Staff Picks: Favorite Albums of 2012

Today we present Jonk Music’s favorite albums of 2012. And if you missed yesterday’s post, be sure to check out our Artists’ Choice favorite albums collection.

Andrew Brandt
Writer

10. The Tallest Man on Earth
There’s No Leaving Now
“Tallest Man’s freshest batch of songs aged well with fall’s passing. Tales of confronting companion’s struggles and personal despair compose the bulk of the record, flaunted on the piano ballad title track. There’s No Leaving Now is a generous record that radiates a home-y warmth, and I look forward to what it brings as winter’s harshest days lie ahead.”
9. Dirty Projectors Swing Lo Magellan
“On Swing Lo, Dave Longstreth quit treating everyone in his band like robots, and (surprise!) ended up releasing a solid set of semi-relatable tunes. The album is chock-full of poppy love songs (in a warped, Dirty Pros kind of way) and is capped off with the tremendously heartbreakingly-heart-filled ‘Impregnable Question’.”
8. Kendrick Lamar Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City
“The concept is simple… teen takes his mom’s van for a quick drive through the city… but the alleys this album strays down (drugs, death, and responsibility) lead to some weighty moments involving multiple characters (‘Drunk Kendrick’s Conscience’ on ‘Swimming Pools’ is by far my favorite). However, the spotless production and quality of each individual track outshines even the story. On Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City, Kendrick poses the question any (one-time) kid can relate to: do I hang with the cool kids, or do what I know is right?”
7. Titus Andronicus Local Business
“Local Business will be the album that cements Titus Andronicus as one of the biggest hearted, most brutally honest bands around. The record continues the Titus trend of writing songs with thought-provoking lyrics that simultaneously satisfy the need to rock the fuck out. The loyalty and devotion Titus displays to their fans and art is both humbling and inspiring, something increasingly unique in a scene overbloated in ‘hip’.”
6. Father John Misty Fear Fun
“Hilarious. Absolutely knee-slapping hilarious.”
5. Cloud Nothings Attack on Memory
“Forget everything you thought you knew about Cloud Nothings. Maybe it was a girl, maybe it was turning 20, or maybe it was living in the landfill known as ‘Ohio’ that made Dylan Baldi snap. Honestly, I couldn’t care less… Attack on Memory is an energetic, tense, and loud listen (see the punishing ‘Wasted Days’ for all three at once).”
4. Now, Now Threads
“Now, Now is from Minneapolis. They make shy girl vocals and power chords cool. They have the best ‘indie’ drumming in the history of the ‘indie’ game. They also have huge hearts. Go buy this record; it’s really, really good.”
3. Perfume Genius Put Your Back N 2 It
“Put Your Back N 2 It delicately champions Perfume Genius as king of all things devastating. With enhanced production and the subtle additions of drums and guitar, Hadreas’ second effort feels even more intimate than his first. Yet for all of the gorgeous peril within these songs, within Hadreas’s life, hope always persists and this record’s very existence is proof of its power.”
2. Field Report Field Report
“My sole regret of 2012: placing this dark, cathartic debut at number two.”
1. Japandroids Celebration Rock
“[Enter Cannons] In a mere 35 minutes, two friends rocking the shit out of one guitar and drum kit perfectly capture that fleeting feeling of reckless young youth in its most pure, triumphant, and epic form. Hell yeah, high five! [Exit Cannons]”

Nick Crow
Former Writer

10. Alabama Shakes Boys & Girls
“Beautiful voice, beautiful harmony, will achieve mainstream success in the next three years.”
9. Tame Impala Lonerism
“This album could have come out in 1975 and no one would know the difference. That’s not a bad thing.”
8. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs Trouble
“Fun album. The English are capable of producing more than just garage rock.”
7. Twin Shadow Confess
“I listened to ‘Five Seconds’ probably 100 times before this album came out. It is a ‘smoking clove cigarettes and wearing a beret’ kind of album but avoids a sophomore slump in a big way.”
6. Hot Chip In Our Heads
“First album where they strayed from DFA. I was nervous; shouldn’t have been. Good shit.”
5. The Walkmen Heaven
“Hamilton Leithauser could sing the intro to Sunday Night Football and it would be good.”
4. Divine Fits A Thing Called Divine Fits
“Take Wolf Parade, add two scoops of the Handsome Furs, and top it with a Spoon. Yum!”
3. Father John Misty Fear Fun
“It’s not often that someone leaves a band and makes a better album solo; this could possibly be one of those times.”
2. Japandroids Celebration Rock
“I wasn’t a fan of Japandroids in 2009. I am now. This album is so good…”
1. Tanlines Mixed Emotions
“This album is just great. You can listen to it from front to back and not think twice about it.”

Drew Curtis
Writer

10. The Tallest Man on Earth
There’s No Leaving Now
9. Lord Huron Lonesome Dreams
8. Maps & Atlases Beware and Be Grateful
7. Tame Impala Lonerism
6. Frank Ocean Channel Orange
5. The xx Coexist
“After their well-received self-titled debut album, The xx released Coexist, which almost seems to be an extension of the first album. While you might not find too much variation from their first album, they continue to mesmerize audiences with their minimalist music carried by gorgeous whispering male/female vocal interplay.”
4. Santigold Master of My Make-Believe
“With Master of My Make-Believe, Santigold continues to provide an impressive, M.I.A.-esque track to track variation, employing new sounds and styles throughout the album to keep their music fresh and unpredictable.”
3. Hot Chip In Our Heads
“For those that just want some smooth tunes to cool their jets, Hot Chip has got you covered. In Our Heads uses heavy electronic production to catch your ear but keeps it on the down-low, careful not to overexcite.”
2. The Avett Brothers The Carpenter
“Despite The Avett Brothers’ departure from their homemade folksy style and overlooking their strange Gap endorsement, The Carpenter still delivers. The bros’ newest album consists of a more polished Avett with lots of new sounds, with a bit of the old.”
1. Sleigh Bells Reign of Terror
“Reign of Terror has got a sharp bite to it, but goes down with surprising ease. Delivering pulse after pulse of energy, Sleigh Bells creates head-banger music without the messy hangover feeling.”

Idil Gur
Writer

10. Hunx Hairdresser Blues
“Very fun album to listen to with lots of attitude and sass. Also the vinyl comes with a red comb!”
 9. Lana Del Rey Born to Die (Paradise Edition)
“Even though she gets lots of criticism, this album gave birth to the greatest remixes of the year. So I will give a spot to Lana Del Rey on my list for creating good material.”
8. Pacific Air Long Live Koko
“It is a small album with lots of energy and potential.”
 7. Stars The North
“Stars had a great comeback with The North, reclaiming their fame.”
6. Why? Mumps, Etc.
“Even though it is not the best Why? album, songs like ‘Jonathan’s Hope’ and ‘Strawberries’ make this album successful.”
5. Blonds Bad Ones
“One of the best up-and-coming albums of the year. Every song is worth a listen.”
4. Magnetic Fields Love at the Bottom of the Sea
“A Magnetic Fields classic, jammed pack with artistic quality.”
3. Kendrick Lamar Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City
“A true masterpiece. The songs guide you through Lamar’s life, from childhood to fame.”
2. Dirty Projectors Swing Lo Magellan
“One of the best Dirty Projectors albums to date. Gave birth to hits such as ‘About to Die’ and ‘The Socialites’.”
1. Frank Ocean Channel Orange
“An album that will last for years. An amazing R&B journey from beginning to end.”

Jon Kjarsgaard
Editor

10. Alt-J An Awesome Wave
9. Daniel Rossen Silent Hour/Golden Mile
8. Japandroids Celebration Rock
7. Frank Ocean Channel Orange
6. Sharon Van Etten Tramp
5. Divine Fits A Thing Called Divine Fits
4. Cat Power Sun
3. Milo Greene Milo Greene
2. Dirty Projectors Swing Lo Magellan
1. Beach House Bloom

Chris Kraemer
Writer

10. Kendrick Lamar
Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City
9. Poliça Give You the Ghost
8. Dirty Projectors Swing Lo Magellan
7. The xx Coexist
6. Grizzly Bear Shields
5. The Weeknd Trilogy
4. Gary Clark Jr. Blak and Blu
3. Bobby Womack The Bravest Man in the Universe
2. Solid Gold Eat Your Young
1. Alabama Shakes Boys & Girls

Erica Matlin
Writer

10. The Dig Midnight Flowers
“Heard the track ‘Blackwater’ two months ago in a movie. I’ve been listening to them everyday since.”
9. Regina Spektor What We Saw from the Cheap Seats
8.Download Mumford & Sons Babel
“Great follow-up album to Sigh No More.”
7. Bruce Springsteen Wrecking Ball
“Saw him perform the album in Sevilla, Spain where he kicked off his European tour. I’ll always have a soft spot for it.”
6. Imagine Dragons Continued Silence
5. Of Monsters and Men My Head is an Animal
4. The Killers Battle Ground
“First full album since 2008, as the band went on hiatus for a little bit. I wouldn’t necessarily call this a comeback, because the band has always made great music, but Battle Ground blew my mind. ‘Heart of a Girl’ and ‘Miss Atomic Bomb’ are favorites.”
 3. John Mayer Born and Raised
“Really deep and emotional, with a sense of modesty.”
2. Maroon 5 Overexposed
“Not sure if this really fits the Jonk audience, but it’s a great pop album nonetheless. I think Maroon 5 broke out of their teen-fan base with Overexposed.”
1. Graffiti6 Colours
“The greatest band I found in 2012. I’m obsessed.”

Max Simon
Writer

10. Delicate Steve Positive Force
9. Of Monsters and Men My Head is an Animal
8. The Neighbourhood I’m Sorry…
7. Bahamas Barchords
6. The Whigs Enjoy the Company
5. Gary Clark Jr. Blak and Blu
4. Mumford & Sons Babel
3. Jack White Blunderbuss
2. Alabama Shakes Boys & Girls
1. The Lumineers The Lumineers

Hillary Sprecher
Writer

10. Leonard Cohen Old Ideas
9. Dirty Projectors Swing Lo Magellan
8. Father John Misty Fear Fun
7. Alt-J An Awesome Wave
6. Bahamas Barchords
5. John Fullbright From the Ground Up
4. Field Report Field Report
3. Kathleen Edwards Voyageur
2. Justin Townes Earle Nothing’s Going to Change the Way You Feel About Me Now
1. Shovels and Rope O’ Be Joyful

Sam Swiech
Writer

10. Symmetry Themes for an Imaginary Film
“My weird infatuation with nostalgic ’80s cinematic synth music is completely behind this left field pick. If you enjoyed the soundtrack to Drive last year, this composition follows perfectly.”
9. Alabama Shakes Boys & Girls
“If Etta James and the Kings of Leon collaborated in a parallel universe, the result would be Alabama Shakes.”
8. Death Grips No Love Deep Web
“Messy, chaotic, and crude with lyrics that give an earnest and unfiltered description of a generation’s dissatisfaction with society and opportunity. I suppose that technically makes it punk music.”
7. Poolside Pacific Standard Time
“Mesmerizing, sexy, and upbeat are the best terms I can use to describe Poolside’s debut LP. If you’ve got the end-of-the-year jitters, I suggest popping this on the hi-fi and sitting down with a glass of bourbon.”
6. Breakbot By Your Side
“I’m not sure if everyone is quite as ready for the disco revival as I am, but if you’re a fan of pre-Thriller Michael Jackson or the disco classics of the ’70s and ’80s, this record will not disappoint.”
5. DIIV Oshin
“This album’s gloom and depth make it this year’s anthem to a rainy day. Musically, the record is extremely fresh while maintaining a classic dark-wave mentality.”
4. Chromatics Kill for Love
“This album’s acclaim has made it the cornerstone of the fantastic NYC label Italians Do It Better. This is definitely this year’s best album for the car stereo.”
3. Frank Ocean Channel Orange
“After hearing Frank Ocean’s first mixtape, I had a feeling his talent would either be massively acclaimed or massively slept on. I’m so glad R&B is back in such a big way.”
2. Tame Impala Lonerism
“Perfect follow-up to their acclaimed debut album. Tame Impala takes their psychedelic studio wizardry to the next level with their sophomore album. This album hearkens back to the ’60s sonic experimentations of artists like Todd Rundgren.”
1. Kendrick Lamar Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City
“The best attempt to save hip-hop from itself in years.”

Ryan Thomas
Writer

10. Beak> >>
9. Micachu and the Shapes Never
8. Laurel Halo Quarantine
7. John Talabot Fin
6. Here We Go Magic A Different Ship
5. Clinic Free Reign
4. Grizzly Bear Shields
3. Ultraista Ultraista
2. Animal Collective Centipede Hz
1. Dirty Projectors Swing Lo Magellan

Chris Winterhack
Marketing Coordinator

10. The Babies Our House on the Hill
“Just got into this in the last couple of weeks. They played at Mickey’s Tavern in Madison in November. I’ll be kicking myself for the foreseeable future for missing it.”
9. The Gaslight Anthem Handwritten
“Not my favorite album of theirs but I still love the band.”
8. Divine Fits A Thing Called Divine Fits
“Do you really think the guy in the $3,000 suit would leave out a band with Britt Daniel from Spoon and Dan Boeckner from Wolf Parade/Handsome Furs? COME ON! (Arrested Development reference. Please come to the Arrested Development Party hosted by Jonk Music on 12/29/12. Vote for your favorite episodes at jonkmusic.com/annyong … sorry, I’m the marketing guy.)”
7. Killer Mike R.A.P. Music
6. Beach House Bloom
“Seeing them perform many of these songs at Pitchfork this summer sealed me on loving this album.”
5. Grizzly Bear Shields
“Wouldn’t have expected any less from Grizzly Bear.”
4. El-P Cancer 4 Cure
“This album along with Killer Mike, Kendrick Lamar, and Schoolboy Q’s albums renewed my love for hip-hop this year.”
3. Purity Ring Shrines
2. Cloud Nothings Attack on Memory
1. Japandroids Celebration Rock
“My top two albums reflect the excitement I have for the emergence a punk influence in the indie world.”