Top 10 Albums of 2012, Pt. II

With 2012 now in the books and a new year of music quickly approaching, I threw together a quick top-10 list of my favourite albums from the past year. This is Part II.


7. Small Fame by Bend Sinister

Originally from Kelowna in the heart of British Columbia's beautiful interior, Bend Sinister released its third full-length studio album in July 2012. Harnessing classic rock sounds commonly heard in giants such as Supertramp, Billy Joel and Queen, Bend Sinister brings 1970s and '80s rock to a new generation. The sky is the limit as Bend Sinister is only beginning to tap into its potential.

Top three highlights from the album include: "One Shot," "Give It a Rest" and "Black Magic Woman," a fantastic cover of the Fleetwood Mac song that Santana would popularize in 1970.

01 GIVE IT A REST by bendsinister

6. Semi Truck by Silvergun & Spleen

Featuring two sassy female leads, Marie-Eve Mallet (vocalist/guitarist) and Veronique Mallet (vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist), Silvergun & Spleen burst on to the Canadian music scene with the release of Semi Truck in September 2012. The group, which also features Chris Page (bassist) and John Lenherr (drummer), has been rolling along since its formation in 2006. Semi Truck is the follow-up to 2011's EP, Through My Skeleton.

Top three highlights from the album include: "Kiss & Tell," "An Eye for an Eye" and "Semi Truck."

5. Stomping the Phantom Brake Pedal by Angels & Airwaves

2012 marked a year of change for Angels & Airwaves. With the passing of long-time sound engineer Jeff Newell on New Year's Eve 2011 and the departure of drummer Adam Willard, uncertainty was in the air for a band coming off the release of a double album and accompanying full-length feature film. After adding new percussionist Ilan Rubin, formerly the touring drummer with Nine Inch Nails, Angels & Airwaves released a double EP, Stomping the Phantom Brake Pedal. Disc one, The Score Evolved, features three new songs inspired by the musical score from the film Love. Disc two, Love Two Re-Imagined features five remixes of tracks from the Love double album.

Top three highlights from the album include: "Reel 6," "Anxiety Remix" and "Reel 1 (Diary)."

Have your own opinion about the top 10 albums to drop in 2012? Let me know!

Stay tuned for Part III in the coming days.

If you missed Part I, check it out HERE!