Top 25 Albums of 2012

My rules are simple. The album had to be released in 2012 and there cannot be any smut on the albums. In other words-no foul language--just good old wholesome music. My ratings are based on the quality of the album from top to bottom--not because of a hit single (are you listening Grammy Voters?)

25. "Americana"-Neil Young and Crazy Horse This is a really cool Folk record released in June of this year. Check out, "Oh Susannah". The first of two new albums by NY this year.

24. "Glad All Over"-The Wallflowers

23. "Ctrl"-Derek WebbThe latest from Derek Webb proved to take a while to understand...solid work none-the-less.

22."Buddy and Jim"-Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale

21. "Born and Raised"-John Mayer First record that I have ever listened to of his. Very Crosby-Still-and Nashish--those 3 even sing on the record! Give this one a chance if you love folk rock music.

20. "Hymns for the Rest of Us"-Various Artists Even though I do not agree with all of the theology behind this record, it is still a beautifully made album. Check out the Emmylou Harris song, "We didn't know it was you."

19. "Release Me"-Lyle Lovett Solid release from one of the few "country" artists that I listen to. There are some real gems on this album like, "Dress of Laces" and "Understand You."

18. "In the Time of God's"- Dar Williams I am a huge fan of Dar Williams and this one does not disappoint.

17. "We All Raise Our Voices to the Air"-The Decemberists One of the best live albums I've heard in a good long while. Taken from their, "The King is Dead" tour.

16. "Born to Sing-No Plan B"-Van Morrison Is there anyone more classy than Van Morrison?

15. "All Fall Down"-Shawn Colvin Great album from a lady who we haven't heard from in a while. Check out one of the best songs of the year, "A Change is On It's Way" co-written by Patty Griffin.

14. "Slipstream"-Bonnie Raitt Some will make fun of me for listing this until they actually take the time to listen. Hard to find a more classy blues singer than Bonnie Raitt. This album should win a Grammy.

13. "Light for the Lost Boy"-Andrew Peterson While not his best, this still beats almost any Christian album that I heard this year. Every parent needs to listen to this.

12. "Lights of Distant Cities"-Bebo Norman This might be the best Bebo Norman record period. This guy can write a song!

11. "Phychedelic Pill"-Neil Young and Crazy Horse Might surprise some to see this on here but it is the best Neil Young album I've heard in many years--a double album!

10. "Leaving Eden"-Carolina Chocolate Drops The Buddy Miller produced masterpiece from the Drops---nominated for a Grammy no less!

9. "Mystic Pinball"-John Hiatt Good heavens is this guy good. He releases about an album every 15 months. Mystic Pinball continues his amazing trend of writing roots rock. Hiatt just turned 60 this year---does the guy ever slow down?

8. "Tempest"-Bob Dylan Even though he just turned 70, Bob Dylan might have saved his best work for last. Each song is well done and it is really a shame that this was not given any Grammy nods.

7. "The Carpenter"- The Avett Brothers One of those albums that you can listen to over and over again and you never get sick of it. Not a bad song in the bunch and check out, "A Father's First Spring!".

6. "No Man's Land"-Charlie Peacock I can still not get over how incredible this album is. Simply put, I was stunned the first time I heard it. Charlie Peacock is a veteran performer who recently produced The Civil Wars Grammy winning record. He himself has been making albums for 30+ years and this is clearly his best one. Written about the land of his forefathers, if there is one "must hear" this year, it is this album!

5. "Wrecking Ball"-Bruce Springsteen When a group called, "Fun" gets nominated for "Album of the Year" over this masterpiece, it shows you what is wrong with the music industry. This might be Springsteen's best album since, "Tunnel of Love"....not a weak song in the bunch and it contains the classic, "Land of Hopes and Dreams."

4. "Voice of Ages"-The Chieftains The Chieftains just celebrated their 50th anniversary and they also picked a great time to release their best album since, "The Long Black Veil". Once again, how this album could miss out on a Grammy nod is a complete abomination. One of the best Irish Folk albums ever made--it is that good.

3. "Come Back as Rain"-Good Old War If I was ever going to give a pop album a 5 star rating, it would be this one. Released in the summer of 2012, I now have a new favorite band. Each song is memorable with lush hooks----not sure how else to put it but to say, "The Perfect Pop Album". Give it a listen!

2. "There's No Leaving Now"-The Tallest Man on Earth This was a complete "blind listen" one day and it becomes the 2nd best album of 2012 in my opinion. "Wind and Walls" = the best song of 2012 hands down. If you have never heard of who this guys is, you might soon agree with me that he is a serious talent.

1. "Privateering"-Mark Knopfler This album, the first double album of Mark Knopfler's career was not even released in the United States because of a contractual argument with his American record company. The only guess that I can have is that Warner Brothers didn't want to release a double album. What a travesty because this is the magnus opus of Mark Knopfler's storied career. Listening to this double album will take you on a magical journey. 20 songs--too many to even mention them all but I will mention, "Radio City Serenade"--I have probably listened to this song 100+ times--so incredibly beautiful. If you want to actually buy the album, your best best is either ebay or his own website. The only bad thing about this album is that it will be darn near impossible for him to top this one. Honorable Mention: 1. "Away From the World"- Dave Matthews Band 2. "3 Pears"- Dwight Yokam 3. "California 37" -Train