Favorite Songs of 2012 (Part 1)

Not only did Dirty Three release one of my favorite albums this year, they were easily one of the best (and loudest) live music moments. Seeing them was like an out of body, religious experience. A more fitting name may be Dirty One, as it was remarkable how tightly they played as a unit. Some ignoramus in the crowd kept talking during the show and at one point asked Warren, "what's your favorite flavor?" To which he responded, "what kind of stupid f*cking question is that?" before tearing into the monstrous Rain Song. This NPR concert has a beautiful version (along with The Pier and Last Horse On The Sand).

My Jerusalem put out a record full of the most interesting rock music I've heard in a while. It's catchy, fearless, and there's a passionate urgency behind every song that reminds me of The Gun Club. Warning: this is going to get stuck in your head. For days.

In a time where mass consumption and immediacy seem to rule, it's refreshing to listen to an album that requires a little more attention. The songwriting and lyrics are beautiful throughout In The Dusk Of Everything, and the stripped down nature of the album reveals truly great songs.

It's probably apparent by now how much I love Dot Hacker's music, but this song deserves to be posted at all times.

See How We Are is one of my absolute favorite songs, and the live version released on John and Exene's recent Singing And Playing album makes my goosebumps get goosebumps.