Best of 2012 (So Far): In Brief
Perfume Genius
Put Your Back N 2 It
(Matador)
A second set of heartbreaking piano-based dirges from our favorite You Tube-banned balladeer. – CK
Video: “Hood”
Full Review
Frankie Rose
Interstellar
(Slumberland)
With no Outs in tow, singer-songwriter takes a trip to space and brings back her most brilliant findings. – JT
Video: “Night Swim“/Interview
Full Review
Ty Segall Band
Slaughterhouse
(In the Red)
Lo-fi rocker brings out a full band on a heavier album that’s rough around the edges but still boasting some of the most infectious pop melodies and vocals of the year. – DG
Stream: Wave Goodbye”
Full Review
Shackleton
Music for the Quiet Hour/The Drawbar Organ EPs
Tired of James Blake’s techno-chamber-pop and Skrillex’s Fatboy Slim impersonation? Return to cracking, sticky dubstep from the old school. – AB
Stream: “Katyusha”
Sigur Rós
Valtari
(XL)
More indecipherable bliss to soundtrack film festival entries. – CK
Stream: “Varud”
Full Review
Sleigh Bells
Reign of Terror
(Mom + Pop)
True shred guitar, volume cranked to 11.5 turn angelic pop to weaponized pop shrapnel. – JT
Video: “Comeback Kid”
Full Review
Spiritualized
Sweet Heart Sweet Light
(Fat Possum)
Old habits die hard, but this gospel-tinged, space rock opus makes an awfully good case for hanging onto them. – CK
Video: “Hey Jane”
Full Review
Torche
Harmonicraft
(Volcom)
Hearts, stars, moons, diamonds, clovers, horseshoes and riffs that could burn off your eyebrows. – JT
Stream: “Kicking”
Full Review
TV Girl
The Wild, The Innocent, The TV Shuffle
Remember when Jens Lekman re-emerged with that Summer Mixtape in 3/4 Time? It’s like that, only somehow way better. – JS
The Walkmen
Heaven
(Fat Possum)
Warm, fuzzy, familiar and always welcome — the indie rock equivalent of your favorite fall sweater. – JT
Video: “Heaven”
Full Review
