2012 is soon coming to a close and I couldn't be happier.
Not to say that it was an exceptionally horrible year for me but it wasn't exactly stellar.
I found comfort here and in knowing that many others were doing the same. That fact was one of the best and most rewarding aspects for me in 2012.
I thank the guest DJs that spun with me on my radio show.
I would like to believe that 2012 has taught me enough pearls of wisdom to apply to my blog, radio show, DJ sets and mixes in 2013. With that in mind, that is why I am eager for the current year to cap. I want to take myself and you higher, to higher ground, to the next phase and even the Mardi Gras.
Below are some of the albums I loved, have wanted, still need to get and overall marked my 2012 listening experience by making the most impact on me.
1. The Souljazz Orchestra – Solidarity
Their amalgamation of musical sounds and genres are always interesting to hear. My Souljazz Orchestra discography is solid with the addition of their 2012 release.
2. Lee Fields & The Expressions – Faithful Man
Soul men in the mold of Lee Fields and Charles Bradley are what I look for. As much as my personal favorite of Lee Fields is My World, anytime he announced he was performing songs from Faithful Man, I couldn’t deny their quality.
3. Menahan Street Band – The Crossing
The top three albums of the year are all from authentic musicians and bands. It was a pleasure to know there would be more Menahan music to hear in 2012.
4. Planet Asia – Black Belt Theatre
This is one of the only albums, hip hop or otherwise that I really want to own but do not yet. I called it the best hip hop album of the year when it was released very early in 2012.
This album is on the list simply because of The Don. As much as this is a mature Nas, I’m not sure if I needed to hear/know that much about his divorce. It was sad for me to have learned they parted ways.
The second Santigold was the album I waited years for that finally arrived in 2012.
Ray Lugo/Kokolo music is new to my consciousness and his 2012 album arrived at the perfect time for me to enjoy it.
8. Nickodemus – Moon People
I learned the name Nickodemus when I saw it next to Quantic on the 12” single to Mi Swing Es Tropical. I’ve been a fan of both ever since. As my playlists and Twitter account have proven, I reach for whatever Nickodemus music I have at any opportunity.
9. Saukrates – Season One
It was relieving to learn Saukrates would release an album in 2012.
Pacewon is no nonsense on the microphone and the caliber of MC I need to hear more of these days. Their 2012 did just that for me.
Punchline is perfectly named. Whenever he rhymes, I anticipate what he is going to say next. Not too many MCs these days command my attention like that. A full-length release of Punchline poetry and Soulclap sounds was welcome in my rotation.
The Ode to Billy Joe album ushered in my 2012 wave of 1960s female country music searches. Her songs appeared on two compilations not too long after my discovering the album.
From the ANGO tracks I heard in February, I knew I would catch his Pop Montreal performance. ANGO is one of this city’s finest vocalists.
14. Savoir Adore – Our Nature
Just from the band’s name, I knew that I would like their music. Dreamers proved me right. The indie rock duo’s sounds are exactly what I like from the genre.Their videos also show they have creativity to spare as well.
15. Various – Soul Jazz Records Presents Country Soul Sisters
The Bobbie Gentry albums I found this year put me on the path to listening to female country music of the 1960/1970s.
16. Various – Country Funk 1969-1975
Light in the Attic put out great compilations and Country Funk is one of the best of 2012. I otherwise would not have heard these songs or learn of these artists but these being the funkiest of the genre open the door for me to discover more.
17. Various – The Best of Perception & Today Records
BBE is also among my most trusted record labels and compilers. I have a Perception records compilation but it is not as in depth as this one. A respected, local DJ colleague slapped the compilation on the turntables at a recent party and I was shook. I hadn't thought abiout the vinyl since I browsed past it in a record store. I possibly want it all the more now. I am naturally on the lookout for music from those labels now.
The Mighty Sparrow is a living legend. In the last two years, there have been two compilations of his music. Sparrowmania stayed on my Sansa mp3 player for a long time.
Along with The Pharcyde box set, Never to Be Forgotten was a Record Store Day purchase that I couldn’t resist. Its release was near the time of Donald Dunn’s death. I possibly bought the box set of 7” singles in memory and tribute to the musician. However, having 7” singles of Stax/Volt songs to play on my radio show was its own selling point.
20. Various – The Rough Guide To Psychedelic Africa
I love African funk/soul music of the 1960/1970s. There is a cover of James Brown’s Let Yourself Go on this compilation that drove me wild. It proves that James Brown’s influence on music was indeed far reaching.
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