You won’t want to hit next while listening to any of these
To cap off each year, I take time out to look at my music collection from the past 12 months and realize that I haven’t listened to as much new music as I should have. Sure, you hear the singles each week, but what are the albums that you pulled out and didn’t put down, an album where you didn’t hit the “next” button, an album that you put in the CD player, or loaded up on iTunes, and actually just sat back and listened to?
For me, there weren’t many of those albums in my library. I think this is actually one of the main reasons that some artists don’t have to try as hard. As long as there are two good songs and at least one radio hit, let’s print those babies and head out on tour (i.e. Ke$ha). Luckily there are some that sit down and try to put together something that you would love as a whole.
So here is my list for best albums of the year. Let me make sure you read that right: My list for best albums of the year. Not critically acclaimed albums, not Rolling Stones’ top 100, just music I like and would recommend. These are the top four albums that I loved and would put in right now and not hit “next.”
First on my list has to be the return of one of my favorite bands of all time, Soundgarden. In all honesty, I’m not exactly sure how good “King Animal” is, but it’s just damn good to have Soundgarden back. It only took 16 years. You probably caught Chris Cornell’s solo albums or his time in Audioslave, but every time I heard something from him, my only thoughts were, “well that’s not Soundgarden.” I will have to say the luckiest guy in the band has to be drummer Matt Cameron. Matt’s been spending the last 16 years with another little band from Seattle called Pearl Jam. Pick up Soundgarden’s “King Animal” and remember what the ’90s were like.
Next on the list is a band that’s now one of the biggest and best live acts out today. I’m referring to Muse, and their sixth album, “The 2nd Law.” The band is definitely fans of concept albums and it’s blatantly obvious with “The 2nd Law.” Hell, Muse even uses dubstep on this album and I like it; that’s a tough sell. Some of the best tracks on the album, “Save Me” and “Liquid State,” are sung by the bass player Chris Wolsternholme, not the lead singer Matt Bellamy. Muse is touring next year and, unfortunately, the only dates in the southeast are in Florida. Muse is comparing this tour to Pink Floyd’s The Wall. Should be over the top.
Coming in as my second favorite album of 2012 was Jack White’s first official solo album “Blunderbuss.” Even though I consider all of the White Stripes’ albums “Jack White solo albums,” this is the first official release. For me, Jack White is the best musician out today. I think he’s an amazing guitar player with no fear. It’s not that he’s the best guitar player; it’s that he’s doing things with a guitar that is completely unconventional. While on a road trip, I was able to stop by Jack’s Third Man Records store in Nashville. It’s very cool to see a guy still making vinyl (Google that, kids). “Sixteen Saltines,” track two on “Blunderbuss,” would be my No. 1 song of 2012.
Now the coveted No. 1 spot has to go to the band I’ve talked about most this year. Coming off of six Grammy nominations, I’m talking about The Black Keys and “El Camino.” From start to finish, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney kick ass. Sometimes there is just no better way to explain it. These guys are at the top of their game and are already working on a new record for 2013. Not much more I need to say about the Black Keys that I haven’t said over the past 12 months, besides buy this record!
What albums were in your top four? Who do you want to see in Augusta in 2013? How has Ke$ha hurt you? Email me at matt@themetrospirit.com.You Might Also Like:
