Cougar writer Sam offers his top ten albums for our Top albums of 2012 feature.
The XX – ‘Coexist‘
Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.
Spector – ‘Enjoy It While It Lasts‘
With the confidence that is exuded from frontman Fred MacPherson, it is understandable that ‘Enjoy It While It Lasts’ is so unashamedly triumphant. Confident, bold choruses throughout, Spector have made an album full of songs for people to enjoy on indie disco dance floors for a long time to come.
Alt J (∆) – ‘An Awesome Wave’
Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.
The Maccabees – ‘Given To The Wild‘
Three albums in, The Maccabees have produced an album unlike any of their previous works. Orlando and co have released an expansive album both internally and sonically and by doing so found a comfortable resonance where they can soar through epic tracks, such as “Forever I’ve Known”.
The Milk – ‘Tales From The Thames Delta‘
Making foot tapping motown authentic in the 21st century has rarely been done, yet Ricky Nunn’s growling voice along with a set of passionately soulful tunes have attracted attention from people who believe they’re onto something.
John Talabot – ‘fIN‘
In a musical void in the electronic scene lurks an artist, who much like his work, is drenched in shadows. Despite the anonymity of the producer, ‘fIN’ as an album has a deeply washed out sound that has raised the profile of the Barcelonan even more than the technical mastery of his remixes did, and rightly so.
Tribes – ‘Baby’
Energetic and poetic, these lads from Camden recorded the whole album on tape for a grittier rock and roll sound. Powerful guitar lines display an elating feeling of youth yet the softer songs of the album question whether they have been corrupted by growing up, in retrospective ballads.
Lucy Rose – ‘Like I Used To’
Recorded in her parents’ home, ‘Like I Used To’ has a distinctly warm feel to it. Lucy’s delicate vocals neatly tie together calming and tranquil guitar lines which compliment the unusual quirks in tempo throughout.
Lana Del Rey – ‘Born to Die’
Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.
Peace – ‘Delicious EP‘
With the signature sound of Peace not yet pinned down into one area, it would be understandable for people assume there was no coherence in their work. However quite the contrary, the four song jigsaw shows the range they are capable of, be it from the clanging guitar in “Bloodshake” to the simply epic atmosphere, and subsequent drop in the cover of “1998”.
