I’ve finally had a moment to gather my thoughts and come up with a top ten LP list for 2012. There were some very memorable discs and notable highlights including the world debut of Dave Birk’s Hey Jodie video. There were great new bands and some old dogs doing some terrific new tricks.
After all was said and done, here were the discs I found to be the most satisfying, the ones that not only caught my ear on first listen but also stood the test of time, getting better with repeated listenings:
1. Didn’t Planet – We’re Going Nowhere
They kick ass AND have a sense of humor. Every track is a keeper.
2. Shoes – Ignition
Better than they’ve ever been, great harmonies and memorable hooks galore.
3. The Golden Seals - Increase the Sweetness
Well crafted pop songs worthy of the best of the Brill building folks of yesteryear.
4. Lannie Flowers – New Songs, Old Stories
New songs that are seemingly so familiar you’ll be humming along.
5. Throwback Suburbia – Shot Glass Souvenir
Catchy as all get-go.
6. The Heartless Devils – El Diablo Sin Corazon
You’ll smile at the Ramones-like sing along, shout aloud chorus of Blame You.
7. John Fullbright – From the Ground Up
I had forgotten how good roots rock could be until I heard this.
8. Dave Birk – Speed Queen Mystery Date
Dave Birk isn’t a mystery any longer. Great Fountains of Waynes-ish stuff.
9. The Records featuring John Wicks – Works in Progress
Great collection of demos and rare cuts from the guy who brought us Starry Eyes.
10. Green Day – Uno
I knew these guys were power poppers at heart. Now I have the proof.
Feel free to agree, disagree, and provide any input in the comment section below.
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Many thanks from The Heartless Devils, wonderful list!
Great list. In fact many of same groups are in my top 30 list however isn’t the Golden Seals from 2011? About the only thing here that doesn’t fit is The Records LP, which is good – but this collection of odds and ends I wouldn’t call top ten material.
Aaron- Thanks for stopping by. Yes, the Golden Seals disc was from late 2011, November if memory serves. I didn’t learn about it until early in 2012 and it didn’t seem right to ignore such a fine record. Regarding your the “collection of odds and ends I wouldn’t call top ten material”, I’m a fan of yours but don’t feel your top ten are quite up to snuff, in my humble opinion. That’s what’s great about top ten lists. If we agreed, then there would be no reason to read or write them. Thanks again for stopping by.
Aaron- Thanks for stopping by. Yes, the Golden Seals disc was from late 2011, November if memory serves. I didn’t learn about it until early in 2012 and it didn’t seem right to ignore such a fine record. Regarding your the “collection of odds and ends I wouldn’t call top ten material”, I’m a fan of yours but don’t feel your top ten are quite up to snuff, in my humble opinion. That’s what’s great about top ten lists. If we agreed, then there would be no reason to read or write them. Thanks again for stopping by.
This is a good list, but Didn’t Planet should be #1 . . . .oh wait, they are, it’s a GREAT LIST!!!
Love Didn’t Planet!!!!