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| From | "Ron Katcher" <ronkatcher@hotmail.com> |
| Subject | Audities Best of 2012 |
| Date | Thu, 3 Jan 2013 14:12:32 -0500 |
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1. Redd Kross - Researching the Blues (so-so title track aside, this record is a real power-pop accomplishment that stands together with the best the band has ever done.)
2. 'Allo Darlin' - Europe (may sound strange, but this band just "gets me," the lyrics are nuanced, the meanings layered and all match perfectly with the music-- whether upbeat or minor key)
3. Nada Surf - The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy (these guys always put out thoughtful and melodic stuff-- this record is right up there with The Weight is a Gift)
4. Susannah Hoffs - Someday (great record, with just enough early 70s vibe, from one of the best and most distinctive female vocalists in rock)
5. Wanderlust - Record Time (great songs, tightly performed. Scott Sax never really went away so it really doesn't surprise me much how good this record is).
6. Brendan Benson - What Kind of World (more of the same - not a bad thing, by any stretch).
7. Bob Mould - Silver Age (growling vocals, check. excellent guitar playing, check. Not always catchy, but when Bob ain't happy, there is no denying the passion in the song.)
8. The Gaslight Anthem - Handwritten (anthemic at times, heartfelt at others-- always sincere, in my humble opinion. Strikes me like the best of Bruce Springsteen, which is a good thing).
9. David Myhr - Soundshine (Not quite the return of the Merrymakers, but the next best thing).
10. One Like Son - Start the Show (Though a tad overproduced in sound, this is one heck of a debut record with oodles of hooks. http://onelikeson.bandcamp.com/album/start-the-show)
11. Condors - 3 Item Combo (I was turned on to these guys a couple of years ago. Good little band and the songs grab you.)
12. Japandroids - Celebration Rock (Amazing to me the range of sounds these guys get out of a duo. There is some sameness to the songs in that they are all played loud and fast, but sometimes that is just the ticket. House that Heaven Built is one of my favorite songs of the year).
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