Year-End Report: Looking Back at 2012 - Top 50 Albums 20-11

The ten albums that start my Top 20 countdown contain many that others were disappointed with but I still loved. Whether I have an affinity towards the odder entries in a band’s discography or I’m just a hopeless fanboy is for you, the internet troll to decide. Either way, these records left an indelible impression on me. I believe that a lot of these have simply evaded other music critics and are remarkable albums that deserve a larger audience, so I urge you to check out everything after the jump.

Animal Collective Announce Single "Today's Supernatural"

I hate that when certain bands release a new single, every blog on the planet regurgitates it, often without even saying anything. Well, this time I’m jumping onboard, but it is in hope that a discussion may brew and because Animal Collective is one of my absolute favorite bands. On their new weekly radio program, the band presented the first true taste of Centipede Hz in all its oddball glory. “Today’s Supernatural” is much less poppy than the material on Merriweather Post Pavilion and brings back some of the quirky elements of their past. This is one track that is going to require many spins before you can fully absorb what is going on. I recommend switching to that 720p setting because there is a lot happening in this one.

New Track Rundown

Thanksgiving is this week and if you are searching for something to be thankful for, look no further than the free stream of Fall Be Kind, the new EP from Animal Collective. With the economic crisis and joblessness still plaguing America, free music is at least a small bright spot on otherwise trying times. The pan flute jam at the end of opening track "Graze" is sure to put a smirk on anyone's face. Be sure to pay attention while you are staring at the Pink Floyd-esque album cover pictured above or you are going to miss the rich sonic textures enveloping the record and the first ever legal Grateful Dead sample. The song that features said sample, "What Would I Want? Sky", has been a fan favorite since they began performing it live some time ago and the studio version does not let down in the least. Read more about it in this spot on review from Pitchfork. Although I had been listening to that song a great deal, my favorite on the EP is "I Think I Can". It flawlessly demonstrates why Animal Collective is one of the most intriguing and innovative groups of our generation. Listen to the EP and more excellent music after the jump.

Song of the Day: Animal Collective - Chocolate Girl

Although I consider myself a huge fan of Animal Collective, I was never really able to get into Spirit They're Gone, Spirit They've Vanished. When I saw them live on May 14, 2009 at the House of Blues in Boston, they came out for an encore and played an incredible rendition of "Chocolate Girl" from the aforementioned album. Every since then, I have been in love with the song. The static melody and joyful synths create a dreamlike feel as only Animal Collective can. Experience it for yourself: