1. Nap Eyes - Four More Songs By / Tribal Thoughts

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across Nap Eyes Bandcamp page via a recommendation by Each Other. As fate would have it, I have found the greatest new band ever. These are some strong words, as there is very little information about them. You can search (believe, me I've scoured the internet,) but only find snippets. Here are some facts about this band: 1.) They hail from Halifax. 2.) They have a Bandcamp page, maybe a Last.fm page too, but who uses that shit? 3.) They have a very small number of live videos on Youtube. 4.) A few people have written about them (all praise) on some obscure blogs/websites, much like this one! 5.) There's no five, that's it. However, while for the most part their persona is shrouded in mystery, the music they create speaks volumes about them. When I first listened to their self-titled I thought there was no way way this could possibly be new. Nap Eyes sound like a band that was once, long ago, like some 90's band you never knew existed, THAT WAS DOING SOME 60's REVIVALIST SHIT or something. But, here they are, 2012, completely out of place in the modern music world. Honestly, for me, this just adds to their appeal. While technically, not a full album, the lazily, yet appropriately titled For More Songs By... is immediately appealing. I cannot tell you how much I've listened to it; it's astounding. "Madames of Fortune" kicks off with this simple strummed guitar, as he opens with, "Now the Madames of fortune, will never know the depths of my pain..." I mean you just know you're listening to something different, something special. The singer/songwriter Nigel Chapman has a way with words, deeply sad, yet spiritual, that really resonates with me. And as the drums come in with that buildup, it's over for me. "Four Strong Winds" is this really great sluggish jam that has verses and changes that don't fit the traditional song structure, but somehow work. I love the way on "A Stolen Boy" there is this excellent breakdown, which sounds like this 50's doo-wop ballad ala "Earth Angel". Finally, there is "White Disciple," the single most greatest song I've heard all year, maybe even for as long as I can remember. I mean you just have to hear it. It's fantastic. Only a mere two months later they give us Tribal Thoughts, a sloppy, twenty some minute collection of old and new songs, and I will do my best to break it down for you. There are around eight to ten short tracks here, each interrupted by a loud WHOOOMPH, or a small interlude of what I like to call "noodling." The first is this awesome title track of sorts, which is followed by this one minute cover of The Smiths "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now." Track "3" is this acoustic number that remains one of my favorites, going straight into another awesome jam, reminiscing of Nap Eyes first show. Next we have a sped up version of "Become Our Next Raving Fan," which you can find the original on Nap Eyes'Self titled (not to be missed.) It's hard say with the rest of it, as there's really no telling if one of the jams is a full song, or part of another one. Towards the end, we get what sounds like a b-side or live version of "White Disciple," and then some more "noodlings". It all remains interesting though, as you can hear the band just hitting you with a bunch of ideas for songs, but that is my interpretation. To those that know me, my bread and butter is and has always been 90's indie rock. Nap Eyes have this really simple approach: clean guitar(s), bass, drums; in other words, no bullshit. No fancy production, no special pedals or gimmicks, WHICH IS REFRESHING. The reason I am making such a big deal about Nap Eyes is that when I listen to their music, I hear a ton of artists that I love. I hear a band that has the rawness of early Pavement. I hear the glorious lo-fi recording aesthetic of, and the ability to write GREAT pop rock songs, as Guided By Voices. I hear the Velvet Underground in the influences of their music. I see The Jesus and Mary Chain in their stage presence, (the drummer, playing standing up, with his "less-to-nothing" kit.) I hear echoes of Jeff Mangum on the acoustic track in Tribal Thoughts. I hear Ian McCulloch in the way he sings, "Forget me not..." and I hear The Smiths actually. And yet, still, I hear something new and wonderful. I feel this band, Nap Eyes, have such incredible potential. I feel there is an honesty about them that other bands don't possess. This makes them more than deserving of my favorite album of the year. Nap Eyes cause a ruckus. Set once and for all, The song in the skull, To win evil hearts , And not know what to do with them all. Set once and for all, The song in the skull, To win people's hearts, And not know what to do with them all. http://napeyes.bandcamp.com/album/four-more-songs-by

2. Kindness - World, You Need A Change Of Mind

Let's just get this right out of the way, Kindness' World, You need A Change Of Mind is the best pop album of the year. It's also the best debut album of the year, and Kindness is the best new artist of the year. Period. The album is gorgeous, and you can hear the love Adam Bainbridge put into it. On top of this, I think it's the best sounding album I've heard all year. The production is crystal; I mean this is just headphone candy at its best. Kindness is not shy about wearing their influences, in fact, on "Bombastic," the chorus cuts out and he begins to list a few of them: John Lennon, Michael Jackson, Kate Bush, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Paul Westerberg (obviously) and many others. I think a lot of people gave him shit for this, as coming across gimicky or even cheesy... I don't see it. In fact the two covers on this album, just, completely awesome, are treated with extreme care. On "Swingin' Party," by The Replacements, he uses a simple, but effective drum loop that is overlapped by some light synths. Where it shines though, is his ability to make the vocal melody the star. Truly, "Swingin' Party" would be one of my favorite songs of all time, and this cover is a thoughtful and moving version of it. The next is Anita Dobson's "Anyone Can Fall In Love" and if you have never heard it, please do so now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CFcu8JRwAU . It is this beautiful pop gem, and I guarantee you will begin to believe that, even you, could fall in love. What I love about the cover is that he adds this great early 90's R&B vibe to it. I just keep imagining Aaliyah (RIP, much love) or Boyz 2 Men taking a verse or something. "Gee Wiz" is this quiet little jam, that has some great guitar and bass runs, that goes straight into "Gee Up" which is so awesome, I can't believe it fades away before two minutes. It really showcases some great funky slap bass, maybe a little disco in there too; anyways, it's just way to good of a hook to end so abruptly. Again, the centerpiece is "House," and I never tire of hearing it. Perhaps the most surprising moment on World... is "That's Alright." The track is HUGE, complete with background singers, incredible, almost cheesy big drums, synths, and chunky bass. I also love there's this really low sounding voice that says shit like, "THE BEAT, THE BEAT IS BAAAADDD..." and to me what sounds like, "HUGGA, HUG HER BUTT!..." It's so over the top, you can't help but get really into it. I hear a lot of INXS on that one. "Cyan" is pretty chill (and endlessly listenable) and "Doigsong" is more of that slap bass and slinky guitars we've heard earlier but really amped up. All in all, it's an extremely solid debut. What it comes down to is you can hear the love and thought that went into this album, and for me that's what it's all about.

3. Pop Winds - Earth To Friend

"What you live for, is gonna kill you soon," followed by, "What (do) you live for?" This seems like such a horribly depressing contrast to the bright beat behind it. Before you get a chance to really think about it, there is a sudden change, in key and in tone. Pop Winds have the answer: "Sunlight." The answer is life, and Earth To Friend has this in spades. Pop Winds are, I am pretty sure, members of the equally awesome Majical Cloudz, and this is their final release, though MC will likely continue making music. I would say Pop Wind's make highly intelligent pop, like what Animal Collective does, except twice as good and much less obnoxious. They have a way of taking a simple guitar riff and looping over it, creating textures and layers and it's always something interesting. My only problem with the album , and this is purely selfish, is I wish that it was longer. At only eight tracks, and three interludes of sorts, we get really only five songs. I mean, these are all grade A, (particularly the title track which could very well be the most played song by me of the year) but there is a little to be desired. If this is the last music they made together, I would say they really outdid themselves. However, do not fret. Check out Majical Cloudz Turns Turns Turns and feel reassured that this won't be last you hear from them.

4. Spiritualized - Sweet Heart Sweet Light

Spiritualized may have made the best record of their career on this one. It certainly features some of the best songs he's ever written: "Hey Jane," the 10 minute powerhouse, in all it's guitar driven glory, "Little Girl," with it's wondrously feel-good chorus and the classic, guitar solo as the melody trick, to the overly sappy, but lovely nevertheless "Too Late." And that is just the first half of the album. I love how "Headed To The Top Now" is not only classic Spiritualized, but classic Spaceman, just pummeling you with those two notes over, and over, and over... "The Freedom" is the sweeter side of Spiritualized, and "So Long You Pretty Thing," (which sadly, sounds like a farewell,) is so depressing, but set to one of the best outros/choruses I've ever heard. I mean I seriously teared up the first time I listened to it. The long running themes of substance abuse, depression, salvation, etc. that ARE Spiritualized are abundant on Sweet Heart Sweet Light but with Jason Pierce, now much older, these themes come across as more sincere, more heartbreaking. Will J. Spaceman ever get his shit together? Is this the last we will ever hear from Spiritualized? It's an album that leaves more questions than answers, and I absolutely love the appropriate art work.

5. .L.W.H. - CIA TV

CIA TV was probably the biggest surprise this year for me. I have been a fan for a while now of 2011's The Tape Hiss Hooligan, and have since been eagerly awaiting his next project. Only a year later, we get CIA TV, a (mostly) instrumental album, that not only doesn't sound like his previous work, but doesn't sound like most anything I've heard all year. It would be too easy to lump him in with other hip-hop producers like Friendzone, Astrronomy, or even bigger, Clams Casino, even though he has collaborated with some of them. While .L.W.H. is similar , he uses more of an emphasis on atmosphere and emotion, rather than simply say, a "sick-as-fuck" beat. I think it would be a disservice to actually try and break down the music within CIA TV, as I feel this is one you just have to let breathe. Highlights include "REGULATE UR GAT," "THE DEAD CHRIST," "PENTAGON Q & A," and "MEDU6SA." But again, there two surprises at the end of this album. The first is "DRACO JR," which features Squadda B and MONDRE Man of Main Attrakionz. You've never heard such slow hip-hop in your life til now. And there is violin! Oh, the violin... Finally, we get "MONUMENT" which is so ridiculously good, and so unlike the rest of the album, and yet, CIA TV wouldn't be whole without it. Complete with a different picture for each song, and later now custom music videos (check out this one for "FIGUREHEAD" http://vimeo.com/48846411 ) as well, CIA TV is clearly not your average affair. It's an album that takes a while to see the brilliance, but when you do, you'll be be wondering why you hadn't gotten into it sooner. Recently, he announced a new album in the works. I can guarantee you'll want to follow this guy, and again, if you haven't yet, ALL THINGS Green Ova.

6. Schoolboy Q - Habits and Contradictions

Did Schoolboy Q make the greatest hip hop album of the year? Critics will probably reserve that spot for Killer Mike's R.A.P. Music or more likely Kendrick's Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City. While I really enjoyed these albums, I can certainly say without a doubt in my mind Habits & Contradictions is my favorite. Coming off the wake of the insane amount of underground hip-hop released last year, I was looking for something new to fill that void in 2012. Enter Schoolboy Q, the void-filler. Habits & Contradictions kills, start to finish, from the brilliant THIS IS ME of "There He Go," to the drug induced "Oxy Music," and the uplifting, bliss of "Blessed." It also features guest appearances from A$AP Rocky, Curren$y, Ab Soul and Kendrick Lamar. Earlier this year, I was showing a friend a bunch new hip-hop artists I was into, Schoolboy being one of them. Whenever we would hang out, he'd be like, "Play that Schoolboy album again." So I asked him why he preferred Schoolboy over the likes of Danny Brown, Main Attrakionz and others, and he replied with the most simple, yet powerful statement, one that has stuck with me to the writing of this very blog. What he said was, "I believe this guy." I believe that says it all.

7. Mac Demarco - 2

...The laid back version of Rock And Roll Night Club, which I know sounds kinda silly, as RARNC was already pretty laid back. The songs on 2 are stronger, and without the little radio interludes which interrupted RARNC, make it feel like more of an album. "Cooking Up Something Good" is a great opener. I particularly love the slinky guitar main riff. If you're into it, you're gonna love this album, as slinky guitars ARE this album. "Dreaming" has one of the most lovely choruses, and the bass really pops there. "Freaking Out The Neighborhood" has this Doldrums era Ariel Pink vibe to it, and the showstopper "Ode To Viceroy" will make its way comfortably into your skull, and never outstay its welcome. My personal favorite track is "My Kinda Woman." This is probably Mac at his most down to earth songwriting, and it sure is pretty. The album's not perfect, but I like that it isn't, as I don't think he's going for perfect. These are pretty simple pop songs, deceptively so, but therein lies its brilliance. Mac Demarco's 2 is the sound of early evening drinking alone, at some shitty bar. It's a little sleazy, but endearing nonetheless.

8. Frank Ocean - Channel Orange

You will see this on everyone's year end list. Maybe you've heard of him? I've been following him since Nostalgia, and been rooting for him ever since. But who would have suspected his first proper full length would have been the phenomenon it has become? Frank Ocean's Channel Orange is a breath of fresh of air. From the "Intro" when you hear the original Playstation booting up to the Street Fighter sample, Ocean puts his heart on a plate. Tucked behind the liner notes in the album sleeve is a letter about how the album came to be. Ocean went through a relationship of sorts, finally admitting his love, only to be rejected. It's more complicated than that, but this was the fuel behind Channel Orange. He goes on to say, "I wrote to keep myself busy and sane. I wanted to create worlds that were rosier than mine. I tried to channel overwhelming emotions..." And he does exactly that. Channel Orange is so bright and welcoming, you can't help but get caught up in it. There are too many standout tracks here, "Thinkin Bout You," "Sweet Life," "Super Rich Kids," "Pyramids..." I could go on about how Channel Orange start to finish is one of the best albums of the year, but I feel you already know this. You've probably already been swept by his charm. When he did SNL a few months ago, and hit all those notes on "Thinkin Bout You," I was like, that's it. Whatever "it" factor that superstars possess, he's got it. He's up for like six Grammy awards! Which is insane, and awesome, and ,I think, much deserved.

9. Swans - The Seer

Earlier this year rumors started spreading of a new Swans album, thirty years in the making. I've tried to limit my Swans intake over the years, hell, Michael Gira's music in general, as it is incredibly powerful and ultimately depressing. But there is no denying them, and I fully realize that there are no right amounts of words to properly convey the feeling you get when listening to their music. With The Seer, Swans have maybe transcended into something else entirely. I cannot stress this enough, The Seer demands recognition. It demands your full attention. This is an album's album (two x cd/lp!), one that rivals just about every listening experience you've (I've) ever heard. And yet it is so difficult to get through. You just can't tackle it like a normal album; it takes time and repeated listens. Swans are on another plane, and are ill concerned about traditional songwriting. These are long, drawn out excessive drone pieces for the most part. The majority of my first few listens were spent while driving to and from work. And all I can remember thinking was, what does all of this matter? This music has a dramatic effect on whatever you are doing. You just feel... small. From the opening track, where they build into that "WHAAAAAaaaaRRRUUUMMMM" and he sings over and over and over, "LUNACY, LUNACY..." you just know that everything is different now. You are changed. Swans identity has always been that of creation and destruction, darkness and light, the ugly and the beautiful, and these themes weigh heavy throughout the album, from the sweet "Song For A Warrior" (sung by Karen O,) to the crushing, pummeling and relentless one note beating on the title track. My personal favorite though is "A Piece Of The Sky," as there is just something that stands out from the rest of the album. Again, the intro of raindrops (piss?) and the way it warps and twists is astounding to me. Everything became fully realized, when, in October I got to see them live. On a sidenote, do not pass up an opportunity see them live, as you are in for a, well, I won't ruin it for you. I went by myself, and stood at the back of the bar, patiently awaiting them to play. I have to say I was nervous, as I had read about how their live shows get pretty intense. But, no, I can handle it. Well, Swans played for around two hours. They were unlike anything I had ever seen. I can remember how full the pit was at the beginning of the show, and how people kept adjusting, moving slightly further away from the band, as they showed no signs of stopping, each song building upon the last... Around the hour and a half mark, I begin to grow weary, I began to feel even sick. More people had retreated closer to the back, hugging the walls, while the faithful stayed up front, strong. It was at this moment when Michael Gira announced, "We've got a few more... if you can take it." I remember thinking, honestly, oh God, I can't take much more. I'm not a pussy by the way, but those who have seen Swans live know what I'm talking about. The loudest show I've ever been to was Mono (Japan) and Swans was at least twice as loud. They kept having problems with the sound guy, and I remember feeling sorry for him, like they weren't loud enough. The ground rumbled like thunder, I swear. When it was finally over, I was crushed. I was physically and mentally exhausted. Needless to say, I put Swans away for a couple weeks. Listening to their album now, is a true disservice to the shear power of Swans live. But again, everything now made sense. The Seer is truly one of the greatest albums I've heard in a long time. It's not for everyone, and it doesn't give a shit about whether you like it or not. But it still IS, and you cannot deny its brilliance. However, just like the light at the end of the tunnel, do not admire too long, for you just might never come back.

10. The Jealous Sound - A Gentle Reminder

I went to a small private school all of my life (you're going to have to bear with me, reader, as there is a story behind this album.) Anyways, my musical tastes in high school were that of what most kids were listening to at the time, as it usually is. But I was into band stuff, you know, playing shows, playing in bands that mimicked whatever we were listening to. Everything changed when a friend at school introduced me to Napster. With Napster I began to discover a whole world of music I had no idea existed. And a lot of it was found by accident. I remember searching emo shit, and I stumbled upon Mineral's "If I Could." I had never heard anything like it, and it was so different from what the popular idea of "emo" was at the time. It was all new and exciting, but no one else then seemed to care. Well, my world was turned upside down a few weeks later, when, I'm not making this up, this is a true story, I was searching through MXPX albums at the Camelot Music store (you remember those?) in my local mall. I can remember like it was yesterday, I'm there, rifling through M, and there it is, for some reason, time and space align, and I'm staring at Sunny Day Real Estate's Diary. I had only heard about it through Napster, as like a related artist or something. Never heard a second of it. But it's staring at me, that odd artwork, all the while my parents calling me because they were ready to go. I used all the money I had for the week to purchase it, and that, as they say, is that. My love of indie rock birthed from one single purchase. Everything was exactly the same, but it was different now, because I felt I had something that no one else around me had. Well, let's fast forward a bit, I'm a senior now (still in high school for this story you guys,) and through new friends and some new like-minded people, I discover the local record store (I'm sorry again, for this story you need to just assume that I didn't know shit about fuck, and everything's new to me.) After going up and down the isles just gawking at everything because it so cool and I need it all, I finally choose an album to take home. Yeah, one album, I'm in high school! I don't have any money. I'm 26, I still don't have any money. But I purchased The Jealous Sound's Kill Them With Kindness. Never heard it before, just liked the album title. Can I sidenote here and just say did you ever have that feeling of buying a record you didn't know anything about? It's so good. I miss it. So I get this album, and I'm floored, maybe not at first, but I got there. I remember for my senior trip we went on a cruise to the Bahamas and Grand Cayman. I brought a handful of clothes, some spending money, and Kill Them With Kindness, that's it. And I remember listening to it, on my big ass mobile cd player, all the time. That album kind of defined my senior year. Over the years, it became a regular in my music rotation. I saw them live a few years down the road with Piebald. I was that guy in the front who knew all the songs and was really into it. They just became "one of those bands" for me. The one that you are like I love them and fuck off if you don't. So, let's again fast forward down the road to 2012. It has been close to ten years since Kill Them With Kindness . I am older now, my music tastes have changed, ever-evolving, and yet, when I heard that they were releasing a new album, I am feeling a wave of emotion(s). At first, I am super excited, and then my hyper-critical mind begins to worry. Could an album I didn't even think would ever come to fruition possibly meet any expectations I had? In a modern music world, where everything changes so quickly, where trends and genres pop up like the adds you wait for to finish before getting to the meat of whatever you're searching for on the internet, could The Jealous Sound succeed? Did you forget about them? Did you even ever care? I was almost dreading their return, for fear of them failing, that they couldn't make "the cut" anymore. But let me tell you this, A Gentle Reminder is every bit as good as Kill Them With Kindness, and even outshines it in many ways. What it comes down to, is Blair Shehan does pop rock like no one else on the planet. Every song on A Gentle Reminder is a heightened, highly polished version of my favorite songs off KTWK. Take the best single you can think of, and then imagine an album of ten of those. That's what they manage to pull off here. It's almost impossible to pick a favorite track on here because they are all so good. I've had all year to pour into it, and I'm never disappointed. The fact that there were no gimmicks, just the band doing what they do best made me love it even more. In October I got to see them again, live. I'm 26, now, in the front, drunk, having the greatest time singing along to the old and new songs, maybe even being a bit obnoxious, and I can remember I kept thinking to myself, how lucky I am to have loved this band for so long, and that somehow they managed to keep going, even if there were some rough patches along the way.

Top 25 Songs of 2012

25. AC Newman - I'm Not Talking

Coming in at 25, is AC Newman's "I'm Not Talking." A true stunner, INT is immediately enjoyable with its lovely melody and wide arrangements. Also, love the way the vocals repeat on the chorus, "Until then... (UNTIL THEN!)

24. Wild Nothing - Shadow

Following 2010's wonderful and excellent debut Gemini, Wild Nothing continue to wow with Nocturne. Everything, from the gorgeous cover art (anyone thinking Talk Talk?) to the dreamy, pop goodness that lies within is near perfect. Shadow is such a great opener, and has been in just about every mixtape/playist I've made this year. Definitely worth checking out.

23. Caleb Stone - Kenny G Is Dead

I have to thank Friendzone for this one or I would have never known. Caleb Stone's Sleepy Bitches is just something you need to experience. I'm telling you, start this album in the early morning, just before the sun rises, even more specific, while driving alone. If you can time it right to where the sun rises right around where "'s Mom" comes in, your fucking golden. "Kenny G Is Dead" tho, is something I can't put down. I really didn't know what a beat tape was, or rather supposed to be, until this one.

22. Menomena - Baton

I honestly feel like I'm one of the few who really enjoyed Moms. Sure, Knopf is gone. You gonna cry about it? The other members didn't, in fact they made a great album instead. I would say "Baton" is the standout here.

21. The Walkmen - Heaven

Heaven is overall, a much simpler album than that of Lisbon or You And Me, one of my all time favorites. But I need to stress this, simple does not mean bad, not at all. The first single off Heaven is classic Walkmen, with its driving drum and bass, and that unmistakable clean-picked guitar I've grown to love.

20. Liars - His And Mine Sensations

Compared to Kid A by some jerkoff, Liars find themselves jumping on the electronic bandwagon with WIXIW. But I have to say I really enjoyed this album, from the electro-pop of "No. 1 Against The Rush," to the mind-fuckery of the album title, WIXIW moves along at a decent pace. It's mostly dark and grim, but I keep coming back to it. "His And Mine Sensations" is utterly hypnotic, with that pulsing beat, especially near the end of the track when he sings, "La-ih-ah-ih-ah-ih-ahhh..." Yeah, that one will get burned into your skull.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhbYzc4VPls

19. Pop 1280 - New Electronix

The Horror is my first introduction to Pop 1280, and I think it's pretty great. I may be slightly biased tho, as I'll eat up anything Sacred Bones Records throws at me. "New Electronix" fucking destroys. The guitars on this one are like "extra" noisy and dissonant. Not for the faint of heart.

18. Friendzone - I Miss Ya'll

Real quick, TECHNICALLY, this was released in 2011, featuring Squadda B of Main Attrakionz. However, I missed it. Friendzone released the amazing Collection 1 earlier this year, followed by a remastering in September. 808's and Dark Grapes II was my favorite album of 2011, and Friendzone produced the beats on my favorite tracks on that album. The remarkable thing about Collection 1 is how well the tracks hold up w/o vocals. I mean these are downright gorgeous. I haven't heard something so meaningful in a LONG time. "I Miss Ya'll" is one of the quieter tracks, in which Friendzone show their sweeter side. This is the kind of music everyone should be excited about. A must listen.

17. Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Only In My Dreams

APHG is one of those bands that I think you either love or hate. You can talk all day about how Mature Themes didn't meet your expectations, wasn't as good as Before Today, blah blah, etc. I for one, loved it, and I applaud Mr. Rosenberg for not giving us exactly what we wanted. But that is the beauty of Haunted Graffiti, we get the good with the (somewhat) bad. The way I always looked at it was he throws a bunch of shit at a wall and whatever sticks, sticks, even though there is still a mess everywhere (I'll-be-it a wondrous, glorious mess.) Do you really hate "Schnitzel Boogie" that much? It's really not that bad. Anyways, while he is L.A. based, I think Mature Themes is SO New York (i'm basing this on nothing except for a feeling.) For instance, when I hear "Is This The Best Spot?" I think of sewers with gas (steam?) spewing out from them and roller skating gangs from Joel Schumacher's terrible 1997 film Batman and Robin, and yes, tons of graffiti! Ok, maybe it's just that song, but I'm realizing that just talking about this album has made me like it that much more. Also, I've become sidetracked. Ariel Pink may have just wrote the best song of his career with "Only In my Dreams." It is a beautiful pop song, and one that only Pink could have written.

16. The Very Best - Rumbae

The Very Best just keep getting better. With MTMTMTK, they have, I'm convinced, secured their place as global pop stars. They have to be. The beats are bigger, the music is louder... Everything is in its right place. Esau Myamwaya has never sounded so comfortable and confident; Radioclit's beats primed for the dancefloor. There is something here for everyone, and yes I believe it has more mainstream appeal than any of their previous offerings (which are my favorite.) Rumbae is incredibly catchy and I would even say, much to my dismay, slightly "dub-steppy." Anyways, just one of my favorites from this wonderful followup to Warm Heart Of Africa.

15. Japandroids - The House That Heaven Built

Japandroids are back for another anthem-fueled album. They haven't changed a bit since their debut Post-Nothing, which you might recall was one of my favorite albums of 2009. Celebration Rock has the same heart-on-your-sleeve songwriting, the same relentless guitar strumming, the same "play air drums to" drums, and the same 'shout it at the top of your lungs" vocals that we all know and love. And it's great. I didn't really want anything to change. Enjoy the seminal "The House That Heaven Built," with its incredible chorus, "When they love you, and they will, Tell them all there's love in your/my shadow. And if they try to slow you down, Tell 'em all to go to hell." Oh, and enjoy the fireworks.

14. Tame Impala - Apocalypse Dreams

Tame Impala's Lonerism is truly stellar. It is much more focused than Innerspeaker, (which is not to be missed or forgotten) and is one of the better sophomore releases I've heard. "Apocalypse Dreams" is just so good, the way they take that driving opener and break it down to the point of disintegration, and then put it all back together to finally build into this epic of an outro, all the while hearing echoes of, "Everything is changing..." This one did a number on me.

13. Frank Ocean - Super Rich Kids

Last year I wrote about how much I loved Odd Future. It was premature, again, I was caught up in it. The more I looked at their rise and success, especially what they've done with it (see Loiter Squad,) I began to question my love, especially of Tyler. But there has been one undisputed factor in Odd Future, and that has been Frank Ocean. I'm not even sure if he still is a member or claims to be. What I do know is that he has been the most endearing, whether it be his Nostalgia mixtape or more recently his appearance on Kanye's Watch The Throne (I still think it was more of a Kanye album than a Jay-Z album.) And this is due largely to the fact that this guy can SING. With Channel Orange, Frank Ocean has risen above all of Odd Future, let alone most current (I'm saying "current" and can't think of any others) R and B artists. This album, I guarantee, will be on everyone's year end lists, and for good reason too. Simply, it's fucking great music. "Super Rich Kids" is just one of the many bangers (I know, I hated the use of the word "banger" here too) on this album. I love the start/stop beat, especially the piano on this one, as he paints a picture of a life I've never been familiar with. This also features the first long-anticipated return of Earl Sweatshirt, who delivers a pretty solid verse towards the end.

12. Swans - A Piece Of The Sky

Swans devastating and magnificent The Seer is the only album I'm afraid to write about, as just about nothing I can say can truly match the sheer awesome power of this album. Believe me, I have more to say about this, but for now bask in the terror/beauty of "A Piece Of The Sky." The first ten minutes is something I've honestly never heard before, the gentle whisper of raindrops (which honestly sounds like it could be piss, knowing Swans' love of fucking with you,) as it warps into this low chant, that swirls into this dissonant bells hammering your brain centers, and then this big epic guitar "DUH, TE DUH, DUH..." and finally asking the question, if you are still alive, "Are you there?"

11. Chromatics - Kill For Love

Good God in Heaven, I fucking love this song. I love the synthesizers, I love the guitar work, I love Ruth's (and that her name is Ruth) sweet, seductive vocals... Oh, I could go on... Did you see Drive? I thought it was terrible but I went out and got the soundtrack, because of Chromatics.

10. Lambchop - Gone Tomorrow

On honestly, my favorite Lambchop album since How I Quit Smoking, Lambchop deliver some of the finest songs of their career. Mr. M is staggeringly beautiful. "Gone Tomorrow" at first is this simple acoustic ballad, but then it drops away, and becomes something else entirely, showcasing some of the most gorgeous string arrangements I've heard all year. I am not usually an advocate of music videos, but you just have to see this one, as, for as long as I have enjoyed this track this year, I was just recently introduced to the music video, and it is so vastly different from what I imagined. Again, all this just makes me like Kurt Wagner more.

9. Kendrick Lamar - Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe

Kendrick Lamar released the best hip hop album of 2012, says everyone. I'm not here to argue with any of them. It's storytelling at its best. "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe" just has this sultry jazz guitar hook, I just keep coming back for more. "I got my drink, I got my music..." He said it best.

8. Julia Holter - In The Same Room

Julia Holter's Exstasis is lovely. I think she has this beautiful voice, and I love the way she loops her vocals. "In The Same Room" is truly special, from the moment those drums kick off, to around the two minute mark where everything just fades away, and those synths just kind of float around. In love.

7. Kindness - House

On the most surprising release, from hands down the best new artist of 2012, Kindness' World, You Need A Change of Mind is the best pop album of the year. "House" is the centerpiece, with its simple piano beat, building into that chorus, "I can't give you all all that you need, but I'll give you all I can feel." Believe me, we feel it.

6. Spiritualized - Hey Jane

I think I've probably listened to "Hey Jane" about a thousand times since Sweet Heart Sweet Light came out in April. The music is so great, and contrasted by some pretty dark lyrics (and an even darker music video.) But I can't help every time when it speeds up at the end joining along with, "Sweet heart, sweet light, Sweet heart and love of my life." It's really moving, and did I mention it rocks?

5. Cloud Nothings - Wasted Days

Cloud Nothing's Attack On Memory abandons the light-hearted pop punk of their earlier releases with more emphasis on a "harder" sound. And there is no better track to showcase this, than "Wasted Days," the nine minute epic of epics. There is a point in the song where you think it cannot get any crazier, and then it, well, it does. I was lucky enough to see them live earlier this year, and they played the HELL out of this song. It was a really memorable performance, and "Wasted Days" has been my favorite ever since.

4. Schoolboy Q - There He Go

"There He Go" is a mission statement, no it's THE mission statement. This is the coolest of the coolest, the swag(gest?) of the swag... (I could go on but I feel I am embarrassing myself...) Enter Schoolboy Q, with the sickest beat, (I believe I read it was built on a Menomena sample) as he GOES... The greatest line, when he's sleeping with this girl who her, "Boyfriend's got me paranoid..." "But what I failed (felt?) to understand, I'm the muthafuckin man, ran into him he's a fan, goddamn."

3. .L.W.H. - Monument

On an album that is so different from 2011's Tape Hiss Hooligan, comes a closer that is so different from the rest of the album. And yet, it MAKES CIA TV. "Monument" is a huge standout track, with its pounding drum beat, those pretty synths, the melancholy words and the standout production only .L.W.H. could give us. You have to hear this album. http://lwhmusic.bandcamp.com/album/cia-tv

2. Pop Winds - Earth To Friend

The album closer and title track "Earth To Friend" is probably my most listened to track all year. I love Pop Winds, and if this is the last we ever hear from them, what a high note to leave on.

1. Nap Eyes - White Disciple

"White Disciple" is a parable of sorts. I don't fully understand what it's about, but I know the feeling I get from listening to it. Built around the chorus, "Said the White Disciple when he sent for me, It doesn't matter what anyone is born to be. See your life is pointless, unless it sets you free. Won't you set me free? Won't you set me free?" "White Disciple" chugs along, only briefly straying from the main riff. So what is it about this song? Why is it so utterly mesmerizing? Why am I obsessing over it? Why do I keep playing it, and then play it again, and then think about listening to it when I'm away? Why, after all the incredible music this year, am I completely stumped on this one? Tell me I'm crazy, that I've lost all credibility. Or maybe, just maybe, this one will get a hold of you, and you too might believe. http://napeyes.bandcamp.com/album/four-more-songs-by

Preface

So wow, yet another amazing year in music. Never before has it been so hard to narrow down a list of my favorite music/artists. In September, I thought I had everything wrapped up and I found myself rewriting in November and then yet again, ANOTHER rewrite a few weeks later. In 2009, I started this blog as a way to voice my incredible passion and love of music. I never intend to review any albums here; this is not a review site. This was and is my love letter and thank you to the artists that helped make 2012 absolutely GREAT. Ok, so let's get things started with The Top 25 Songs of 2012. I hope you have as much fun reading this as I did writing it, and hopefully before you close out the year you can check out some of these artists that you may or may not have missed. As always, support musicians/bands by buying their music and going to shows. Thanks for reading, Jason.