Part three of my four-part series on what I feel were the 12 best albums released in 2012 is today's post. Many great full-length albums were released this year, which made choosing only 12 for this list a chore. It has been an exceptionally fun chore so far. If you have been following this series, you will know that I have detailed seven remarkable albums already. We have three more for your listening pleasure today.
6. Mono-For my Parents. This Japanese post-rock group flies under the radar for the most part, even amongst post-rock circles. With "For my Parents" they have released an instant classic. This album straddles the line between post-rock ambiance and orchestra in a way few other bands can manage. From start to finish, this album certainly sounds like it could be a film soundtrack, all while retaining classic post-rock atmospheres and complex, looping melodies. Mono is in my opinion one of the best post-rock bands in the world. "For my Parents" is as good as it gets. It doesn't get stale with repeated listens and sticks with the listener long after the exceptional play-length has run its course. This is simply an album you have to hear. Check out the track below.
5. Anathema-Weather Systems. Progressive rock is truly a wide world of unusual-sounding music that follows few standards as far as song construction and melody goes. Anathema has been around for a lot longer than one might think, having started out in metal with their first release. "Weather Systems" shows a lighter tone, flush with dreamy melodies, atmospheres, and progressive brilliance. Most tracks are light progressive rock wrapped around introspective pianos and soulful acoustic plucking. The vocals are astounding, providing an even deeper layer of beautiful melody and emotion. You don't have to be a fan of progressive music to enjoy this release. That is the beauty of it. This music should appeal to a wide and diverse range of musical tastes. It was difficult to decide on the right track to share with you, but I have chosen this one. Listen to it below.
4. Silversun Pickups-Neck of the Woods. This was a highly anticipated release that was a very rewarding listen. Upon listening to the first track, any and all concerns over the quality of the music were swiftly washed away. "Neck of the Woods" is an alternative masterpiece, condensing head-nodding rhythms and subtle atmospheric nuances into a well-rounded indie-alternative rock sound. It is unfair how often this band is compared to Smashing Pumpkins. This is mostly due to the vocal work, which sounds better and better each time you listen to it, whereas Billy Corgan's vocals became nasally annoying far too often. Most tracks begin with slower tempos and build toward a climax while incorporating acoustic passages and profound shoegazing moments. Silversun Pickups is a difficult band to classify under any single genre, and that is what makes the music so remarkable. This is an outstanding, hooky alternative release that is as memorable as any other. Since we have already shown you the fantastic lead single, Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings), here is another standout track. Thank you for reading and enjoy!!
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