Best Songs of 2012
Another year, another best-of list, and another chance for me to post this just under the wire!!!
This past year was a challenging one to focus on music, with so many other things occupying my attention. However, there were certainly some excellent jamz that made it across my musical plate.
In years past, I've split this annual Best Of list into two posts - one showcasing the songs that were released in the calendar year, and another list of tracks that were simply new to me. For the 2012 edition, I'm combining them both into one big list - I'll leave you to figure out which is which. And while this is a break from protocol, it's my blog and I get to break my own rules.
Below you'll find your usual smorgasbord of styles represented: hip-hop, indie, dance, Jamaican, dub, soul, etc. The thread the ties them all together is that each of these tracks spoke to me in some way this year. And now I'm hoping something here speaks to you too.
If you'd like to download the whole batch as one big Zip file, click here and go crazy.
Oh, and here's a Spotify playlist with most of the cuts.
Or, just listen to each song below. Be sure to go and buy something from these bands to support their cause!
Lastly, be sure to tune into my radio show Free Samples on KOOP in Austin.
Enjoy & Happy New Year!!!
The Tennors - Weather Report
I got hipped to this track from DJ Art Baker who hosts the amazing Jamaican Gold show on KOOP. On this track The Tennors take a swing at the Simon & Garfunkel classic "The Only Living Boy in New York". The sweetness is still there from the original, but the Jamaican bounce gives it a whole new feel.
Frank Ocean (ft. Earl Sweatshirt) - Super Rich Kids
Big year for Frank Ocean, obviously. Super Rich Kids doesn't seem to be the cut other music blogs are focusing on, but for me it's the standout. Start with the "Benny & the Jets"-esque piano bounce. Add in Frank's crooning voice, including a chorus from Mary J. Blige's "Real Love". Finish with a perfectly syncoptaed verse from Earl Sweatshirt and you've got a masterpiece. This is rap story-telling for 2012.
Hot Chip - Don't Deny Your Heart
There are a few artists who seem to show up on these lists year after year (Regina Spektor - I'm lookin' at you). While Regina didn't make the cut, I did have to include a track off of Hot Chip's stellar release, "In Our Heads". Any of the album's songs could have wound up here, but I'm going with "Don't Deny Your Heart", mostly for the Michael Jackson Thriller era style guitar lines between verses. Tasty.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - We Almost Lost Detroit
Nice blend of rock and indie feelings on this one. Catchy little ditty.
Michael Kiwanuka - I'm Getting Ready
This british soul-singer broke state-side in 2012, leading with a pair of EPs, and finishing with a fantastic full-length called "Home Again". Kiwanuka is channelling more than one soul influence in his musical stylings, but he also brings a voice all his own. It's tender and personal music.
Amerigo Gazaway of Gummy Soul - Bonita Keeps on Passin' Me By
To call the work on the Bizarre Tribe album a mash-up is an understatement. Amerigo Gazaway took Pharcyde vocals and spread them over the original sample material used to create A Tribe Called Quest songs. The result is transcendent.
Gripper - Love Hungry
Copped this off a mix by DJ Benge. I know nothing about this song and band beyond the fact that I love it. What else do I really need to know?
D'Angelo - Send it On
"Send it On" appears on D'Angelo's 2000 release, Voodoo. That album got the deluxe vinyl re-issue treatment this year, and thank goodness it did. This cut showcases D'angelo's amazing vocal chops and slow-burn approach to song construction. As Dr. Ranztron said, how did we miss this LP until now?
Bobby Rydell - Honey Buns
Who has a blog and loves Soul music? This guy.
The Mountain Goats - You Were Cool
I've dabbled in The Mountain Goats before, but have never given myself over to them completely. It seems I'm getting closer. RD pointed me in the direction of this live-only cut that is a prime example of how John Darnielle can be singing a song to thousands of people, but in actuality, he's just speaking directly to you.
Chuck Barrister & the Voices of Darkness - Be Kind, Be Foolish, Be Happy
This was always the anthem and soundtrack to life. It just took me until this year to find it.
Bibio - Lover's Carvings
Although I'd heard "Lover's Carvings" before this year on many a TV commercial, it wasn't until I was standing on a beach at night with close friends that I realized it's power. Specifically, the powerful switch from part A to part B of the song. Good looking out D-Rock.
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 - Rise
As Austin was gearing up for SXSW last Spring, I caught this track on the radio. Seun Kuti, one of the many sons of Fela, really brings it on this track. Long-format, horns, driving and inspirational.
Scientist - 11 Drumalie Avenue Dub
This year I've started to navigate the rich waters of Jamaican music. It's a rich expanse of styles and artists, and frankly the depth of material can be intimidating. As for the Dub sub-genre, I've found little else that can compete with Scientist. Two of his records were re-issued on vinyl this year, and I've already been wearing out the grooves.
