Best Albums of 2012 So Far

2012 is still in its infancy, but there are promises of a large number of great albums on the horizon. While there are sure to be amazing new outfits to emerge, there are returning artists whose albums have already hit the shelves and produced amazing sounds. Many of these albums can be found on my list of Best Albums of 2012, but this list is primarily speculation. This is a hub concerning albums that I have heard, reviewed, and know for a fact are awesome. Without further adieu, here are the best albums of 2012 so far. Full reviews of these albums can be found at Indie Wiretap.

Dr. Dog is a Pennsylvania outfit known for their unique brand of unspoiled indie rock. Their previous release Shame, Shame was a huge hit with the critics and saw the band move in a slightly different direction than their previous works. A far cry from their low fidelity body of earlier work, their new releases (including Be the Void) offers a more straightforward brand of rock. Their latest release especially highlights their ability and desire to capture the energy of their live performances and a revitalization of their earlier days of branching out into strange brands of indie. There is plenty of qualities to this release that has Dr. Dog written all over it. The soothing vocals, warm distortion, and organic beats are still very much a part of their music and Be the Void is a wonderful extension of a band that has explored a variety of avenues.

The transition of Nada Surf to being a buzz worthy MTV band with their track "Popular" to becoming indie rock staples with an expanse of amazing work is quite remarkable. Their newest release The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy is an amazing addition to their catalog and rivals their best releases (The Weight Is a Gift, and Let Go come to mind). Looking to capture the energy present in their live performances, Nada Surf really offers their heart and soul in this release. Themes of the unknown and deep introspection drive this album along with beautiful instrumentals that are complex, but not so overbearing that they take away from the down to earth nature of the album itself. This deep and meaningful album is the perfect way to unwind and simply let the music take you away.

The 77 year old legendary baritone Leonard Cohen has released what could very well be his last album, and if so it is one hell of a send off. Many have called it a guide to living with failure, and it is put in terms in which only Cohen himself could deliver. Each song is beautifully crafted with longing instrumentals and content that can only be described as heartbreaking. A great deal of looking within oneself is present on Old Ideas as well as wondering what comes after our time on this earth is over. Cohen has established himself as one of the most familiar voices and songwriters in history and his newest album is the perfect extension of what fans have grown to love. Because it is classic Cohen, it will not sway any listeners into becoming a fan, but those who already appreciate his music will adore his newest release.

Cloud Nothings emerged last year as a sparse and incredibly adept shoegaze outfit complete with strange lyrics, fuzzy distortion, and content that was quite off the wall. The newest release of the Ohio outfit is a much more straightforward approach to music while still possessing the elements that put Cloud Nothings on the map. Produced by punk rocker Stevel Albini (Shellac, Big Black, etc.), the album has plenty of the grit and balls that Albini injects into his projects as well as a more cohesive effort from Cloud Nothings as a band. While their self titled release was a bit chaotic, Attack on Memory is their first release as a cohesive outfit that shows a great deal of chemistry. This album is not for everyone as it is snarling, aggressive, and could care less whether or not you understand where they are coming from. Amazingly bold and brilliant in my opinion.