Favorites of 2012 (So far…)

So yeah, it’s THAT time, when music blogs start cranking out the “best” records so far. Since the term “best” is pretty subjective, I’m just gonna post the stuff I’ve been enjoying so far and hope you check some of them out. Here they are in no particular order.
	Stay Ahead of the Weather / The Wonder Years – Punk is Dead. Get a Job. : Can I put a 6″ split with only 2 songs on here? Yes I can, especially when one of those songs is from SAOTW. I’ll be honest, I’m only interested in the SAOTW track “No Money, Mo Problems” here. It’s another fantastic track from the elusive supergroup. The Wonder Years are ok too.
	No Trigger – Tycoon : I can’t say there’s anything groundbreaking here, but what is here is a solid, breakneck speed punk album. Catchy melodies and blistering guitar work make this a repeat listen for me. It’s the kind of album that has you pushing 90 on the highway without knowing it.
	The Fake Boys – Pig Factory : The Fake Boys are tired of all the stupidity in the music industry today and they don’t care who knows. This album is grungey, melodic, and pure passion. This may be my favorite of the year.
	Daytrader – Twelve Years : I was pretty critical of this album at first. It wasn’t what I was expecting out of the band after their “Last Days of Rome”ep and their demo 7″. Then I realized that they hadn’t really changed their style, we were just getting more of them than I was used to. The longer format has given Daytrader room to stretch their legs and give listeners a larger sample of their work. After a few listens it clicked and I really started to enjoy the album.
	The Tower and the Fool – How Long : To be honest, when I first heard these guys I didn’t like it. Then I took the time to listen to the whole album and I was pulled in. Most songs are about heartbreak (I don’t know what will happen if they fall in love) or loss. This is just solid and sincere song-writing.
	Make Do and Mend – Everything You Ever Loved : After a controversial (to fans at least) signing to Rise Records, MDAM‘s highly anticipated follow-up to “End Measured Mile” is finally out. In my opinion it absolutely does not disappoint. If “End Measured Mile” is a wrecking ball, smashing everything in its path, then “Everything You Ever Loved” is a series of precision dynamite explosions. This album hits all the right notes.
	Red Collar – Welcome Home : Red Collar is out of left field for me. I wouldn’t normally have gotten into these guys on my own but I can’t deny anything Tiny Engines releases. Passionate songs about growing up and working in America.
	State Lines – State Lines EP : State Lines is another release by Tiny Engines. This EP is just about perfect, short, sweet and to the point.
	Mixtapes – Even on the Worst Nights : Probably my most anticipated release this year. It’s classic Mixtapes just refined and a little more mature. Part of me feels like it would be better if some of these songs were split between three 7″ ep’s. But what do I know? It’s still a fun album and I’ll take as much from them as I can get.
	Japandroids – Celebration Rock : This album came out of nowhere and floored me. It’s everything I hoped their follow up to “Post Nothing” would be. Pretty much every song is an anthem, the type that leaves you with no voice the day after the show. This gem will be on a LOT of year end lists this year.
I know there’s probably something I’m forgetting and I’ll kick myself later for missing it. Maybe they’ll make it into a year end list of some sort.