I haven't posted on the music side of this board in months and I miss the feedback I could have been receiving from MusicBanterers over that time.
The Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns (2009)
This has been my favorite musical discovery of the past year or so. Beautifully lamentful love songs about a time and place, they blend acoustic singer-songwriter with pop synths and they've got one helluva drummer.
Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid M.A.A.D City (2012)
Y'all know this one. Album of the Year.
The Karl Hendricks Trio - The Adult Section (2012)
I attempt to describe their sound as "Dinosaur Jr. meets Superchunk". True, they are from the 90s Chapel Hill indie rock scene, but Karl has guitar chops Superchunk never dreamed of.
Joyce Manor - Joyce Manor (2011)
I've really gotten into these 90s emo revival bands, and I think Joyce does it better than anybody else. 'Constant Headache' is a goddamn brilliant song that should strike the appeal of anybody who enjoys abrasive indie rock.
Snowing - I Could Do Whatever I Wanted If I Wanted (2011)
This is my other favorite emo revival album I've discovered. I listened to 'Damp Feathers' for days and couldn't get the guitar riff out of my head.
Swearin' - Swearin' (2012)
I dunno if I would go as far as to say they are part of this emo revival--I think they just love 90s indie rock. The album is littered with catchy indie tunes you'll want to sing along with.
We Were Promised Jet Packs - These Four Walls (2009)
Full-bodied Scottish vocals and awesome post-punk riffs fill the album. 'Quiet Little Voices' is the best indie rock song you've never heard.
California X - California X (2012)
It got released too late in the year for end-of-the-year lists, but this one would have been up there for me. They keep J Mascis's dream of indie rock guitar alive--they're from AMHERST after all! 'Pond Rot' and 'Hot Hed' are killer songs.
The Men - Open Your Heart (2012)
I think these guys are the next big thing in indie rock (even bigger than they are now). They display their tremendous range in distinctive tracks like 'Turn it Around' and 'Candy'. They're gonna be HUGE.
Hop Along - Get Disowned (2012)
Dunno how to categorize their sound other than beautifully emotional. They seem to share qualities of folk punk's passion and post-punk's experimentation all the while having pop sensibilities.