Top Songs of 2012: 1-100

Our year end lists are wrapping up at this point, but we wouldn’t be a legitimate music site without a list of the top songs from 2012.  Personally, I feel like this list is a thousand times more difficult to compose than an albums list because we’re dealing with close to 400-500 songs in the running.  It’s been a long process trying to narrow that iTunes playlist down to 100, and I know some incredible tunes from this year are missing, but we hope you enjoy.  Ladies and gentlemen, follow the jump for the ATH version of top 2012 songs.

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Top Albums of 2012: 50-1

Here it is.  I know you’ll hate it; I know you’ll disagree, but that’s not the point in making an arbitrary list.  We here at ATH worked really hard to fit in the tastes of the four of us, and when we decided upon our Top 50, it really boied down to simple math.  What albums did we love when they came out?  Do we still enjoy spinning those records months later? If they’re in the Top 50, then the asnwer is probably yes.  I mean, our Top 2 records came out in January, and still play a vital part in my weekly listening.  There’s no disclaimer here.  We are who we are, we like what we like, and we hope that’s okay with you. If not, drop us a line and let us know where we went wrong.

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Top Live Shows in Austin in 2012

Our year end coverage begins with the three chiefs over at the ATH offices reveling in what was an incredible year in Austin, musically speaking.  Tons of rad bands blew us away with their live sets, and, well, there were just tons of bands.  I think we did more show coverage this year than in previous years, but as always, the great thing about our site is diversity.  We’re also linking back to our full reviews and photos of some of these nights, so you can get more of a feel of our thoughts, not to mention, checking out Brian’s great photographic 2012. Read on for thoughts on live acts from the three main contributors.
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Great Rocker from Best Friends

I guess I was wrong! I had planned on making it a mellow day for you all, but I can’t resist putting up this track from Sheffield’s Best Friends. The group just did a split for Art Is Hard Records, which unfortunately sold out super fast…I guess that means everyone is as excited by them as I am at the moment.  This tune is a fast paced rocker that just jumps out of your stereo from start to finish.  I can see these guys taking the stage with Terry Malts, pummeling our ears in a furious fashion, giving us instant pop gratification. Ya dig?

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Art-Is-Hard-Records-Mankind.mp3]

Download:Best Friends – Mankind [MP3]

Who Is In The Mood For Some Terry Malts?

Me. Pretty much always.

We love this band. They are nice. Nathan emailed me a link to a page of solid jams and this one happened to be on it so, yeah, stream some Terry Malts, people.

“Living With The Human Race” starts with big slow fuzz that yields to pummeled drums and more fuzz.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/51924073″ params=”auto_play=false&show_artwork=false&color=ff7700″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Original Slumberland Records Act Lorelei Returns

Slumberland Records has made a name for itself recently by signing big acts like Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Terry Malts, but we often forget just how long the label has been promoting great tunes. Luckily, a lot of their first wave of bands are coming back to the fold as the label’s popularity continues to rise.  One such act is Lorelei, who will be releasing their first album since 1994 on August 14th.  The record is called Enterprising Sidewalks, and it picks up where the band left off, crafting beautiful melodies backed by some jagged cutting guitars.  This is the sort of music that gave the label the ability to rise to its current position, so I’m happy to see a solid return to form.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/01-Hammer-Meets-Tongs.mp3]

Download:Lorelei – Hammer Meets Tongs [MP3]

Fuzzy New Single from Terry Malts

There’s been lots of great records this year, but one that’s going to be in my top five for sure come the end of the year is Killing Time from Terry Malts.  But, not a band to rest on their laurels, the group already has a new single ready to go on Log Lady Records.  It’s going to be a split affair with Dead Angle, and it demonstrates the continuous power of a Malts release. If you jam to the stream below you’ll find those fuzzy guitars and solid percussive moments that have come to define the group’s sound.  You can pick up this jam on June 12th, so keep your eyes open!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Disconnect.mp3]

 

Show Preview: Terry Malts @ Mohawk (4/12)

Date 4/12/12
Location Mohawk
Doors 9pm
Tickets $8 @ Frontgate

Let this insane week of music in Austin continue on Thursday night with what might be the best show of the week featuring ATH favorite band Terry Malts.  Most of us around these here parts have seen these guys live and can atest to their strong and engaging live performances they bring to every show.  Your opening support for the evening is provided by locals One Hundred Flowers and Rayon Beach.  The inside area at Mohawk is sure to be packed.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Terry_Malts_-_Tumble_Down.mp3]

Download: Terry Malts – Tumble Down [MP3]

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