2012's Best Albums

Down in the waves she screams again; Roar at the door; My mind can’t take much more... The Black Keys - Gold On the Ceiling
 

 

 Here is the list:

1. The Black Keys - El Camino - Actually released in late 2011, but I have included it in my best of 2012. The Black Keys continue their emergence as a great rock band. El Camino began where 2010's Brothers left off with imaginitive, guitar driven bluesy rock. The leadoff single Lonely Boy is my song of the year. The album is strong throughout, but highlights include Lonely Boy, Gold on the Ceiling, Sister, Dead and Gone, Little Black Submarine....

2. The Shins - Port of Morrow - After some detours with Broken Bells, etc... James Mercer regroups The Shins and release their first album since 2007's Wincing the Night Away. Port of Morrow's is a more straight ahead pop album, but still managed to mantain their signature quirky sound. A couple of ballads really made this album: It's Only Life and For a Fool are a couple of the Shins best.

3. Jack White - Blunderbuss - Jack White's solo debut lived up to it's expectations. The album featured the same edgy music that White has been playing for years. Sixteen Saltines is classic Jack White, with a hint of The Who; Love Interuption, Freedom at 21 and I'm Shakin' were also highlights.

4. Mumford and Sons - Babel
5 Bruce Springsteen - Wrecking Ball
6. Dwight Yoakam - 3 Pears
7. The dB's - Falling Off the Sky
8. The Avett Brothers - The Carpenter
9. The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten
10. Alejandro Escovedo - Big Station