The top twenty of twenty-twelve
I happen to love the letter ‘T’ hence the title of this post. All the guys left my place in the early hours of 2013 after watching a Lord Of The Ring’s movie trilogy marathon. There wasn’t enough time to post my favourite albums and EPs for 2012, so here it is as a New Years Day gift.
My personal choices for the best in 2012 are listed below and include the diverse range of musical styles that I enjoy.
1. The La De Les – Carlo
The best example of cutting edge, musical artistry I’ve seen in a very long time. Experimental, challenging, and superb.
2. Showbread – Cancer
Showbread returns with another amazing album. This thought provoking album may change how you view Christianity in today’s culture.
3. mewithoutYou – Ten Stories
Aaron Weiss brings back his shouted vocal delivery on Ten Stories. He also delivers perhaps the most cryptic lyrics he has ever produced.
4. Project 86 – Wait for the Siren
Undoubtedly one of the greatest lyricists in Christian music, Andrew Schwab, takes the listener back to Schwab’s ancestral roots. Hammered dulcimer, uilleann pipes and mandolin and all brought in to the hard rock sound of the new P86 and provide a Gaelic twist to their sound.
5. The O.C. Supertones – For the Glory
Ska stalwarts, The O.C. Supertones returned to the studio to record For The Glory after a long absence. They haven’t lost their touch and now defined their music with a worshipful stance.
6. Flatfoot 56 – Toil
Celtic punk is a very narrow and defined genre and no one does it better than Flatfoot. Consistency counts in my books and this is yet another solid album from the boys from Chicago’s south side.
7. The Burial – Lights And Perfections
The title of the Burial’s latest release states what is obvious upon listening, it is perfection. Each of the three musicians are at the top of their craft on Lights and Perfection. The song “Pearls; The Frailty Of Matter” is simply incredible.
8. Becoming the Archetype– I Am
Melodic death metal is a favourite genre of mine and Becoming the Archetype does it superbly well on I Am. Undoubtedly the best of all that they have produced.
9. Thousand Foot Krutch – The End Is Where We Begin
TFK decided to take the solo route last year and brought out The End Is Where We Begin. Delivering themselves from the contraints of record labels expectations, TFK broadened their musical spectrum and produced a unique work on The End is Where We Begin.
10. Metanoia – Retroceder Nunca
Hailing from Temuco, Chile, Metanoia sings entirely in Spanish on this amazing skate punk album. Probably the greatest punk release of 2012.
11. The Skies Revolt – Some Kind of Cosmonaut
The unique indie rock, electronic sound of The Skies Revolt has been perfected on their greatest release, Some Kind of Cosmonaut
12. SONS – Keep Quiet
SONS has never gather the recognition they deserve. Keep Quiet may have achieved what front man Aaron Newberry has strived for … the indie rock music of SONS to be epic.
13. Josh Garrels – Love & War: B-sides & Remixes
I loved the Love and War album from Josh Garrels when it come out in 2011. Love & War: B-sides & Remixes took his sound and stretched into areas never seen before by this talented solo artist.
14: The Vespers – The Fourth Wall
The Vespers bridges the gap between indie folk and country. I chose this album on the basis of a single song, the amazing “Better Now”. While I’m not a fan of country influenced music, this single track takes the entire album, The Fourth Wall, to the top.
15. ElisaRay – All Creatures
The soft gentle indie folk music of ElisaRay takes the listener to a time of reflection and worship with the outstanding All Creatures.
16. The 71’s – We Are The Seventy Ones
Rock music has dozens of sub-genres, but very few bands stick with the tried and true style of straight up rock & roll. The 71’s takes this traditional style and makes it their own on We Are The Seventy Ones.
18. White Collar Sideshow – The WitcHunt
Musically and visually, White Collar Sideshow doesn’t fit the appearance of the typical Christian performer. The WitcHunt takes the listener through trials found in a Christian’s life and challenges us to drop the mask we may present to the world. This release will stretch you like no other.
19. Abel – Make it Right
Passionate, lyrical, alternative rock at it’s very best.
20. Future of Forestry – Young Man Follow
Eric Owyoung simplified the music of Future of Forestry without losing the ability to capture the esssence of the band. Young Man Follow strives and succeeds to mentor the listener with meaningful lyrics.