So goodbye 2012, maybe slightly blurred in places but certainly not forgotten… it did go so quickly though, which in my world I check back on some great musical releases only to realise they are even older than I initially realised – it’s hard to believe for example that Dreadzone’s “Eye on the Horizon” was one of my albums of the year back in 2010, where did 2011 disappear to, let alone 2012?
As such it is with this thought that I look back briefly at some of my own personal favourite releases of the year 2012, and as with many a best of list I could quite easily do this completely differently if I were to write again tomorrow – so although in no particular order, written for the sake of my own memory as well as your reading pleasure, here are just some of my recommendations from the year gone by:
1) Islet – Illuminating People
The term accessible is often used to describe an artists’ more radio friendly works, and although I’m hoping not to expect Islet to be heard on the drive time slot anytime soon, “Illuminating People” ticks all the right boxes for the perfect blend of unusual art soundscapes with more song based tunes.
2) Night of Treason – Gentlemen and Hooligans
Often unsigned local bands can end up being over produced and lose the edge of the live surroundings which we’ve initially heard them, but this is not the case on “Gentlemen and Hooligans” and with the addition of horns and piano to their everyday punk sound this release from Night of Treason is definitely up there as one of my albums of the year.
3) Karin Park – Highway Poetry
Having missed out on a couple of previous gigs, it was seeing Karin Park at Southsea Fest that made me realise what all the hype was about, and this haunting take on the electronic world is just as captivating through record as it was live back on that wonderful September evening.
4) Bellowhead – Broadside
In an album filled with traditional folk songs, Bellowhead haven’t set out to make a ground breaking release, it just came naturally, and it’s this along with the passion and energy that have made these songs (some of which the origins go back several generations) exciting, as well as becoming available to a whole new listener.
5) Bo Ningen – Line the Wall
It’s just a beautifully crafted piece of work, the constant psychedelic sounds and drones of guitar work creating a hypnotic attack on the senses and a band that I’d also recommend everyone to check out live.
6) Kiss – Monster
There’s a review elsewhere on these pages, but in summary this is an album that unlike other Kiss offerings sounds like they could have written and recorded it back with the original line-up, this may have been 2012 but is classic 70’s Kiss and one hell of a monster.
7) Rufus Wainwright – Out of the Game
The title track on this one gives the feel for the album, Rufus has a beautiful voice and dare I say it by far my favourite member of the Wainwright family. This album in particular has great production and you can visualise the influence of Rufus’ love for the flamboyant.
8) Retrospective Soundtrack Players – the Catcher in the Rye
Another local band, and again worthy of being right up there as one of my albums of the year, so what we have here is a concept album in tribute to singer Kyle’s favourite book “the Catcher in the Rye” providing a number of beautifully crafted indie folk tunes – looking forward to seeing/hearing what 2013 brings from these guys.
9) Otis Grand – Blues ‘65
As the title suggests, this is Otis Grand playing homage to the blues of the 1960’s, however unlike many modern day blues artists Otis pours his heart and soul into his music and speaks volumes through outstanding guitar playing, rather than just going through the motions like many others have over the years. It’s for this reason, along with great vocals from the likes of Sugar Ray Norcia that make every Otis Grand album a pleasure to listen to.
10) Public Image Limited – This is PIL
From the opening warbles on “This is PIL” you remember what a great voice John Lydon actually has, and although Lydon may have left his punk legend status well behind when appearing in the likes of “I’m a Celebrity”, you can almost forgive him when this classic sounding album has been self-funded thanks to the profits of a certain butter advert…
So from art to butter, that concludes my review of 2012.
If only ten were a bigger number and I would have rambled on about the likes of Trembling Bells collaborating with Bonnie Prince Billy; new releases from the legends that are Bob Dylan and Neil Young; the genius that is Irelands Duke Special; the weirdness of Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends: the return of Garbage: the discovery of The Voodoo Organist and many more yet to have been listened to.
With so much to choose from I welcome you to post your own top 10’s of the year below, and in the meantime I wish you a wonderful and happy New Year – may it bring you all the music that you desire.
Peace, love and happiness
Mr Teeth
