Before I list my top albums of 2012, I’d just like to acknowledge Ravi Shankar’s passing yesterday at 92. He was truly a pivotal pioneer for Western music, and will never be forgotten.

So, wrapping up 2012, it has been a strong year for music, and most especially rap and hip-hop alike. Each entry below includes the album name, the closest genres to the sound, and one track I recommend you download/stream, if interested. Note there are a lot of great albums I did not include on here.

Bobby Womack – The Bravest Man in the Universe

Electronica
Neo-Soul

Best Track: “Dayglo Reflection”

THEESatisfaction – AwE NaturalE

Alternative R&B
Alternative Rap
Left-Field Hip-Hop

Best Track: “Deeper”

LHF – Keepers of the Light

Experimental Techno
IDM
Post-Dubstep

Best Track: “Voyages”

David Byrne & St. Vincent – Love This Giant

Art-Pop
Progressive Pop

Best Track: “Ice Age”

Animal Collective – Centipede Hz 

Experimental Rock
Indie Rock

Best Track: “New Town Burnout”

Open-Mike Eagle – 4NML HSPTL 

Left-Field Hip-Hop
West Coast Hip-Hop

Best Track: “HSPTL”

Jens Lekman – I Know What Love Isn’t 

Chamber Pop
Indie Pop

Best Track: “Erica America”

Frank Ocean – Channel Orange

Contemporary R&B
Neo-Soul

Best Track: “Thinkin’ ‘Bout You”

Bat for Lashes – The Haunted Man

Art-Pop
Synth Pop
Dream Pop

Best Track: “Lilies”

Lana Del Rey – Born to Die

Downtempo
Indie Rock

Best Track: “Summertime Sadness”

Daphni – Jiaolong 

Tech-House
Tribal House

Best Track: “Ye Ye”

Flying Lotus – Until the Quiet Comes

Abstract Hip-Hop
Glitch-Hop
IDM

Best Track: “me Yesterday//Corded”

Richard Hawley – Standing at the Sky’s Edge 

Indie Rock
Neo-Psychedelia

Best Track: “The Wood Colliers Grave”

Ellie Goulding – Halcyon

Electropop
Electronica
Best Track: “Don’t Say a Word”

Perfume Genius – Put Your Back N 2 It

Chamber Pop
Indie Pop
Sadcore

Best Track “All Waters”

Death Grips – The Money Store

Abstract Hip-Hop
Alternative Rap
Left-Field Hip-Hop

Best Track: “Hustle Bones”

How to Dress Well – Total Loss 

Alternative R&B
Indie Electronic
Dream Pop

Best Track: “Running Back”

Sharon Van Etten – Tramp

Alternative Singer/Songwriter
Indie Rock
Contemporary Folk

Best Track: “Magic Chords”

Jack White – Blunderbuss

Alternative Pop/Rock
Blues Rock
Garage Rock Revival

Best Track: “Blunderbuss”

Hot Chip – In Our Heads

Indie Electronic
Synth-Pop

Best Track: “These Chains”

Swans – The Seer

Experimental Rock
Noise-Rock
Post-Rock

Best Track: “The Seer Returns”

Crystal Castles – III

Experimental Synth-Pop
Dream-Pop

Best Track: “Plague”

Jeremiah Jae – Raw Money Raps

Abstract Hip-Hop
Electronica

Best Track: “Greetings”

Oddisee – People Hear What They See

Underground Rap
Left-Field Hip-Hop

Best Track: “American Greed”

Woods – Bend Beyond

Psychedelic Folk
Indie Rock
Lo-Fi

Best Track: “It Ain’t Easy”

Sole – A Ruthless Criticism of Everything Existing

Underground Rap
Political Rap
East Coast Hip-Hop

Best Track: “Animal”

Burial – Kindred EP

Post-Dubstep
2-Step/British Garage
Progressive House

Best Track: “Kindred”

Fiona Apple – The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do

Alternative Singer/Songwriter
Art-Pop
Jazz-Pop

Best Track: “Periphery”

Joey Bada$$ – 1999

East-Coast Hip-Hop
Underground Rap
Jazz-Rap

Best Track: “Righteous Minds”

Coin Locker Kid – The Ghost Sonata

Abstract Hip-Hop
Experimental Hip-Hop
Underground Rap

Best Track: “Gretle.”

Big K.R.I.T – 4eva N a Day

Conscious Hip-Hop
Dirty South

Best Track: “Red Eye”

Amanda Palmer – Theatre is Evil

Alternative Singer/Songwriter
Indie Rock

Best Track: “Grown Man Cry”

Sigur Rós – Valtari

Ambient
Post-Rock
Experimental Rock

Best Track: “Ekki Múkk”

ANX – Dark Time Sunshine

Abstract Hip-Hop
Electronica

Best Track: “Prarie Dog Day”

Plan B – Ill Manors

British Rap
Film Music
Grime

Best Track: “Playing With Fire”

Cat Power – Sun

Alternative Singer/Songwriter
Indie Rock

Best Track: “Peace and Love”

Regina Spektor – What We Saw from the Cheap Seats

Chamber Pop
Singer/Songwriter
Piano Rock

Best Track: “Ballad of a Politician”

The Dirty Projectors – Swing Lo Magellan

Art-Pop
Indie Pop

Best Track: “About to Die”

The Bad Plus – Made Possible

Post-Bop
Avant-Garde Jazz
Contemporary Jazz

Best Track: “Pound for Pound”

Rainy Milo – Limey EP

Alternative R&B
Indie Electronic
Neo-Soul

Best Track: “Don’t Regret Me”

Dr. John – Locked Down

New Orleans R&B
Rock & Roll
Psychedelic Rock

Best Track: “Revolution”

Billy Woods – History Will Absolve Me

Abstract Hip-Hop
East Coast Hip-Hop

Best Track: “Human Resources”

Matt Elliott – The Broken Man

Contemporary Folk
Singer/Songwriter
Progressive Folk

Best Track: “Oh How We Fell”

Antony and the Johnsons – Cut the World

Chamber Pop
Live Performance

Best Track: “Twilight”

Max Richter – Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons

Ambient
Modern Classical
Neoclassicalism

Best Track: “Spring 1″

Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city

Conscious Hip-Hop
West Coast Hip-Hop
Underground Rap

Best Track: “M.A.A.D City”

Action Bronson – Rare Chandeliers

Boom Bap
Underground Rap

Best Track: “Sylvester Lundgren”

Aesop Rock – Skelethon

Alternative Rap
Underground Rap

Best Track: “1,000 O’Clock”

Beach House – Bloom

Dream Pop
Indie Rock
Neo-Psychedelia

Best Track: “Myth”

EL-P – Cancer 4 Cure

Alternative Rap
Underground Rap

Best Track: “Request Denied”

As we draw ever closer to the year’s end, the old adage of “saving the best for last”  seems appropriate for Stuart Warwick’s “Sailors”.

Stuart Warwick first started creating music under the alias Jacob’s Stories back in 2003 and his return is gorgeous, spellbinding, and moving.

Richly layered strings, piano, and chimes combine with jazz-like drum brush strokes to create a dark and elegant composition that recalls Bat For Lashes, and Perfume Genius mixed with Rufus Wainwright.  Mesmerising, “Sailors” is delicately constructed and deftly melodic.

As the press release that accompanies the single states, the song is “a heady mix of bittersweet lost-love songs and Warwick’s darkly comic, twisted and lewd lyrical wit”, uniting Bat For Lashes meets Tim Burton style fantasy with the confessional unease often revealed in the work of Perfume Genius.

Already promising to be a 2013 highlight, the album ‘The Butcher’s Voice’ will released as a digital download and limited edition ‘pop up’ CD on Stuart’s own Laugh Riot Records, and vinyl pressing through Faux Discx on January 14, 2013. Pre-order now.

In the meantime download “Sailors” for free from Stuart Warwick’s Soundcloud page.

Listen to “Sailors” below:

Editor Picks Best of 2012: RE’s 2012 Picks
Staff Picks Best of 2012: Arizona Turk’s Incredible List for 2012

Read the 2011 Hummingbirds
Did you know we predicted James Vincent McMorrow, Other Lives, La Sera and Widowspeak!

No Better Bands Then The One’s Who Wear the Hummingbird

Playlist:

Read the 2010 Hummingbirds
Did you know we predicted Best Coast, Sleigh Bells, Perfume Genius, Lord Huron & Tennis!

No Better Bands Then The Ones That Wear The Hummingbird

Playlist:

Where will she land? Tell us your favorite 2012 New Band and we will add them to our list!

So I’ve put together my top 15 albums of 2012. For no other reason than people have been asking me. [And just so it’s not 10...or 20 albums...and just to be awkward]

What I always say though is….. music is ultimately subjective. One person’s heaven, is another person’s hell. And who are we to be snobs about it?

So listen to the music you love…and BUY the music. Support the artists you love, support the independents [because they are doing it for the love, not the money] and know that there is far greater musical talent out there than what is in the charts…[which are as far as I’m concerned..fixed anyway...just like the X Factor. ;o)]

So read all the blogs and music websites out there, and make your own mind up, it’s the only way forward.

Here we go.

1. Me and My Drummer – The Hawk, The Beak, The Prey
2. The XX – Coexist
3. How To Dress Well – Total Loss
4. Saint Saviour – Union
5. Miguel – Kaleidoscope Dream
6. The Weeknd – Trilogy
7. Grimes – Visions
8. Perfume Genius – Put Your Back n 2 It
9. Richard Hawley – Standing at the Sky’s Edge
10. Goat – World Music
11. Swans – The Seer
12. Cat Power – Sun
13. Lucy Rose – Like I Used To
14. Alabama Shakes – Boys and Girls
15. Jack White – Blunderbuss

And PLEASE go buy these albums. From an Independent record store….not iTunes. Apple doesn’t need the money.

[All my writing can be found at www.lisaannejenkins.com ]

Photo credit: out.com

-Liz

Lykke Li: Get Some (Beck Remix)

Perfume Genius: Hood

Gil Scott: I’ll Take Care of You

The Knife: Heartbeats

Me: “Mom, is it weird that I kind of wish I was in New York right now so I could hole up in my apartment and watch TV or movies or read books or something and not have to be in LA in the gazillionth week in a row of 85 degree weather???  And yes I know it’s a hurricane, but still.  They’re getting out of work and they have an excuse to stay inside all day.”

Mom: “It’s not weird, but there are a lot of people in the city being evacuated you know… you wouldn’t necessarily get to stay in your apartment.”

Me: “I know, but I still wish I was there.  I want something other than sun for once.”

Yes, I realize the power is going out everywhere and there are fires burning down houses in Queens and Sandy is a very real, very dangerous threat that is costing lives on the east coast.  And I also realize that chances are my power would be out if I was in NY and thus the whole notion of movies and TV being a draw is ridiculous.  I am constantly praying for the people affected by Sandy and I do not take the storm lightly, lest you think I have an image in my head that it’s all fun and games in NY right now.

I just can’t handle one more day of 80+ degrees WHEN IT’S ALMOST NOVEMBER.  I would love some weather.  Any weather.  Just something other than sun.  I mean seriously, people, when am I going to get to break out my sweaters and boots and scarves and warm layers?  I want fall!!  This 3 month-long heat wave has got to stop!  And no, I don’t count a few days in a row of 70 degrees as fall.  Especially not when it immediately warms back up to the 80′s (or 90′s, like it was on Sunday).

Dear Lord, please give Los Angeles the season of Autumn.  Amen.

Another reason I’d like it to cool down?  Because using a Saturday to stay inside, bundle up on the couch, and marathon season 3 of Deadwood just isn’t as appealing when it’s hot and sunny outside.  Who am I kidding, it’s still appealing because I’m always up for TV marathons.  What I meant to say was, it’s not as acceptable when it’s hot and sunny outside.  I worry about what people think, y’all.  I don’t want my roomies judging me for Deadwood-a-thons in the middle of Octo-summer.

Regardless, I have still managed to keep up with most of the past week’s shows, and I’ve got some pretty awesome tunes for you to check out.  If you’re on the east coast and still have power, they’re all good for some rainy/hurricaney day listening.  And if you’re anywhere else, they’re good in any weather condition, really.

Tuesday, October 23rd

PARENTHOOD: “I Need You By My Side” by Michael Kiwanuka (from his I’m Getting Ready EP)

PARENTHOOD: “Dark Parts” and “Sister Song” by Perfume Genius (both from Put Your Back N 2 It)

PARENTHOOD: “Guiltfree” by Bootstraps (from their self-titled debut album)

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS: “Who Are You, Really?” by Mikky Ekko (from the EP Reds)

Thursday, October 25th

GREY’S ANATOMY: “Home” by Daughter (from their EP The Wild Youth)

GREY’S ANATOMY: “I’ll Never Forget You” by Birdy (from her self-titled debut album)

GREY’S ANATOMY: “Forever Drunk” by Miss Li (from her album Beats & Bruises)

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES: “Too Close” by Alex Clare (from his debut album The Lateness Of The Hour)

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES: “Keep You” by Wild Belle (from their self-titled sophomore EP)

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES: “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers (from their self-titled debut album)

Sunday, October 28th

THE GOOD WIFE: “Folk Bloodbath” by Josh Ritter (from his album So Runs The World Away)

REVENGE: “For You” by Angus and Julia Stone (from their album Down The Way)

xx Hannah

You know how I thought I was too busy for blogging back in September? Well, it has been a month since my last post and I am struggling to even do the things I am obligated to do. It is hard work being a newspaperwoman, student, and general decent human being. I hope that you’ll forgive me.

Luckily, music and reporting about music are two of my biggest priorities, and I hereby resolve to be better for you in the coming months. By the end of this week, I promise you a comprehensive show guide for the month of November! Sound good?

For now, I hope you’ll enjoy this Perfume Genius song. Even though this album came out nearly a year ago, I am still obsessed with it as ever. I saw Mike Hadreas perform this past Friday and when he played this song, it brought me to tears. I don’t know how he did it, but he made the Aladdin feel like a glass palace.

And to read a full review of the show, make sure you pick up a copy of The Pioneer Log this Friday!

Cheers,
Zibby

Seeing Dusted and Perfume Genius was essentially the opposite of the Grizzly Bear show. The venue is a tiny hall with folding chairs set up in front of a modestly sized stage. They have candy, corn nuts, and non-alcoholic beverages at the concession table. I got a great seat and settled in with my sparkling water. Dusted was incredible. I have been listening to both their album Total Dust, and the newest Perfume Genius, Put Your Back N 2 It for the last few months. I guess you could say I have been a bit moody. I frequently find myself craving some emotional, somewhat ethereal, and often heartbreaking music. These two albums fit the bill. It was exciting to see both bands play in such an intimate setting without any distractions.

I’m not really capable of writing about music in a compelling or interesting way, unlike other great bloggers, such as D. Lee. He knows how to articulate why he loves a certain song in a way that is fun to read but also super nerdy and intelligent. I can’t do that. I can tell you that these albums speak to a specific part of me. The part of me that likes the rain, dark moods, and a good cry. Yeah, I’m kind of emo like that.

After I got home from the show I read some interviews with Mike Hadreas, the man behind Perfume Genius. I discovered that he is sober and in recovery and now I love him even more than I already did. He was a delight to watch perform and his interaction with the audience was adorable. I’m posting the song “Hood” because it continues to be my favorite song on the album. I have listened to it on repeat on more than one occasion. It’s barely two minutes long, but it packs so much emotion into that short amount of time. The lyrics kill me.

You would never call me baby
If you knew me truly
Oh, but I waited so long for your love
I am scared baby that I can’t keep it up for long

You would never call me baby
If you knew me truly
Oh, but I waited so long for your love
I will fight baby not to do wrong

Truth be told, I feel like this much of the time. Most days I think it’s a miracle that my husband loves me. Or that anyone in my life does for that matter. I know, I’m fucked up. I have problems. But I don’t think I’ll ever lose this part of me that feels like I’m beyond repair, like I am barely hanging on, trying to do the right thing when the wrong thing feels so much easier. Sigh. This post has really gone down a different road than I meant it too. Must be the weather.

Dusted is made up of Brian Borcherdt from Holy Fuck and Leon Taheny. Brian was at the merchandise table after the show and I bought an actual CD from him (something I don’t buy enough of anymore) and told him their set was amazing. I’m a dork and could not think of anything more constructive or interesting to say to him. “Bruises” is one of my favorite tracks.

I look forward to going to more shows at this venue. I also have a new dream that I will open up my own venue someday that is a tiny room with lots of chairs, a small stage and tea and scones for sale. Everyone will sit down, be polite and quiet while the bands play, and not one person will vomit on anyone else.

(Just live life?)

Take me home

A video from American singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas, who walks home in high heels.

Enjoy today’s dreary jam of the day.

UPCOMING LIVE DATES
october
8 – Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn
9 – Le Poisson Rouge, New York
11 – Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia
12 – The Hamilton, Washington
13 – The Arts Center, Carrboro
15 – The High Watt, Nashville
17 – Fort Worth Modern Art Museum, Fort Worth
18 – Central Presbyterian Church, Austin
20 – Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix
21 – Club Congress, Tucscon
22 – Irenic, San Diego
23 – The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever, Los Angeles
24 – Swedish American Hall, San Francisco
26 – Aladdin Theater, Portland

Rojak is a regular collection of assorted links as well as a bulletin summarising the week (or thereabouts) on this blog.

Good day, one and all. It’s a sleepy day over here because of football last night. Let’s catch up on the world with a few links and such.

Assorted

Aleksandar Hemon on Jorge Luis Borges’s “Funes the Memorious”. [via The Daily Beast]

While we’re on the topic of Borges, here is a quote. [via New Directions Publishing]

Joseph Brodsky reads you a love poem. [via YouTube]

“I’m literally crying right now. I’ve been working on this on-and-off all day, arguing at ALTA people, stressing about the conference, and repressing the fact that Michael’s death is extremely sad and that I may never meet anyone this amazing, this giving, this selfless again my life.” Over at Three Percent, Chad Post writes about the late Michael Henry Heim. [via Three Percent]

Beck remixes Philip Glass for 20 minutes of awesome. [via Pitchfork]

Interview with two members of Ultraísta. [via Consequence of Sound]

Here is a list of banned books and how they were banned. [via the American Library Association]

Finally we end off with this short interview with Perfume Genius about his new video for “Take Me Home”. [via Pitchfork]

Here is said video: [via YouTube]

Bulletin

This past week on WKLC:

• Two events: the Singapore International Photography Festival; and a screening of Singapore’s oldest surviving film. (I believe the latter is part of a series of screenings featuring the music of Zubir Said.)
• Joan Didion.
• David Lynch.
• Enrique Vila-Matas.
• Kiwao Nomura.
• Flying Lotus.
• I have new books.

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Mike Hadreas poses his ass off.