Top 100 of 2012 [REMASTERED] 10 years ago I did my first end of the year selection and it was a top 50. By that time I started to discover more music and so, I’ve decided to select the best 50 from that year (a thing I still do until today). This year, to celebrate the decade achievement, I did a remaster to my first top ever I turned it into a top 100. Enjoy! 100. Matt and Kim – Let’s Go 99. The Killers – Runaways 98. Wake Owl – Gold 97. Funeral Suits – All Those Friendly People 96. Wiz Khalifa – Work Hard Play Hard 95. Dan Croll – From Nowhere 94. Muse – Madness 93. Bastille – Flaws 92. Big Sean – Guap 91. Angus Stone – Monster 90. Purity Ring – Fineshrine 89. Chief Keef – I Don’t Like (ft. Lil Reese) 88. The Vaccines – Teenage Icon 87. Perfume Genius – Hood 86. The Ting Tings – Day To Day 85. Bloc Party – Octupus 84. A$AP Ferg – Work 83. Linkin Park – Lost In The Echo 82. The Shins – Simple Song 81. Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros – Man On Fire 80. Katy Perry – Wide Awake 79. Future – Turn On The Lights 78. Kacey Musgraves – Merry Go Round 77. Kid Cudi – Just What I Am (ft. King Chip) 76. Mumford and Sons – I Will Wait 75. Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe 74. Twin Shadow – Five Seconds 73. Frank Ocean – Pyramids 72. D.I.D. – Teenage Daughter 71. DIIV – Doused 70. Father John Misty – Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings 69. A$AP Rocky – Fuckin’ Problems (ft. 2 Chainz, Drake & Kendrick Lamar) 68. Kodaline – All I Want 67. Kid Ink – Hell & Back 66. Matisyahu – Sunshine 65. Alabama Shakes – Hold On 64. Icona Pop – I Love It (ft. Charli XCX) 63. Todd Terje – Inspector Norse 62. Kendrick Lamar – Money Trees 61. Chairlift – I Belong In Your Arms 60. Tame Impala – Elephant 59. Paloma Faith – Picking Up The Pieces 58. XXYYXX – About You 57. Death Grips – I’ve Seen Footage 56. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Same Love (ft. Mary Lambert) 55. Alt-J – Taro 54. The Lumineers – Ho Hey 53. Cat Power – Ruin 52. Crystal Castles – Affection 51. Imagine Dragons – It’s Time 50. Taylor Swift – We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together 49. Woddkid - Run Boy Run 48. Sharon Van Eten – Serpents 47. Of Monsters and Men – Little Talks 46. Haim – Forever 45. Jai Paul – Jasmine 44. The Temper Trap – Trembling Hands 43. Panama – It’s Not Over 42. Grimes – Oblivion 41. Flume – Sleepless (ft. Jezzabell Doran) 40. Mac Demarco – Ode To Viceroy 39. Japandroids – The House That Heaven Built 38. Miike Snow – Paddling Out 37. First Aid Kit – Emmylou 36. Jack White – Sixteen Saltines 35. Hot Chip – Flutes 34. Two Door Cinema Club – Sun 33. Mac Miller – Clarity 32. Django Django – Default 31. Passion Pit – I’ll Be Alright 30. Miguel – Adorn 29. THGHT – Higher Ground 28. Grizzly Bear – Yet Again 27. Solange – Losing You 26. G.O.O.D. Music – Mercy 25. Sleigh Bells – Comeback Kid 24. AlunaGeorge – I Know You Like It 23. Kendrick Lamar – Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe 22. Rhye – The Fall 21. M.I.A. – Bad Girls 20. Disclosure – Latch (ft. Sam Smith) 19. Usher – Climax 18. The XX – Angels 17. Arctic Monkeys – R U Mine? 16. Danny Brown – Grown Up 15. Lana Del Rey – National Anthem 14. Tame Impala – Feels Like We Only Go Backwards 13. Bat For Lashes – Laura 12. Santigold – Disparate Youth 11. Sky Ferreira – Everything Is Embarrassing 10. Beach House – Myth 9. A$AP Rocky – Goldie 8. Alt-J – Breezeblocks 7. Fiona Apple – Every Single Night 6. Jessie Ware – Wildest Moments 5. CHVRCHES – The Mother We Share 4. Passion Pit – Take A Walk 3. Kendrick Lamar – Swimming Pools (Drank) 2. Grimes - Genesis 1. Frank Ocean - Thinkin Bout You

>>> Playlist on Spotify <<<

"and nothing’s gonna knock this girl down…"

1. No Doubt - Settle Down

2012 belonged to No Doubt. I may be a little biased, as I have been their biggest fan since I was about 10 years old (shit, it's been 18 years???) No Doubt celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2012 with the release of their 6th studio album Push & Shove, after an incredible 11 year hiatus. The band never broke up, but rather went their own ways - started families, collaborated with a variety of artists, and not to mention Gwen's successful but short-lived solo career. They have been creating this album on-and-off for a few years, finally seeing the light of day right before my birthday in September (how did I get so many amazing musical gifts for my bday?!?!?). "Settle Down" seemed to pick right up where the band left up on Rock Steady and was a great foreshadow of what to expect with their latest album. Here's to 2013 bringing us all some more great No Doubt tunes and not the beginning of another 11-year drought!

"I don't believe in you, you don't believe in me..."

2. Twin Shadow - Five Seconds

The highlight of my 2012 belonged to meeting George Lewis Jr., otherwise known as Twin Shadow! If it wasn't enough that I was able to see him perform for the first time for my birthday in September, I met him afterwards and I consequently fell in love! Not that I didn't already love him, but this man standing in front of you is truly swoon-worthy! "Five Seconds" was the first single of his 2nd album Confess, which may just earn it's place as my FAVORITE album of the year! 2012 was truly the year of Twin Shadow for me, and I can't see him falling out of my earbuds anytime soon!

"so I put my faith in something unknown..."

3. Calvin Harris feat. Florence Welch - Sweet Nothing

This was a pairing that was just destined to happen. I've seen it coming since I first discovered Florence, and I've been trying to imagine what it could possibly sound like. 2012 finally gave me the answer I was searching for! Calvin consistently teams with the most incredible voices in music today, voices that match perfectly to his pulse-pounding beats. But this is above and beyond the highlight of his epic career. So far... who knows what else this man has up his sleeve, but I for one am all ears!!

"there's someone here that laughs too hard at everything..."

4. Miike Snow - Paddling Out

Another musical trilogy this year was the crazy adventure of "The Perfect Human" Jean Noel, as told by my favorite American/Swede Miike Snow. This was the first in the trilogy (discounting the teaser video for "Devil's Work") and shows a spaceship of alien twin children abducting and creating what they see as the perfect man. While both sets of trilogy's (Miike Snow and m83) have creepy children in common, Miike Snow takes a more comical route which proves to be incredibly entertaining. Can Jean Noel be another possible Halloween costume? Perhaps.

"there's no end, there is no goodbye..."

5. m83 - Wait

2011's #1 song kicked off a trilogy of videos from m83 that all led to the release of the third and final installment this past November. This was my personal favorite track off of Hurry Up, We're Dreaming, m83's latest double album released late in 2011. The video follows our freakishly gifted "Midnight City" kids to the aftermath of their aftermath. For me, this entire double album could be some sort of trippy full-length movie about these kids. Sort of makes me wonder if this pairs well with a movie a la Dark Side Of The Moon and The Wizard of Oz. Looks like I have a mission for 2013!

"rule #1 is that you gotta have fun..."

6. Marina & The Diamonds - How To Be A Heartbreaker

We were all teased late in 2011 with "Radioactive," the first single off of Marina's 2nd album Electra Heart released in mid-2012. She followed this up with a string of clips promoting the album, all culminating in the masterpiece we see and hear now! The crazy thing is that this one never made the cut of the initial release of the album in the UK, and ended up being a bonus track on the US version. A bonus track that spread like wildfire and just begged to become a single. And what a video to pair with it! Honestly, I'd expect nothing less from Marina after seeing her live this past summer - this girl can put on a show!

"it's a risky business, but I'll play it anyway..."

7. No Doubt feat. Major Lazer & Busy Signal - Push & Shove

The second single off of No Doubt's self-titled comeback album was quite the epic feat! This schizophrenic baby teamed the band up with Major Lazer, so obviously it must be incredible! Gwen Stefani spits out these lyrics so naturally and is able to match dancehall dude Busy Signal's intensity and flow seamlessly. To me, this song alone literally puts the band in a completely different playing field. I'm shocked that this wasn't the first single - it definitely would have made the statement that No Doubt was back and they weren't fooling around!

“…you gotta try a little harder, you’re the comeback kid”

8. Sleigh Bells - Comeback Kid

At the tail end of 2011, Sleigh Bells teased us with a clip from their follow-up album to their debut, and I was instantly intrigued. I loved them the first time around, but we all know production value increases as a band becomes successful off their debut. Flash-forward a couple months and their first official single dropped with this accompanying video. I think this had everything I love about them - Alexis' soft and dreamy pop voice over Derek's crushing guitars. The two of them wreaking havoc at a local supermarket. Leather, studs, shades, and short shorts??? Yes, yes, yes, and YESSSS!! Top it all off with jumping on a bed with a rifle and I smell a winner! Also, doesn't blonde Alexis sort of remind you of Debbie Harry?? Just a thought...

"when you’re really by yourself it’s hard to find someone to hold your hand”

9. Grimes - Oblivion

The biggest buzz in the music industry of 2012 definitely belonged to the one and only Claire Boucher, better known as Grimes. This video was my first introduction to our favorite Canuck, and what an incredible intro this was! How could anyone not fall in love with this young, awkward girl dancing aimlessly at a motocross?? Certainly not me! This was one of those songs that I enjoyed more and more with every listen, and my obsession still continues to grow! She has the perfect voice to accompany her style of dreamy electro-pop. I wouldn't be surprised to find her on every producers "need to work with" list, but hopefully she reserves that right to her BFF Blood Diamonds!

"no place we can go to make it all disappear…”

10. Van She - Jamaica

Top 10, y'all!! And what better way to kick this shit off than the best Aussie boys around, Van She!! After years of following these guys and begging them to come stateside, I finally finally FINALLY got to see them perform this past summer and all my dreams were fulfilled! Before the show I hung out with the band a bit, thanking them immensely. And, seriously, these dudes couldn't be more down to earth. This track is my favorite release from them to date, and I'm only expecting more! Hopefully it won't be such a long hiatus this time around and we hear some newness in 2013!

"if you say the word, then I'll say goodbye..."

11. Haim - Forever

One of my favorite discoveries of 2012 has got to be the Cali sisters Haim. Their sound is a mixture of 70's/80's playful fun and a sleek production of today. Think Fleetwood Mac + The Go-Go's x Destiny's Child. That's the kind of math I can get down with! This was my first introduction to the band, along with "Better Off", during the early summer. Immediately, I was invested to hear more and bought tickets to their show over the summer. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see them, and now I'm kicking myself! Hopefully my luck will change and I will be graced with their debut album and a headlining tour to boot. Fingers crossed!!

"whatchu gon' do when I appear..."

12. Azealia Banks - 212

And here's the chick that is leading the return of the female MC! This track was completely undeniable this year. Looking back, my discovery of this song cracks me up. I first heard this song at the tail-end of the summer of 2011. Or did I? I think it ended up being one of those songs I downloaded and never listened to because there was SO much else I was excited about. I really need to stop that. Then about 6 months later I downloaded it again and it quickly became the anthem of 2012. This past summer, I was searching thru my library and came across a song labelled "Lazy Jay." I listened and to my surprise, there was "212" again! OOPS, my bad! Looks like I had this song long before I ever even knew!

"you say it used to be different..."

13. Panama - It's Not Over

This song, ughh!! Still gives me chills every time I hear it! This was another song that I had on repeat for days and still couldn't get enough. Even listening to it right now I feel like i need to repeat it! And maybe a 3rd time just for good measure! The build-up is so dramatic and utterly beautiful, the emotion finally reaching its peak about two-thirds of the way thru. Those Aussies really know how to pull that emotion out! Hopefully their full length will see the light of day in 2013 - it's bound to be epic!

"I kill pride, I hurt feelings..."

14. Iggy Azalea feat. T.I. - Murda Bizness

Yes, yes, and yes again! Everything about this song is complete genius. Let's start with Iggy, the white supermodel rapper from Down Under sounding like a Dirty South rapper. Check. Then there's the video, paying homage to the trainwreck that is Honey Boo Boo and Toddlers & Tiaras. Check. And T.I.?? Just the icing on the cake. Check and mate! This one has quickly become my go-to karaoke song - who doesn't want to be Iggy?? Speaking of, I'm smelling the perfect Halloween costume... anyone know where I can buy a 3-foot long blonde ponytail???

"the end is unknown, but I think I'm ready..."

15. The xx - Angels

2012 saw the follow-up to The xx's debut album, and it came none to soon!! This was the first single released from the new album Coexist - a strikingly haunting song picking up exactly where The xx left it. It took me a few listens to finally get it (most likely due to the fact that I need to be in a specific mood for them), but finally it stuck and never let go. The xx has such an undeniable sound to what they do that no one can replicate, though many bands may try. Imitation is the best form of flattery, but unfortunately anyone who tries is bound to fall flat on their face!