QuickCrit's Top 40 from 2012: 1 - 10

1. Beach House - Bloom

Bloom is sonic dream pop perfection that did what I thought would be impossible: it actually topped 2010's brilliant Teen Dream. Meticulous songs, textured, layered, subtle, minimal, enchanting, this album has it all. - Mona 

Didn't think this effort could match their previous one, but I was surprised. This album is almost entirely cold, but it is never bleak. - JC Hackett 

Bloom is every bit as (if not more) breathtaking as Beach House's last effort, Teen Dream. Each song is a perfect little package of dream pop brilliance. - Max D 

Hard to pick a favorite song since every one is solid. It's meant to be experienced as an album, not as singles. - Marina 

The one band that shows listeners that a bit more of the same isn't necessarily a bad thing. - MikeIsTall  

It's true that this album does not seem that different from their last one but I don't care because I listen to both of them a lot. - Ancient Indian Wizard  

They're so good, I thought they were Swedish! - TheCraneWife  

Saccharine sweet enough for me to listen to while shopping on Black Friday at the mall and not throw more than 35 stinkeyes at the writhing throng of crap shambling all around me. - Rain 

2. Twin Shadow - Confess

This album is so sexy it's crazy. - Ancient Indian Wizard

Twin Shadow's 'Confess' sounds like the work of an orphaned child raised by Prince, The Boss & Morrissey.With brash, arena size production & confessional songwriting to back it up 'Confess'  burns with cinematic fire. It's a love letter to the 1980's that stands up to the quality of any pop music made in that era. - Lucas

Twin Shadow's first album, forget, is pretty damn good, but Confess is perfect. It's sexy and weird and uses synth-y guitar in a Prince way. - TheCraneWife

This album's thesis is that love ought to be recognized and experienced... not merely analyzed. Brilliant effort. - JC Hackett

The songs do conjure up nostalgia for the 80's, but in a very fresh and not contrived way. And he's got a lot of passion. Great album. - Joey P

The first time I ever heard "Slow" off of 2010's "Forget," I was instantly hooked on his obvious obsession with 80's downer bands, his brand of new wave revivalism, musical prowess and generally undeniable sexiness. - Mona

3. Grizzly Bear - Shields

The latest offering from these guys nailed it for me.  It was one of those albums that you know you're going to love from the first listen.    - Tex

I thing I love the most about this band is their ability to make complex music without losing feel or accessibility. I'm in awe of the sheer musical brilliance happening in these songs. - Max D

Dark and understated with flourishes of pop brilliance 'Shields' accomplishes the rare combination of challenge & accessibility. Seemingly the heir apparent to Radiohead, Grizzly Bear always seem to make this sound easy. – Lucas

I doubt this shocks anyone, but this album is fucking incredible! Considering I have yet to get over and am still regularly listening to 2009's "Veckatimest," I'm certain I'll still be listening to "Shields" on the regular for the next few years, as well. - Mona

Their sound is impeccable, from the cutting guitar riffs to the slick drum beats. - Joey P 

4. Japandroids - Celebration Rock

Celebration Rock exemplified anthemic rock, raw energy and good vibes. Brian and David taught us that you can rock hard and be a nice guy too, - MikeIsTall

Driving, to-the-point guitar rock that doesn't waste a single note on the entire album. Pure joy coming from your speakers. - CloningMishap

I can practically smell the sour beer, cigarettes & pepperoni as I crank it up again and again. - awmercy

What a killer live act! Melodic noise, exuberant songs, garage rock feel, youthful and hopeful spirit, a hint of Springsteen, and raw energy that never sounds overly produced or watered down. - Mona

The most fun rock album of the last few years. - thebrownshaun 

5. Lord Huron - Lonesome Dreams

I don’t think there is a less-than-stellar song on the album -- an album characterized by masterful songwriting, thoughtful harmonies, and catchy choruses and rhythms. - NightraiN 

I'd been excited about a full length from Lord Huron for over a year, after hearing a couple of their early EPs.  Not disappointed!   - Tex 

Inhabiting the space somewhere between Vampire Weekend & My Morning Jacket, Lord Huron's debut album seems to highlight the infinite possibilities of the post indie era. It joins 'Graceland' as inspired world-pop with straight alt-country Americana. – Lucas

A late addition but I've been playing this album nonstop with no sign of ceasing. - Nesto

I just jumped on this bandwagon so other's might say his earlier stuff is cooler but I never listened to it.  I did however listen to this album a whole heck of a lot. - Ancient Indian Wizard

I didn't want to like this album because Jesse said that I would. He was right and I hate being predictable. - ve1cro

Their atmospheric indie folk gives me chills. – awmercy

Beautiful album. - Joey P

6. The Lumineers - The Lumineers

This band wasn't even on my radar when I saw them at Wolf Trap. They opened for Josh Ritter and Brandi Carlisle and the entire crowd was clapping and singing along. I came home a total convert. I am eager to see what they do next. - Ann

This album has a youthful upbeat vibe and the sing songy story telling really grabbed me. Favorite verse? “I made her laugh, I made a pass...she said that’s cool, but classy girls don’t kiss in bars, you fool”. – Brasilliant

This is a feel good album, with super catchy jams and singalong hooks. Stir it into the pot with Mumford & Sons and Of Monsters and Men, and you'll be upbeat indie folk rockin' for a few hours straight. - NightraiN

The Lumineers apparently signed the single best licensing deal in the history of music as half the CD started showing up on car commercials, beer commercials, bad movie trailers, good movie trailers, and maybe even Mitt Romney campaign ads. I don't that for sure, but I wouldn't bet against it. – JT

That Bing commercial really worked on me. - Ashley

I really like this band and whenever the songs come up on shuffle or a playlist, I always enjoy them. They're high on the list of bands I'd like to see live. - Anne

7. Mumford & Sons - Babel

Perfect for when you're in the mood for some melancholic poetry. - Nesto

Yeah, I worship at the church of Mumford. They put Idris Elba in a video and I became a parishioner for life. (Though in all fairness I really loved the last album.) - Ann

The album kinda sounds like one long song, but who really cares when that one long song is excellent. They seem to have come along at the perfect time in musical history, 'cause people love that indie folk rock. I'm with the masses, this shite is excellent. - NightraiN

If you like their first album, Sigh No More, this'll do the trick. It's a little more polished (hence more radio time), and ready for big venues, but somehow they still pull off the street busker vibe. - Brasilliant

The sophomore album did not disappoint, but I found it just a tad too cohesive compared to the surprises on "Sigh No More." Don't worry Marcus Mumford, I still love you and your delicious vest and tie wearing ways. - LVD

I love that some British folk nerds have made banjos and all-dude harmony cool to the hipster (and top 40) crowd. But as much as I like the music and enjoy listening to it, there are so many God-yearning, light-seeking, arm-lifting, sky-reaching lyrics that even Bono might say "too much." But again, badass banjo mojo. - JT

The songs don't feel quite as impactful as the best ones from Sigh No More but still good. - Graham 

8. Of Monsters & Men

Love. – Ashley

If a bunch of music students created a band with the sole purpose of finding the G-Spot between Arcade Fire and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, this would be it. After seeing them live, I'm positive they'll be impressing for years to come. - NightraiN

Good stuff. Especially the first three songs. - Graham

Discovered them toward the end of the year, but I think they have great musical chemistry, and have a good grasp on hooks that fit their voices. I listened to this for about a week straight when I got it. - Ann

9. Miike Snow - Happy to You

Just the right dose of electronic weirdness for my liking. - Nesto

The Swedes really know how to party. - Lydizzle

10. fun. - Some Nights

Probably my most favorite album ever. - Staci

The songs get stuck in your head... these guys have all the makings of a one-album wonder but it's fun (ha) in the meantime. – Ann

I tried really hard to hate this cd but it just kept ending up back in my cd player. Damn you, Fun! I give in. You win. – CloningMishap

Long time fav. - Ashley 

QuickCrit Music Survey Results - Top 40 Albums (11-20)

11. The Antlers - Hospice

“I listened to this a lot before my son was born. It kinda scared the shit out of me becuase it seems like it's more about the scary side of the hospital. To me though its about the good side of the hospital.” - ancient indian wizard
“I'm still mystified by this album. It's like a huge dark blanket that puts me in a trance.” - Max Diez

“A meditation on tragedy, grieving, anger, acceptance. This album moves me to tears damn near every time I hear it. Some friends of mine have experienced some pretty incredible tragedies this year, and listening to this album puts my heart somewhere near to what i can only imagine they were feeling. Please listen to this.” - Tex

“Catharsis is the best attribute of art. This album is devastating in its understatement.” - Jeremiah H.

12. Girls - Album

“Who doesn't want a pizza and a bottle of wine?” - HotCatato

“This one caught me off guard. Hated it at first but a few more close listens opened the door.” - Max D.





13. Pearl Jam - Backspacer

“Eddie Vedder still has it after all these years- the fixer reminds us all of why we still can't wait to listen to what Pearl Jam has to offer.” - Layne







14. Various Artists - Dark Was The Night

“I can't recall such a nearly flawless compilation . . . ever. This two disk set showcases how incredible the talent out there is right now. This album will remain a classic staple, mark my words.” – Tex

“Finally — a cause album that's as good as the cause. “ - Jeremiah H.





15. Grizzly Bear - Vecktimest

“Smart, complex, and beautiful...I'm in awe of these guys.” - Max D.

“The choral, large sound on this album contrasted with the heartbreaking lyrics makes for an experience.” - Jeremiah H.

16. Yeah Yeah Yeah's - It's Blitz!

“While I miss their more guitar driven stuff, It's Blitz! managed to keep me interested. Particularly "Soft Shock" which is quite possibly one of the cutest YYYs songs ever.” - Mona

“I have this only in vinyl, and I've spun the shit out of it. While I'd like to listen to it in my car or on the headphones sometimes, I won't let myself because listening to it still feels like an event.” - WarMachine

“Possibly the truest to the sense of the word Rock Stars of our time. Solid singles . . . the album could have been a little more cohesive, but my interest is renewed. A go to album for waking up, making coffee, and shaking one's naked-post-shower junk all over the place. No, it's cool . . . go ahead and picture it.” - Tex

“I'm a sucker for female singers, I do not hide this fact. I also did not buy a lot of music this year. That being said, this album really grew on me. Took a few listens to really start warming up to it, but now I really like it.” - Jeremiah O.

17. Harlem Shakes - Technicolor Health

“Anxious NYC indie rock after downing a handful of Zoloft.” - awmercy

“Harlem Shakes inspired many conversations with Awmercy about how much we love these tunes. Quirky indie rock at its most infectious, I love the optimism of this record and spent many hours blasting "Strictly Game." Best live show of the year, hands down.” - Mona

“I swear, nine out of ten times that a song would come up on a genius playlist that I liked but didn't know I'd ask AIW who it was and he'd guess, "the Harlem Shakes?" And he would be right! And so I eventually listened to the whole album.” - The Crane Wife

18. The xx - xx

“Simple, dry, and focused.” - Max Diez

“Dream pop at its finest, these Brits remind us that sexy and romantic are not mutually exclusive. This record is full of stunning, exciting, melodic, mellow and atmospheric mood music I just can't stop listening to.” - Mona

“I can't pick my favorite songs from this album. As an ALBUM, this flows seamlessly...truly rare in this day and age of cut and paste MP3 playlists. Exudes sensuality - prime make out music.” - Tex

“There's a shortage of male/female duet bands in the world. There is so much sincerity in this music.” - Jeremiah H.

19. Elvis Perkins In Dearland - Elvis Perkins In Dearland

“Elvis Perkins has an amazing voice and coupled with (what sounds like) an all-out brass band, Dearland is hands down the best album of the year.” - Brasilliant

“Kind of a kick back to another era but with a modern twist. Such a cool vocal delivery/style.” - Max D.

“Great songwriting and sound... one that clearly stands out when so many of the same genre sound the same.” – Nightrain

20. Hockey - Mind Chaos

"I must admit, Hockey had the potential to be way over my "screamiest" threshold. However, having seen them live three times now, I can't help but dance." - Brasilliant

Bear Hands - Golden EP (2007)

Another promising "bear" band rises out of Brooklyn's indie rock scene (Grizzly Bear, Panda Bear)... this time it's Bear Hands with their 4-track Golden EP. They've generated quite a bit of buzz in the NYC indie scene and their EP is a perfect teaser for what is hopefully to come once their full-length debut drops. I'm not sure how long that will take considering they don't even have an official website yet! I researched these guys when I learned they were opening for the upcoming Les Savy Fav show I have tickets for and was pleasantly surprised. I hardly roll up to a show these days just to hear an opening act, so it's a welcome change to find one worth getting to the venue early for-- especially since they don't suck.

Lead singer Dylan Rau sings with a rawness that is reminiscent of Craig Nicholls of The Vines (whatever happened to them? They were good...), particularly on my favorite track "Long Lean Queen." With a polished garage rock sound, their music flirts with post punk and indie rock, while managing a hybrid of alternative rock with a smidge of 90's emo. I attribute the latter to angular guitar riffs and the occasional dash of sadcore, especially on "Golden." But emo-haters can relax. There's still a bit of punchy guitar and vocals on "Sickly Brunette" for those who prefer something that wails. And "Bad Blood" is Modest Mouse-y at best, in its disjointed guitar and chaotic yet melodic vocals... but in a good way.