Top 10 Albums of 2012
It’s that time of the stupid year again! Besides making a bunch of New Year’s resolutions you will never keep, many people are compiling their top albums of the year. I always think it will be easy but when it comes down to the wire and I actually start writing down records, I end up with at least 20 to narrow down but I DID IT, MAW. Oh, and you need to ignore all the other lists because everyone else is stupid.
Top 10 Albums of 2012
via PWV Founder, Denise Borders
10. Brendan Kelly and the Wandering Birds – “I’d Rather Die Than Live Forever”
3/27/12 via Red Scare Records
Brendan Kelly…. WOULD. But besides that, I love this guy as a musician. His voice is fun and his lyrics are dark yet upbeat and catchy! I was stoked to check out this record and I was super into it. I interviewed him shortly after this release… dressed as a banana.
Favorite track: Suffer The Children, Come Unto Me
9. Title Fight – “Floral Green”
9/18/12 via SideOneDummy
I love these boys. I was introduced to them last year from Shed, which was in my Top 10 of 2011. Here we are less than a year later and they’ve churned out another amazing record. I’ve been lucky enough to catch them live a few times, including this past Warped Tour. This band never fails to surpass their age with their talent. They deserve your attention.
Favorite track: Leaf
8. Enter Shikari – “A Flash Flood of Colour”
1/17/12 via Hopeless Records
People always seemed a little surprised that I like this band so much, but they put on one of the best live shows I’ve seen in a while. They are a talented group of guys and unlike many bands, they don’t have a revolving door of members (not counting when their drummer isn’t allowed to leave the country and they have to get a fill-in). I also love to interview them, which is why I’ve done it three times already. They’re humble and adorable and I will continue to listen to this record along with their previous releases! This record was an excellent way to start off the year. Get into some dubstep hardcore why don’t ya!
Favorite track: Arguing With Thermometers
7. Russ Rankin – “Farewell Catalonia”
8/7/12 via Paper + Plastic
If you know me at all, you know I love Good Riddance more than most things in life. It’s no surprise I was eagerly awaiting Russ’s solo material to get picked up by a label to it could be released. SHWING. Thank you Paper + Plastic! His gritty voice is paired perfectly with his superb song writing ability and I am one happy girl. Check out my latest interview with my pal Russ from Punk Rock Bowling 2012, along with some live footage from their set in Vegas.
Favorite track: Pushing Daisies
Album review
6. Cancer Bats – “Dead Set on Living”
4/16/12 via Metal Blade Records
Thrash/hardcore/metal— call it whatever you want but the Cancer Bats fucking rule. For years, I’ve felt like this band has been so severely underrated, opening up when they should be headlining and all that crap. I’m hoping this record gives them the bump they deserve. Track after track you have sludge mixed with thrash and it all equals FUCK YEAH. Metal Blade is doing it right.
Favorite track: Drunken Physics
Album review
5. Reality Slap – “Necks & Ropes”
3/2/2012 via Hell Xis Records
This record was my introduction to this band and I listened to this 22-minute record non stop for pretty much the rest of the month. While still in regular rotation on my iPod, there wasn’t a chance in hell “Necks & Ropes” wasn’t making my top ten. It broke the top five because I am sincerely impressed with how much I like the album of a band I have never even heard of before. It just goes to show you that no matter how submerged you are in the music industry, you simply can’t know everything. Either way, I am stoked I know about these dudes now and they are going to stay on my radar!!
Favorite track: Necks & Ropes
Album review
4. NOFX – “Self Entitled”
9/11/12 via Fat Wreck Chords
Come on, It’s NOFX. Most of us have grown up with this band (or… NOT grown up). The fact they are still putting out records is pretty fucking awesome. This is 30 minutes of everything we love about NOFX from the upbeat melodies to the offensive lyrics. Without Fat Mike, I don’t know where my musical taste would be because he has built and maintained one of my favorite record labels of all time.
Favorite track: I, Fatty
3. The Swellers – “Running Out of Places to Go”
10/16/12 via self released
This is a band that flew under my radar for quite some time. I had heard the name, seen them floating around the internet and even caught them live a few times but it wasn’t until I heard this record that I really started paying special attention to the band. Once a band HAS my attention, they pretty much have to super fuck up to lose it so DON’T LET ME DOWN, BOYS. wuv u.
Favorite track: Let Me In
Album review
2. Propagandhi – “Failed States”
9/4/12 via Epitaph Records
It’s no surprise this record would battle for the number one spot. Propagandhi is a heavy hitter in the tight-knit punk community, and I was both stoked and relieved that their new record didn’t disappoint me. Track after track, this record is so strong. They are the kind of band that I would only imagine makes other bands go, “Should I just give up or what?” Propagandhi’s talent and conviction is undeniable, it seems like these Canuks can do no wrong. If this isn’t in your top ten list, you’re fucking whacko. I will, however, end this blurb with the following statement: Fat Wreck > Epitaph
Favorite track: Hadron Collision
1. Morning Glory – “Poets Were My Heroes”
8/28/12 via Fat Wreck Chords
Words cannot express the excitement that overcame me when I heard Morning Glory was working on a new record. For ten years these guys have been practically MIA when it comes to writing new music; which isn’t all bad considering their old shit FUCKING RULES. I’m not even a ska fan but I could listen to this band every day…. okay who am I kidding, I DO listen to them pretty much every day. Not only was I stoked on the fact they were releasing a new record, but it just so happens to be on one of my favorite record labels too (Fat Wreck) so I just knew it would be rad. Ezra is such a talented songwriter, I am beyond pleased with the way the record came out. The circle of bands in this incestuous realm (No Cash, Leftover Crack, etc..) are some of my favorite bands ever and this record only solidifies that Morning Glory still fucking rules. This record is well deserving of the number one spot because out of every record released this year, this one has been playing the most and I don’t see myself getting tired of it anytime soon.
Favorite track: Everything’s a Song (To Me)
HONORABLE MENTION
Joey Cape / Tony Sly – “Acoustic 2”
MASKED INTRUDER – “MASKED INTRUDER”
Thrice – Anthology
Gallows – “Gallows”
Bleeding Through – “The Great Fire”
For a 90 second rundown of my list and a little preview from each record, check out my Top 10 of 2012 video below!
About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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