With my nostalgia thriving tendencies, this Best of 2012 post was both a blessing and a curse. As I began to think back in time and sort through my memory bank of music ventures and obsessions, I compiled a list. Personally, this has been a year of radical changes, making moves, and a vehement determination during a years amount of unsolicited heartbreak. These songs, albums and performances were impacting during such pivotal moments of this past year.
The Albums of 2012 that I have listened to constantly and have not gotten sick of...
Born To Die - Lana Del Rey
release date: 1.27.2012
I fell in love with Lana Del Rey the moment I heard this album. Each lyrical wrenching song with her sex kitten vocals are a perfect fit into each other, composing a beautiful piece. Her album tells a story of vicious love, loss and dark desperation. A female crooner and a unique beauty, Lana is a force to be reckoned with. The soul striking album is perfect emotional inspiration during times of struggling fate.
Shrines - Purity Ring
release date: 7.24.2012
After hearing Purity Ring's few singles, my anticipation was unbearable as I counted down the days for the release of their debut album. An album so noteworthy that I wrote and circled the date in my calender. I have a special place in my heart for each track on the album. "Amenamy" has a beat that drives me wild and I often find a lyric from "Grandloves" on mental repeat. "I'm in love with truth and sick and tired of this youth." A lyric that also portrays the thematic prowess of Shrines.
An Awesome Wave - alt-J (∆)
release date: 9.18.2012
As of recently I've become fascinated with alt-J, so much that I felt inspired enough to write an artist spotlight. If you haven't heard of them until this point, keep your ears perked because with this full debut album of theirs they are on a quick rise. This is one of those albums that should be listened to beginning to end in one sitting. The individual songs are incredible pieces themselves but there is an experience to be had when listening to it in full.
The very best Buffalo shows of 2012...
Santigold - Town Ballroom
Wednesday May 16, 2012
This was my first time ever seeing Santigold and it was incredible. Town Ballroom was a perfect venue for the dancing crowd and the energy was ecstatic. It was a blur of sparkles, costumes, a white horse costume at one point, and her signature backup dancers whose bad ass attitude complimented Ms. Santigold's style. I have been a fan of Santigold for years so it was phenomenal to finally be seeing "Lights Out" in front of my eyes rather than just through my headphones.
My Bad: a 90s party - Duke's on Allen
TOATS ORIG and QCC
Saturday March 24, 2012
Collectives Toats Orig and Queen City Cartel made a great decision to come together to throw this party. To this day, I still rank this among my favorite parties since I moved to Buffalo and lately when I hear certain 90s tunes I flashback to the night and either start reminiscing with friends or telling them about how much they missed out. I was handed a Pokemon card as I walked in and drank SunnyD Screwdrivers until bar close, with Fresh Prince shot interludes (berry Mondo and vodka). It was a throwback night to relish in 90s music and fashion. Duke's was packed and the music was fantastic, a notable set by Kream whom played every song I wanted to hear only ever interrupted by the occasional dolphin drop. It's not often that you get a chance to belt the words to "Spiderwebs" fueled by decennary indulgence.
Above & Beyond - Town Ballroom
Factory Nightlife
Factory Nightlife
Friday, May 11, 2012
This was the most life-altering performance I attended this year. I thrived only on the energy of the room and the emotionally potent productions from DJs Above & Beyond; it was a show I was looking forward to for weeks. If you care to explore the experience and read about the mind bomb I had that night, you can read my full review here.
Best Single of (the moment) this year...
"Lines" - Big Boi feat. A$AP Rocky and Phantogram
Best music video of 2012...
"Bad Girls" - M.I.A.
Cheers to a great year in music. After the holidays and a little bit of "Auld Lang Syne," let's ring in the new year with hopes of progression and talent.
