The albums I should have included in my top 10...

The Lumineers - {self titled album}
Realeased: April 3, 2012

Based out of Denver, Colorado The Lumineers shared with us their debut album this past year. As expressed by the band they are "not trying to reinvent the wheel", their simplicity is their majesty.

The Lumineers are this indie roots rock band creating beautiful Americana style music. Their premier album is full of expected hand clapping, acoustic guitar, picking, scratching, violin and piano. The Lumineers play predominantly upbeat jaunty songs that are both easy to sing along with and relate to. Their progression is not unlike a softer Mumford and Sons. Their harmony is not unlike The Head and the Heart. The vocals are not unlike a tuned up Bob Dylan.

Among the lovelorn songs 'Flowers in Your Hair', 'Classy Girls', 'Submarines' and 'Ho Hey' exemplify the groups upbeat, folk revival knack. However, The Lumineers show off their full potential on tracks like 'Stubborn Love' and 'Slow it Down'. On both tracks the band unravels their talent so organically. 'Slow it Down' conveys a deep, overbearing sadness.

The Lumineers are not a band who writes songs about "what ifs". The Lumineers' lyricism is raw. Understanding the full truth behind each song is heart-wrenching.

I find myself rooting for this group. Genuinely hoping that there is so much more to come from them. This kind of indie roots rock in particular folk fashion is seemingly overdone right now. The Lumineers are among few who do it right.

Dr. John - Locked Down
Released: April 3, 2012

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Dr. John's particular flavor of New Orleans jazz combine with Dan Auerbach blues aptitude at Bonnaroo in 2011. Watching the pair on stage I remember thinking to myself "brilliant". I did not realize that less than one year after that thought Dr. John would release an album called Locked Down, and that album would be produced by Dan Auerbach. Brilliant.

On Locked Down Auerbach and the Doctor hone in on that New Orleans southern fried sound and pump it with thick grit and blues. Thus creating a funky new nostalgia sound. Despite sounding like a grumpy old man, Dr. John attempts to express some of the fire burning in him due to flawed social systems - in relation to Katrina.

Locked Down is not intended to be a comeback album. Without having that pressure left room for Auerbach and Dr. John to relax and lay down what they knew. The album is more deep than expected. Dr. John is 71. He has been around too long having too much success to have any interest in trying to prove to anyone his knack. He rather, took his years of acquired musical wisdom, and gruff old man voice to fabricate a genre adapting work of greatness.

Of Monsters and Men - My Head is an Animal
Released: April 3, 2012

Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone said it best: "This Icelandic six piece pull off a neat trick: They make whimsical sound tough".

I wish I said that first because that is exactly how I feel about Of Monsters and Men. I put off listening to them because I thought they were overhyped and for lack of a better word, seemed "dinky". As a fan of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, I assumed, based on hearsay that OMAM would just be some cheap knock off. I am so pleased to be disproved.

My Head is an Animal is a lovely album. First listen gives you the option to make full judgement. Of Monsters and Men's indie-pop outfit is seemingly demure, innocent and simple. When you least expect it to happen the Icelandic group delivers the required punch needed to complete their enterprise.

Of Monsters and Men no doubt have room to grow, like any musician, especially new musician. But I sincerely feel they are on the right track. Creating more pretty, light songs with a fire behind them will no doubt lead them to even greater success.

MY TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2012

When the general manager at my work asked that all staff create a list of their ten favorite albums of 2012, I squirmed with excitement. Being an obsessive person, with obsessive person tendencies, this is the type of task that I thrive on.

It took me a long time to narrow the list down to just ten albums. Seriously, where do you start? After considering all of the variables, I think I crafted a pretty stellar list.

10. Foxy Shazam - The Church of Rock and Roll
Though hailing from college radio charts for some time Foxy Shazam had never really piqued my interest before this year. They are an indie glam band that belongs in the 70’s. Foxy Shazam released an album this year called The Church of Rock and Roll which was produced by The Darkness’ Justin Hawkins.

Hawkins influence is extremely noticeable. Not to mention the unparalleled resemblance to Freddy Mercury vocals and David Bowie stylings. The initial song that sparked my interest in the album was ‘I Like It’ with complete thanks to the thick guitar and Robert Plant-esque power vocals.

As a whole The Church of Rock and Roll is a theatrical, glam rock effort best enjoyed loud - maybe in a seedy bar. It’s jaunty, and memorable.

9. Tame Impala - Lonerism
Read this.

8. Gary Clark Jr. - Blak and Blu

Since the release of his EP almost two years ago, and after seeing Gary Clark Jr. live at Lollapalooza I was dying for more. It is a difficult time for the blues. Clark’s raw talent exceeds that of any other up and coming solo blues guitarist right now. Discovered by Eric Clapton and being compared to greats like Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughn, GCJ has a big role to fill.

Blak and Blu portrays his obvious knack for blues style guitar, but the album as a whole can also be described as an R&B album. B&B is full of funk, blues and buttery grit and rhythm. It is clear that Clark is best when left to rip on his guitar though. His playing is down right dirty; all encompassing. And, while tracks like ‘Ain’t Messin’ Around’ are great, his talents are really laid out in ‘Please Come Home’ where we experience Clark’s falsetto which preceeds slick passionate guitar about 1:37 mins into the song.

Gary Clark Jr. is seemingly easy to overlook because of his overall humble demeanor - also not unlike the late great Jimi Hendrix. After taking a closer look it becomes apparent that his talent is unparalleled. Blak and Blu is to be celebrated by any modern day blues worshiper.

7. Yukon Blonde - Tiger Talk
Read this.

6. Bahamas - Barchords
Read this.

5. The Sheepdogs - The Sheepdogs
Read this.

4. Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls
Though a newer band (formed in 2009) Alabama Shakes play like they have been creating together for decades. The Shakes depict a new kind of southern rock/blues/rock soul. Britany Howard, the voice fronting the blues based goodness, has a  soul infused voice that is reminiscent of another time. Her southern soul infusing into Alabama Shakes southern rock band is not unlike the great works of Janis Joplin or Tina Turner.

‘Be Mine’ is probably B&G’s stunner. Howards smoky rasp aside, the rest of the band are able to show off their bluesy guitar knack. The intensity displayed on ‘Be Mine’ is years matured, making it difficult to believe that this is only The Shakes first album.

The howls, tight guitar licks, rootsy take on the blues and soul rock music is not matched to any other group this year. I mean, no other group has Brittany Howard.

3. Jack White - Blunderbuss
In the same fashion the world spread the good word, ‘Clapton is God’, all over England in the 60’s, I wish to share the message ‘Jack White is Genius’. Spread the word. I’ve seen White three times live now - and I’m surprised not more. The first time with the White Stripes, the second with the Dead Weather and the third as a solo act (unfortunately never with the Raconteurs). This man is a genius. I don’t care who wants to dispute this, I won’t listen. It is fact in my mind. The sheer versatility, openness and musical master mind ability that Jack White possess is enough to leave you dumbfounded and hating yourself for not being a better… anything.

Blunderbuss made me nervous. I thought if this isn’t perfect, he’s screwed. Jack White has created a persona for himself, one that I have bought, and if that persona is at all altered in a negative way, he’s shot. Thankfully, Blunderbuss delivers. It is chalk full of inventive garage rock, dabbling with raw blues riffing. Being a multi-instumentalist himself, it is no wonder that the spotlight is shared with varying parts of the Blunderbuss outfit.

White’s Detroit music influence will forever be prevalent. But it is his Nashville impact that shines through on key tracks like ‘Love Interruption’. There are so many layers to Blunderbuss that well represent Jack White. In ways it can be viewed as a folk album, while parts sound country. As a whole it is perfection.

2. Mumford & Sons - Babel
Read this.

1. The Shins - Port of Morrow
Read this.

2012 Album Roundup; Bruno Mars (Unorthodox Jukebox)

Bruno Mars - Unorthodox Jukebox
Released: December 11, 2012

I’ve been receiving more than my fair share of flack recently regarding Bruno Mars’ latest album Unorthodox Jukebox. I like it. The album, not the flack.

Like the vast majority of friends and acquaintances I surround myself with whether it be through work, play or twitter I too did not expect UJ to be my cup of tea. When I explain to someone that I do in fact think that Bruno Mars did an excellent job in representing his skill set on this album, in a more than appealing way I am faced with the same dumbfounded looks - more often than not.

With that said, let me break it down for you. Unorthodox Jukebox is not my favorite album of the year. Not even close. But that does not take away from the fact that it was well done, and has many parts of which appeal to me.

Bruno Mars is a keener. He is that kid in class who everyone likes, and wants to hate, but really just loves. He’s the kid who can say something to make the teacher blush, and talk his way out of lunch detention. He’s also the kid who will help you with your homework and ride bikes with you afterward. It’s difficult to dislike the guy.

Coming from a genuine place with an obvious understanding of primitive music origins, with attention to styling details, Bruno Mars has released a genre varying musical expose. At the forefront it is an R&B album with an unrequited dose of pop music. Delving into the depths of UJ, you can find so much more.

Have you even wondered what it would be like if Michael Jackson had been the forefront of The Police rather than Sting? No, I hadn’t either. But on Mars’ first single off UJ , ‘Locked Out of Heaven’ you get a feel of what that experiment would be like. And while it sounds like an awful idea, it works. ‘Locked Out of Heaven’ is unbearably catchy leaving you helplessly repeating “eh-eh/eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh/oooh” alongside Mars. The beat is steady, easy to follow and enjoyable.

By the way, the theme of this album is sex. Whether Bruno Mars is talking about having her, or getting her back, the pith of his message is what he did or wanted to do to her. This is clear in ‘Gorilla’, another MJ inspired track frothy with sweat.“You’ll be banging on my chest/ bang bang/gorilla. You and me baby makin love like gorillas”. The vocals sound like a clean, tuned up version of the Weeknd. From ‘Gorilla’ Mars moves to ‘Treasure’ a pop funk jam revealing his versatility and influence.

Like every experimental artist Bruno Mars dabbles in reggae/dancehall on ‘Show Me’. It’s typical and what you would expect of the keener. But, it’s good. And will end up on someones stoner soundtrack. Well done Mars. ‘If I Knew’ is a favorite of mine. The lyrics are not particularly tonic, but as his soul effort off Unorthodox Jukebox I think Mars nailed it. Otis would be proud.

The album ends with a duet with jazz sensation Esperanza Spalding called ‘Old and Crazy’. It’s a lovely end to the genre infused trip. I want to put on a frilly dress and transport back to post WWI. The old timey piano, and sax is a fun, daring final attempt.

Bruno Mars has corrected all the errors he made when creating Doo Wops and Hooligans. Unorthodox Jukebox is eclectic, it’s thought out, it’s really good. And, while it is clear that his sound resembles that of so many others; Michael Jackson, Prince.. - not so unlike a popier Mayer Hawthorne - he has donned his genres with his own special touches. This will likely be Bruno Mars’ greatest piece of work. He is damn talented.

Excuse me while I go listen to it again.

2012 Album Roundup; Tame Impala (Lonerism)

Tame Impala - Lonerism
 Released: October 9,2012

Musical psychedelia is a strange beast in this day. Artists in varying genres dip their toes into the psychedelic pool. They don a sophomore album with one psychedelia inspired song to have their curiosity quenched, leaving them free to go back to what they know. It is rare that an artist can fully submerge themselves into psychedelia- post 1979 -and be successful. Tame Impala is the God amongst mere men when it comes to psychedelic rock.

Lonerism is the Aussie bands second studio album. What gives Lonerism its ultimate gold star is the fact that it is not merely trying to emulate a sound most prevalent in the 60’s and 70’s, but going further and creating a sound to rival some of the psychedelic greats from the flower power era. Tame Impala digs into the core of psychedelic music and harnesses the “experimental” notion that is accompanied with it. From there, you combine that with their groove rock, dream world melodies and a masterpiece is born.

This album feels reminiscent of the best parts of the Beatles, using similar melodies with an uncanny vocal resemblance to John Lennon. It also has a Jefferson Airplane rock base that ties it all together. Not that this was the bands intention. It would be silly not to make the obvious comparison. The most notable aspect of Lonerism, though, is how Tame Impala adeptly captured the feel of a psychedelic trip. From the initial note there is a sense that the album could go anywhere.

The first track ‘Be Above It’ is clearly the powerhouse of the album and an excellent first song to set the mood for what is to follow. The experimental sounds, musical anarchy, combined with head honcho Kevin Parker’s dreamlike neo-psych voice create a fascinating song. But it’s not all air and whimsy on Lonerism. Tame Impala doesn’t shy away from a solid beat on ‘Elephant’, where the underlying beat line emulates an elephant parade.

Lonerism is predominantly instrumental. Though, it is not overwhelming noticeable that there is so little vocal work. The hooks, rises, and falls make for a fascinating and memorable 52minutes.

Above all Tame Impala created an organic album which forces a person to become fully aware of their senses. Lonerism extends itself to parts of the self generating a full body experience.

2012 Album Roundup; Lana Del Rey (Born to Die: the Paradise Edition)

Lana Del Rey - Born to Die: The Paradise Edition
Released: November 13, 2012

Lana Del Rey is my favorite tortured heroine in music. She is this beautiful songstress who belongs in a film noir. Lana’s captivating voice matched with poignant lyricism is sultry in almost every way.

Born to Die, released in January was a valiant effort. Lana pushed the limits in a non threatening way, challenging listeners with off kilter songwriting. It was surprising when she released her EP Paradise a few weeks ago. With about nine tracks Lana combined Paradise with Born to Die to create Born to Die-Paradise Edition. This was good thinking on her part. That which was lacking on Born to Die is found in Paradise. And, with Paradise exploring the singers edgier sides, having it combined with her pop noir tracks from Born to Die creates a sound balance. Lana Del Rey exudes sex, drugs, glitter and gold through her airy balladry.

The music isn’t where it ends for this 1950’s inspired vixen. Lana extends her self conceptualization to the screen. Each of her music videos has proved to be cinematic. If it’s radio hits Lana Del Rey wants I doubt that is what she will get. I imagine the positive response to her music will be mostly received by a more cerebral music fan. Similar of that to film noir worshipers. While it is pop music, it is not the typical Top 40 pop music that you would expect. Lana Del Rey is not unlike a sexed up version of Fiona Apple.

At face value there does not seem to be much depth to Lana. But when you look further into the entire package it becomes apparent that Lana Del Rey is a full opus, fabricated carefully for her art (her real name isn’t even Lana Del Rey, it’s Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Grant). At first glance there appears to be an overtly sexist message behind the majority of her songs, putting women in an inferior role to men and love. Only upon further listens can her ideal be explained and understood. It is all part of the Lana shtick.

Lana is a product. This does not seem to be her genuine self, rather an alter-ego, or 2.0 version. She is depicting what she thinks is most sexy. Whatever the case, it works, for the most part. Albeit campy at times, Lana/Lizzy gets my support.

2012 Album Roundup; Mumford and Sons (Babel)

Mumford & Sons - Babel
 Released: September 25, 2012

I should mention that I am completely obsessed with Mumford & Sons. I don’t often admit to this when attempting to review an album because it gives away to my bias opinion. But it needs to be stated that I think beyond being one of the most genuine, and gracious group of lads I have ever had the experience of seeing live, they adeptly tell stories pulling out emotions you didn’t think you had in you. It is obvious that these men are wholly involved in the music they are creating.

Babel, the follow up to Mumfords 2009 album Sigh No More shows the success the band has acquired in the last three years. Mumford & Sons, thankfully, did not change their sound during this time. Babel is an album fit for a large stadium. It is filled with a more skillful build, grandeur and diverse instrumental amalgamation.

Babel borrowed its name from the Hebrew, Tower of Babel found in the Book of Genesis. The story behind the Tower of Babel is basically the story telling of city members joining together to build a tower to heaven. The end of the story says that God came down from Heaven and scattered the people around the world and created languages so they could not all understand one another. I don’t completely understand the story. From what I do understand the moral would be something along the lines of “don’t try to put yourself on the same level as God”.

It is almost ironic that Mumford and Sons would choose to name their story Babel. Mumford has never had a problem telling a story. Folk tales were never told so evocatively. The band is not shy in religious references with an overwhelming questioning and challenging God. This is most apparent on the album opener also titled ‘Babel’. It is the modern retelling of the Tower of Babel from the perspective of the confused city member. Ultimately sounding like a song of rebellion.

I’ve noticed that a lot of music reviewers have faulted the band for nary straying from their core style. This I think is ridiculous. It confirms that what you are hearing on Babel is authentic Mumford. They are true to who they are, and are not going to change the way they write their songs based on what they think will sell. Babel is more high energy with the majority of the songs playing in the same fashion. It is too difficult to consider this a fault because the build is far too breathtaking. The majority of tracks start off with Marcus singing over acoustic guitar then leading into a tremendous climb into an all consuming howl matched with banjo, keys, trumpet, bass… and honestly whatever other instrument you can think of.

‘I Will Wait’, the first single, is similar to Sigh No More’s ‘The Cave’ but perfected. The song makes up for it’s lyrical simplicity in the hammering out of the chorus. For a repetitive song it remains a powerful one. The band has been playing ‘Below My Feet’ for years giving it time to saturate the bands growth. It is probably the most exemplary song off Babel given its ability to carefully explore all the elements that are Mumford & Sons. It is a song of compassion and one most people can relate to. Hearing the song for the first time in 2011, unperfected under a dry Tennessee sun, soaked in sweat with grime caked into every crevice of my body I remember being moved to the point of tears. It is that powerful.

Though Mumford & Sons have left themselves with plenty of room to grow, Babel is an organic representation of the bands songwriting, and musical capacity. While it may play as the B side of Sigh No More there is no doubting its greatness. I can never get enough of Mumford & Sons British take on Americana, their folk grandeur.

2012 Album Roundup; The Shins (Port of Morrow)

The Shins - Port of Morrow
 March 20, 2012

It had been five years since The Shins last album. This is not to say that frontman, and primary song writer,James Mercer, hadn’t been busy. In the time between Wincing the Night Away and Port of Morrow Mercer joined forces with Danger Mouse to create Broken Bells. And, while Broken Bells served as a worthy distraction, it did not quite emulate the type of profoundness that Mercer brought to the table with The Shins.

When I first heard that The Shins were going to be making another album I was nervous. The Shins are known for their fun, quirky, indie-pop songs written in the form of daydreamy adult prose. This is what I liked about The Shins. I could rely on this.

Upon first listen of Port of Morrow I could immediately feel the required five year maturation. It was clear that this was going to be a significant album.

The mood of not so subtle emotional psychedelia accompanies the most intelligent lyricism I have ever heard. Despite being one of indie musics most sought out bands, The Shins have remained true to their perfected melodies. Where Wincing the Night Away explored a slightly darker side to Mercer’s lyricism, Port of Morrow is expressed beautifully in his libretto. There is an obvious air whimsy. A spooky psychedelic trip.

The album starts off with ‘The Rifle’s Spiral’, an upbeat punch. With challenging lines like “you’re not invisible now/you just don’t exist” to claim ownership of an astute listeners attention, the album then turns to “Simple Song”. Port of Morrow’s clear choice of a first single is both sharp and diverse musically, all the while lyrically beautiful. The majority of the tracks do not stray from this style, though of altering from uptempo to low. The only black sheep of the album would seemingly be “Port of Morrow”, an acid rock croon. The song is not like the others on the album, but is just as inventive. The mysterious, flirtatious mood that it depicts is merely aid to Mercer’s intelligent child like dream words.

Port of Morrow, as an album, is stunning. It is apparent that James Mercer has finally come to admit, and accept that he is The Shins. And, that’s OK. It’s more than OK. I can take a five year hiatus if it means brilliant works like Port of Morrow are the result.

2012 Album Roundup; The Sheepdogs

November is here. Aside from Remembrance Day, Black Friday, colder weather, and American Thanksgiving what that means is the years album round up begins. Often around this time of the year, nearing closer to Christmas and New Years, I reflect on what I’ve been listening to in the last 10-12 months.

At this time I can think of about twelve albums that have really stood out in 2012. Being that there are 8 more Tuesdays until 2013, I’m sure I will find at least another couple albums to call 2012 favorites.

Here is my countdown to 2013, in music form, my favorite albums from 2012; Album Roundup

Starting with, The Sheepdogs.

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The Sheepdogs - {self titled album}

Released: September 4th, 2012

I have had the pleasure of seeing The Sheepdogs at Bonnaroo in 2011, Lollapalooza in 2012, and will be seeing them in Ottawa next week. In honor of such, I think it appropriate for them to start off my Album Roundup.

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When life gives you the workings of four  astounding boogie rockers, you damn well sit up and listen.

Coming from Canada having won their way onto the cover of Rolling Stone, reigning in crowds to rival their peers by playing at festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, the Sheepdogs have proved themselves time and time again. Their 70’s southern rock sound is a golden throwback demanding any classic rock fan to perk up and pay attention. Despite being around the block for a little while, for some reason the band hadn’t quite received the clout they fully deserved. Until now. Now, more than ever, the music world will have a difficult time ignoring the Sheepdogs.

Produced by Patrick Carney of the Black Keys, the Sheepdogs have recently released their latest [self titled] studio album. The album itself takes you back in time. Back to “the good ol days”. It is reminiscent of an era where music was a way of breathing. The people were high on just about everything. Lovers and friends would congregate in peace parties to share the love of lyric and sound.

The Sheepdogs take you on trip. While their sounds resembles that of CCR, Lynard Skynard, or the Allman Brothers, the Sheepdogs are still able to find room for originality. Their Sheepdogs own flavor adds to their thick, rock n’ roll stew.

The album takes off with “Laid Back”, a smooth, easy breezy song. The mood of “Laid Back” plays like a throwback to the Dead’s “Truckin’”. As you settle into the groove of the album, which makes you feel fine as apple pie, Carney’s influence becomes more and more apparent. It is especially noticed on the more uptempo, hand clapping jam “Feeling Good”. The album then takes a turn to a more sombre, psychedelic folk song called “Alright OK”. Before making the B side flip, the Sheepdogs slam in some classic blues gems; “Ewan’s Blues” and “The Way It Is”. The latter sounding more modern than the rest of the album with a garage rock bass line and fervent guitar. The A side closes in true classic rock fashion with an eclectic instrumental first act finale.

The B side is packed full of fun, funky, classic rock. It pulls the album together completely. This album the Sheepdogs have crafted is nothing short of a well polished story. They take you along for the ride. A ride to get you feeling good, feeling down, feeling groovy. It is all part of the Sheepdogs compilation plan.

After paying their dues, this band deserves the celebration they will no doubt receive for this album. The Sheepdogs have adeptly created a sound piece of music.