Punch Brothers – Who’s Feeling Young Now?
Punch Brothers bring bluegrass into the 21st century rather well with this, their third studio effort. Led by mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile, the group’s energetic songs (plus an amazing cover of Radiohead’s Kid A) will have you humming along in no time. This is bluegrass music for the modern music lover.
Soundgarden – King Animal
It’s hard to believe that more than 15 years have passed since the last Soundgarden studio album. King Animal is an amazing return to form for these veterans, sounding as though they have only gotten finer with age. More importantly, the record sounds like the logical continuation of where they left off with 1996’s Down On The Upside.
The Wallflowers – Glad All Over
The first studio effort from The Wallflowers in more than seven years arguably travels down more musical paths than any of the band’s previous efforts. Clash-influenced reggae and Motown-inspired tracks are just the tip of the iceberg on what might be their finest album since their breakthrough album Bringing Down The Horse.
The Cult – Choice of Weapon
Though they don’t make records nearly as often as they should, The Cult never fails to deliver the goods with their new records. If you’re a fan of the band’s Electric or Sonic Temple days, you are going to be simply wowed with Choice of Weapon. This is rock n roll 101.
Japandroids – Celebration Rock
Hard to believe these guys were ready to call it a day in the time between their 2009 breakthrough and 2012’s Celebration Rock. Perhaps the most accurately titled record of the year, these songs are short, anthemic and are indeed a celebration of all things rock. Dig it.