"Torches" by Foster The People
I think Foster The People were the other most-talked about musical act of the year outside of Adele. All the talk was rightfully just as the noise made by Mark Foster, Mark Pontius, and Cubbie Frank were impossible to resist. Listen to any of the songs on their album and try not to bounce a knee or bob your head. For example, start with the opening track on the album, the raucous "Helena Beat" (you gotta love the Mad Max/Lord of the Flies theme in the music video) which is tied with "I Would Do Anything For You" as my favorite songs on the album. What will 2012 bring the boys? Honestly I could see them taking some much deserved time off and working on a much anticipated second album in the later stages of the year. That said, they made one loud and entertaining mark this year.
"Cinemetropolis" by Blue Scholars
The wait for their next full-length after 2007's "Bayani," I don't want to say was nearing some sort of tipping point as the hip-hop duo released EPs and various singles during the time, but fans of Blue Scholars definitely were waiting for the next album. The wait was worth it as this year saw the release of "Cinemetropolis." It was more than just an evolution in the sound of Blue Scholars, as they utilized the power and influence of moving pictures (film, television, etc.) in daily life. It was one of the very rare moments where the album came about through the actual involvement of their supporters via their highly successful Kickstarter campaign. Listening to the album had all of the familiarities of what I've come to know and love about Blue Scholars, while introducing the new beats and theme of the album. I really hope their overall vision of the album becomes reality in that a series of video projects (music videos, shorts, etc.) are made all utilizing songs from the album. Speaking of, here is the video for the track "Fou Lee." How many musicians do you know are going to cut a video where they go grocery shopping? Exactly. Also, anyone who has ever had chicken adobo will appreciate this clip, as well as end up being hungry for the dish.
"All At Once" by The Airborne Toxic Event
Watch the video for the song "All For A Woman." Watch the video for the song "Numb." Watch the video for the song "All I Ever Wanted." Watch the video for the song, "Half Of Something Else." Watch the video for the song "It Doesn't Mean A Thing." Watch the video for the song, "The Kids Are Ready To Die." In short, the seemingly autbiographical album about love and relationships, life lessons from parents, and questioning a government's actions is well, beautiful.
"There Will Be Stars" by Elisapie
Invoking a French chanteuse sound, but yet just across the border up in The Great White North, Elisapie's album was an instant favorite when I listened to it. The mix of English, French, and her native Inuit language in the songs was beautiful as it was fresh and something I had not been exposed to, but glad I was. While I may never know what she says in Inuit, I prefer to keep it that way as the harmonies are just divine and some things are better left as something of a mystery.
"Suego Faults" by Wolf Gang
Yes, I was brought into this one by the hit single, "Lions In Cages." However, further exploration into the album, it is "Midnight Dancers" and "Planets" that are my favorites on the album. Each song could be complimentary pieces to the Elton classics, "Tiny Dancer" and "Rocket Man" respectively. I'm not saying front man Max McElligott is the second coming of Elton John, but he must have used him as an influence when creating those two songs. There is also "Dancing With The Devil," which in the video below is an amazing acoustic version.
Twas a good year in music. Readers, what were your favorite albums of the year?
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