Intro by Fense: Each year I look forward to posting Nate’s top album picks. First, he uses phrases like “silly-good.” But it’s mostly because he always has a different perspective, sometimes finding obscure items to drop in or checking out albums I wanted to hear but didn’t have a change to for some reason or another, other times dropping in albums from genres I typically ignore (um… hip hop). This year he went one step further and gave us his top 15 local songs as well. (BONUS!!!) Read on and let us know your favorite pick of 2012! (more…)

Finally, I present to you my top 10 records of 2012. Once again, we begin with a pair of honorary mentions — the recent single that’s leading into my most anticipated album of 2013, and an album I know would have made the top 50 had I checked it out in advance of compiling and publishing the first half of this list. (more…)

Continuing the countdown to my favorite record of 2012, today I present numbers 11 through 20. (more…)

It’s day three of my top 50 countdown, meaning we’re in the middle and doing #30 down to #21. Par with how the previous two have gone, we begin with a pair of honorary mentions. (more…)

Yesterday we saw my list from 50 to 41. Today, the countdown to my number one album of 2012 continues with Deer Creek Canyon by Sera Cahoone at number 40… but first, a few honorary mentions. (more…)

Today I present to you the first in a series of posts covering our top 50 albums of 2012. These lists take a long time to compile, so, to save my sanity, I’ve split it into a five-part countdown, beginning with 50 through 41. As these things go, it’s all subjective — best-of lists are compiled based on what we feel at this particular moment in time.

Case in point: At this time last year, my top three albums were: 3. Dream Diary by Jeremy Jay, 2. Music Sounds Better With You by Acid House Kings, and 1. Apocalypse by Bill Callahan. Given a year to mull these over, within the top twenty I’d have to also consider placements for Wooden Shjips, Youth Lagoon and Craft Spells. Not to mention A Classic Education. (more…)

While everyone else goes ape sh*t over EPs by Lana Del Rey and Ke$ha, well, we took a different approach and didn’t listen to those artists this year. Instead, last night, I ran through my entire library on iTunes and settled on my top 15 EPs of 2012.

Yeah, as these lists go, I’m sure I’m missing some pretty great ones in here that will leave me slapping my forehead later, but whatevz. It’s all subjective anyway, right? (more…)

On occasion, you just need something fun to play on your stereo. If you’re in that quirky, smiley sort of mood, this list is for you. Today I present to you, my reader, five quirky songs that make me immensely happy. One is from a band you might not expect (with exception to them being one of my all-time favorite artists), one a garage-y masterpiece, a few pop gems, and even a crazy little Christmas song. (more…)

I got a package the other week from HHBTM full of new releases from the Athens, GA-based label. Mike at the label was kind enough to pass along the latest albums he’s releasing. Four records to be exact: new LPs from Eureka California, Orca Team, Sweater Girls, and Tunabunny. I’ve been a fan of HHBTM for ages, dating at least back to 2006, if not further. Anyway, here are some details on each of the records. (more…)

I cannot stress this enough: I LOVE getting cool vinyl in the mail. The only thing better is when it’s completely unexpected, as took place with a recent package from Common Wall Media. The label just released Bogan Via’s new EP, Wait Up, on October 29. Common Wall also sent along Put Your Sunshine Away, a forthcoming release by Gospel Claws out November 20. These are both on CD, but here’s the bonus: I also received a 7″ single from each band on colored wax! (more…)