I'll keep it short and sweet. Here are my favorite albums of 2012.
Alt J, An Awesome Wave
Upon its UK release, the BBC called Alt J's debut album, An Awesome Wave "a stunning and encompassing affair of both innovative and electrifying musicianship and exemplary song writing." The Guardian wrote that "the music is rich and quirky enough to match the imagistic literacy of the lyrics, from the majestic, cinematic sweep of 'Intro' onwards." For me, An Awesome Wave hit me like a tidal wave when I first heard it. It's an intelligent, innovative, frisky, and a wildly engrossing album.
Real Estate, Days I have been listening to Real Estate's Days for...days now, actually weeks. I just can't get enough of this album. There is such a great, soft, breezy, and laid back groove to the band's music. I love their vocal harmonies and their guitar work, which is simply impecable and so richly textures these songs. I am reminded of the Beach Boys and The La's when listening to Days. Real Estate manages to capture some of the timeless qualities of these bands and it make you feel like these songs have been with you for a long time, which I am sure they will be. While All The Same is my favorite song on the album, Green Aisles really showcases what the band does so well. Green Aisles
Josh Rouse and The Long Vacations
Josh Rouse is one of the few artists that I can point to and honestly say that I never tire of listening to any of his songs or albums. Rouse has a wonderful way about him as a songwriter and storyteller and his music is always so warm and inviting. Rouse's new collection of songs is no exception. As the musical influences of his time living in Spain continue to seep deeper and deeper into his music, Rouse's songwriting and music is becoming gentler, sweeter, more rhythmic, and enchanting. Oh, Look What The Sun Did!
Ryan Adams, Ashes & Fire
Ryan Adams is a prolific songwriter and musician with ever shifting musical interests. With each new release, you are never quite sure what to expect, except that it is going to be all Adams. With Ashes & Fire, Adams strips down his sound and songs and operates in the singer-songwriter mode that produced such wonderful songs like Two and Oh My God, Whatever, Etc.. It is a quieter and more laid back album than his last few and a welcome change. While I always enjoy Adams' musical exploration, I am most connected with his music when he is alone or close to it, with his guitar and words.
What I love about music is its power to transport me. Sometimes it’s unexpected, sometimes it’s exactly where I want to be. A single melody can unlock memories I didn’t realize I still carried, while certain chords or lyrics take me to another time or place. Some songs feel like home, offering shelter, while others deliver me to an unknown place or space, stirring emotions I can’t quite name. In this way, music isn’t just sound—it’s a sonic subway, delivering me to a station of refuge or one I never knew existed.
Music has always been an important part of my life. My family and friends knew this well, often asking me what I was listening to and what I liked. It was always humbling to be asked, and eventually, I gathered the courage to create this music blog—to put into words what draws me to certain music and why.
Over the years, my passion for writing has grown, along with my excitement for sharing musical discoveries. I hope your time here sparks excitement and leads you to a musical discovery of your own. More than anything, I hope your visit brings a little joy to your day.
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