Top 10 Albums of 2012

  1. Now, Now - Threads

  2. Passion Pit - Gossamer
  3. Alabama Shakes - Boys and Girls
     
  4. Lovedrug - Wild Blood
     
  5. Rayland Baxter - Feathers and Fishhooks
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  6. Shovels and Rope - O’ Be Joyful
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  7. The Rocketboys - Build Anyway
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  8. Paper Route – The Peace of Wild Things
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  9. The xx - Coexist
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  10. First Aid Kit - The Lion’s Roar
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Honorable Mentions: David Ramirez (Apologies), Kopecky Family Band (Kids Raising Kids), Taylor Swift (Red), Frank Ocean (Channel Orange)

2012 Superlatives:

Overrated Album: Mumford and SonsBabel
Underrated Album: Now, NowThreads
Biggest Disappointment: The Avett BrothersThe Carpenter
Best Local Release: Shovels & Rope – O’ Be Joyful
Runner-Up: Elim Bolt – Nude South
Record Label of the Year: ATO Records
Artist of the Year: Alabama Shakes

Brittany Howard and Alabama Shakes have had an unbelievable year. The band’s southern blues-rock sound has caught the attention of many throughout the year, including myself. I first heard of the band in a Garden & Gun article, and since reading, the Alabama Shakes have been everywhere. After signing with ATO Records in late 2011, the band release their first full-length Boys & Girls in April of 2012. The album’s success earned them a closing set at the 2012 Bonnaroo Music Festival in June. The album charted as high as #8 in the US and #3 in the UK, and earned them three 2013 Grammy nominations for best new artist, best rock performance, for “Hold On”, and best recording package with their first album, Boys & Girls. 

 

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