Clarence Ewing: The Million Year Trip writesCHIRP Radio Best of 2012 (Alex Dziura)

Throughout December, CHIRP Radio presents its members’ top albums of 2012. Our next list is from DJ Alex Dziura.

1. Oberhofer - Time Capsules II (Glassnote)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   This first release from Brooklyn-based Brad Oberhofer & co. was one of the most anticipated releases of the year and certainly pulled through. Absolutely gleaming with evidence of Brad's classical training in composition, this album will also keep you on your feet 'til the very end.
2. Kishi Bashi - 151a (Joyful Noise)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   Not a surprise that someone who has played with of Montreal could put out some amazing music himself. This album is full of passion. Every song tells a story and K. Ishibashi believes every last word he sings. Phenomenally full sound from one man (mostly).
3. Purity Ring - Shrines (4AD)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   Another highly anticipated album after the release of the Fineshrine single, this one delivered a sound that was long over due hitting popular rotation. I'm curious to see a second album receive such high aclaim.
4. Fun - Some Nights (Fueled By Ramen)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   Some Nights takes on almost an entirely different sound in comparison to Fun's first album Aim and Ignite. The theatrical yet personal stylings are still there, but this album draws influence much more from hip-hop and international music than the last cute-understated-indie-pop sounding album.
5. Animal Kingdom - The Looking Away (Mom + Pop Music)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   This was the second release from the three-piece UK natives. Lots of catchy melodies and rhythms, as any good upbeat indie rock album should have. This album also explores some deeper messages in songs like "Get Away With It" about the 1%.
6. Dent May - Do Things (Mom + Pop Music)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   An all around feel good album, I can't imagine a person that wouldn't crack a smile at any part of it. I love to describe this as an electronic rendition of the Beach Boys made in the disco-era. You pretty much can't not dance.
7. Beach House - Bloom (Sub Pop)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   Receiving jaw-dropping acclaim, hitting No. 7 on the charts the week of it's release, Beach House seems to have finally struck a chord that sticks with the critics. And who can disagree? The album itself is a journey from beginning to end that I don't mind going on daily.
8. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes - Here (Community)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   This second release was a regression into more grassrootsy folk, less produced than their debut, Up from Below. Still a very enjoyable album with all thirteen seemingly-excessive yet somehow magical members.
9. William Within - William Within (Self-Released)
   BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
   This brand new Minneapolis-based jazz/folk quintet finally put out their debut full-length after a hardly thirst- quenching and year-old EP of songs from when WW was just a solo act. Amazing song-writing, talented musicians, and delightfully reminiscent of classic rock, jazz, folk, and psychedelic rock. Highly, highly recommended to check these guys out.
10. The Big Pink - Future This (4 AD)
    BUY: Reckless / Permanent / Insound / iTunes / eMusic
    Another UK indie rock wonder. This is the second release from The Big Pink. The album portrays a much fuller more arena-rocky sound than their debut which featured more indie electro chill waves, but nonetheless a pleasant surprise.