Steph's Picks: Best Albums of 2012

2012 has been an excellent year for new music! It is always a difficult task to summarize a year in any terms, but fortunately, the world of music has made my job easy by providing an outstanding selection of albums by seasoned veterans, soon-to-be-legends, and exciting new talent. In a year that's seen new albums from the likes of Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, David Byrne and Leonard Cohen, this was a challenging list to make. Just the same, here are my mildly subjective choices for the best 2012 had to offer. 

You can purchase any of these albums from the Bookshelf. For music samples, see our Tumblr page.

	Jack White, Blunderbuss The solo debut of one of today's most prolific musicians is emotive, bluesy and hard-rocking all at once! For fans of: The Yardbirds, Loretta Lynn, any of Jack White's 300 other bands.
	Fiona Apple - The Idler Wheel is Wiser... Another awe-inspiring turn from the eloquent singer-songwriter. Apple ruminates on love and loss with an enchanting darkness all her own. For fans of: Kate Bush, Chrissie Hynde, Tori Amos
	Beach House, Bloom At times a psychedelic wonderworld, at others a delectable lullaby, the newest from this sonically-inventive duo is a feast for the ears. For fans of: PJ Harvey, Nico
	Grizzly Bear, Shields An incredible rock odyssey, featuring roaring guitars interspersed with more subtle arrangements. A triumph of musicianship! For fans of: Fleet Foxes, Brian Eno, Radiohead
	Purity Ring, Shrines A marvelous debut from the Montreal-based synth-pop duo! Atmospheric yet danceable--I can't wait to hear more! For fans of: Bjork, Lykke Li
	Frank Ocean, Channel Orange The R&B revolution will be led by this man! A provocative, sexy voice and excellent songwriting mark this soulful debut. For fans of: Drake, Marvin Gaye, Kid Cudi
	Twin Shadow, Confess The sophomore effort of this Dominican artist is funky and wild, featuring a one-of-a-kind voice. An excellent dance record! For fans of: Prince, Morrissey
	Miguel, Kaleidoscope Dream The second album of this rising star plays like sweet soul music punctuated with energizing guitar riffs and funk fury! For fans of: Usher, The Weekend, Pharrell Williams
	Jessie Ware, Devotion The voice of this remarkable Brit has to be heard to be believed! An album that breathes new life into dance-pop. For fans of: Alicia Keys, Sade, Annie Lennox
	Calexico, Algiers The seventh studio LP from this alt-country group features expert songwriting and superb musicianship. For fans of: Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Neko Case
	Jamey Johnson, Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran This wonderful tribute album includes guest appearance by the likes of Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, and Leon Russell, among others. For fans of: Any of the above
	Lindi Ortega, Cigarettes & Truckstops An inspired second outing for this Canadian country artist. Sweet-voiced, with a razor-sharp undertone. For fans of: Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells