Reviler Mid Year Best of: Albums

Because we know you haven’t gotten enough of our lists so far this week, here is our take on the albums that have been released so far in 2012.  If we missed your favorite record from the first six months of the year, leave them in the comment section.  Come back tomorrow as we wrap up the week with lists of our favorite shows of the year.

Josh (Reviler)

1. Sun Araw/Congos- ICON GIVE THANK
2. DIIV- Oshin’
3. Ty Segall- Slaugherhouse + Ty Segall/White Fence- Hair
4. Ssalvia- RZA
5. Peaking Lights- Lucifer
6. Killer Mike- R.A.P Music
7. Mux Mool- Planet High School
8. Blondes- Blondes
9. Death Grips- Money Store
10. Japandroids- Celebration Rock

HM- Amen Dunes-Ethio Songs, Dolphins Into the Future- Canto Arquipelago, Hot Chip- In Our Head, The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends, Symmetry- Themes for an Imaginary Film, Liars WIXIW, Beach House- Bloom

Listen to Josh’s picks on Spotify

Kyle Matteson (Solace)

1. Beach House – Bloom
2. The Walkmen – Heaven
3. Glen Hansard – Rhythm and Repose
4. Father John Misty – Fear Fun
5. Japandroids – Celebration Rock
6. Sharon Van Etten – Tramp
7. Hot Chip – In Our Heads
8. Sun Kil Moon – Among The Leaves
9. Sigur Ros – Valtari
10. The Tallest Man on Earth – There’s No Leaving Here

Jon (Reviler)

When it came time to write my mid-year lists this year it immediately became evident that I hadn’t listened to enough new albums this year.  While I certainly have listened to enough to make a list – most of them wouldn’t have felt right in the top ten considering that I may have liked but not loved them.  So 7 – 8 are left blank intentionally to hopefully make room for some albums that I will love – possibly albums that are out already.  For instance considering how much I loved El P’s production on Killer Mike’s RAP Music, I really need to give his Cancer 4 Cure.  I also need to make time for Peaking Lights, Fiona Apple, and many more. Here is what I have heard and loved though this year so far:

1. Julia Holter – Ekstasis
Tough call between this and Killer Mike but somehow this unique record always keeps me spellbound
2. Killer Mike – R.A.P. Music
One of the best rap records out there. Period.
3. Yamantaka // Sonic Titan – YY // TT
An Interesting mix of classical, metal, and international music –this is the most interesting new band I have heard this year
4. Lower Dens – Nootropics
The talented Jana Hunter (and her band) continue to impress
5. Ty Segall & White Fence – Hair
Segall seems to have something on my top list every year – for me this year’s Hair was his best (amongst the others)
6. Death Grips – The Money Store
Though I prefer last year’s Ex-Military, Death grips’ sophomore record was also very good
7. Dirty Three – Toward the Low Sun
One of my favorite bands produces their best record in years
8. TBA
9. TBA
10. TBA

Ali Elabbady (Background Noise Crew, Egypto Knuckles)

Adam (Reviler)

1. King Tuff – King Tuff (Video)
2. Death Grips – The Money Store (Review)
3. The Chrome Cranks – Ain’t No Lies in Blood (Review)
4. LFY – Growing Seeds (Introducing)
5. Killer Mike – R.A.P. Music (Review)
6. EL-P – Cancer 4 Cure
7. Lee Renaldo – Between The Times & The Tides
8. Violens – True
9. Outer Minds – Outer Minds (Review)
10. Swans – We Rose From Your Bed With the Sun in Our Head

Listen to Adam’s picks on Spotify