Top 10 of 2012 - The Swede's Take
Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at 12:01AM Just like Christian, I’ve cheated a bit with some albums from 2011, but they have been so frequently listened to this year that I just couldn’t leave them off the list. Here’s my top picks of 2012:
10. H.E.A.T. – Address the Nation
Of course I have to start off my list with a Swedish band. I might not be the biggest fan, but this album has something to it. Maybe it’s their new singer, former Swedish Idol winner Erik Grönwall, to whom I actually am a big fan. That guy sure knows how to sing.
9. LA Guns – Hollywood Forever
Since I saw LA Guns this summer, I’ve been listening to them a lot. This album might not be as good as their old stuff, but it sure deserves a spot on this list. So does a mention of their energy on stage. I can’t wait to see them again.
8. Europe – Bag of Bones
Definitely not a one hit wonder, even though many people in Sweden sees them like it. Something I find quite bizarre, since they more than once has proved they still are a force to be reckon with. Bag of Bones is no exception.
7. Rival Sons – Head Down
Both Ally and Christian have said all that needs to be said. Not much else left to say. Just listen.
6. Van Halen – A Different Kind of Truth
It’s nice to have David Lee Roth back behind the mic. And even though it took a few listenings before I could really enjoy this, I’ve realized it is album that I keep going back to. I want more.
5. Pompei Nights – Rather Die Than Livin’ In Boundaries
With their own documentary series on web-TV, I’ve been able to follow this up-and-coming Swedish band this fall, as they are chasing their dream to become rock stars. Which might not be the easiest thing if you’re still living at home and your main focus is drinking beer. But what started out as something I was laughing about turned out to be something I looked forward to every Saturday when a new episode came out. And their music is not too bad! The album is produced by Martin Sweet from Crashdïet so it’s pretty much that kind of classic sleaze that seems to be the Swedish formula.
4. Slash – Apocalyptic Love
Slash and his guitar – when is that ever wrong? I also agree with Christian, it’s clear that it’s a bit more of a band effort than the solo debut and that is definitely a good thing.
3. Imperial State Electric – Pop War
This album with 70’s rock with Glam influences is definitely a favorite from this year. Imperial State Electric is the latest project from Nicke Andersson, former front man of The Hellacopters, and I can’t wait to hear even more new material. It’s that good.
2. Aerosmith – Music From Another Dimension
It’s Aerosmith. There’s not much more to say, if you ask me. Finally they are back and they rock again. I also happen to be one of the people that enjoy songs like “What Could Have Been Love” so this is, to me, just an awesome album.
1. The Treatment – This Might Hurt
This has definitely been the band of the year for me. I first saw them when they opened for Steel Panther and then again this summer when they had the luck to be the opening act on The Tour with Mötley Crüe and KISS. And what a discovery it has been! This Might Hurt has been on constant repeat for most of the year and I’m not even beginning to get tired of it. I rarely suggest people to buy CD’s but if I would, this would be the first one to mention. I promise you would not regret it. Not at all.
Really excited to see what great albums 2013 will bring. Happy New Year, everyone!
Reader Comments (20)
The Treatment were killer when they opened for Steel Panther though!
Slash: Apocalyptic Love #1
I saw Slash this year and he was amazing. One of the all time best concerts I’ve ever attended. I could not get enough of this Album all year long. What a great group he has and an unbelievable front man.
Herman Frank: Right in the guts. #2
The Bass player of Accept is on fire with this new release. I love the hooks, riffs, and lyrics. Very much like Accept, but better vocals. I had to give it a very slight edge on Accept’s new release. See below.
Accept: Stalingrad #3
I had reservations about this CD, since Blood of the Nations was such a comeback record. However, it is a continuation of Blood of the Nations. The songs are well written and the lead guitarist is totally awesome. I am so glad that I was talked into seeing these rock Gods in VA.
Van Halen: Different Kind of Truth #4
I cannot say enough about this comeback album with arguably the best front man in rock history: Diamond David Lee Roth. What if is my favorite tune, but each one has its signature old school Van Halen vibe. Love Love it.
Redline Vice #5
This hungry sounding band from New Zealand has just the sound I love. This album has a mixture of heavy riffs, rough edges, and pounding double bass. The vocals and leads are amazing. Drop the needle on this one, for you won’t be disappointed.
Eclipse: Bleed and Scream #6
This rock album is #1 on my friends list, and I can totally understand why. If you like a wide open melodic sound with unbelievably clear cut vocals, this album is for you. I have not listened to it enough, but it is very worthy of a # 6 ranking on my list.
Kiss: Monster #7
Well…What can I say? Kiss has been my favorite, including the Crue, for my whole rock n roll life. I had to put it on my top list. Usually, my favs include Paul on vocals, but Gene has the hits for me this time. Paul’s vocals have gone down a bit for me, but his production and song writing has not lost a beat. I will always be first in line for a Kiss CD.
Sister Sin: Now and Forever #8
I saw this band two years ago open up for Michael Shenker at the Alter Bar in Pittsburgh and it was an amazing show. This female singer is not only one of the hottest, but she totally can rock your socks off. During the entire set, she was banging her head. Her vocals are amazing and the band is so energetic. I Cannot wait to see them with Doro in March.
Sticky Boys: This is Rock N Roll #9
I just found this band a week ago. I will listen to it over and over and I knew it belonged on my list. Check em out. They sound a lot like Airbourne and ACDC
Kix: Kix Live in Baltimore #10
This was the year that my favorite live band released something new.
They released a live CD and DVD. Girl Money, The Itch, Same Jane, Blow My Fuse, No Ring Around Rosie, on and on and on. A must have for Rock Fans.
T&N: Slave to the Empire #11
Since the old Dokken band mates from the glory days could not get it back together with Don Dokken, they formed a new band called Tooth and Nail. Of course legal issues came up considering the band’s name came from a Dokken song. I actually like this collaboration. Michael Sweet is going to Tour with them in 2013, and I am pumped up for that show. On this album, Pilson sings the classics. (Don Dokken was asked to do them, funny enough…he declined. Fool.) The original songs on the CD are really good. There are guest appearances from Sebastian Bach, Ripper Owens, Robert Mason, etc.
Dynazty: Sultans of Sin #12
Let’s give a big toast for this Sweden band’s 3rd installment of hard hitting rock n roll from. It seems that Sweden really knows how to raise good young rockers. I would love to see this band come over to the states. The singer is very powerful and with his backing musicians, it just plain kicks ass.
Beautiful Beast & Julian Angel: California Suntan #13
I just ordered an autographed copy from these dudes. They have a record full of fun 80s sounding tracks. I know I will listen to it a lot. I had to put it on my list.
Mad Max: Another Night of Passion #14
This band wrote a song titled Rocklahoma! What else can I say? Actually, this band really sounds sharp. I recommend it.
Trixter: New Audio Machine #15
This band is making new music and touring again. I saw them at M3 and really enjoyed their songs. Buy this CD..Good quality work. It has brought back the fun in rock.
In the meantime, my annual list I compile every year... Are you ready for a trip down memory lane?...
And I hope it will spark some WORTHY debate and counter lists once it's up!
THE TOP 10 GREATEST ALBUMS OF 1992:
1) WILDSIDE, "Under The Influence". These guys climbed to The Top of Glam Sleaze Mountain too late. Besides an album cover that would never even be contemplated by a record company today, these guys were about as Un-PC as you can get and that is what is known as BADA*S, people! A Masterpiece that blows G'n'R, Crue, Ratt, Poison, et al, out of the tepid waters of the reservoirs of L.A. clear to Baja. Don't believe me? Try this on for size:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWOLkwAWX5o
2) BIG BANG BABIES, "Big Bang Babies". Keri Kelli's legendary moment. These guys were the runner ups to the throne under Wildside that year, except no one knew unless you were still alive and well on The Sunset Strip in '92. "Everybody Needs A Hero", an anthem if there ever was one, says it all. So what if it's a direct lift musically from one of Warrant's classics. YouTube it and see if you can figure out which one!
3) DEF LEPPARD, "Adrenalize". The comeback after Steve Clark (RIP) passed away before they were to begin recording. Still, his music lives on through most of "Adrenalize" as he contributed much of the songwriting. Still went to #1 despite
4) KISS, "Revenge", Their last great album. "Unholy", "Domino" and their killer cover of Argent's anthemic "God Gave Rock And Roll To You" are the standouts here.
5) FASTER PUSSYCAT, "Whipped!". Easily possessing the best album cover art of '92, this is their Magnum Opus containing their Magnum Opus:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4y3jyUJE1A
6) SLEEZE BEEZ, "Powertool". Amazing that this band from The Netherlands could sound so L.A. Okay, so this might be way more in Def Leppard territory than their superb "Screwed, Blued and Tattooed", but Def Leppard's on this list so who cares? Killerific!
7) LYNCH MOB, "Lynch Mob". Two words: George Lynch.
8) SHOTGUN MESSIAH, "I Want More". Okay, so it's only an EP and three of the songs are covers, but all of that doesn't mean a damn thing when you hear this. Besides, you haven't lived until you hear their cover of The Ramones classic, "53rd & 3rd"!
9) BABYLON A.D., "Nothing Sacred". Hey, it ain't as over the top killer as their first but, man, it comes close. I'm sure many other bands wish their sophomore effort was this good. Cranktastic!
10) BLACK SABBATH, "Dehumanizer". So bludgeoningly ruthless yet way more catchy than anything Maiden or Metallica ever did, this album renders those bands into Black Sabbath's bell hops. And they got Ronnie (RIP) back for this one, to boot!
You gonna be at M3, Bro? Wish I could see Keifer in Maryland, too. I got a feelin' your gonna see, AND hear, something new and different from him than another Xerox of a typical Cinderella show.
p.s. It actually took me like 5 hours to come up with that list. I sorted through my iTunes "Heavy Roxx" playlist of nearly a thousand 80's/Early 90's bands' songs. I was amazed at the number of our heroes who had either crashed and burned or went on semi-permanent hiatus that year. However, there were still plenty of characters out there, like those above, to keep us in denial about the impending doom of The March of the Flannel Brigade a little longer.
Listen to this sh*t! It's much better:
Black Veil Brides, Crash Diet, The Treatment, Hardcore Superstar, Wildstreet, The Darkness, The Sticky Boys, Pompei Nights, Dynazty, Texas Hippie Coalition, Badmouth, Bullet, Miss Crazy, Casablanca, Biters, L.A. Guns, Cyanide 4, Julian Angel's Beautiful Beast, Sister Doll, Sister Sin, Diemonds, Van Halen, Wig Wam, Foxy Shazam, H.E.A.T., Crüe, Hotel Diablo.
Y'know -- Sh*t that's actually good... GREAT, even.
At least you got it right with KISS "Monster" and Overkill "Electric Age" right.
But study up, boy! We might just make a REAL Rock and Roller out of you yet!