Alright, let's round out this list of my faves of the year. Again, these are in no particular order. I only publish them on the blog in the hopes that you discover a new song, album or band!
I've said it plenty of times. Neon Trees frontman Tyler Glenn is a rare breed. A perfect blend of Mick Jagger, Freddy Mercury & David Bowie. I think I could add "most underrated band of 2012" to my compliments as well. Sure, there's some fun bubblegummy stuff (not that there's ANYTHING wrong with that), but mostly Neon Trees are something you can both dig into, sink your teeth into, and shake your booty to. And one of the best live bands on Planet Earth.
Standout Tracks: "Lessons In Love", "Teenage Sounds" & "Trust"
Simply put.....it's very rare that a band picks up and throws me to the ground. Delta Rae absolutely did that. I wasn't too familiar with them when they came to visit Studio C. I was floored. Then saw their jaw dropping live show at the Varsity Theater that night. Floored again. The video for Bottom Of The River is brilliant. The album is great. Yep, I'm completely converted. By the way, the video for "Hey Hey Hey" is right from their Varsity Theater performance. Oh and by the way again, they cook up a KILLER cover of Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain"
Standout Tracks: "Bottom Of The River", "Hey Hey Hey" & "Dance In The Graveyards"
I wouldn't say I was CRUSHED when Soundgarden called it quits over a decade ago. However, I was bummed because I felt their last album was their best. Some will go with one of their early records. Others will claim "Superunknown". I maintain "Down On The Upside" is Soundgarden's best work. I still maintain that's the best, but this return from the Seattle vets is solid beginning to end. And it's good to have them back. In town February 2nd at the Orpheum!!
Standout Tracks: "Blood On The Valley Floor", "By Crooked Steps" & "Attrition"
Imagine Dragons "Night Visions"
I said this list is in no particular order, but I were to single ONE album out, this would be it. I think I have to call this my album of the year. I absotively posilutely wore it out. They are easily one of the best live shows I've seen. The show I saw in Omaha back in April......was.......ugh.....I use words for a living and I have none. Something special happened that night. They're fantastic guys. "Top Of The World" was my theme when I got this gig at Cities97 and moved back home. Everything that is Imagine Dragons captivated me and had such a profound impact on my year for the better part of 2012. Now we just need to figure out what the acronym "Imagine Dragons" really stands for. :)
Standout Tracks: "It's Time", "Fallen", "Radioactive", "Demons" & "Top Of The World"
Divine Fits "A Thing Called Divine Fits"
If ya need a smart yet fun pop-electro-indie rock album to add to your collection, this is the one ya need. Familiar with the band Spoon? Divine Fits are one of a few side projects for Spoon frontman Britt Daniel. I can't think of a better record to work into your New Year's Eve festivities. Oh, and in the first song I note below, the "Nice" song, Britt references Minneapolis. I believe his gal lives here......I don't get into all that. Just dig the music.
Standout Tracks: "Would That Not Be Nice", "My Love Is Real" & "Flaggin A Ride"
