It’s All-Star break time so it must be time to stop and reflect over the past half of the year which albums would make my All Star team. Here’s my top 10. Click on the photo to give them a listen.
1) Fun. “Some Nights
Whenever someone ask me for a recommendation of a new artist that they might like I always point them to the new album by Fun. It’s got elements of the past but it definitely sounds like it was made in 2012. Part Queen, Muse but poppy like a Katy Perry song. It’s an album you can play for the whole family…providing of course you buy the non-explicit version.
2) Jack White “Blunderbuss”
While Fun. is sounds like a rock record made for 2012, Blunderbuss sounds like it was made for 1975. Loud guitars, big sound. I’m so happy someone is still making albums based on their love of the blues and Led Zeppelin
3) Leonard Cohen “Old Ideas”/Patti Smith “Banga
Two timeless albums from a two timeless artists. Their poetry continues to thrive.
4) Japandroids “Celebration Rock”
Believe the hype. This album begins with the sound of fireworks and segues seamlessly into the beautiful sound of rock and roll guitar and drums. It’s an explosive album.
5) The Shins”Port Of Morrow”
James Mercer wistful tunes of relationships and family laced with inventive musical touches makes for another memorable album from The Shins
6) Best Coast “The Only Place”
Quite possibly the heir to The Beach Boys for creating airy, poppy summer tunes. Every song on this album is filled with memorable hooks and makes you want to hop in your convertible and drive out to the beach.
7) Beach House “Bloom”
Quite possibly the heir to creating music for David Lynch films. This album is filled with dreamy and haunting music perfect for any bizarre scene David Lynch could imagine.
8) Norah Jones “…Little Broken Hearts”
Norah takes a left turn from her past efforts and thanks to producer Danger Mouse creates something unique that still sounds like a Norah Jones record.
9) Fiona Apple “The Idler Wheel…”
Fiona comes back from her seven-year hiatus and seamlessly slips into making another brilliantly bizarre album. ”Ever single night’s a fight with my brain” she coos and this album proves that this fight is worth watching.
10) Sharon Van Etten “Tramp”
Although it won’t sell as many records as Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” or Adele’s “21″ doesn’t make this relationship breakup record and less compelling. Sharon sings knowingly,”You’re the reason why I’ll move to the city. Or why I’ll need to leave” Her heartbreak is our gain.
