15. Frank Ocean - channel ORANGE
I started listening to this primarily because I heard everyone else talking about it. This dude is rad, he came out with a slow jam, soul, R&B album in 2012, that everyone likes. I've seen kids listening to this album, that I could never see getting down to R&B. But I'm more excited to see what Frank can do next...
14. David Ramirez - Apologies
I heard David Ramierz for the first time when my brother's wife posted his music video on her Facebook, and I watched the video 15 times that day. He's not a super big artist, in fact he used to sleep at my brother and his wive's house. But Apologies has such a solid sound to it, it could probably make you cry. Watch the video below and you'll get it. It'll become your favorite video and your favorite song.
13. Bruce Springsteen - Wrecking Ball
I had the opportunity of seeing Bruce and the E-Street band a month ago, and the is the sole reason this album is on here. If you're reading this, and you're a musician, don't roll your eyes because he's 63. Just know and understand that nothing you ever do, will be as good, or as legendary as Bruce Springsteen.
12. Old Crow Medicine Show - Carry Me Back
I just love this band. That's really it. If you like Bluegrass, you'll think this is awesome. But most people I know don't really get into them. Open your mind, give it a try!
11. Taylor Swift - Red
Yep. Taylor Swift is on here. Everyone was riding me to check out RED when it came out, and I finally did, and was blown away. If you're weird, and you haven't heard it already, just pop in the cd, and hear the first song. It's insane. And she's a major babe.
10. The Walkmen - Heaven
The Walkmen did it again. You don't listen to the Walkmen to be stunned. You listen to them because they're unlike anything else, and they have the most defined sound out there. You listen to them because you don't want to be in the time period that you're in at the moment. You can count on their singer Hamilton Leithauser to sing perfectly, and strong. And you can count on their guitarist Paul Maroon to play with that old sound and style that defines the Walkmen. I love them.
9. The Technicolors - Listener
The Technicolors are a Phoenix local band, and actually buddies of my band. These are great dudes, and there's no reason why their not one of the biggest bands in the world. I've seen over 200 bands. Literally. And they put on one the best shows I've ever seen, and will continue to see. Listen to these guitar gods.
8. Band of Horses - Mirage Rock
Band of Horses is one of the greatest bands of all time. And they put out a new album this year. And it was super rad. At first I wasn't totally in love with the album, but seeing the songs live put everything into perspective. That may have been my favorite concert I've ever experienced. Check out Knock Knock!
7. Hillsong United - Live in Miami
Everyone's opinion is going to be different on this, and I don't really care. Religious or not, this band puts out a bigger live sound than anything I've ever heard. These songs are so solid. I've never heard songs that could build so much, and get so huge. Too good. If you take the time to watch the video below, I promise you, you'll be amazed.
6. The Chariot - One Wing
Duuuuuude the Chariot put out a new album this year and I was so friggin stoked. This is one of my all time favorite bands, and this album is dirty as ever. This first track "Forget" just shoots you into it so hard. Raw album. I will continue supporting these guys for as long as they play.
5. Sigur Ros - Valtari
I AM SO STOKED ON THIS! Seriously man, when Sigur Ros puts out a new one, it's like time stops and every fan has to spend time alone studying and analyzing these musical master's newest musiclovechild. I for one am so happy they went back to an older Sigur Ros sound ( because my favorite album is ( ) ) and Valtari doesn't disappoint. I bought the vinyl the week it came out, and i have tickets to see them in March, and i can barely friggin wait. This band is beautiful, and I'm so glad they're back, and that they made such a good comeback.
4. Ryan Bingham - Tomorrowland
For anyone that really knows me, it's a no brainer why this is so high on my list. If you take all of the music styles i listen to, this American sound-genre is my favorite. Most of you may recognize Ryan Bingham from the movie Crazy Heart. Previous Ryan Bingham albums consist of dirty country, and rock. But this album steps up the game to an entirely new level. The sound is just second to none. If this was about the best sounding album, this would win instantly. The drums are so huge, the guitar cuts through the air with huge atmosphere, his voice tears up the record so hard, and the songs are written very well. My favorite track "Rising of the Ghetto" has one of the biggest building sounds on my iTunes, and it's still a western sound. Ryan Bingham stayed true to his sound, developed it, and made it enormous.
3. Delta Spirit - Delta Spirit
If Delta Spirit isn't my favorite band, then they're at least my second favorite band. I couldn't wait until this album came out. When it finally did, it was incredible. I've watched them get bigger and bigger, and i love seeing it all pan out. Their singer Matt Vasquez is so talented, and raw. They've defined their sound and i love it. This band is on the rise, and this album is setting a new bar. I hope this band continues to make great records for many years to come. Check them out.
2. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist
Alright alright alright, everybody knew this was coming. I really don't even need to say anything about it. One of my best friends Ben Rabichow kept talking about it, and edged me on to give the whole thing a listen. It was pretty wild to see how serious Ben was about it, so I checked it out. I was addicted to this thing for 2 straight months. Every song paints a fantastic picture, and I can't wait to see where it takes him. This is what rap needed. It's incredible what this guy has accomplished through hard work and dedication. Musicians should pay attention to the legacy he's started, and strive to be like him. If you don't know his story, watch this.
1. The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten
This is my favorite album of 2012. The Gaslight Anthem's "Handwritten" is their major label debut, and it is literally perfect. Every song is perfect. Brian Fallon is perfect. It's insane. This album is going to become an American classic, and I don't think I'm the first to say so. Please, just sit down, and listen to this thing, and understand why it's so good. This is the album that when you're 40, you can talk to your kids about it. It's golden.
Thanks for reading, those who actually did. Can't wait to see what comes out in 2013.
- J
