since I never got to see them in concert.Blunderbuss feels a little unfocused to me, as if Jack White weren't exactly clear what hismusical identity is meant to be without the conceit of a band. Still, song for song it'smuscular fun, though the "Love Is Blindness" cover is both good and yet somehow moresuited to a B side or live show. I do love this video, where Jack looks like he's auditioningfor Edward Scissorhands.
35. Tame Impala -- Lonerism (psychedelica redefined)
Psychedelic rock and yet another winner from Down Under. Retro but not, if you know
what I mean.
36. Green Day -- Uno!/Dos!/Tres! (purging punk pop)
After their weighty concept albums, Green Day have cleaned out their system by releasingnot one, not two but three albums of spiky punk pop. The natural inclination is toimmediately complain: why didn't they just release one great album with the best 14songs? But both Uno! and Dos! are pretty much filler free and putting out all three feels
like a nutty, freeing sort of gesture in and of itself. Fans seemed freaked out by the idea:even if you add up all their sales, it's less than 500,000 copies and the lowest total oftheir career. But then, 21st Century Breakdown did remarkably (and unfairly) little in
terms of album sales. It's a pity since they've influenced so many and still have the goods.I guess it's hard to maintain street cred when the last street you were on was Broadway.It's your loss, fans.
37. Brandi Carlile -- Bear Creek (an indie voice in the wilderness)
Let me be honest. When I'm getting ready to do my best of the year list, I play catch up by
surfing through all the other lists I can find and checking out artists that sound intriguing.
That's how I stumbled on Brandi Carlile. If I'd been able to spend more time with it, this
album might well rank higher. Obviously, others have been fans of her for years but she
was a terrific find, an act I can't wait to see in concert but which already has a back
catalog to explore. Hell, she's so cool Kris Kristofferson appears in her music video. As an
actor!
38. Ravi Coltrane Spirit Fiction (jazz royalty, wearing the crown well)
Many talented musicians have been the offspring of major acts. It's never easy to get out of
their shadows and establish your own identity. Ravi Coltrane had two talented parents buthe's made his own way long ago. Here's more proof.
39. John Mayer -- Born And Raised (skip the interviews, play the music)
I remember how gracious John Mayer was won he won one of his first Grammys, saying it
had come very quickly and he was going to work hard to earn it in the years to come. Welldone, I thought. He hasn't been terribly gracious since but his music has steadilyimproved. This may be his best album yet, striking a Laurel Canyon pose that suits himvery well. If you've been away for a while or never really been a fan, this is the time to giveanother listen. This should probably be higher but I'm still getting over the shock of likingit so much.
40. Punch Brothers -- Who's Feeling Young Now?/Ahoy (bluegrass expanded)
Jason Aldean Night Train (country demanded)
Dwight Yoakam -- 3 Pears (rebel remanded)
Some people think they don't like country music. Really? Not Hank Williams or JohnnyCash or Patsy Cline or Willie Nelson? Oh, well, okay they like some of them of course. Ifyou don't want to wait 40 years to appreciate some country music, try out the PunchBrothers, who have expanded the definition of bluegrass; Jason Aldean who is atraditionalist to many but only because Dwight Yoakam paved the way. All three havestrong new albums. Aldean's getting better and Yoakam has his best in a few years. ThePunch Brothers haven't even really peaked yet. Just to prove it, they've followed theirlatest album with an even better EP.
41. Brian Eno -- Lux (genius in solo instrumental mode)
Brian Eno is one of the most important artists in music history. A founding member of
Roxy Music, he's also been a key player in some of the best must by David Bowie, U2,Talking Heads and too many more to mention. Heck, he's even virtually invented entiregenres like ambient and New Age. His latest instrumental album is as intriguing andbeautifully shaped as always. How it will rank alongside masterpieces like Another GreenWorld or Music For Airports is yet to be seen. But it's the latest addition to a discography
that few will ever approach, much less match. I rarely say this but I'll say it here: a genius.Here's a wonderful collaborative video he made with visual input from fans.
42. Bruno Mars -- Unorthodox Jukebox (Michael Jackson's heir apparent)
I'm a bit disappointed with this album, to be honest. The music highs on it are so strong,
it deserves to be on here. ("When I Was Your Man" is classic.) But here and there on the
album, Mars is...crude. Mind you, I'm not remotely offended. (Green Day and Miguel have
songs that are rather hilariously crude on this list.) But it just doesn't suit Mars. He's the
heir apparent to Michael Jackson as far as I'm concerned, a complete entertainer who cancreate world-beating popular music. He needs to make a Thriller-like vow to create analbum on which there's no quirkiness, no rawness. An album where every single tracksounds like #1 hit a la "Locked Out Of Heaven." (Another gem.) He can do it. Just listen.
43. Suzanne Vega -- Close Up Vol. 4: Songs Of Family (revealing catalog)
It's pretty remarkable what Suzanne Vega has done here. She took a necessity (reclaimingsome of her songs by re-recording them) and turned it into a four volume project thatshowed the remarkable catalog of tunes she's written over the years AND deliveredversions that shine new light on them. A singular, under-appreciated talent.
44. Jake Bugg -- Jake Bugg (promising UK folkie)
Sure he's cute but don't hold that against him. Jake Bugg is a real folkie with a flare for
muscular melodies when called for. BUgg has enjoyed great success in the UK but he's
young enough to hear his music name-checked with Dylan and foolishly say Dylan's not
much of an influence. (Dude, if you're holding a guitar, Dylan is an influence. Trust me.
And if someone says you're influenced by Dylan, say "thank you.") It's come a little fast, so
we won't know until the second album how this is going to pan out. But he's got
"promising" written all over him and "Two Fingers" has a Supergrass sort of catchiness
that's hard to shake.
45. Band Of Horses -- Mirage Rock (career best for rockers)
I've never quite had a handle on Band Of Horses. But happily they've managed to plug
along anyway and improved mightily, peaking with 2010's Infinite Arms and now their
latest. In it for the long haul, clearly.
46. The Magnetic Fields -- Love At The Bottom Of The Sea (miserablist pop)
Here's hoping Stephen Merritt never finds true love, or at least never for very long. His
hand-crafted pop songs of misery and regret and occasional success are a never-ending
source of delight. it's been a while since 69 Love Songs captured the attention of the
world. But he's been consistently good long before and long after that cheeky stunt.
47. Bryan Ferry -- The Jazz Age (left turn instrumentals)
It was inevitable, I suppose. Rock stars have long turned to "symphonic" backing to put a
new, mature spin on their catalog. Others have gone acoustic or country or choral or doneanything to shine a new light on the classics fading further and further into the past.Surely it was only a matter of time before someone said, "My music needs to be played inthe style of a 1920s swinging jazz orchestra." Okay, maybe it wasn't that inevitable. But itmakes perfect sense for Bryan Ferry, whose work has always echoed cabaret and earliereras. Nonetheless, it makes sense but it's also bonkers. Ridiculous. Silly. And yet somehowquite wonderful. I'm a little surprised there aren't vocals on every track, perhaps asongbird to chirp in on the second or third verse a la those old 78s. But this odd conceit isactually charming and quite convincing. Put it on your coffee house and customers willprobably wonder what 1930s band is playing.
48. David Byrne And St. Vincent -- Love This Giant (a rock giant shows signs of life)
When Brian Eno isn't around, David Byrne finds inspiration in other places. This time, it's
St. Vincent, who proves an excellent foil for him. Together they've created a genuinealbum of collaboration, with some great horns and a distinctive back and forth that makesone hope they do this again soon.
49. Damon Albarn -- Dr. Dee (pastoral concept album about English eccentric)
Damon Albarn has proven so good in so many contexts, he deserves to be followedwithout question no matter where he goes. That might mean a cartoon rock band or worldmusic from Africa or a concept album about 16th century figure John Dee, a somewhatobscure historical figure to most who was a major figure in his time, a genuine scholarand also a spiritualist who tried to commune with angels. Albarn has crafted a lovely workwith choral flourishes, instrumentals and songs with melodies of Blur-like beauty. I couldcall it an opera; should call it an opera since that's what it is. But his pop fans are scaredenough already and if they listen without realizing it's an opera, they might actually like it.
50. Kris Kristofferson -- Feeling Mortal (one foot in the grave country)
Kris Kristofferson has always been more important as a songwriter than a recording artist.
But that shouldn't overshadow the fact that he's recorded some great work, from key early
works that expanded the notion of country to his collaborations with Johnny Cash, Willie
Nelson and Waylon Jennings in The Highwaymen. He always seemed like the lucky fellow
in that group but they appreciated more than I the depth of his songs. Still, he's 76 now
and delivering one of the best albums of his career. I call this category the one-foot-in-the-grave genre. Not because the artist has suddenly become better but because themortality they're staring down makes us focus and pay attention before it's too late. That
might seem cynical but we're the lucky ones if we do. It's probably not Kristofferson that's
feeling mortal, it's us.
BEST REISSUES
Bill Withers -- Bill + Withers: The Complete Sussex And Columbia Albums
Louis Armstrong -- The Okeh, Columbia And RCA Victor Recordings 1925-1933
As album sales fade, record labels have started to deliver no-frills boxed sets. I think it's
great. Bill Withers is one of the major talents of the 1970s and 1980s; he's beenrediscovered and appreciated anew a number of times now over the past decade. Toooften, he's seen as peaking with those first two classic albums. But the deeper I get intohis catalog, the more I see how strong he was throughout. You simply have to own Just AsI am and Still Bill. But you'll be smart if you keep going and listen to Justments, MakingMusic, Naked And Warm.... This nine CD set (all eight studio albums plus his live record)is a welcome reminder of how his talent goes way beyond "Ain't No Sunshine" and "LeanOn Me." Sure, you know "Grandma's Hands." But what about "Railroad Man" with JoseFeliciano from Justments ?
Louis Armstrong has been packaged and repackaged many times over. But you can't ever
tire of the Hot Fives and Hot Sevens, the key early work that defined jazz. Armstrong'sboxed set contains all of that music and a wealth of others. Every home used to have anencyclopedia. Every home should have this music. It's essential. And it's never been moreaffordable. "Potato Head Blues" is only Woody Allen's short list of the reasons he's happyto be alive. Listen and you'll know why.
EARLY FAVORITES FOR 2013
The Mavericks -- In Time
Richard Thompson -- Electric
Wayne Shorter -- Without A Net
Ron Sexsmith -- Forever Endeavour
William Tyler -- Impossible Truth
Aaron Neville -- My True Story
Eels -- Wonderful Glorious
Miles Davis Quintet -- Live In Europe 1969: The Bootleg Series Volume Two
Thanks for reading. Michael Giltz is the co-host of Showbiz Sandbox , a weekly pop
culture podcast that reveals the industry take on entertainment news of the day and
features top journalists and opinion makers as guests. It's available for free on iTunes.
Visit Michael Giltz at his website and his daily blog . Download his podcast of celebrity
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Note : Michael Giltz is provided with free copies of albums with the understanding that
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