As I commented in a post previously, I felt a little disconnected to the newer music of 2012. After looking at Court's list, I went back over my notes, downloads and purchases to find a few songs I liked from the past year. Since I only have a few, I called it my "EP." Tragically, I do not think many of these tracks will stand the test of time like previous "Best of's." So, here it goes.
Craig Finn - "Honolulu Blues."
Craig Finn of The Hold Steady always reminded me of a schizophrenic Bob Dylan or younger, diarrhea-mouthed Bruce Springsteen. Very wordy - to the point of being rambly. When I saw his record was released, I wasn't crazy about the single, but I liked the second track.
The Lumineers - "Ho Hey"
Here is my radio-friendly choice. I've been hearing it a lot lately. Much like stated in one of the previous "Best of" segment, lo-fi, alt-folk seems to be the trend; unless your gravitate to indie-hipster synth rock - see Court's best of. This is probably the best of the bunch. Especially since Mumford & Sons second release sounds like their 1st record, part 2. Besides, these guys are American.
Low Cut Connie - "Say Yes"
I can't even find a video for this one, so I chose a performance from Philadelphia's North Star Bar. I like rockabilly, especially when it spurns out of control with the likes of the Revered Horton Heat or the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. These guys are a little different, they have a piano player who sounds like Jerry Lee Lewis emerged inside a punk band. Something different.
Jack White "Sixteen Saltines"
People rag on Jack White, but I like him. I think he is a talent. His solo debut didn't disappoint. I think Blunderbus is one of the better albums of the year. I liked the chaos and the randomness of eating saltines becoming a song.
Japandroids - "The House That Heaven Built"
Probably not a mainstream best of, but I'm sure it made many "alt" best of's. It got a bunch of radio play on Sirius XMU & Alt Nation. It rocks, and is one of the bands (much like, say Gaslight Anthem) that are still holding on to balls out rock and roll.
The Vaccines - "Teenage Icon"
A cool little punk band that has some roots in the Ramones and the Strokes. The album, Coming of Age was one of my better finds. I liked this, their second release off the record.
Also in consideration were: Howler's "Beach Sluts," Pond's "Fantastic Explosion of Time, " and Toy's "Colours Running Out."
