When it comes to the American songbook, taking rides through the deeper parts of that history can be as thrilling and immediate as seeing a live concert. But every riff, every melody, every harmony has its own rich history. Too often we reflexively think that music simply comes into existence fully formed. He's singing about heartache and heartbreak on this 12-track staple, but he doesn't come off as annoying. His second mixtape, 'Isolation,' is an impeccable adventure of R&B and eerie sounds that heal your ears. To find his footing as a solo artist, the former Gene Ween's first tentative step was to release 'Marvelous Clouds,' a covers album featuring 13 songs by Rod McKuen, the 1960s poet and composer. Middle age and sobriety caused Aaron Freeman to split this year from Ween, the deliriously genre-defying cult duo he co-founded 25 years ago. Anchored by the voices of Edward Droste and Daniel Rossen, this Brooklyn, N.Y.-based foursome has created a disc that is genre-defying and consistent throughout. 'Shields' is a semimasterpiece that feels both old and new - and in the best ways possible.

And yes, it debuted in the Top 10.īut did it earn any Grammy nominations? No. Yes, iTunes named Grizzly Bear's 'Shields' the best album of 2012. Here's what you should know about, and why: While everyone was buzzing about big releases from Frank Ocean, Fiona Apple, Mumford & Sons and Taylor Swift, you might have missed some must-listens.

Frank ocean albums split in middle