I asked some of my favorite musician and artist friends, from Beirut and beyond, to list their 10 favorite albums of 2012…
Alternately, they could also provide me with a list of the records they listened to the most in 2012, regardless of date of release.
Joe Namy (interdisciplinary artist)
http://www.olivetones.com/
– Robert Hood: Motor, Nighttime World 3
Some of the most emotional, infectious sounds from Detroit future, reaching deep inside your head and gently massaging your neurons until they’re inside out.
– Kendrick Lamar: Good Kid, m.A.A.d city
Best hip hop album I’ve heard all year, so much heart and amazing delivery and storytelling skills.
– Sixto Rodriguez: Coming From Reality
This is a reissue, originally came out early 70s but has been brought back thanks to the documentary about him that came out this year (which I still want to see). Even tho its from the 70s it still is just as fresh today. Plus he’s from Detroit and so that only adds to my love of the music.
– Keith Jarrett: Sleeper (Tokyo, April 16, 1979)
Never before released, so its always exciting to hear new old Keith Jarrett, one of my favorite improvisors.
– Fiona Apple: Fiona Apple: The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do
The lyrics on this album are insane, mainly the opening to “Anything We Want” which goes: My cheeks were, reflecting the longest wavelength… !!!
– Frank Ocean: Channel Orange
– THEESatisfaction : awE naturalE
Soullllllll, so much and so beautiful.
– Matthew Dear: Beams
Another infectious album, lots of good dancy synthy Deary goodness.
– Flying Lotus: Until The Quiet Comes
This album as pretty good, Khalil Joseph’s music video for the album title track was one of my favorite videos of all time.
– DJ RASHAD: Teklife Vol. 1: Welcome To The Chi
Ghettotech, Chicago juke, you just can’t help but want to dance. I just love the vibe he brings.
Ruptured Music 