Top Albums of 2012

I realize that I’m about two months two late on this “best of” list, but I just started the blog so give me a break. 2012 was a great year for music, but looking at a lot of the lists back in December made me wonder where a lot of those albums would be in 5, 10, or 20 years.  I tried to find those albums that I thought would stand the test of time, not to mention my personal favorites.  Here’s the list:

10. First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar
I discovered this album after hearing the great song “Emmylou”, and was hooked immediately by the great harmonies and Americana feel.  Then I find out that First Aid Kit is two sisters from Sweden.  Strong songs, understated production, and, did I mention the harmonies?  This record could have been recorded in 1971 and I mean that as a compliment. (Listen to: “Emmylou”)

9. Gary Clark Jr. – Blak and Blu
With all that has been written and said about Gary Clark Jr. in the past couple of years it’s hard to believe this is his major label debut.  Some of the excitement may be in the potential everyone sees, rather than the finished product, but this album has some incredible highlights.  His guitar playing is understated and rooted, though he shows off some different styles here.  Even as a “very good” album it’s still one of the best this year. (Listen to: “Bright Lights”)

8. Norah Jones – Little Broken Hearts
This is Norah Jones like you’ve never heard her before, courtesy of Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton.  They co-wrote all songs here, and the sound of this record is amazing.  This is a moody, emotional record and the combination of Jones’ voice and some signature Danger Mouse production makes for a very interesting listen. (Listen to: “Say Goodbye”)

7. ZZ Ward – Til The Casket Drops
I am stunned that this record has not already made ZZ Ward a star.  With an unbelievably great voice, and some very strong songs this has pop hit written all over it (but I still love it).  There’s really not a bad song in the bunch, and though there are some slightly different styles they all sound very cohesive.  With all of the American Idol type singers out there, there’s no justice that ZZ Ward is not a household name.  Maybe soon. (Listen to: “Move Like U Stole It”)

6. Justin Townes Earle – Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now
This is Earle’s fourth full album, and he has really hit his stride.  I wouldn’t say this is better than 2010’s Harlem River Blues, but it is equally as good.  Earle (the son of Steve Earle) wears his Memphis on his sleeve, with rockabilly, blues and some Memphis horns thrown in for good measure.  (Listen to: “Look the Other Way”)

5. Alabama Shakes – Boys & Girls
A band that came out of nowhere, Alabama Shakes has certainly made a name for themselves by now.  It took a couple of listens for me to really get into this record, but now that I have I love it.  The songs are simple and plaintive, and have a great Southern soul groove.  You can hear the Muscle Shoals sound coming through, and Brittany Howard’s voice is from another planet.  (Listen to: “I Ain’t the Same”)

4. Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Americana
By this point, you know what you’re going to get when Neil Young plays with Crazy Horse, and the distortion is on 11 here for sure.  The surprise is in the songs, (almost) all traditional folks songs done the Crazy Horse way; all songs you thought you knew (“Oh, Susanna”, “Clementine”) that know sound dark and ominous.  Which is fitting when you actually listen to the lyrics.  I think Neil Young sounds better the older he gets, like he’s growing into that voice.  (Listen to: “Tom Dula”)

3. The Shins – Port of Morrow
Love, love, love this record.  After taking a long break from The Shins, James Mercer brought them back in name only for this fantastic group of songs.  This is a solo album, really, but it sounds like The Shins only better.  I can’t stop listening to this album, and “Simple Song” is by far my favorite song of the year.  (Listen to: “Simple Song”)

2. Dr. John – Locked Down
This album should really be credited to “Dr. John and Dan Auerbach”, because The Black Keys guitarist is all over this album.  He produces, plays guitar and co-wrote all the songs.  That’s not to say that this isn’t Dr. John, though. Only one person has that voice, and this is like a modern day version of “Gris Gris”.  An amazing collaboration.  (Listen to: “Getaway”)

1. Jack White – Blunderbuss
It’s funny to think this is Jack White’s solo debut with all the music he has been involved in over the years. Being in three bands, and producing some great records by other artists, it’s not like he hasn’t been busy. “Blunderbuss”, though, is really what we’ve all been waiting for. Like most great artists, though, he works best under certain restrictions and here it’s in the form of two different bands that he alternates between for the entire record. This will definitely be considered a classic in years to come. (Listen to: “Sixteen Saltines”)