Best Rock Album in 2012

If you ever really liked Springsteen but had more or less given up on his ever returning to form, you'll be more than pleasantly surprised by "Wrecking Ball." After so many missteps that it was fair to think that the Boss had fallen not only from grace, but also right off the stage, he is back in a big way with an album that I've been playing -- and enjoying -- over and over again.
Bring on your wrecking ball!

That Norah Jones album was produced by Danger Mouse and sounds more like a Danger Mouse album than Norah Jones. If you liked Rome or the Broken Bell's stuff, you'll prolly like NJ's new release. I'm actually not a big Norah Jones fan but do like this record.

Hiss Golden Messenger "Poor Moon"

Ok, technically it's a re-release of a 2010 album but that was limited to 500 vinyl copies. This is one of the most under appreciated "bands" making music. Can't recommend this album enough.

Kind of like the new Calexico Road Atlas, the newest by Coldplay (6 great songs on Side 1), Bruce Springsteen (best album in 20 plus years), and the new Jack Johnson live album (all duets).

Oh, the Alabama Shakes album rocks. The 22 year old singer sounds like Aretha fronting the White Stripes.