670.666: My Favorites From 2012 So Far
The following are Anthracks? favorite releases released within the first third of the 2012 year. Feel free to malign my choices and blaspheme me for not liking your favorite album that was released within the first third of the 2012 year. |
| 1 |  | of Montreal
Paralytic Stalks
Kevin Barnes is the reason I stay alive. |
| 2 |  | Kishi Bashi
151a
A lot of people compare Kishi Bashi?s music to Animal Collective and Sufjan Stevens, which is great for convenience, but completely inaccurate; the album has tribal chanting and emotive ballads, which apparently AnCo and Sufjan are pioneers of. 151a is the first studio release of violinist K Ishibashi (a current member of of Montreal). The album has as much energy as it does emotive output, and is just bliss to listen to. Check out It All Began With a Burst to get an idea of what this one is about. |
| 3 |  | Xiu Xiu
Always
Always was my first experience with this band, and I was kind of blown away by it. A lot of people compare Stewart?s vocals to Morrissey, but I think that?s pretty inaccurate. They definitely share the same cynicism (although Stewart is more explicit in his delivery), but I would liken his vocals to David Bowie?s lower register. Since I never thought Bowie utilized his lower register enough, Xiu Xiu is a very welcome discovery. I Luv Abortion is one of the best and most poignant tracks of 2012. Listen to it even if you don?t listen to the rest of the album. |
| 4 |  | Birthmark
Antibodies
Oft-neglected Nate Kinsella (of Joan of Arc; related to Mike Kinsella of American Football / Owen) releases his third studio album. Some refreshing avant-pop, that almost likens itself to Bjork?s more intimate moments at times; at others it bears a fairly convincing resemblance to Radiohead?s latest effort (most noticeable on Please Go Away). A pretty repetitive album with regard to song structures, but a highly relaxing one nonetheless. A grower. |
| 5 |  | Soap and Skin
Narrow
Anja Plaschg releases some of her best songs, as well as some of her most uninspired on this Mini-CD. Still, I?m a complete sucker for whatever she is putting out. Her heartbreaking cover of the infamous Voyage Voyage is the standout here for me. |
| 6 |  | Sigur Ros
Valtari
Pretty sure most people know about this band already. Varud is one of my favorite SR songs ever. |
| 7 |  | The Shins
Port of Morrow
Same as above. James Mercer?s voice is so cute and that?s why this is so high. |
| 8 |  | Charles Gayle
Streets
Every once in a while I get a stern craving for some free jizz, and this sated me adequately enough for now. It?s a sparse kind of free jizz, though. There?s a lot of empty space and so there?s not a lot going on at times. I usually prefer my free jizz to be all over the place and suffocating, but this is just such a good release that I don?t mind. |
| 9 |  | Huoratron
Cryptocracy
Not a dance album for your whole body, but one for your weiner and/or clitoris specifically. |
| 10 |  | Young Magic
Melt
It breaks my heart when bands like this get ignored. Super cool neo-psych-fueled beats contained within. Not a lot worth mentioning in the way of song structures, but it makes for great music to boogie to. Listen to You With Air. |
| 11 |  | Burial
Kindred
These following albums are standouts, but there?s really not enough to them to warrant much prestige or attention beyond a mere mention. |
| 12 |  | Grimes
Visions
wow |
| 13 | | Bear in Heaven
I Love You, It's Cool
awesome |
| 14 |  | Pepe Deluxe
Queen of the Wave
rad |
| 15 |  | Miniature Tigers
Mia Pharaoh
sexual |
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