Favorite Albums of 2012 - Nos 4-1 !!!!

I hope you enjoyed this list of my favorites. To be sure, I'll be listening to them all night New Years Eve, then I start the year anew. I may tweet about the albums I hear as I go.

All of this obsessive activity on my part is to reach one simple goal: for me to have something good to listen to. I also have a desire to champion the greats, and nurture good musicians. To that end, please tweet me, comment, contact me in any way to let me know about good music that's out there.

2013 resolution: To hear more classical stuff. only one truly stands out this year.
Honorable Mention: The King's Singers - Pater Noster: A Choral Reflection on the Lord's Prayer
This King's Singers are a truly amazing classical group who have occasionally boosted their popularity by delving into pop music. When they have done so, the results have ranged from truly inspired to delightfully cheesy.  The fact remains, though, when they do classical music, there is no equal. On this album, they sing an eclectic program of settings of the Lord's Prayer and other sacred texts inspired by the sections of the prayer. It makes me want to find the sheet music to every piece and meditate on the texts as I sing the tenor part along with them. (Maybe that's just me.) I recommend this album to classical music fans, as well as deeply religious people.

4. Nightwish - Imaginaerum - A Warning to all fans of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Listening to Nightwish will make you realize how hacky TSO really are. This Finnish band is my favorite discovery of the year, a prog-rock band who seamlessly meld nearly EVERY style of music into their songs. Imaginaerum is a concept album that is about to spawn a feature film that looks pretty freakin' cool. The plot is about a composer who is lost in his own mind. Through therapy, his dreams come to life and his daughter, who is the therapist, discovers more about her father's history. The tunes range from awesome, to beautiful, to downright frightening. Overall, you'll want to keep listening, and will periodically go back to uncover more.

3. Bruce Springsteen - Wrecking Ball - Bruce has developed a new style of songwriting for himself, one that resembles Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and the folk singers of yesteryear. Wrecking Ball is the unofficial soundtrack for those suffering from the rough economy. From the new American Anthem, "We Take Care Of Our Own," which reminds politicians that we're supposed to care for those in need; to the heartbreaking "Jack of All Trades" which perfectly mimics every conversation I've had with my wife every time I've lost a job. The songs are a poignant reflection on the economic events of recent years from the perspective of the regular people who are suffering through it.

2. Alan Doyle - Boy on Bridge - A general search for Alan Doyle will also bring up "Alan Doyle and Russell Crowe." Fitting that while his writing partner is hopefully not ruining Les Miserables, Doyle is recording some rough, yet enjoyable music. Imagine the kind of Celtic/Australian/Folksy/Rock music you could probably expect from Crowe, and that's this album from this Canadian singer/songwriter. His songs are tuneful, riff heavy, and passionately sung. Give him a try.

1. Delta Rae - Carry the Fire - Listen to "Morning Comes." Now listen to "Bottom of the River." Kinda makes Lady Antebellum look like the Little Rascals don't it? This album BLEW ME AWAY. First of all, I'm a sucker for harmonies, and this band LIVES for them. Second, I did the celtic spin they put on country music. Finally, the songs are well written. Beyond that, though, they have that certain je ne c'est quoi that makes them unique, and my favorite new band of the year.

Favorite Albums of 2012 - Nos. 8-5

Sorry for the break. I was making rather merry over the holidays. But I'm back with the top 8!

By the way, I hope you are all taking my recommendations, and Spotifying, Rhapsodying, Pandoraing or Amazoning all of these albums immediately. Scroll down to see the full list! It's worth it. Psy may be getting all the internet hits; but these artists actually made great music!

8. Rita Wilson - AM/FM - Hey, that chick has the same name as Tom Hanks' wife! Wait... it IS Tom Hanks' wife! And, yes, she CAN sing. She's no American Idol, or winner of the X Factor or the Voice; and believe me, I mean that as a compliment. This album hearkens back to the old days, the 60s and 70s, back when you didn't need to blow us away with your voice, you just needed to sing, beautifully and well. While others are trying to make you believe that they're singing with soul and emotion, Wilson really IS. She takes on songs we know as being group numbers, such as songs by the Association and the Everly Brothers, and her reinterpretations of these songs as solos bring new life to them. Memories alone make this one a new standard on your mp3 player of choice!

7. Pentatonix - PTX Vol. 1 (EP) - They won the Sing-off, the greatest music program ever to be cancelled on television! Now they came out with TWO EPs and a slew of viral YouTube videos. They are probably the one really popular group out there that is truly deserving of their superstardom. Every song on Vol. 1 is a cover of another artists song, but their vocal arrangement makes these tunes, which suck in their original form, amazingly spectacular. When songs overloaded with production and artificiality are finally presented musically by a talented group of vocal stylists, magic happens. But PTX is more than just a pop group. Their Christmas album, "PTXmas" shows off their choral chops, and their musicality. I'm looking forward to their long amazing career.

6. Slash - Apocalyptic Love - Here's the thing: Guns and Roses in the "Appetite" days... RULE! Guns and Roses now, with just Axl Rose, doing Chinese Democracy... SUCKS. Slash's first two solo albums... AMAZING! So, I ask you, who was the reason for the band's success, really? Exactly. And on "Apocalyptic Love" all songs are sung by Myles Kennedy, who is a great singer who clearly worships at the altar of Axl, so if you loved "Appetite", you'll love this album!

5. The Beach Boys - That's Why God Made the Radio - It's like they never left. If you're young and don't realize how phenomenal the Beach Boys were; or if you're old, like me, and think that they just got old and "not as good as they used to be;" I have to tell you what really happened is they lost Brian Wilson. He didn't die, he just lost touch with the guys. But after some great solo albums, albums of covers of Disney and Gershwin, and finally finishing the last Brian-era Beach Boys album, Smile; he's back with the group, who were doing fine on their own, and the sum IS greater than the sum of their parts. Yeah, their voices are older, but they harmonize like never before. Thoroughly enjoyable and brilliant album.

Favorite Albums of 2012 - Nos. 12-9

OK... Getting up there now, about to break the top 10! I'm getting excited!

12. Steve Vai - The Story of Light - Always been a fan of Steve Vai. From when he played for David Lee Roth's solo albums, to playing ALL guitar parts on Whitesnake's "Slip of the Tongue" album, (the other guitarist had surgery and couldn't record.), to him playing Satan's guitarist in the movie "Crossroads."  He plays so well, he may just be possessed. The problem with many instrumental guitarists is that it shows off their awesome soloing TOO much, and the song becomes a 5 minute free form mess. Vai, on the other hand shows off his compositional skills and creativity on this album. The guitar is his voice as he interprets the awesomely passionate music.

11. John Mayer - Born and Raised - You may have noticed that I don't get very specific in these reviews. What is unique and special about this particular album? Well, as I mentioned at the onset, a lot of these albums are not anything new and innovative. New and Innovative often yields horrible and stupid. What's unique about this John Mayer album? Nothing. John Mayer is just a great songwriter, and this collection of his songs is simply great. He's a great guitarist, too, but "Born and Raised" doesn't show off his Guitar chops, it shows off his knack for lyric writing and great melodies. It's just great. Have I mentioned how great it is?

10. Tim McGraw - Emotional Traffic - If you told me 5 years ago that Tim McGraw would record one of my favorite albums this year, I'd have asked you to get your head examined. However, he did. And he did it by moving on from his redneck country origins, and incorporating more pop styles into his songs. The only real hick-y song is "Touchdown Jesus," but that song is just so great, I can forgive him.

9. Rush - Clockwork Angels - I really shouldn't have to tell you why Rush is so great. But even they have been getting overly arty on recent albums. "Clockwork Angels" returns them to the idea of a concept album, their first since Hemispheres. And for the first time in a while, their music is really accessible to the non-fanatic. If you're not a hardcore fan, and want to know what all the fuss is about, check out this album.

Favorite Albums of 2012 - Nos. 16-13

So, what does it benefit these artists to be selected my favorites of the year? Well, It should make them feel good that their excellence is recognized. I also want to toss out into the blogosphere energy directing people to this music. Much of it got lost while the mass media were directing our attention at One Direction and Carly Rae Jepsen.

Personally, I am following every artist on my list on Twitter and Facebook. I'm tagging them via twitter. I'm seeking out Christmas albums from all of them, and playing them wherever I go this holiday season. I may also actually PURCHASE their records! Financially supporting their endeavors.

That having been said, ON with the countdown. (cue cheesy radio tag: "NUMber six TEEEEEEN!")

16. Rascal Flatts - Changed - My regular readers know how I feel about country music. In a nutshell, I favor great songwriting over empty patriotism and redneckiness. I DO have an affinity for Rascal Flatts. Highlights of their career in my book are: Their cover of "Life is a Highway" for the soundtrack to Cars; their guest appearance on CSI; and this album. The sheer catchiness of their music draws me to it, and the perfect blend of pop sensibility and country authenticity.

15. Dave Matthews Band - Away From The World - Dave Matthews Band falls under the heading of "Jam Band." This means they're well known for improvising and riff based tunes. What makes them unique and special is also what makes them good. Matthews is free from pop conventions, and able to focus on creating riffs and melodies that are truly original. Also, the unique instrumentation of the band, including fiddle and sax, creates a truly unique sound that enhances these ditties.

14. Joe Walsh - Analog Man - Walsh is undoubtedly my favorite Eagle. I have fond memories of his music throughout my life; from "Space Age Whiz Kids" to "ILBTs" to "Rocky Mountain Way." On stage, he seems like a curmudgeonly old man, and the song "Analog Man" reflects an old-timey frustration with technology. But he's the real deal, and can still rock like the best of them. "Family" WILL make you cry, unless you have a heart of titanium.

13. Triosence with Sara Gazarek - Where Time Stands Still - Tied with Casey Abrams for Happiest Album of the Year. This German Jazz group plays with such a feel-good ease, you can't help but feel good listening to it. Vocalist Sara Gazerek delivers the beautiful melodies with a relaxed ease that makes it seem simple. Perfect cleaning the house music! (Gazarek also had an album of standards this year: "Blossom and Bee." Worth Checking out!)

Favorite Albums of 2012 - TOP 20-16

On a lighter note, I now give you my top 20 albums of the year. These ARE, to my best estimation in order of preference.

20. Rick Springfield - Song For The End of the World - Shut up! Yeah, Rick Springfield has a reputation for being cheesy bubble gum pop crap from the 80s. Those of us who are REAL fans, and have heard his later albums know he has some rock and roll and songwiritng chops to be reckoned with. Rick has a real dark side. I mean, REALLY think about the implications of "Jessie's Girl." This dark side shows a bit on "Songs For The End of the World," which delves into the subjects of self-loathing and redemption. The albums he did in the 80s sound like they're from the 80s, but the songs on this album can compete with some of the rock bands that are still around, and would win because of the songwriting alone. Give it a shot, and I dare you not to like it.

19. Missy Higgins - The Ol' Razzle Dazzle - This Australian singer had apparently had a long career, then quit for a few years, and now is back. And, she's great. Kind of a brit-pop kind of arrangement which focuses on backing vocals, and just enough reverb to make it sound retro. She toggles the line between Sara Bareilles-style singer/songwriting and Kylie Minogue-style dance pop. Check her out.

18. Alanis Morissette - Havoc and Bright Lights - The only pet peeve I have about Alanis Morissette, is  her insistence on emPHAsizing the offBEAT syLLAble. But, other than that, she writes a great song. I don't know why I haven't been listening to her more, after all, she's responsible for one of my favorite songs. ("Still" from the Dogma Soundtrack) This album really reacquainted me with her music.

17. Amy Ray - Lung of Love - In the Lennon/McCartney type partnership that is the Indigo Girls, Emily Saliers is the more lovely and melodic Paul McCartney, and Amy Ray is the rougher, more rocking John Lennon. This is the first solo album that I've heard of from her, (it's actually her 4th) and it's interesting to see what Ray can do on her own. It's like hearing the first Wings album, or more like the first Plastic Ono Band. If you're a fan, you WON'T be disappointed.