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The Best Albums of 2012 So Far -- And How to Enjoy Them!

Sharon Van Etten, Fiona Apple, Jack WhiteRedferns (2) | FilmMagic

Rather than bore you with our oh-so-deep thoughts on our favorite records from the first half of 2012, we decided to do something different. Chances are, you're already listening to these albums, so we offered up a handy guide on how to best enjoy this great music, often with a beverage pairing. We recommend you try all of these, and if you think we missed any albums, or you have any suggestions on how to listen to them, please let us know in the comments below.

Leonard Cohen, Old Ideas
The 77-year-old legend's voice has deepened so richly over the years that it would be a pity not to listen to this album by sipping a finely aged scotch and contemplating life.

Listen to Leonard Cohen's "Going Home"

Sharon Van Etten, Tramp
With her third album, the Brooklyn-based singer added a heavier side to her haunting songs, thanks in part to the production of the National's Aaron Dessner. Going back between her ballads and the harder, driving tracks makes this LP the perfect complement to curling up with a glass of wine and reading a good book.

Sharon Van Etten Performs "Give Out' on The Interface

Alabama Shakes, Self-Titled
If you don't know how to cook some Southern-style cuisine, learn. Once you're ready, fire up the grill and let this be the soundtrack to the best damn cookout you've ever had. Warning: Be prepared to get sweaty with all the dancing you're about to do.

Watch Alabama Shakes' "Hold On" Video

Jack White, Blunderbuss
Don your finest light-blue clothing, grab a bottle of whiskey and head down to a lake around midnight. Try not to be too tan when you're doing this.

Watch Jack White's "Sixteen Saltines" Video

Japandroids, Celebration Rock
Gather up some friends, find a place to sit outside, drink a ton of cheap beer, sing along to the chorus and laugh about all the stupid, awesome things you did when you were a kid. If you are still a kid, go do something stupid and awesome (and substitute Red Bull for the beer).

Listen to Japandroids' "House That Heaven Built"

El-P, Cancer for Cure
Just turn it up and don't give a fuck about anything else. Any album that samples the Val Kilmer movie "Top Secret" demands nothing more, nothing less.

Listen to El-P's "Oh Hail No"

Spiritualized, Sweet Heart Sweet Light
Put on some sunglasses (day or night), head to the Grand Canyon and soak up J. Spaceman's latest opus. Or just do some mushrooms and pretend that's what you're doing. Whatever.

Listen to Spiritualized's "Hey Jane"

The Hives, Lex Hives
Looking for the right motivator with which to run through a wall? The Hives' first album in five years will do just the trick. Bonus: "Come On" has the most easily memorized lyrics of any song, ever.

Watch The Hives Perform "Go Right Ahead" on Sessions

Father John Misty, Fear Fun
This debut from former Fleet Foxes drummer J. Tillman is eclectic and fun, and therefore should be enjoyed with something equally as diverse. Perhaps a plate of nachos, or Chex Mix if you're traveling. For cocktails, we'd say to go with either a fruit-filled sangria or just switch your choice of alcohol every time you're empty. Oh, and it helps if you're really, really stoned.

Watch Father John Misty's "Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings" Video

Metric, Synthetica
Our Canadian editor has listened to this album on his daily bike commute every day for the past month. You should try that. (Also, Lou Reed's part on "The Wanderlust almost makes up for Lulu.)

Listen to Metric's "Wanderlust"

Beach House, Bloom
Despite the band name, we'd say this isn't actually a good seaside record. Rather, this one is for taking a scenic joyride, in any weather (provided driving conditions are safe).

Listen to Beach House's "Myth"

Fiona Apple, The Idler Wheel...
There's a lot you can do while listening to this excellent album. Have a romantic dinner, zone out during your morning commute, go for a jog: Apple's return from a seven-year break has that varied feel of Tom Waits' transitory period where he went from a jazzy singer-songwriter into an experimental creator of gems.

Watch "Anything We Want"

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discopedro

My goodness...who writes your intro's, a 16 year old? Embarrassing for you, and painful for the rest of us. Ouch.

October 02 2012 at 11:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jkowit

Jason Karaban - "Shift" needs to be on this list....

October 02 2012 at 9:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Stuart Malan

Top 5

1. Lower Dens - Nootropics
2. Chairlift - Something
3. JBM - Stray Ashes
4. Father John Misty - Fear Fun
5. Damien Jurado - Maraqopa

Overall I guess this years been ok. Some solid releases but nothing really that special outside of Lower Dens sophomore release.

July 14 2012 at 12:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
fans12xy12

Ahhh...we love ourselves some Leonard Cohen! he is on tour starting in October: http://www.fansinthestands.com/leonard-cohen-tickets.html

July 12 2012 at 11:01 AM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
Hugo Gagnon

Great list thanks a lot for this.

For those using Rdio I created a playlist with this list. http://rd.io/x/QVi1ezNQjOA

July 12 2012 at 10:57 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply