top 10 albums of 2012

Hi people.  Here are my Top 10 Albums of 2012.

What albums from the year did you dig?

And here's a look back at '11.

10. WhoMadeWho - Brighter

A haunting disco-rock album from the Danish band.

9. Tame Impala - Lonerism

Groovy, psych-pop album.

8. Twin Shadow - Confess

Twin Shadow's 80s electropop throwback is a nice blend of tunes including my pick for single of the year, "Five Seconds."  Check out my review of the album on Frontier Psychiatrist.

7. Grizzly Bear - Shields

Another stellar record from the band--a little rougher-edged than past efforts but not without some gorgeous tracks.

6. Beach House - Bloom

Not innovative or anything but still a luxurious, dreamy listen to get lost in.

5. Jack White - Blunderbuss

White's album is a great solo outing of punchy, prickly heartache.

4. Jessie Ware - Devotion

With shades of Sade Adu, English singer Ware offers up a smooth, sophisticated debut.

3. The 2 Bears - Be Strong

So many irrelevant and cheeky house tunes.

2. Fiona Apple - The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do

Fresh and frustrated and raw, The Idler Wheel... is another dynamic album from Apple both lyrically and musically.

1. Frank Ocean - channel ORANGE

I wonder if Ocean is a bit mystified about his success.  His mixtape (Nostalgia, Ultra) was an interesting mesh of tunes, but his latest is much more sophisticated: sorrowful and deep, sometimes humorously L.A.-tinged, featuring Ocean's strong songwriting skills and sultry vocals.