# What is the single best music album you bought in 2012? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 16, 2012, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216 "2012-12-16T20:20:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2012, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/21 "2012-12-16T23:54:06Z")
I think right now I’d have to go with Swans’ “The Seer”, which is a shambling stomping across the landscape post-gothic punk whatever other meaningless adjectives I can apply ramble through someone’s psyche. Occasionally it becomes work, but mostly not. And curses to Bo for not letting me mention my second choice, Kathleen Edwards’ “Voyageur.” ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/22 "2012-12-17T00:25:38Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Mumford & Sons, _Babel_. I could listen to this album pretty much forever. Another vote for _Babel_. Some people might dislike Mumford and Sons, but I love them and their second album is almost as great as their first. Close runner-up is _Spark Seeker_ by Matisyahu, which was released a few months ago. ---
**Author:** ![Monkey\_Chews](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/65b543/32.png) [@Monkey\_Chews](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monkey_Chews)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/23 "2012-12-17T01:46:55Z")
> [@Maserschmidt](#): > > And curses to Bo for not letting me mention my second choice, Kathleen Edwards’ “Voyageur.” That’s okay, I’ll mention it for you as it’s my first choice. Kathleen Edwards’ “Voyageur”. > [@Invisible\_Chimp](#): > > _151a_ by Kishi Bashi, which was released early in 2012. Nothing came out afterwards that topped it. And this saves me having to mention my second choice. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/24 "2012-12-17T01:53:54Z")
> [@tomcar](#): > > Chromatics - Kill for Love > > Listen to some of the songs: > > [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0mxXrHowHQ](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0mxXrHowHQ) > > [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSycSBYHitc&playnext=1&list=ALHTd1VmZQRNouoogf\_ex4NDr7-9gq\_eyH](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSycSBYHitc&playnext=1&list=ALHTd1VmZQRNouoogf_ex4NDr7-9gq_eyH) > > [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hYPk5m6uuM](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hYPk5m6uuM) > > [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwLwLQnInfE](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwLwLQnInfE) > > Buy the disc from the label for $5: > > [http://italiansdoitbetter.bigcartel.com](http://italiansdoitbetter.bigcartel.com) > > Best of the decade so far. I was thinking maybe the new albums by Bob Mould, Ty Segall, Kendrick Lamar, Moon Duo, The Coup, Toy or Tame Impala, but I probably listened to the Chromatics album the most, so I’ll go with that. ---
**Author:** ![MilTan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@MilTan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MilTan)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/25 "2012-12-17T02:14:52Z")
Until last week, I would’ve told you _Some Nights_, by fun. (it’s such great pump-your-fist-in-the-air-while-singing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs music), but now it’s probably _Night Visions_ by Imagine Dragons. ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/26 "2012-12-17T03:13:12Z")
_Welcome 2 My Nightmare_, Alice Cooper. Runners up: _Book of Mormon_ soundtrack _Bruise_, Assemblage 23 _Clockwork Angels_, Rush ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/27 "2012-12-17T03:46:26Z")
I’ve been so out-of-touch this year. I didn’t buy a single album that was released this year. The only thing I’ve heard that really interested me was Tame Imapala’s _Lonerism_, but I haven’t exactly dug very deep. I do have M83’s _Hurry Up We’re Dreaming_ from late last year that I got this year, so that could be my vote. I don’t think I’ve heard any of the albums mentioned in this thread, except for the ubiquitous Mumford & Sons and, well, let’s just say they’re not my cup of tea. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/28 "2012-12-17T04:00:20Z")
_The Dave Brubeck Quartet Live at Carnegie Hall_. Oops, sorry, didn’t see the qualifier that it had to be a new release. Then, nothing. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/29 "2012-12-17T04:16:32Z")
> [@Monkey\_Chews](#): > > Kathleen Edwards’ “Voyageur”. She has a crush on me, ya know. 😉 The only CD I can remember buying in years was the new one by **The Jawhawks**. Got it at their show. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Universe\_Lashes\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8797f3/32.png) [@The\_Universe\_Lashes\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Universe_Lashes_Out)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/30 "2012-12-17T04:17:40Z")
Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/10yrPDf92hY/maxresdefault.jpg "Kendrick Lamar - M.A.A.D. City (Feat. MC eiht)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10yrPDf92hY) This is my favorite rap album of the past five years, at least. Other favorites of 2012 include Cloud Nothings, Heartless Bastards, Father John Misty, the Walkmen, and Japandroids. ---
**Author:** ![I\_Made\_French\_Toast\_For\_You](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/858c86/32.png) [@I\_Made\_French\_Toast\_For\_You](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Made_French_Toast_For_You)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/31 "2012-12-17T04:32:32Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Yes, it is customary to support the artists whose music you enjoy by paying for their work. There are many ways to listen to new albums and support artists without buying their music. Spotify + live shows is my preferred method. As to the OP, the best album I listened to was Fiona Apple’s _The Idler Wheel…_. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/32 "2012-12-17T04:36:27Z")
> [@I\_Made\_French\_Toast\_For\_You](#): > > There are many ways to listen to new albums and support artists without buying their music. Spotify + live shows is my preferred method. Fair enough. I will probably use Spotify to check out many of the albums listed in this thread, now that you mention it. ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/33 "2012-12-17T04:56:56Z")
Doomtree’s No Kings was very good, I thought. [Bangarang - Doomtree](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vtsar_VBCmk) ---
**Author:** ![PlainJain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5daacb/32.png) [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/34 "2012-12-17T05:00:59Z")
fun. - Some Nights. ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/35 "2012-12-17T05:09:52Z")
Hmm, nothing really compares to any music released and purchased in '11 and '10. Kind of a dry year, musically for me. I suppose the top three in my library are _Some Nights_ by **FUN.** _Neck of the Woods_ by **Silversun Pickups.** And so far, I’m digging the **Deftone’s** latest disc, _Koi No Yokan._ ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/36 "2012-12-17T05:10:52Z")
Me and **PlainJain** are on a wavelength ~~~~~~ ETA: And **MilTan** too, apparently. Although, I liked FUN better when they were **The Format.** ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/37 "2012-12-17T05:20:33Z")
Andrew Bird, _Break It Yourself_. It came out in March and has been in constant rotation here ever since. My favorite song from it is “[Orpheo Looks Back](http://bit.ly/NJRz5k).” ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/38 "2012-12-17T05:29:03Z")
**Bahamut** , a six-year old album by a group I’d never heard of: Hazmat Modine. Hard to describe, but sounds at times like a mix of Captain Beefheart, Tom Waits, and Squirrel Nut Zippers, with a troupe of Tuvan throat singers guesting on two tracks. The wikipedia entry sums them up pretty well. ---
**Author:** ![Invisible\_Chimp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f05b48/32.png) [@Invisible\_Chimp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Invisible_Chimp)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/39 "2012-12-17T05:28:51Z")
> [@cmyk](#): > > Hmm, nothing really compares to any music released and purchased in '11 and '10. Kind of a dry year, musically for me. Funny, I thought '12 was better than '11 or '10 musically overall. I’m currently listening to my favorite album from '11 as I post this, _David Comes to Life_ by Fucked Up, which I think is better than _151a_, however I think '12 was deeper than '11. There was a plethora of great music this year for me. ---
**Author:** ![sisu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@sisu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sisu)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216/40 "2012-12-17T05:36:04Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > Mumford & Sons, _Babel_. I could listen to this album pretty much forever. Yep best album I have got for a long time, it is on high rotation and seems to suit just about any mood. And I love me some banjos! I don’t listen to the radio and only came across this when I walked into a store and asked [well OK tried to chat up] the sales assistant what band was this? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-single-best-music-album-you-bought-in-2012/644216.md?page=3)