The final month of the year approaches and it is now unlikely that any masterpiece will be released between now and Christmas. I say this in full knowledge that one of last year's best albums (The Black Key's "El Camino") was released on 6th December. Lightning is not going to strike twice. Is it?
Anyway, here are my favourite albums of 2012. These albums were not necessarily released this year (I think two may be from 2011) but the albums came to my attention over the last eleven months and have been pretty much constant companions since
20 - VACATIONER - Gone
Like many acts this year, Vacationer is not a group but one Kenny Vasoli. Having been involved in a couple of indie projects, this was Kenny's attempt to go a little more into the mainstream whilst still appealling to the indie crowd. He pulled it off ... warm, summery, upbeat tunes abound as can be heard on the single "Trip"
19 - GUILLEMOTS - Hello Land!
A band that has always been a better live experience than on record (except perhaps for their debut), this lot announced that this album was to be the first of four releases in 2012. No sighting yet of the other three, but no matter - this is definitely their best album to date. One gets the distinct impression that they have just started to record the music they enjoy, rather thanwhat is expected of them. This track is called "Southern Winds" and could easily have been written by Crosby, Stills & Nash
18 - GOSSIP - A Joyful Noise
The band dropped the "The" from their name and also dropped the raw edges of their previous albums. Nu Disco came of age with this album, a pure pop confection that wouldn't have sounded out of place if released by Madonna.
17 - THE STRANGLERS - Giants
It is a rare treat indeed when a band, 38 years into their career and with 16 previous albums of vastly varying quality, release one of their best ever. The distinctive bass and keyboard sounds are exactly what you expect, but they have managed to use them in some really good songs.
16 - PATRICK WATSON - Adventues In Your Own Backyard
Have to say I am usually very prejudiced against albums sung in a male falsetto, but this album draws you in with its haunting melodies and rich instrumentation. Its an album that keeps on giving, in that you seem to hear more of it, and more of its depth, with every play. This track, "Lighthouse", may just be my favourite of the year
Stay tuned ... Nos 15 - 11 coming very soon
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