Before I go on to review the “best of” what I missed, I wanted to let you help another cause, Songs for Sandy Hook. 100% of all proceeds to Danbury Hospital in Connecticut. It’s got top notch talent and hauntingly beautiful songs. Highlights include tracks by Brandon Schott, Mike Viola, Herb Eimerman, and The Popdudes. Both volumes are available at Bandcamp.
Awesome Christmas tunes by favorite artists Eric Crugnale and Kevin Bents, Grahame Coulton and John Dunbar
Yeah this post might rile you up. I list and explain my biggest disappointments from some of my favorite musicians.
Jonny Polonsky “Intergalactic Messenger of Divine Light and Love”
OK I get it, the center of the universe is in your crotch – are we overcompensating here? After listening to this mess, I can point out one good tune, “See Your Lies” – but it’s a far cry from 2005 EP There is Something Wrong With You. I miss the old Jonny… this album proves “there is something wrong” with Jonny.
Jeff Lynne “Long Wave”
Sigh. It’s been so long since we heard from Mr. Blue Sky that the anticipation had me salivating. And we get a cover album. It’s a very good cover album – Don Covay’s “Mercy, Mercy” is pure Wilbury-styled magic and other tracks like “Smile” are just lovely. But can we get some new songs Jeff? I expect this stuff from Brian Wilson – not you.
Paul McCartney “Kisses On The Bottom”
I love Sir Paul, but this just isn’t his style of music. Maybe he just decided to “cash in” on these oldies like Rod Stewart has been making off his great American songbook albums. At least Jeff Lynne made a good covers album, this reduces Paul to a cheap lounge singer. And a boring one at that – kiss my bottom, goo goo gajoob.
This was a banner year for power pop as my list expanded to 30. Without a doubt this was the year of “the comeback” with new albums from many old bands looking to reconnect with fans. I also had enough EPs this year to make a top 5 list. Some bands that made the list I never got to post a review for and others I rated very high didn’t make the list due to heavy competition (See Notable Mentions). Hopefully I didn’t miss one of your favorites, and if I did then comment below and tell me.
The Top 30 of 2012
Notable Mentions: The Lemon Clocks – Now Is The Time, The Sunchymes – Let Your Free Flag Fly, Mike Keneally & Andy Partridge – Wings Beat Fantastic, Grahame Steinberg (no longer available), Conceptus – Trebly Feelings, Air Traffic Controller – Nordo, The Breakups – Running, Jumping Falling Shouting.
Top 5 EPs of 2012
Top 5 music compilations of 2012
Next up: My favorite Alternative/Indie albums of 2012, Best reunion album of 2012, Biggest disappointments of 2012.
Every now and then a band with a power pop or indie streak, wises up and “goes commercial,” leaving behind some of the cult audience to experience mass audience acceptance and adulation. The best example of this was a little known L.A. band called Kara’s Flowers, who in 1997 wowed me with their debut The Fourth World on Reprise Records. Like most new “star” talent it had great songwriting and massive hooks on the single “Soap Disco.” But it wasn’t until lead singer Adam Levine ditched the tight group harmonies, and started emulating Stevie Wonder’s soulful approach he was able to breakout as the band Maroon 5.
This year the new “breakout” band to reach mass popularity is the Fun. While Aim and Ignite was one of 2009’s best power pop LPs, the band then moved away from those classic power pop influences (Beatles, Queen, ELO). Nate Ruess (vocal), Jack Antonoff (guitar) and Andrew Dost embraced popular hip hop culture and style for Some Nights. They even used Auto-Tune and had Janelle Monáe assist on their breakout hit “We Are Young.“ Thankfully, the band’s core strengths stay intact: uplifting melodies and emotional lyrics have made this one of the best releases for a pop band.
It’s not in my main list this year because its not really a power pop band anymore, but its mainstream success should be applauded.