Cougar writer Mario offers his top ten albums for our Top Albums of 2012 feature.
The XX – ‘Coexist‘
Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.
Jack White – ‘Blunderpuss‘
Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.
Bat For Lashes – ‘The Haunted Man‘
Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.
Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros – ‘Here‘
Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.
Soundgarden – ‘King Animal‘
In a time when mega reunions often amount to business flops and broken promises, Soundgarden returned to the scene after 16 years. Preceded by a highly acclaimed sold-out tour completely, the hard rock pioneers released ‘King Animal’ in the wake of enthusiasm, an album of pure rock that proves that when it comes to getting down and dirty you can rely on past heroes rather than churning out dozens of new copycats. They might offer very little new, but the formula still sounds very current.
Lana Del Rey – ‘Born To Die’
Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.
Tame Impala – ‘Lonerism’
‘Lonerism’ is the title of the second album of this psychedelic rock band from Perth, noted partially for being the same label as MGMT and supporting act for Black Keys on their first tour. These two names are not casual as both these bands manage to mix nostalgic/vintage sounds to produce a modern and fresh output. In this case the psychedelic 60’s rock style of Hendrix or the Beatles circa Revolver and Sgt Pepper. Excellent confirmation.
Jessie Ware – ‘Devotion‘
True revelation of the year, comparisons are wasted for the London pop/RnB artist including Annie Lennox, Sade, Tracey Thorn. in addition to an extraordinary voice, she is also equipped with great compositional talent and promising live performance (take note Miss Lana Del Rey). see the video of the beautiful ‘Wildest Moments’ for yourself.
Toy – ‘Self-Titled‘
I could not fail to include the latest promising classic new wave band although this genre has probably become very saturated. That being said, this self-titled debut album is a mix of dark and experimental songs with echoes of some alternative bands of the British scene of the 80’s like Jesus and The Mary Chain and more recent bands such as the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and even Modest Mouse.
Passion Pit – ‘Gossamer‘
Included in the Cougar Microbes albums of 2012 here.
