Hampshire’s “Spring, Sit Beside Me” will be one of the best albums to come out of the Michigan music scene. It is legit so warm, honest, and passionate. I’m not just saying this because I play bass in the live band. That’s a plus; I’m a huge fan first. Everyone who can read this, please go follow Teddy (Hampshire) at hampshiremusic.tumblr.com.
And don’t sleep on The World Is A Beautiful Place and I Am No Longer Afraid To Die. They’re about to have a great 2012. Best new band I found in 2011. Them, Lion Club, and pretty much all the other new Topshelf bands. So tight. Jam em.
What a year.
10. Foundation “When The Smoke Clears”
9. Beirut “The Rip Tide”
8. Title Fight “Shed”
7. Sainthood Reps “Monoculture”
6. O’brother “Garden Window”
5. Owen “Ghost Town”
4. Into It. Over It. “Proper”
3. Balance and Composure “Separation”
2. Manchester Orchestra “Simple Math”
AOTY: 1. Fireworks “Gospel”
I didn’t pick this record or band because they are local. ‘Gospel’ was honestly the best front to back record I heard all year, and the sound on it was a huge risk for a young band that in my opinion, was one of the gutsiest sonic moves in recent memory. In the year where all their peers perfected what they did on previous releases, Fireworks started fresh and anew, creating an album bands twice their age wish they could write.
Drive was a really good movie though?
Jingle Bell Broke by Into It. Over It.
“I’ve been trying to think of a new resolution, that it isn’t what you spend. But how you spend it. I’ve been trying to sum up the most joyful parts of my life. Stack of bills and no money in my bank account.”
(Source: noeacitehtsea, via babyfacedshame)
