Best Rock Album in 2012

The Shins, Port of Morrow is real fine!

Pete Townshend Quadrophenia Demos 1 & 2 (released on vinyl EPs in 2011 & 2012) argue that at his peak Pete was the Beethoven of R&R. 60% of The Who release is on these demos. What was saved or cut makes for a fascinating schematic of process toward the commercial release. Excellent SQ but disappointing that it costs two EPs to get it all.

Here's one for ya'll...it's just one song, not an album.
It's only available in the audiophile dreaded 320kbs but
hey, it's free! You can download it here
http://www.theafghanwhigs.com/

The Afghan Whigs covering Frank Ocean's Lovecrimes. Oh hell
yea.

Or watch it here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?
list=PL955C7451DC5BE34E&v=Rq_SoNctIvI&feature=player_embedde
d

http://www.youtube.com/watch?
list=PL955C7451DC5BE34E&v=Rq_SoNctIvI&feature=player_embedde
d

I never thought those guys would ever play together again.
Unlike a lot of the old dude reunion stuff going on these
days, Dulli and the boys are still badass, maybe even more
so. Can't wait for 10/5 in NYC!

Since Richard went for one song, I'll go for 70...

I just picked up World Party's new 5 CD set "Arkeology".

At a glance, this looks like a straight up money grab..5 CDs of previously unreleased material from the vault and...yikes..a calendar. However, there are only 5 or 7 tracks that IMHO should have definitely stayed buried, while the balance varies between good and very good. There's not a ton of inspired material here, but for those who dig Karl Wallinger's take on recycling the best of the '60's (specifically The Beatles, The Stones, and Dylan) this is a welcome trove of unfamiliar music. Some really good live tracks and covers, too.

Maybe not the best of the year, and definitely not for everyone, but a happy surprise for those who miss this band.

Marty

The Great Lake Swimmers new release The New Wild Everywhere is very strong!! Kind of mellow soft pop, but great songwriting on every number.