Daniel's Top Albums of 2012

Some years it’s really easy to pick my ten favorite albums. 2012 was not one of those years. One decision that was easy for me: Beach House’s Bloom was my favorite album of the year, no contest. Beach House is one of those rare bands that have gotten better with each successive release. Their fourth album is a masterpiece. The sound is fuller and richer, but it is distinctly them.
Standout track: Wild
[Ed. Note: all standout tracks link to youtube videos of the track]

The rest of the list, in no particular order:

Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
Standout track: Pyramids

Twin Shadow – Confess 
Standout track: Run My Heart

Lord Huron – Lonesome Dreams
Standout track: She Lit a Fire

Amanda Palmer – Theatre is Evil
Standout track: Smile (Pictures or It Didn’t Happen)   

Trust – TRST 
Standout track: Sulk 

Metric – Synthetica
Standout track: Speed the Collapse

Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d city
Standout track: Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst

Flying Lotus – Until the Quiet Comes
Standout track: See Thru to U

Passion Pit – Gossamer*
Standout track: Carried Away