Putting your opening paragraph in italics makes it seem more introspective, like the narration in Shawshank Redemption. This is my year end list, it was tough to narrow down. If I were to write it next week it would likely be completely different, but such is the promiscuous nature of music. I didn't include any local acts, but if you're hungry for some Buffalovin' I really dug music from Canary Girls, Cemeteries, Signo Vinces, Go Exploring, Settlers, Surrept, Love Scenes and Sonny Baker. I would've given a shoutout to the M83 show as well, but I prefer attending live concerts as opposed to watching a lithe French dude mime to backing tracks while hitting a girl in the face with a water bottle.

...did you read that in Morgan Freeman's voice?

Best Album:


In Our Heads by Hot Chip
In my review I called In Our Heads Hot Chip's first honest to goodness masterpiece, and it still holds up. I've listened to this album more than any other in 2012, and it's not leaving my shitty iPod shuffle anytime soon. Hot Chip have always been crafty songwriters, but have never sounded as cohesive as they do on In Our Heads, maintaining their defining quirkiness on synth pop anthems like "Night and Day" and "Don't Deny Your Heart", while at the same time making way for longer, patient tracks like "Flutes" and "Let Me Be Him". Hot Chip have opened up their sound, eschewing their sarcastic neuroticism for bold, resonating songwriting.




Honorable Mentions:

Wonky by Orbital
Cemented by a show stealing set at Moogfest, Orbital's first album since disbanding in 2004 showed a renewed creative vigor that seemed lacking on The Blue Album and The Altogether. The duo returned to the old school analog gear that defined their sound and crafted a vibrant set of new songs that were equal parts nostalgic and innovative (dubstep excursion aside...).



Myth by Geographer
One of 2012's most underrated releases. Geographer's soaring falsetto vocals over layers of synths and heavily effected cello lines make for a uniquely varied production style. It's emo enough for your girl yet rocking enough for your super manly balls. It's surprising that a three piece is responsible for such a lush listening experience. Hooray technology!



Six Cups of Rebel by Lindstrøm
A stylistic shift somewhat telegraphed on his collaboration with Christabelle, Lindstrøm's long awaited follow up to the atmospheric Where You Go I Go Too ditched the warm blanket of patient, arpeggiator driven grooves in favor of frenetic disco funk. The album received mostly puzzled, mixed reviews, which is understandable for such a goofy departure. Featuring Lindstrøm's own treated vocals, dissonant transitions and drum freakouts that would feel at home on a Buddy Miles live album, it's one of the most adventurous, unpredictable listening experiences I've had in some time. If that sounds like your bag, we'd be friends.



 
Best Tracks:

"Are You At Peace?" by Birds & Batteries
The San Francisco based band followed up the stripped down Panorama with a return to their more expansive, electronic driven tendencies on Stray Light. This song captures the band perfectly straddling those two sounds, coming off a bit like Neil Young with synths.



"August" by Catcall
Technically this song has been out for a few years, but Catcall's debut full length The Warmest Place wasn't officially released until this year. This has a ridiculously catchy hook and was the soundtrack to many a summer drive.



"Poison" by Rocket Juice and The Moon
Damon Albarn, Flea and TONY FUCKING ALLEN. It's like the music gods made a super group just for me. Albarn's brit pop ballad approach over one of the greatest living rhythm sections would make my best of list any year.

 
 "Best Friend" by Dent May
The ultimate beach album, Dent May's Do Things should come with a bottle of suntan lotion. Laid back beats, tasteful synths and a gorgeous bass tone make for a top notch production, but it's May's rootsy vocal delivery that gives the album a timeless warmth.



"Swing-jump" by Applennium
Okay, I lied before when I said there was no local music on my list. This isn't local band affirmative action or anything, this song is just that good. Where's that album?



Best Music Video:

"Time To Dance" by The Shoes
It's Jake Gyllenhaal murdering people set to dance music. France...


Best Concert:

Wildlife w/ Aircraft at Mohawk Place
Toronto based band Wildlife played a show last year to roughly five people at Buffalo's soon to be extinct live music mainstay. When they returned, they made several great decisions. One: this time the show was free, and two: they got Aircraft to open. If you haven't seen Wildlife yet, you're in for a treat. It was one of the most energetic sets I've seen from any band (and I'm a Disco Biscuits fan, yes I admitted it) in what is now being entered into the nostalgia bank of another great night at a lost venue. Props to mshot for taking this video: