My blog has become a bit of a Bandcamp celebration this year, what with the RIAA cracking down hard on anyone posting even label-sanctioned mp3s or streams. But I don’t go Bandcamp fishing for that reason, really–or at least not for that reason alone. I do it because there are so many great little bands to be discovered–so many artists who deserve a little love and free publicity.
Here’s the ten best ones I found this year, after the break…
10. Far Far Away-Various
If you only listen to the Star Wars track, you’ll be sold. But the rest of it is good stuff, too.
9. Mickey’s Dead-Elvis Depressedly.
Depressed is right. This is a very, very bleak album. But it moves me.
8. EP-Shark Week
Indie rock. Just three songs, but great ones at that. Plus, they’re local! (Washington DC)
7. Heart Beats EP-Therapist
Technically an October 2011 release, but I can’t resist screaming hardcore ladies.
6. BabySnakes-Summer Sounds
Folkie songs by a girl and her guitar.
5. edubble-Reset (EP)
I didn’t hear a lot of rap that interested me this year, but edubble…You can always count on Baltimore’s edubble.
4. Yardsale-Hit It and Quit It
A loose collection of originals and covers recorded live. Live music! Not on a screen! Not on a twitter! Not with a vocoder!
3. A/B-Restorations (7″)
Clocking in at just 10 minutes, this is the perfect jammy indie rock EP for getting on your hipster shoes and tie so you can go out and impress chicks with how smart you look. There’s not enough bands these days who can really rock the fuck out.
2. Harriet-Tell The Right Story (EP)
Fantastic indie rock and roll.
1. Dirty Nil.
Dirty Nil released an orgy of wonderful music this year. Wonderful, hard-edge, angry, Nirvana-ish hardcore. They’re also swell guys. A great Bandcamp find, and my favorite new underground band of 2012.
