The Best of 2012

It's that time of year again (or a little past it), where I break down my bests of the year.

All in all, it was a good year. There were a lot of greats that started with a trek to Boston and seeing my favorites The Tower and The Fool for two shows in 3 days and seeing a ton of friends. But that was just one (well 2) show. There was so much more.

Top 2102 Albums

I had more than one album I was anticpiating but didn't see (especially from my small bands) and one snuck in at the last moment. There were some that I was excited about and just disappointed by altogether (can you say Boys Like Girls). But there was quite a bit of good. So, in no particular order:

The Tower and The Fool - "How Long"

I'm still in love with this one even after all this time. It's quintessential sad music and fantastic on top of it. Definitely give the vinyl a listen if you can.

Go Radio - "Close the Distance"

Every single track on this album is great. This band has come a long way since "Do Overs and Second Chances" and they're still doing amazing things. There's been a lot of chatter about bands growing up and this is a band doing it right.

Yellowcard - "Southern Air"

I'm still happy that Yellowcard is back, more happy that this album takes a grow up turn as well. Their last album touched on more adult topics, but I definitely feel myself relating to "Southern Air" as a late 20-something than almost anything else I've heard lately. That's a good thing.

Matchbox Twenty - "North"

Cheesy radio music, maybe, but Matchbox has been one of my favorites since their debut somewhere around when I was in high school. Their new release, which I was highly anticipating doesn't let down. It's true to their sound, not caving to be one the radio because tthey're MB20. They do what they want. And it's beautiful.

William Beckett - the EP trio

William dropped 3 EPs this year and everything on them is great. He's taking a familiar feel and making it something new entirely. I'm excited to see what else comes from him.

Imagine Dragons - "Night Visions"

I added this at the last minute because I got it about 4 days ago but I already love it. It's a fantastic album that makes me wish my life had a movie soundtrack (and maybe was an action movie)

Ghost Thrower / Foreign Tongues - Split EP

This one slid in at the last minute too since it just came out. I was hoping for new Ghost Thrower tunes this year and though I'd never listened to Foreign Tongues, I'm a convert now. The split is great and I love where Ghost Thrower is going sound-wise.

Honorable Mentions: The Lumineers, Fun., The Maine, Of Monsters and Men

What did I miss?

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Music For Monday - Matchbox Twenty

It's a throwback Monday for music, with today being rooted in one of my all-time favorite bands, Matchbox Twenty. Though throwback isn't entirely accurate anymore.

The guys have finished up another album and the AOL Music blog dropped the sneak peak of the single, "She's So Mean", that comes out tomorrow on their website. If you loved them before, you'll love this. It's amazing and it sounds like what we've always loved from Matchbox Twenty. Years later? They still have it.

So for your Monday? Check out the new song, get super excited for the album, then go back and re listen to the old stuff. Relive all the memories that comes with that music (there's no way their albums weren't soundtracks for your life, they were for mine for sure).

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New Matchbox Twenty Single Snippet!

Matchbox Twenty is back and I couldn't be happier. Seriously, this was my band when I was younger and their music never, ever gets old.

They have a new album coming out at the end of the summer, and a new single that should debut before too long. They've released a 30-second teaser snippet of it and I seriously can't wait for more.



Enjoy!

While you're at it, go play their "words" game on their website to get access to the snippet and to tweet your own special promo for the song!

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