Twenty-twelve is coming to an end and it has been a great year for Canadian music. The following are our picks for TVD’s favorite releases by Canadian artists for the year.
While you may have heard some of these records, there are definitely a few underdogs that you may not have been introduced to, so hear me out and you may just find some new favourites. Cheers to discovering new music!
Half Moon Run, Dark Eyes | This band is either completely on the ball with everything an indie music connoisseur is digging lately and running with it, or putting this record out this year was simply perfect timing.
Either way, Dark Eyes is an intelligent and smooth combination of indie, folk, pop, and rock, with atmospheric and even electronic elements, resulting in a little something for everyone. If you don’t know this Montreal trio yet, you soon will.
Recommended: Full Circle, Call Me In The Afternoon, Fire Escape
Half Moon Run Official | Facebook | Twitter
Metric, Synthetica | The best part of Metric’s fifth studio album may very well be the opening lyric, as lead Emily Haines sings, “I’m just as fucked up as they say…” we are instantly reminded of the bold Metric that we know and love—and why.
As Synthetica battles themes of what is real versus what is artificial, the songs quickly become favourable and infectious indie, synth-pop anthems. Also, Lou Reed joins Haines on the track “The Wanderlust.” Wait, what?
Recommended: Youth Without Youth, Breathing Underwater, Dreams So Real
Metric Official | Facebook | Twitter
Metz, Metz | Considering that fans have been watching Metz play live since 2007, this was a much-anticipated debut release—and the only complaint is that it will never sound as loud as Metz does live. Some will find humour in the fact that the album opens with a track titled “Headache,” as it sets the tone for the very noisy and hectic, yet talented and well crafted songs to come.
You may not know the words but you will quickly find yourself familiar with their addictive instrumentation of pounding drums and guitar riffs. This Toronto power trio forces you to have an opinion because, love them or hate them, they are almost impossible to ignore.
Recommended: Knife In The Water, Wet Blanket
Metz Official | Facebook | Twitter
A.C. Newman, Shut Down The Streets | Carl Newman of The New Pornographers released his third solo album this year which dealt with the birth of his son and the death of his mother. We are invited into a more personal side of Newman this time around.
Shut Down The Streets is inspired by ‘70s folk and pop and often features harmonies by fellow Pornographer, Neko Case. The careful division of happy and sad songs on this album results in a rather perfect mix of emotions to accompany any mood.
Recommended: I’m Not Talking, There’s Money In New Wave
A.C. Newman Official | Facebook | Twitter
Japandroids, Celebration Rock | Before recording Celebration Rock, Japandroids singer/guitarist Brian King and drummer David Prowse were ready to call it quits. Thinking that all of their efforts and self promotion were getting them nowhere, it was do or die—and an incredible year of exposure and rave reviews followed.
These reckless, yet mature songs embrace youth and having a good time, without limiting the audience to a specific age group. You will be hard pressed to find a list of best albums of 2012 that does not include this release.
Recommended: The House That Heaven Built, Continuous Thunder
Japandroids Official | Facebook | Twitter
Jay Malinowski & The Deadcoast, “Indian Summer” EP | Fresh off the European leg of Chuck Ragan‘s Revival Tour, Jay Malinowski debuted a new collaborative project with a string trio called The Deadcoast. While this short EP was only released about month ago, anyone who knows Malinowski’s previous projects (Bedouin Soundclash, Armistice, and solo effort Bright Lights & Bruises) is following this.
Malinowski takes us along for the ride as he returns to his home in the Pacific Northwest to record these five songs. Co-Producer Mark Delmont contributed field recordings of oceans and forests throughout, and The Saint James Music Academy children’s choir sing on two tracks, resulting in a smooth, vulnerable, and cinematic ride.
Recommended: I Was Walking Through a Dream, The Pacific Gyre
Jay Malinowski & The Deadcoast Official | Facebook | Twitter
