1. Santigold – Master of Your Make Believe (released May 1, 2012)

• This was my summer jam of the summer! Seriously! From the time I heard the single, “Disparate Youth,” I was so pumped about this album. Every single song is memorable and catchy, and the last track features Karen O! I will have this on my ipod for the rest of my life. The little list below has my 3 favorite tracks from the album (even though that’s so hard to do for all of these albums!)
       *Big Mouth
       *Look at These Hoes
       *Freak Like Me 

2. Sleigh Bells – Reign of Terror (released February 21, 2012)

• Wow. What can I say about this album? I was a huge fan of their first one, but even a bigger fan of this one. Again, every song is incredible. Alexis Krauss’ high energy vocals didn’t tone down, but took a much darker turn on the sophomore album. The way Sleigh Bells mixes the heavy, anthem-rock guitar riffs and somewhat depressing subject matter is really impressive. 
       *Never Say Die
       *Comeback Kid
       *Crush 

3. Death Grips – The Money Store (released April 24, 2012)

• I was hooked after the first song on this album. I thought it couldn’t get any better, BUT THEN IT DID! Every single song on this album makes you want to RAGE! I’d love to see these guys live. 
  *Get Got 
  *Bitch Please
  *I’ve Seen Footage

4. M. Ward – A Wasteland Companion (released April 10, 2012)

• I did get to see M. Ward live, this summer at Hangout Fest. He put on a great show, too. He always looks so smug, (aka he lives with chronic bitchface) but his voice is so beautiful. This album makes my little black heart melt every time I hear. 
  *Pure Joy
  *Me and My Shadow
  *Primitive Girl 

5. Dr. Dog – Be the Void (released February 7, 2012)

• Dr. Dog did it again. From their first release, they have produced quality music that is not only catchy but incredibly smart. The band has such a unique sound due to frontman duo of Scott McMicken and Toby Leaman. The two alternate as lead vocalist and sometimes both sing at once. They’ve stayed true to their folky sound, but managed to keep each album fresh. The best was to descrive this album is with this quote: “The band “lusted after ‘the immediacy, looseness, loudness, chaos, fast tempos and dirtier’ nature of their live performances, where they leave behind any ‘perfectionist attitudes’ in favor of spontaneous passion.”
  *Lonesome
  *Heavy Light
  *How Long Must I Wait?

6. Miike Snow – Happy to You (released March 13, 2012)

• What I love about this album is that it takes it’s time and all songs seems so strategically placed. Even though much of the album is fast and upbeat, the songs have a delicate quality. The band made videos for two of the songs on this album that are so strangely brilliant. They are this one and this one. Check them out!
  *Paddling Out
  *The Wave
  *Bavarian #1 (Say You Will)

7. The XX – Coexist (released September 5, 2012)

• The XX’s sophomore album is possibly more minimal thank their first…and I’m okay with that. Somehow this band manages to fill the space with their soft, sweet music. 
  *Angels
  *Chained
  *Try 

8. Father John Misty – Fear Fun (released April 30, 2012)

• When we received this album at the station, and I opened it up and found two huge fold-out posters with some weird video game proposal, I was like, “Uh, what the hell is this?” The first time I listened, I really only liked one song. Fortunately, I took the time to appreciate the songs the second time I listened to the album. What I originally wrote off as a little too country sounding (stupid) are actually pretty intricate songs. FJM is J. Tillman, formerly of Fleet Foxes – which is why I think I gave the album a second chance, and I’m glad I did. Really cool video featuring Aubrey Plaza (of Parks & Rec) right here.
  *Nancy From Now On
  *Hollywood Forever Cemetery
  *O I Long to Feel Your Arms Around Me

9. Lana Del Rey – Born to Die (released January 31, 2012)

• Alright. LDR. Honestly I love her. I don’t care that she bombs her live performances or sucked on SNL. I don’t. I think her voice sounds beautifully vulnerable and each of her words drips with emotion. Not to mention, I can’t think of one artist with her style of music. This is amazing driving around during summer music.
  *Video Games
  *Blue Jeans
  *Diet Mountain Dew

10. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – The Heist (released October 9, 2012)

• One of my biggest regrets of 2012 is not buying a ticket to see Macklemore when he came to the House of Blues NOLA with Dee-1 a couple months ago. This guy’s energy and passion just BURTS out of your speakers. I can’t say enough good things about this album. It’s both goofy, with songs like Thrift Shop, and activist, with songs like Same Love. NPR just featured these guys on their Tiny Desk Concert segment singing both of those songs plus one more. 
  *Thrift Shop
  *Same Love ft. Mary Lambert
  *Can’t Hold Us ft. Ryan Dalton 

14. Jack White – Blunderbuss (released April 23, 2012)

• Jack White can do no wrong in my eyes. Everything about him is so distinct and recognizable but his material never gets old or repetitive. His first solo album ever was no exception to the amazing catalogue he’s already created. Blunderbuss managed to be both edgy and personal. Also, this video is the shit. Check out the dancing at the 1:00 mark. I was lucky enough to snag a good spot for Jack’s show at Hangout Fest this summer. I can honestly say it was one of the most incredible performances I’ve ever seen. Can’t wait to see if he comes out with another solo album
  *Sixteen Saltines
  *Freedom at 21
  *I’m Shakin’ 

15. Delta Spirit – Delta Spirit (released March 13, 2012)

• Having never heard Delta Spirit prior to this album, I wasn’t expecting to LOVE them as much as I do. This album is a great example of indie rock. It’s upbeat and has such a positive vibe. I’ve read that this album was a big departure from their original sound (Americana). Regardless of what they sounded like before, this album is fantastic in its own right. 
  *California
  *Otherside
  *Tear It Up