Top Songs of 2012 - 10-8

10. The Gaslight Anthem - "The National Anthem"

From the album: "Handwritten"

Released: July 20th

"The National Anthem" closes the "Handwritten" album in the most beautifully subtle way possible. A tender acoustic song about a lost love, which is just so Gaslight Anthem, yet so completely different as well. Brian Fallon laments over an acoustic guitar and strings with some of his strongest lyrics yet (really saying something). Not the expected way to close an album, but unexpectedly beautiful.

9. Neil Young and Crazy Horse - "Walk Like a Giant"

From the album: "Psychedelic Pill"

Released: October 30th

A sprawling Crazy Horse epic from an album of sprawling Crazy Horse epics. "Walk Like a Giant" is a sixteen and a half minute folk rock jam that closes "Psychedelic Pill", Young's longest studio album. The length never gets in the way of the song, which is genuinely one of the best songs Young has recorded in the past 30 years.

8. Rival Sons - "Jordan"

From the album: "Head Down"

Released: September 17th

"Jordan" strayed from type for Rival Sons, into uncharted territory with a slow burning blues rock ballad. Downbeat lyrics weave over singing guitars to create a song that forms the centrepiece of the album. "Jordan" showed the growing evolution and diversity of a still young band who have so much to give.

Best of 2012: The Nearly Men - Part 3

Albums

Converge - "All We Love We Leave Behind"

Released: October 9th

"All We Love We Leave Behind", the 8th album from Massachusetts punks, Converge is a heavy, raw, unrelenting record, full of the venom and fury that has been a signature of their career, while retaining a sense of technicality that progresses them so much further than "just another hardcore band". Vocalist Jacob Bannan takes things in a direction he's not quite gone before, while retaining a sense of familiarity, while the band plays with just the right amount of progression. An excellent effort from a veteran band who still shine.

Key tracks: "Aimless Arrow", "Vicious Muse", "Shame in the Way".

Joe Bonamassa - "Driving Towards the Daylight"

Released: May 22nd

The eleventh solo studio album from soon to be blues rock legend Joe Bonamassa follows the same formula as his previous ten. A mixture of stunning originals and superlative cover versions melding to form a beautiful, cohesive whole. Joe's vocals have never been better, and he somehow manages to continually improve as a guitarist. Bonamassa is the hardest working man in music, and it's amazing that his output is such consistently high quality.

Key tracks: "Dislocated Boy", "Stones in My Passway", "Somewhere Trouble Don't Go".

Soundgarden - "King Animal"

Released: November 13th

When a band reforms after a 13 year hiatus and releases their first new record in 16 years, it's easy to be sceptical. There was absolutely no need to be, as on "King Animal", Soundgarden sound like they haven’t missed a beat. Chris Cornell seems to sound better when backed by Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron, while Ben Shepherd's bass rumbles in the background. The past 16 years have matured the band, but this doesn't sound like a reunion. It sounds like a band who have been together all along.

Key tracks: "Been Away Too Long", "A Thousand Days Before", "Black Saturday".

Songs

Blur - Under the Westway

From the album: Stand alone single

Released: 2nd July

Getting a new Blur song is always a treat, and "Under the Westway" did not disappoint. A simple, baroque style rock ballad, with both Damon Albarn and Graham Cox's personalities shining through. It's a shame that this and the b-side "The Puritan" were the only tracks we got from Blur this year, but high hopes for the future if they decide to record again.

Grohl, McCartney, Novoselic, Smear - Cut Me Some Slack

From the album: "Sound City: Reel to Reel"

Released: December 13th

The surviving members of Nirvana jam with Paul McCartney for the soundtrack to a documentary that Dave Grohl's making about a recording studio. It should not work, but it does. McCartney hasn't sounded so good in 20 years, Grohl proves himself to be one of the all time great rock drummers. Forget all the unnecessary hype; this was never Paul trying to be Kurt. This was just four top musicians making a song together. Be glad they did.

The National - The Rains of Castamere

From the album: "Music of Game of Thrones - Season 2"

Released: May 28th

George RR Martin's lyrics from the Song of Ice and Fire series brought to life by The National and the baritone of Matt Berniger. As I reader of the books I had my own version of this song in my head. This is essentially what I had imagined. Melancholy, brooding, dark, it fit the tone of the series perfectly. The fact that this played over the credits to "Blackwater", the finest hour of TV of the year just heightened how good it was.

TV

Wilfred

FX (US), BBC Three (UK).

When Wilfred's second season was good, it was really good. An absolute mindfuck of epic proportions when the show was at its best to tell the truth, as the tale of a man and his neighbour's Aussie man in a dog suit somehow managed to get weirder. The second season focused more on Ryan and Wilfred's relationship, while putting Ryan in more "real-world" situations and bringing in the excellent Allison Mack for a wonderful run as a love interest. The final moments of the season were the biggest mindfuck of all, and left my jaw on the floor. Roll on season 3 of a show that only just missed out on the top 10.

Key episodes: "Guilt", "Truth", "Secrets".

The League

FX (US).

In the episodes that aired in 2012, The League has become even more of a live action cartoon. And I'm actually ok with that. The characters are ridiculous, the plots are ridiculous, but none of it really matters because it's really really funny. From Taco winning the naming rights to Jenny and Kevin's new baby (Chalupa Batman) to Kevin and Taco's mum getting high to Andre being continually clueless about life and Ruxin becoming an even bigger dick, it's just a funny show, that makes me laugh every week. The final 2 episodes of the season actually air tonight, and promise the return of Jeff Goldblum as Ruxin Sr, and Mr McGiblets. The key episodes may therefore change!

Key episodes: "The Hoodie", "The Tailgate", "12.12.12.".

The Walking Dead

AMC (US), FX/Five (UK).

Of the 14 episodes of The Walking Dead that aired in 2012, I've only seen 6 of them, having fallen behind and not started season 3 yet, hence it missing out on the top 10. Season 2 ended in some style though, and the show is easily one of the best directed and written on TV.

Key episodes: "Nebraska", "Better Angels", "Beside the Dying Fire".

TV of 2012: The Nearly Men - Part 2

American Dad

Fox (US), BBC Three/FX (UK).

Only 17 episodes of American Dad have aired in 2012 due to Fox's highly bizarre scheduling of the show, and while not all of them have been stone cold knockouts, the show has been consistently funny throughout the year. The plots have been downright silly from time to time, but they've worked well, and the lack of continuity between episodes has never hurt the show before. American Dad makes use of guest voices better than any animation, and some of the guest stars who have come through the show in 2012 have been outstanding, as have the musical numbers (I dare you not to have "Girl, You Need a Shot (of B12)" stuck in your head for days. Even at its worst, American Dad is entertaining. It's been at its best much more often that that this year, and is one of the most enjoyable half hours on TV.

Key Episodes: "Wheels & the Legman and the Case of Grandpa's Key", "Ricky Spanish", "Adventures in Hayleysitting".

30 Rock

NBC (US), Comedy Central (UK).

Due to Tina Fey getting knocked up in 2011, we've had a full 30 episodes of 30 Rock this year, and while the best ones have been outstanding, the uneven quality of the season and a half has kept the show from making the Top 10. Tracy Morgan has been his brilliant bonkers self, but has descended into self-parody a little too often for my liking, while Fey and Alec Baldwin have been completely solid. But the star of the year has been Jane Krakowski, who has portrayed the unhinged Jenna Maroney with aplomb all year. Unless the final 5 episodes of this show are spectacular, I don't foresee it hitting next year's top 10. But if it doesn't, it's been a great ride.

Key Episodes: "The Ballad of Kenneth Parcell", "Leap Day", "Mazel Tov, Dummies!".

Songs of 2012: The Nearly Men - Part 2

Frank Ocean - "Pyramids"

From the album: "Channel Orange"

Released: June 7th

A sprawling ten minute epic, "Pyramids" is like nothing else around this year. Ocean weaves simple electronica, free form jazz, minimalist breaks and saxophone through a simple idea, which when put together creates something extraordinary. At the centre, a thrilling guitar solo from an uncredited John Mayer lifts "Pyramids" to another level completely. The rest of the "Channel orange" set wasn't as brilliant to me as many, but "Pyramids" was truly outstanding.

Shinedown - "Bully"

From the album: "Amaryllis"

Released: January 3rd

There's not much to say about "Bully" other than it's a really good, driving alternative hard rock song from a band who are known for making really good, driving alternative rock songs. There's nothing new or innovative here, but there's no need for there to be either. Brent Smith knows how to write a tune, and he has the vocal chops to back it up. Good stuff once again from Shinedown.

Victoria Justice - "Make It In America"

From the album: "Victorious 2.0: More Music from the Hit TV Show"

Released: June 5th

Victoria Justice stars in a kids TV show. This song originally appeared in said TV show. "Make It In America" stands out on its own. The teenage singer has a co-writing credit on the track, showing that she has an ear for a tune to match her vocal chops. A catchy little pop rock number as unexpected and surprising as it is delightful.

Albums of 2012: The Nearly Men - Part 2

First Aid Kit - "The Lion's Roar"

Released: 18th January

Johanna and Klara Söderberg's second album features the sisters singing in tight harmony over acoustic guitars and gentle drums. It's simple, yet highly effective as the girls' vocals soar up the register in a quite beautiful manner. Produced by Bright Eyes' Mike Mogis and featuring a guest appearance from Conor Oberst, "The Lion's Roar" is a triumphant moment in modern folk.

Key Tracks: "The Lion's Roar", "Emmylou", "King of the World".

Alabama Shakes - "Boys & Girls"

Released: April 9th

Alabama Shakes' debut album hits you like a lightning bolt, mainly due to the exceptional vocal talents of Brittany Howard. Howard's powerful voice soars above a primal southern blues rock fusion to create stirring soul influenced tracks that could have come straight from the 70s, yet feel as fresh and relevant as they truly are.

Key Tracks: "Hold On", "Hang Loose", "Heartbreaker".

The Mars Volta - "Noctourniquet"

Released: March 26th

"Noctourniquet" is the sixth studio album from The Mars Volta and another intricately ambitious journey through progressive rock. Experimentation has always played a part in the band's music, and "Noctourniquet" takes it on further, as lops, synths and all manner of keyboards float in and out of the guitar, bass and drum led rhythms. A fully sonic record, best experienced fully immersed in the music, and quite special when you do.

Key Tracks: "Dyslexicon", "In Absentia", "Zed and Two Naughts".

TV of 2012: The Nearly Men Part 1

The top ten TV Shows of 2012 had some select criteria. The show must have premiered new episodes in 2012. This means the first showing of the episode anywhere (i.e. something that debuted in the USA in 2011, but was not shown in the UK until 2012 would not be eligible). The shows would be judged purely on the episodes broadcast in 2012, so no coasting on past glory. An initial longlist of 34 was reduced to 33 when I realised I haven't seen any of the Boardwalk Empire episodes originally broadcast in 2012. The list was further whittled down to a shortlist of 17, of which I was surprised to find that 12 were of the 22 minute format. Over the next three days, I'll look at the 7 shows that didn't quite make the cut.

Community

NBC (US), Sony TV (UK).

Community aired 12 episodes in 2012, the latter half of its third season being shafted around the schedules by NBC. With the threat of cancellation looming, creator and showrunner Dan Harmon worked his magic with some of the finest episodes of the show's run. Unfortunately some of the episodes fell a bit flat - although perhaps only due to the sheer quality of the best episodes - but as a whole, the 2012 output was more than solid. The high concept episodes generally worked - especially the utterly outstanding "Digital Estate Planning" which saw much of the episode take place in an 8-bit video game - and the more straightforward few (straightforward for Community at least) set the scene perfectly for a season finale that played like a series finale. The last few minutes of "Introduction to Finality" wrapped up the season absolutely perfectly, and if the show had ended on that note, it would have been a wonderful way to go out. As it is, Community will return in 2013, but sans the inexplicably fired Harmon and for the latter part the bonkers Chevy Chase. Whether it can withstand the upheaval is yet to be seen, but the legacy has been left. And it's a fine legacy at that.

Key episodes: "Pillows and Blankets", "Digital Estate Planning", "Introduction to Finality".

Suburgatory

ABC (US), E4 (UK).

Coming into 2012, Suburgatory had aired only 9 episodes, and was still finding its feet. The latter 13 episodes of the first season, starting on January 4th found those feet, steadied them, and just continued to improve. Seven more episodes have aired in the second season so far, and of the 20 episode output in 2012, 17 have been great. The show is at its best when the biting satire is in force, but does tender, emotional moments surprisingly well, especially in the early part of the second season. The Alicia Silverstone arc was an unfortunate blip (possibly not her fault, most would have struggled with the character) but otehr than that, it's been a strong year. The lead actors are all very good in their roles, but the real star has been Carly Chaikin's deadpan delivery as Dalia. Watch the "You Missed A Spot" music video from the latest episode "Krumpus" to see exactly what I mean. It's not been perfect, but Suburgatory has been a show I've looked forward to every week in 2012.

Key Episodes: "The Body", "Down Time", "The Witch of East Chatswin".

Songs of 2012: The Nearly Men Part 1

The top ten songs of 2012 was compiled by sorting my iTunes by year and browsing through the selection (I am an obsessive, every song in my iTunes has a year attached!) Once again if it wasn't in the database, I obviously didn't feel it important enough to have a copy of, and not worthy of the list. The initial longlist was a ridiculous 132 songs long, and was quickly shortened to a more manageable 42. The final shortlist of 19 was eclectic, and compiling the final top 10 was not an easy job. Over the next 3 days I will look at the 9 songs that failed to make the final cut. 

Bruce Springsteen - "Wrecking Ball"

From the album: "Wrecking Ball"

Released: March 5th

Originally written in 2009 as a tribute to the then soon to be demolished Giants Stadium, "Wrecking Ball" is a quite wonderful track which became a rousing anthem against adversity. The lyrics work in many ways, being able to be taken both literally and as social metaphors ("Where Giants played the games." "All our little victories and glories, are turned into parking lots" being two examples.) The song, written from the perspective of the stadium features some of the final recorded work of Clarence Clemons, and serves not only as a eulogy to the stadium, but to "The Big Man" as well. A triumphant blue collar anthem, does The boss ever fail us with those?

Bruno Mars - "Locked Out of Heaven"

From the album: "Unorthodox Jukebox"

Released: October 1st

Where on Earth did this come from? Twee R&B pop star Bruno Mars, best known for the sappy but irritatingly catchy "Just the Way You Are" came out of nowhere with this absolute pop gem at the start of October. Sounding just like The Police did in the early 80s, even down to the Sting style vocals, Mars recorded one of the best pop songs of the decade. Unexpected, and quite fantastic.

Gallows - "Victim Culture"

From the album: "Gallows"

Released: September 10th

When Frank Carter left Gallows in August 2011 some wondered if they would ever be the same. They aren't the same band with Wade McNeil, and as "Victim Culture" the opening track on their self titled return shows, that's not a bad thing. The track opens with a sinister female spoken word intro which then launches into a brutal hardcore punk frenzy.  Gallows came back hard in 2012, this was just the start.

Albums of 2012: The Nearly Men Part 1

The top ten albums of 2012 was compiled by sorting my iTunes by year and browsing through the selection (I am an obsessive, every song in my iTunes has a year attached!) If it wasn't in the database, I obviously didn't feel it important enough to even listen to. From the albums in the database, 51 were initially selected as contenders. A first cull left the list at 34, and a second cull left a shortlist of 19. The 19 came from a variety of genres, styles and performers and I had listened to every one of them several times. Compiling the top 10 took some time, and over the next three days I'll look back at the 9 records that didn't quite make the cut.

Halestorm - "The Strange Case Of..."

Released: April 10th

Halestorm's second studio album is a wonderful ride from start to finish, full of punchy rock anthems and beautifully paced ballads. Lzzy Hale solidifies herself as one of the finest vocalists in rock music, showing exceptional range and surprising grit throughout the record. "The Strange Case Of..." is a rousing, powerful set that gets better with every listen, showing evolution and maturity and bodes well for a great future for this highly underrated band.

Key Tracks: "Love Bites (So Do I)", Beautiful With You", "Here's To Us".

Calexico - "Algiers"

Released: September 11th

You're never quite sure what to expect from Calexico, a band whose roots are steeped firmly in country music, but who spin so many different sounds every time they record. Moving out of their Arizona comfort zone to record in New Orleans - the album is named after the district they recorded it - they pick up some new influences while keeping the sound that makes them such a special band in the first place. "Algiers" doesn't break any ground, but it sits very nicely on the ground it's on.

Key Tracks: "Sinner in the Sea", "Puerto", "Hush".

Dr John - "Locked Down"

Released: April 3rd

New Orleans bluesman Dr John has been making music for upwards on 50 years now, and shows no signs of slowing down on his 27th solo outing. Produced by The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach who also plays guitar, "Locked Down" is a roots influenced hybrid of blues, jazz, funk and classic Louisiana R'n'B, that owes as much to the present as it does to the past. It's Dr John's best record in over 20 years, and one of the year's most rewarding listens.

Key Tracks: "Locked Down", "Revolution", "Eleggua".