Philadelphia, PA's own Vacationer made a huge impression with their debut release Gone. The album was a summer ready package, with aural pleasures awaiting you at every turn and featuring the lead vocals of Kenny Vasoli to provide the perfect accompaniment to this escapist delight that put everything in perspective this year, whether it was driving around with your windows down, or relaxing in your backyard sipping on a beverage. Some recommended tracks from this release to check out include "Everyone Knows", "Good As New", "Trip", "Gone", and "Great Love".
2012 was known as the breakout year for the indie band fun. with their breakthrough release, Some Nights. The NYC bred band features lead singer Nate Ruess and his band of cohorts delivering an outstanding performance that showcases the band's raw and natural talent for making indie music accessible to the pop crowd, while still retaining that indie street cred and sensibility that they have worked so hard to build up over the years. Songs on this album that you'll fall head over heels for include "We Are Young (f/Janelle Monae)", "Some Nights", and "Carry On".
Of Monsters and Men made a splash on the shores of America with their debut release, My Head Is An Animal. The Icelandic bred folk band made an instant impact with an impressive collection of compositions that speaks to mind about all the individual and collective talents that make up the group and their no frills, organic mindset that makes this album different from all the others that were released this year. Recommended songs for your listening pleasure include the impressive "Little Talks", "Mountain Sound", and "Six Weeks".
Los Angeles, CA's own Silversun Pickups made an impressive return with their new release, Neck of The Woods. The album presented the group in a more mature, focused stream of consciousness with an emotionally deep and signifying album that shows the level of maturity that this group has made from their breakout release, 2006's "Carnavas" that only gets better and better in time. Songs that made a great first impression include "Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)", "The Pit", and "Here We Are (Chancer)".
Jacksonville, Florida's own Yellowcard made an impressive return to form with their all new release, Southern Air. The violin laden band continued to build upon the leaps and bounds made by their previous release, last year's When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes, and gave an accurate portrayal of where the band is currently in their personal and professional lives, and their drive and ambition prove that they are one of the preeminent bands currently living out their dreams and never changing who they are. Some impressive works from this collection include "Always Summer", "Here I Am Alive", and "Telescope".
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Hailing from the great white north, Saksatoon, Sakaschetwan Canada to be exact, The Sheepdogs made a terrific entrance with their self titled debut album. The effort is a collection of Southern rock influenced jams with a sharply focused dynamic that hearkens back to the mid 70's from bands such as The Allman Brothers and Sly and the Family Stone with a modern touch thrown in for good measure. Some tracks for you to discover include "The Way It Is", "Feeling Good", "Alright OK", "Laid Back", and "Never Gonna Get My Love".
Balitmore, Maryland's favorite pop-punk sons All Time Low made another spectacular album with Don't Panic. The effort is an authentic and honest album that features lead vocalist Alex Gaskarth at the top of his game and all the other members, guitarist Jack Barakat, drummer Rian Dawson, and bassist Zack Merrick each have contributed a great deal to the band's success to this point and their devoted and passionate fanbase takes to heart their lyrics that have meant so much to them. Some standout tunes from this collection include "The Reckless and the Brave", "For Baltimore", "Somewhere in Neverland", "Backseat Serenade", and "Outlines".
London, England's folk rock sensations Mumford & Sons avoided the sophomore slump with a terrific follow up effort, Babel. The band, fronted by Marcus Mumford has spearheaded the folk rock movement that has been taking shape in the last few years, but this album proves that it's here to stay with a honest and thought provoking album that really makes you think, and stop and stare in awe of the authenticity of the group and what they make you feel as you're listening to them. The songs that will stand out to you the most on this one include the incredible "I Will Wait", "Ghosts That We Knew", "Lover of the Light", and "Babel".
Philadelphia, PA's own Circa Survive made another impressive body of work with their latest album, Violent Waves. The group, featuring the jaw dropping vocals of frontman Anthony Green, continued their mission of building upon the energy of their previous releases, and satisfying their devoted fanbase that has helped spread their prowess word of mouth and has put them right at the forefront of bands representing the state of Pennsylvania. Some standout tracks from this one include "Sharp Practice", "My Only Friend", and "Phantasmagoria".
Concord, North Carolina's native sons The Avett Brothers made their return with their stunning effort, The Carpenter. The collection was a raw, honest mixture of indie folk rhythms mixed in with a strong lyrical sensibility that made this release one of their finest to date and is one that best expresses the brothers' creative dynamic that has allowed them to get better and better with each and every album that they make. Some tracks for you to have a listen at include "Live and Die", "Winter in My Heart", and "I Never Knew You".
And there you have it, my 10 favorite albums of 2012! Any albums that I may have missed that you feel deserve an honorable mention here on the blog? Leave your comments here on the blog or post them on the blog's Facebook and Twitter pages to let me know what albums were your favorites this year.
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