Rhapsody Streamnotes: Year 2012 Index
- Ramzi Aburedwan: Reflections of Palestine (2012, Riverboat) B+(***)
- Big Boi: Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors (2012, Def Jam) B+(*)
- Chicago Underground Duo: Age of Energy (2010 [2012], Northern Spy) B+(***)
- Kelan Philip Cohran & the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble: Kelan Philip Cohran & the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble (2012, Honest Jon's) B+(***)
- Chick Corea & Gary Burton: Hot House (2012, Concord) B-
- The Coup: Sorry to Bother You (2012, Anti-) A-
- Danny!: Payback (2012, Okayplayer) A-
- Zani Diabaté & Les Héritiers: Tientalaw (2012, Sterns Africa) A-
- DJ Rashad: Teklife Volume 1: Welcome to the Chi (2012, Lit City Trax) B
- Dobie: Nothing to Fear (2012, Big Dada, EP) B+(***)
- Dobie: But Fear Itself (2012, Big Dada, EP) B+(***)
- Kurt Elling: 1619 Broadway: The Brill Building Project (2012, Concord) C+
- Adam Fairhall: The Imaginary Delta (2011 [2012], Slam) B+(**)
- Fanga/Maâlem Abdallah Guinéa: Fangnawa Experience (2012, Strut) B+(**)
- Bill Fay: Life Is People (2012, Dead Oceans) B+(**)
- Firewater: International Orange! (2012, Bloodshot) B
- John Fullbright: From the Ground Up (2012, Blue Dirt) B+(**)
- Future: Pluto (2012, Epic) B+(**)
- Lee Gamble: Diversions 1994-1996 (2012, Pan, EP) B+(*)
- The Gaslamp Killer: Breakthrough (2012, Brainfeeder) B+(*)
- The Gaslight Anthem: Handwritten (2012, Mercury) B
- Goat: World Music (2012, Rocket) B+(***)
- Gypsyphonic Disko Nola-Phonic Vol. 2 (2010 [2012], DJ Quickie Mart) A-
- Angel Haze: New York EP (2012, Republic, EP) B+(*)
- Heems: Wild Water Kingdom (2012, Greedhead) A-
- Max Johnson: Quartet (2011 [2012], Not Two) B+(**)
- Juju & Jordash: Techno Primitivism (2012, Dekmantel) B+(***)
- Kesha: Warrior (2012, RCA) B
- K'Naan: Country, God or the Girl (2012, A&M/Octone) A-
- Habib Koité/Eric Bibb: Brothers in Bamako (2012, Stony Plain) B-
- Kendrick Lamar: Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City (2012, Aftermath) A-
- Lester Bangs: Infinite Stretch (2012, self-released, EP) C
- Lord Huron: Lonesome Dreams (2012, Iamsound) B+(*)
- Roc Marciano: Marcberg (2010, Fat Beats) B+(***)
- Roc Marciano: Reloaded (2012, Decon) B+(***)
- Bruno Mars: Unorthodox Jukebox (2012, Atlantic) B+(**)
- Metz: Metz (2012, Sub Pop) B
- Anaïs Mitchell: Young Man in America (2012, Wilderland) B+(*)
- Hafez Modirzadeh: Post-Chromodal Out! (2012, Pi) B+(***)
- Murder by Death: Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon (2012, Bloodshot) B
- Paul Plimley/Barry Guy/Lucas Niggli: Hexentrio (2012, Intakt) B+(***)
- Royal Baths: Better Luck Next Life (2012, Kanine) B+(*)
- Saigon: The Greatest Story Never Told Chapter 2: Bread and Circuses (2012, Suburban Noize) A-
- Sibiri Samaké: Dambe Foli (2011, Kanaga System Krush) B+(**)
- Arturo Sandoval: Dear Diz (Every Day I Think of You) (2012, Concord) B+(*)
- São Paulo Underground: Tres Cabeças Loucuras (2011, Cuneiform) A-
- Alexander von Schlippenbach: Schlippenbach Plays Monk (2012, Intakt) B+(*)
- Ty Segall Band: Slaughterhouse (2012, In the Red) B+(*)
- Solange: True (2012, Terrible, EP) B+(**)
- Swans: The Seer (2012, Young God, 2CD) B-
- Yosvany Terry: Today's Opinion (2011 [2012], Criss Cross) A-
- Ablaye Ndiaye Thiossane: Thiossane (2011 [2012], Discograph/Sterns) B+(***)
- T.I.: Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Hand (2012, Atlantic/Grand Hustle) B+(**)
- Tin Hat: The Rain Is a Handsome Animal (2012, New Amsterdam) B+(***)
- Titus Andronicus: Local Business (2012, XL) B+(**)
- Toy: Toy (2012, Heavenly) B+(*)
- The Trishas: High, Wide & Handsome (2012, self-released) B+(*)
- Jewel Ackah: Me Dear (1990, Highlife World) B+(***)
- Archers of Loaf: White Trash Heroes (1998 [2012], Merge) B+(**)
- Dabke: Sounds of the Syrian Houran (1997-2010 [2012], Sham Palace) A-
- The Doors: L.A. Woman: 40th Anniversary (1971 [2012], Elektra, 2CD) B+(**)
- Drexciya: Journey of the Deep Sea Dweller II (1994-98 [2012], Clone Classic Cuts) B+(**)
- Encre: Encre (2001, Clapping Music) A-
- Encre: Flux (2004, Clapping Music) A-
- Encre: Common Chord (2006, Clapping Music) B+(***)
- Clare Fischer Orchestra: Extension (1963 [2012], International Phonograph) B
- Dexter Gordon: The Chronological Dexter Gordon 1943-1947 (1943-47 [1999], Classics) A-
- Dexter Gordon: Night Ballads: Montreal 1977 (1977 [2012], Uptown) B+(*)
- The Lijadu Sisters: Mother Africa (1977 [2012], Knitting Factory) B+(**)
- Lijadu Sisters: Sunshine (1978 [2012], Knitting Factory) B-
- Louisiana Red: The Lowdown Back Porch Blues (1963 [1991], Collectables) B+(***)
- The Minimal Wave Tapes: Volume One (1980-87 [2010], Stones Throw) B+(**)
- The Minimal Wave Tapes: Volume Two (1981-2004 [2012], Stones Throw) B+(***)
- R. Stevie Moore: Lo Hi Fives . . . A Kind of Best Of ([2012], O Genesis) B
- Yaa-Lengi Ngemi: Oh, Miziki (1986, MiyeMi) A-
- Actress: Splazsh (2010, Honest Jon's) A-
- Jason Aldean: Night Train (2012, Broken Bow) C+
- Bat for Lashes: The Haunted Man (2012, Capitol) B
- Andrew Bird: Hands of Glory (2012, Mom + Pop Music, EP) B+(*)
- Black Moth Super Rainbow: Cobra Juicy (2012, Frenchkiss/Rad Cult) B+(*)
- Michael Blake: In the Grand Scheme of Things (2012, Songlines) B
- John Cale: Shifty Adventures in Nookie Wood (2012, Domino) B+(**)
- Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson: Wreck & Ruin (2012, Sugar Hill) B+(***)
- Gary Clark Jr.: Blak and Blu (2012, Warner Brothers) B-
- Crystal Castles: (III) (2012, Casablanca) B+(**)
- Daphni: Jiaolong (2012, Merge) B+(***)
- Matthew Dear: Beams (2012, Ghostly International) B+(*)
- Diamond Rugs: Diamond Rugs (2012, Partisan) B+(**)
- Django Django: Django Django (2012, Because) B
- Paul Dunmall/Tony Bianco: Thank You to John Coltrane (2011 [2012], Slam) B+(***)
- Ergo: If Not Inertia (2012, Cuneiform) B+(*)
- Donald Fagen: Sunken Condos (2012, Reprise) B+(**)
- Rosie Flores: Working Girl's Guitar (2012, Bloodshot) B+(*)
- Godspeed You! Black Emperor: 'Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend! (2012, Constellation) B+(**)
- Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs: Long Distance (2012, Transdreamer) B+(*)
- Grass Roots: Grass Roots (2012, AUM Fidelity) B+(**)
- Gordon Grdina's Haram: Her Eyes Illuminate (2012, Songlines) B+(***)
- Grizzly Bear: Shields (2012, Warp) B-
- Nona Hendryx: Mutatis Mutandis (2012, Righteous Babe) B+(*)
- Joe Hertenstein/Achim Tang/Jon Irabagon: Future Drone (2012, Jazzwerkstatt) B+(**)
- Julia Holter: Ekstasis (2012, RVNG) B
- Homeboy Sandman: First of a Living Breed (2012, Stones Throw) A-
- Jon Irabagon's Outright!: Unhinged (2012, Irabbagast) B-
- Jamey Johnson: Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran (2012, Mercury Nashville) B+(***)
- Toby Keith: Hope on the Rocks (2012, Show Dog Nashville) B
- Chris Knight: Little Victories (2012, Drifter's Church) A
- Bumpy Knuckles/Statik Selektah: Ambition (2012, Gracie) B+(**)
- Lukid: Lonely at the Top (2012, Werk Discs/Ninja Tune) B+(*)
- The Lumineers: The Lumineers (2012, Dualtone) B+(*)
- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: The Heist (2012, self-released) B+(***)
- Mala: Mala in Cuba (2012, Brownswood) B+(*)
- Bob Mould: Silver Age (2012, Merge) B
- The Mountain Goats: Transcendental Youth (2012, Merge) A-
- Mumford & Sons: Babel (2012, Glassnote) B-
- Janka Nabay & the Bubu Gang: En Yay Sah (2012, Luaka Bop) A-
- Ne-Yo: R.E.D. (2012, Motown) B+(***)
- One Direction: Take Me Home (2012, Syco/Columbia) C+
- Amanda Palmer & the Grand Theft Orchestra: Theatre Is Evil (2012, 8 Ft.) B
- Purity Ring: Shrines (2012, 4AD) B+(*)
- Karriem Riggins: Alone Together (2012, Stones Throw) B+(*)
- Sofrito: International Soundclash (1976-2011 [2012], Strut) B+(***)
- Robert Soko: Balkan Beats Soundlab (2012, Piranha) B+(***)
- Ned Sublette: Kiss You Down South (2010 [2012], Postmambo) A-
- Tame Impala: Lonerism (2012, Modular) B
- Two Fingers: Stunt Rhythms (2012, Big Dada, 2CD) B+(**)
- Why?: Mumps, Etc. (2012, Anticon/City Slang) B+(**)
- Neil Young & Crazy Horse: Psychedelic Pill (2012, Reprise, 2CD) A-
- Dicks: Kill From the Heart/Hate the Police (1980-83 [2012], Alternative Tentacles) B+(***)
- Spike Robinson: Very Live in Boulder, Colorado (1974 [2012], Hep) B+(*)
- Damon Albarn: Dr Dee (2012, Virgin) C+
- Alhousseini Anivolla: Anewal/The Walking Man (2012, Riverboat) B+(**)
- The Bad Plus: Made Possible (2012, E1) B+(**)
- Brother Ali: Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color (2012, Rhymesayers Entertainment) B+(*)
- Cat Power: Sun (2012, Matador) B+(*)
- The D.A.: You Kids! (2011, self-released) B+(***)
- Iris DeMent: Sing the Delta (2012, Flariella) A-
- The Flatlanders: The Odessa Tapes (1972 [2012], New West) B+(***)
- GOOD Music: Cruel Summer (2012, GOOD Music/Def Jam) B+(**)
- Dylan Hicks: Sings Bolling Greene (2012, Two Deuces) A-
- Patterson Hood: Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance (2012, ATO) B+(***)
- Wanda Jackson: Unfinished Business (2012, Sugar Hill) B+(*)
- Carly Rae Jepsen: Kiss (2012, 604/Interscope/Schoolboy) A-
- Kid Koala: 12 Bit Blues (2012, Ninja Tune) A-
- Kimbra: Vows (2011 [2012], Warner Brothers) B
- Lianne La Havas: Is Your Love Big Enough? (2012, Nonesuch) B+(***)
- Bill Laswell/Raoul Björkenheim/Morgan Ågren: Blixt (2011, Cuneiform) B+(***)
- Low Cut Connie: Call Me Sylvia (2012, self-released) A-
- Corb Lund: Cabin Fever (2012, New West) B+(**)
- Carolyn Mark: The Queen of Vancouver Island (2012, Mint) A-
- Tift Merritt: Traveling Alone (2012, Yep Roc) B+(**)
- Miguel: Kaleidoscope Dream (2012, RCA) B
- James Morrison: Snappy Too (2012, self-released) B+(**)
- Van Morrison: Born to Sing: No Plan B (2012, Blue Note) A
- Mungolian Jetset: Schlungs (2011, Smalltown Supersound) B+(*)
- Jerrod Niemann: Free the Music (2012, Arista) B+(**)
- Niki & the Dove: Instinct (2012, Sub Pop) B-
- Pink: The Truth About Love (2012, RCA) B+(***)
- P.S. Eliot: Sadie (2011, Salinas) B+(***)
- Spider Bags: Shake My Head (2012, Odessa) B+(*)
- Swearin': Swearin' (2012, Salinas) B+(**)
- The Corin Tucker Band: Kill My Blues (2012, Kill Rock Stars) B+(**)
- Wildlife Control: Wildlife Control (2012, self-released) B+(*)
- Andre Williams & the Sadies: Night & Day (2012, Yep Roc) A-
- Gene Autry: Blues Singer, 1929-1931: "Booger Rooger Saturday Nite" (1929-31 [1996], Columbia/Legacy) B+(**)
- KC & the Sunshine Band: Greatest Hits (1974-80 [1980], TK) A-
- KC & the Sunshine Band: The Best of KC & the Sunshine Band (1974-82 [1990], Rhino) A-
- The Slide Guitar: Bottles, Knives and Steel Vol. 2 (1927-34 [1993], Columbia/Legacy) B+(**)
- Hal Smith/Keith Ingham/Bobby Gordon: Music From the Mauve Decades (1993, Sackville) B+(**)
- Animal Collective: Centipede Hz (2012, Domino) B-
- Bang On!: [Sic] (2012, Big Dada) B+(**)
- David Byrne/St. Vincent: Love This Giant (2012, 4AD) B+(*)
- Calexico: Algiers (2012, Anti-) B
- Ravi Coltrane: Spirit Fiction (2012, Blue Note) B+(**)
- Ry Cooder: Election Special (2012, Nonesuch/Perro Verde) B+(***)
- Amy Cook: Summer Skin (2012, Roothouse/Thirty Tigers) B+(*)
- Elizabeth Cook: Gospel Plow (2012, Thirty One Tigers, EP) B+(*)
- Dan Deacon: America (2012, Domino) B+(*)
- Divine Fits: A Thing Called Divine Fits (2012, Merge) B+(***)
- JJ Doom: Key to the Kuffs (2012, Lex) B+(**)
- Bob Dylan: Tempest (2012, Columbia) B+(**)
- Nanci Griffith: Intersection (2012, Proper) B+(**)
- Hiss Golden Messenger: Poor Moon (2011 [2012], Tompkins Square) B+(*)
- Kottarashky & the Rain Dogs: Demoni (2012, Asphalt Tango) A-
- Jens Lekman: I Know What Love Isn't (2012, Secretly Canadian) A-
- Lionel Loueke: Heritage (2012, Blue Note) B
- Pet Shop Boys: Elysium (2012, Astralwerks) A-
- Schoolboy Q: Habits & Contradictions (2012, Top Dawg) B+(**)
- Serengeti: C.A.R. (2012, Anticon) A-
- Serengeti: The Kenny Dennis EP (2012, Anticon, EP) B+(**)
- Mark Solborg: Solborg 4+4+1 (2012, Ilk) B
- Staff Benda Bilili: Bouger Le Monde (2012, Crammed Discs) A-
- Traxman: Da Mind of Traxman (2012, Planet Mu) B
- Uncle Dave & the Waco Brothers: Nine Slices of My Midlife Crisis (2004, Buried Treasure) B+(*)
- Elle Varner: Perfectly Imperfect (2012, RCA) B+(**)
- Jessie Ware: Devotion (2012, Island) B
- Keith Fullerton Whitman: Generators (2012, Editions Mego) B+(*)
- Keith Fullerton Whitman: Occlusions (2012, Editions Mego) B+(***)
- The XX: Coexist (2012, XL/Young Turks) B+(*)
- Yeasayer: Fragrant World (2012, Secretly Canadian) B+(*)
- Mati Zundel: Amazonico Gravitante (2012, Waxploitation/ZZK) A-
- ZZ Top: La Futura (2012, Mercury) B+(***)
- Aesop Rock: Skelethon (2012, Rhymesayers Entertainment) B+(**)
- The Alchemist: Russian Roulette (2012, Decon) B
- Ray Anderson Pocket Brass Band: Sweet Chicago Suite (2010 [2012], Intuition) B+(***)
- Ray Anderson: Love Notes (2009 [2011], Raybone) B+(*)
- Antibalas: Antibalas (2012, Daptone) A-
- Fiona Apple: The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do (2012, Clean Slate/Epic) A-
- Khaira Arby: Timbuktu Tarab (2010, Clermont Music) B+(***)
- Theo Bleckmann: Hello Earth! The Music of Kate Bush (2011 [2012], Winter & Winter) B+(**)
- Cadence Weapon: Hope in Dirt City (2012, Upper Class) B+(***)
- Brandi Carlile: Bear Creek (2012, Columbia) B
- Jimmy Cliff: Rebirth (2012, Hip-O) B+(**)
- The Cookers: Believer (2012, Motéma) B+(**)
- Debo Band: Debo Band (2012, Next Ambiance) B+(*)
- Dirty Projectors: Swing Lo Magellan (2012, Domino) C+
- Open Mike Eagle: Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes (2011, Hellfyre Club) B+(***)
- Open Mike Eagle: 4NML HSPTL (2012, Fake Four) B+(**)
- Lee Fields: Faithful Man (2012, Truth & Soul) B+(***)
- Tomas Fujiwara & the Hook Up: The Air Is Different (2012, 482 Music) A-
- Future of the Left: The Plot Against Common Sense (2012, Xtra Mile) B+(*)
- Girl Unit: Club Rez EP (2012, Night Slugs, EP) B+(*)
- The Henry Clay People: Twenty-Five for the Rest of Our Lives (2012, TBD) B+(**)
- Herzog: Cartoon Violence (2012, Exit Stencil) B+(*)
- Ibrahim Electric: Meets Ray Anderson Again (2007 [2008], Stunt) B+(***)
- KonKoma: KonKoma (2012, Soundway) B
- Lapalux: When You're Gone (2012, Brainfeeder, EP) B+(*)
- Dan Le Sac: Space Between the Words (Sunday Best) B
- Linkoban: Super Into On It (2012, Superbillion, EP) B+(***)
- Lotus Plaza: Spooky Action at a Distance (2012, Kranky) B+(**)
- Jessica Lurie Ensemble: Megaphone Heart (2012, Zipa! Music) B+(*)
- Branford Marsalis/Joey Calderazzo: Songs of Mirth and Melancholy (2011, Marsalis Music) B
- John Mayer: Born and Raised (2012, Columbia) B
- Paul McCartney: Kisses on the Bottom (2012, Hear Music) B+(*)
- MediaFired: The Pathway Through Whatever (2012, Beer on the Rug, EP) B+(*)
- M-Phazes: Phazed Out (2012, Coalmine) B+(*)
- Munchi: Moombahtonista (2012, Mad Decent, EP) B+(*)
- Nas: Life Is Good (2012, Def Jam) B+(**)
- Koo Nimo: Highlife Roots Revival (2012, Riverboat) A-
- Frank Ocean: Channel Orange (2012, Def Jam) A-
- Linda Oh: Initial Here (2012, Greenleaf Music) B+(***)
- Owiny Sigoma Band: Tafsiri Sound (2011, Brownwood, EP) B+(***)
- Power Animal: Exorcism (2012, Crash Symbols) B+(**)
- Alfredo Rodriguez: Sounds of Space (2012, Mack Avenue) B+(*)
- Catherine Russell: Strictly Romancin' (2012, World Village) B+(***)
- Todd Snider: Time as We Know It: The Songs of Jerry Jeff Walker (2012, Aimless) B+(*)
- Supreme Cuts: Whispers in the Dark (2012, Dovecote) B+(**)
- Ebo Taylor: Appia Kwa Bridge (2012, Strut) B+(*)
- Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs: Trouble (2012, Casablanca) B+(**)
- Twin Shadow: Confess (2012, 4AD) B-
- "Blue" Gene Tyranny: Detours (2012, Unseen Worlds) B+(***)
- Moritz von Oswald Trio: Horizontal Structures (2011, Honest Jon's) B+(***)
- Cassandra Wilson: Another Country (2012, E1) B+(**)
- Action Bronson: Dr. Lecter (2011, Fine Fabric Delegates) A-
- Action Bronson: Blue Chips (2012, Fool's Gold) B+(***)
- Alt-J: An Awesome Wave (2012, Infectious) B+(*)
- Stephen David Austin: A Bakersfield Dozen (2011, self-released) B+(*)
- Baloji: Kinshasa Succursale (2010 [2012], Crammed) B+(**)
- Azealia Banks: 1991 (2012, Interscope, EP) B+(**)
- B.o.B: Strange Clouds (2012, Atlantic) B-
- Chicha Libre: Canibalismo (2012, Barbès) B+(*)
- Rocco Deluca: Drugs 'N Hymns (2012, 429) B
- William Michael Dillon: Black Robes and Lawyers (2011, self-released) B+(**)
- Far East Movement: Dirty Bass (2012, Interscope) B+(***)
- The Hives: Lex Hives (2012, Disques Hives) B+(*)
- Hot Chip: In Our Heads (2012, Domino) B+(*)
- Kindness: World, You Need a Change of Mind (2012, Female Energy/Polydor) C+
- Lorn: Ask the Dusk (2012, Ninja Tune) B+(**)
- Lushlife: Plateau Vision (2012, Western Vinyl) B+(*)
- Pat Metheny: Unity Band (2012, Nonesuch) B-
- Metric: Synthetica (2012, Mom + Pop) B+(*)
- Rhett Miller: The Interpreter: Live at Largo (2011, Maximum Sunshine) B
- Rhett Miller: The Dreamer (2012, Maximum Sunshine) B+(**)
- Mount Eerie: Clear Moon (2012, PW Elverum & Sun) B
- The Mynabirds: Generals (2012, Saddle Creek) B
- Peaking Lights: Lucifer (2012, Mexican Summer) B+(*)
- A Place to Bury Strangers: Worship (2012, Dead Oceans) B+(***)
- A Place to Bury Strangers: Onwards to the Wall (2012, Dead Oceans, EP) B+(**)
- Royal Headache: Royal Headache (2011 [2012], What's Your Rupture?) B
- Smashing Pumpkins: Oceania (2011 [2012], Martha's Music/EMI) B
- Otis Taylor: Otis Taylor's Contraband (2012, Telarc) B+(***)
- Usher: Looking 4 Myself (2012, RCA) B+(*)
- The Walkmen: Heaven (2012, Fat Possum) C
- Bobby Womack: The Bravest Man in the Universe (2012, XL) B+(**)
- Francis Bebey: African Electronic Music 1975-1982 (1975-82 [2012], Born Bad) A-
- Johnny Cash: Bootleg Vol. IV: The Soul of Truth (1975-83 [2012], Columbia/Legacy, 2CD) A-
- Joe Cocker: Joe Cocker! (1969, A&M) B+(***)
- Joe Cocker: With a Little Help From My Friends (1969, A&M) B
- Cotton Mather: Kontiki [Deluxe Edition] (1997 [2012], Star Apple Kingdom) B+(*)
- Aretha Franklin: The Very Best of Aretha Franklin: The '70s (1970-76 [1994], Rhino) A-
- Carole King: The Legendary Demos (1962-71 [2012, Hear Music) B-
- Paul and Linda McCartney: Ram (1971 [2012], Hear Music) B-
- Wes Montgomery: Echoes of Indiana Avenue (1957-58 [2012], Resonance) B+(***)
- Plug: Back on Time (1996 [2012], Ninja Tune) A-
- Porter Ricks: Biokinetics (1996 [2012], Type) B+(***)
- Woody Shaw: Blackstone Legacy (1970 [1999], Contemporary) B+(**)
- Woody Shaw: Little Red's Fantasy (1976 [2010], Savoy Jazz) B+(*)
- Woody Shaw: Night Music (1982 [1983], Elektra Musician) B-
- Small Faces: Small Faces (1966, Decca) B+(*)
- Small Faces: From the Beginning (1965-66 [1967], Decca) B
- Small Faces: There Are but Four Small Faces (1967 [1968], Immediate) B
- Small Faces: Ogden's Nut Gone Flake (1968, Immediate) B
- The Soul Stirrers: Shine on Me (1950 [1992], Specialty) A-
- The Soul Stirrers: Jesus Gave Me Water (1951-55 [1993], Specialty) B+(**)
- Ab-Soul: Control System (2012, !K7) B
- BadBadNotGood: BBNG2 (2012, self-released) B+(*)
- The Beach Boys: That's Why God Made the Radio (2012, Capitol) B+(**)
- Beach House: Bloom (2012, Sub Pop) B
- Willis Earl Beal: Acousmatic Sorcery (2011 [2012], XL) B+(*)
- Best Coast: The Only Place (2012, Mexican Summer) B+(**)
- Big Baby Gandhi: Big Fucking Baby (2011, mixtape) A-
- Big Baby Gandhi: No 1 2 Look Up 2 (2012, mixtape) B+(***)
- Big K.R.I.T.: Return of 4Eva (2011, mixtape) B+(***)
- Big K.R.I.T.: 4Eva N a Day (2012, mixtape) A-
- Big K.R.I.T.: Live From the Underground (2012, Def Jam) A-
- Bigg Jus: Machines That Make Civilization Fun (2012, Mush) B+(*)
- Blockhead: Interludes After Midnight (2012, Ninja Tune) B+(***)
- Dean Blunt & Inga Copeland: Black Is Beautiful (2012, Hyperdub) B+(*)
- Bright Moments: Natives (2012, Luaka Bop) B
- Chairlift: Something (2012, Columbia/DMZ/Kanine) B+(*)
- Ablaye Cissoko/Volker Goetze: Amanké Dionti (2012, Motéma) B+(**)
- Claro Intelecto: Reform Club (2012, Delsin) B+(*)
- Cornershop: Urban Turban: The Singhles Club (2012, Ample Play) A-
- Cypress Hill/Rusko: Cypress X Rusko (2012, V2/Cooperative, EP) B+(*)
- El-P: Cancer4Cure (2012, Fat Possum) B+(***)
- Garbage: Not Your Kind of People (2012, V2) B+(*)
- Glee Cast: Glee: The Music, Season Tree: The Graduation Album (Columbia) B-
- Gossip: A Joyful Noise (2012, Columbia) B
- Laurel Halo: Quarantine (2012, Hyperdub) B
- Kelly Hogan: I Like to Keep Myself in Pain (2012, Anti-) B+(**)
- Alan Jackson: Thirty Miles West (2012, ACR/EMI Nashville) B+(**)
- Japanroids: Celebration Rock (2012, Polyvinyl) B+(**)
- K-Holes: Dismania (2012, Hardly Art) B+(*)
- Killer Mike: R.A.P. Music (2012, Williams Street) A-
- Liars: WIXIW (2012, Mute) B
- Janiva Magness: Stronger for It (2012, Alligator) B+(*)
- JD McPherson: Signs & Signifiers (2010 [2012], Rounder) B+(**)
- Occupy This Album (2012, Razor & Tie, 4CD) A-
- Of Montreal: Paralytic Stalks (2012, Polyvinyl) B-
- Oh No: Ohnomite (2012, Five Day Weekend/Brick) B+(**)
- Ponykiller: The Wilderness (2011, Housecore) C+
- Porcelain Raft: Strange Weekend (2012, Secretly Canadian) B+(**)
- Public Image Ltd.: This Is PIL (2012, PIL Official) B+(*)
- Lee Ranaldo: Between the Times and the Tides (2012, Matador) B+(*)
- Rye Rye: Go! Pop! Bang! (2012, NEET/Interscope) B+(***)
- Saint Etienne: Words and Music by Saint Etienne (2012, Heavenly) B+(**)
- Seefeel: Seefeel (2011, Warp) B+(**)
- Sigur Rós: Valtari (2012, XL) B+(*)
- Simian Mobile Disco: Unpatterns (2012, Wichita) B+(**)
- Sly & Robbie: Blackwood Dub (2012, Groove Attack) B+(*)
- Smash Cast: The Music of Smash (2012, Columbia) B
- Patti Smith: Banga (2012, Columbia) A-
- Regina Spektor: What We Saw From the Cheap Seats (2012, Sire) B+(**)
- The Starkweather Boys: Archer St. Blues (2007, Charlier) B+(**)
- Tedeschi Trucks Band: Live: Everybody's Talkin' (2012, Sony Classical, 2CD) B+(*)
- Tindersticks: The Something Rain (2010-11 [2012], Consetllation) B+(*)
- Rufus Wainwright: Out of the Game (2012, Decca) B-
- Jack White: Blunderbuss (2012, Third Man) B+(**)
- Neil Young/Crazy Horse: Americana (2012, Reprise) B+(*)
- Aretha Franklin: You Grow Closer [Peacock Gospel Classics] (1956 [2003], MCA) B
- Aretha Franklin: Aretha: With the Ray Bryant Combo (1960-61 [1961], Columbia) A-
- Aretha Franklin: The Electrifying Aretha Franklin (1962, Columbia) B+(**)
- Aretha Franklin: The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin (1962, Columbia) B-
- Aretha Franklin: Laughing on the Outside (1963, Columbia) B
- Aretha Franklin: Unforgettable: A Tribute to Dinah Washington (1964 [1995], Columbia/Legacy) B-
- Aretha Franklin: Runnin' Out of Fools (1964, Columbia) B+(**)
- Aretha Franklin: Yeah!!! (1965, Columbia) B+(*)
- Aretha Franklin: Aretha Arrives (1967, Atlantic) B+(***)
- Aretha Franklin: Lady Soul (1968, Atlantic) A
- Aretha Franklin: Aretha Now (1968, Atlantic) A
- Aretha Franklin: Aretha in Paris (1968, Atlantic) B+(**)
- Aretha Franklin: This Girl's in Love With You (1970, Atlantic) B+(***)
- Aretha Franklin: Live at Fillmore West (1971 [1972], Atlantic) B+(*)
- Aretha Franklin: Oh Me Oh My: Aretha Live in Philly, 1972 (1972 [2007], Rhino Handmade) B+(***)
- Aretha Franklin: Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky) (1973, Atlantic) B-
- Aretha Franklin: Let Me in Your Life (1974, Atlantic) B
- Aretha Franklin: Sparkle (1976, Atlantic) B+(*)
- Aretha Franklin: Aretha (1980, Arista) B
- Aretha Franklin: Love All the Hurt Away (1981, Arista) B+(**)
- Aretha Franklin: Jump to It (1982, Arista) B+(**)
- Aretha Franklin: Get It Right (1983, Arista) A-
- Aretha Franklin: Aretha (1986, Arista) B
- Aretha Franklin: One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism (1987, Arista, 2CD) B+(*)
- Aretha Franklin: What You See Is What You Sweat (1991, Arista) B
- Aretha Franklin: So Damn Happy (2003, Arista) B+(**)
- Donna Summer: The Wanderer (1980, Geffen) A-
- Donna Summer: Crayons (2008, Burgundy) B
- Alabama Shakes: Boys & Girls (2012, ATO) B+(**)
- Amadou & Mariam: Folila (2012, Nonesuch) A-
- Ballister: Bastard String (2010 [2011], self-released) B+(***)
- Gary Bartz: Coltrane Rules: Tao of a Musical Warrior (2012, Oyo) B+(***)
- Rick Berlin: Paper Airplane (2010, Hi-N-Dry) B+(**)
- Eric Bibb: Deeper in the Well (2011 [2012], Stony Plain) A-
- Jim Black Trio: Somatic (2011 [2012], Winter & Winter) B+(***)
- Paul Burch: Words of Love: Songs of Buddy Holly (2011, Perfect Sounds) B
- Clark: Iradelphic (2012, Warp) B
- Elise Davis: Cheap Date (2011, self-released) B+(*)
- De La Soul: De La Soul's Plug 1 & Plug 2 Present . . . First Serve (2012, Duck Down) A-
- Death Grips: The Money Store (2012, Epic) B+(*)
- Amadou Diagne: Introducing Amadou Diagne (2012, World Music Network) B+(*)
- Disappears: Pre Language (2012, Kranky) A-
- Justin Townes Earle: Nothing's Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now (2012, Bloodshot) B+(*)
- Ruthie Foster: Let It Burn (2012, Blue Corn Music) B+(*)
- François and the Atlas Mountains: E Volo Love (2012, Domino) B+(***)
- Bill Frisell: The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved (2012, 429) B
- Kenny Garrett: Seeds From the Underground (2012, Mack Avenue) B+(**)
- Gift of Gab: The Next Logical Progression (2012, Quannum Projects) B+(**)
- Gotye: Making Mirrors (2011 [2012], Universal Republic) B
- Ray Wylie Hubbard: The Grifter's Hymnal (2012, Bordello) A-
- Norah Jones: Little Broken Hearts (2012, Blue Note) B
- Kool A.D.: 51 (2012, Greedhead/Mishka) B+(**)
- Lil Wayne: No Ceilings (2010, self-released) A-
- Lower Dens: Nootropics (2012, Ribbon Music) B+(*)
- Spoek Mathambo: Nombolo One (2011, Motel 11 Roadtrip Tapes) B+(**)
- Miguel: Art Dealer Chic Vol. 1 (2012, self-released, EP) B-
- Nicki Minaj: Beam Me Up Scotty (2009, Trapaholics) B+(***)
- Nicki Minaj: Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012, Universal Republic) A-
- Miniature Tigers: Mia Pharoah (2012, Modern Art) B+(*)
- Marisa Monte: O Que Você Quer Saber de Verdade (2010-11 [2012], Blue Note) B+(**)
- Kip Moore: Up All Night (2012, Mercury Nashville) B+(*)
- Ted Nash: The Creep (2012, Plastic Sax) A-
- Willie Nelson: Heroes (2012, Legacy) B+(**)
- NZCA/Lines: NZCA/Lines (2012, Loaf) B+(*)
- OFF!: OFF! (2012, Vice, EP) B+(***)
- One Direction: Up All Night (2012, Syco/Columbia) B+(*)
- William Parker/Gianni Lenoci/Vittorino Curci/Marcello Magliocchi: Serving Evolving Humanity (2010, Silta) B+(**)
- Pepe Deluxé: Queen of the Wave (2012, Catskills) B+(**)
- Gregory Porter: Be Good (2011 [2012], Motema) B
- Quakers: Quakers (2012, Stones Throw) B+(***)
- Quantic & Alice Russell: Look Around the Corner With the Combo Bárbaro (2012, Tru Thoughts) B+(*)
- Bonnie Raitt: Slipstream (2012, Redwing) B+(**)
- Arrica Rose & the . . .'s: Let Alone Sea (2011, Poprock) B
- Rusko: Songs (2012, Mad Decent/Downtown) A-
- John K. Samson: Provincial (2012, Epitaph) B+(***)
- Santigold: Master of Make-Believe (2012, Atlantic) B+(***)
- Darrell Scott: Long Ride Home (2012, Full Light) B
- Spiritualized: Sweet Heart, Sweet Light (2012, Fat Possum) B-
- S/S/S: Beak & Claw (2012, Anticon, EP) B+(***)
- Standard Fare: Out of Sight, Out of Town (2011 [2012], Melodic) B+(**)
- Steep Canyon Rangers: Nobody Knows You (2012, Rounder) B-
- The Ting Tings: Sounds From Nowheresville (2012, Columbia) B+(***)
- Caetano Veloso and David Byrne: Live at Carnegie Hall (2004 [2012], Nonesuch) B
- Loudon Wainwright III: Older Than My Old Man Now (2012, 2nd Story Sound) A
- Joe Louis Walker: Hellfire (2012, Alligator) B+(*)
- M. Ward: A Wasteland Companion (2012, Merge) B+(*)
- Gerry Beaudoin: The Return (2011 [2012], Francesca) B+(**)
- Remi Álvarez/Ingebrigt Håker Flaten: First Duet Live (2010 [2012], JaZt Tapes) B+(*)
- Albert Ammons & Meade Lux Lewis: The First Day (1939 [1992], Blue Note) B+(***)
- Albert Ammons: Boogie Woogie Stomp (1938-39 [1998], Delmark) B+(***)
- Atomic: Feet Music (2001, Jazzland) B+(***)
- Atomic: Boom Boom (2002 [2003], Jazzland) B+(***)
- Atomic: The Bikini Tapes (2004 [2005], Jazzland, 3CD) B+(***)
- Atomic: Happy New Ears! (2005 [2006], Jazzland) B+(*)
- Atomic: Retrograde (2007-08 [2008], Jazzland, 2CD) B+(**)
- Atomic: Live in Seattle (2008, Jazzland) B+(*)
- Atomic: Theater Tilters Vol. 1 (2009 [2010], Jazzland) B+(**)
- Atomic: Theater Tilters Vol. 2 (2009 [2010], Jazzland) B+(***)
- Atomic: Here Comes Everybody (2011, Jazzland) B+(**)
- Raoul Björkenheim/Ingebrigt Håker Flaten/Paal Nilssen-Love: Scorch Trio (2002, Rune Grammofon) A-
- Black Truth Rhythm Band: Ifetayo (1976 [2011], Soundway) B+(**)
- Bobby Bradford/Frode Gjerstad/Ingebrigt Håker Flaten/Paal Nilssen-Love: Reknes (2008 [2009], Circulasione Totale) B+(***)
- Circulasione Totale Orchestra: Open Port (2008 [2009], Circulsasione Totale) B+(**)
- Close Erase: Close Erase (1995 [1996], Nor CD) B+(***)
- Close Erase: No. 2 (1998 [1999], Nor CD) B+(**)
- Close Erase: Dance This (2001, BP) A-
- The Electrics: Chain of Accidents (2000 [2001], Ayler) B+(*)
- Element: Element (1996, Turn Left Production) B+(***)
- Element: Shaman (1998 [1999], BP) B+(***)
- Ingebrigt Håker Flaten: Double Bass (2002-03 [2003], Sofa) B+(**)
- Ingebrigt Håker Flaten Quintet: Quintet (2005 [2006], Jazzland) B+(***)
- Ingebrigt Håker Flaten Quintet: The Year of the Boar (2007 [2008], Jazzland) A-
- Ingebrigt Håker Flaten: Birds: Solo Electric (2007-08 [2012], Tektite) B+(*)
- Ingebrigt Håker Flaten/Håkon Kornstad: Elise (2008, Compunctio) B+(**)
- Ingebrigt Håker Flaten/Håkon Kornstad/Jon Christensen: Mitt Hjerte Altid Vanker - I: Live at Oslo Jazzfestival (2009 [2011], Compunctio) B+(**)
- Ingebrigt Håker Flaten: Steel: Live in Bucharest (2010 [2012], Tektite, EP) B+(***)
- Dennis González/Ingebrigt Håker Flaten: The Hymn Project (2010 [2011], Daagnim) B+(**)
- IPA: Lorena (2008 [2009], Bolage) B+(*)
- IPA: It's a Delicate Thing (2010 [2011], Bolage) B+(**)
- Janis Joplin: The Pearl Sessions (1970 [2012], Columbia/Legacy, 2CD) A-
- Ola Kvernberg: Liarbird (2011, Jazzland) B+(**)
- Joe McPhee/Ingebrigt Håker Flaten: Blue Chicago Blues (2007 [2010], Not Two) A-
- Joe McPhee/Jeb Bishop/Ingebrigt Håker Flaten/Michael Zerang: Ibsen's Ghosts (2009 [2011], Not Two) B+(*)
- Motorpsycho, the Source & Deathprod: Roadwork Vol. 2: The Motor Source Massacre: Live at Konigsberg Jazz Festival 1995 (1995 [2000], Stickman) B+(***)
- Zim Ngqawana: Ingoma (1999 [2000], Sheer Sound) B+(*)
- No Spaghetti Edition: Listen . . . and Tell Me What It Was (2001, Sofa) B+(*)
- Atle Nymo/Ingebrigt Håker Flaten/Håkon Mjåset Johansen: Play Complete Communion (2006 [2008], Bolage) B+(***)
- Cato Salsa Experience and The Thing with Joe McPhee: Sounds Like a Sandwich (2004 [2005], Smalltown Superjazz, EP) B+(**)
- SAN Featuring Zim Ngqawana: San Song (1995 [1997], Nor CD) B+(***)
- The Source: Olemanns Kornett (1994, Curling Legs) B+(**)
- The Thing with Otomo Yoshihide: Shinjuku Crawl (2007 [2009], Smalltown Superjazz) B+(**)
- The Thing with Jim O'Rourke: Shinjuku Growl (2008 [2010], Smalltown Superjazz) B
- The Thing: Mono (2011, Smalltown Superjazz) B+(*)
- Trinity: Sparkling (2004, Jazzaway) B+(**)
- Bugge Wesseltoft: New Conception of Jazz: Moving (2001, Jazzland) B+(***)
- Bugge Wesseltoft: New Conception of Jazz: Live (2003, Jazzland) B+(**)
- Michiyo Yagi/Ingebrigt Håker Flaten/Paal Nilssen-Love: Live! At Super Deluxe (2005 [2006], Bomba) B+(**)
- Balkan Beat Box: Give (2012, Nat Geo Music) B+(***)
- BBU!: Bell Hooks (2012, Mishka) A-
- Dierks Bentley: Home (2012, Capitol Nashville) B+(*)
- Andrew Bird: Break It Yourself (2012, Mom + Pop Music) B+(**)
- Blu: NoYork! (2011, New World Color) A-
- Blu: No York E Mo Work (Rmx Z 1.3) (2012, download) B
- Eric Bobo/Latin Bitman: Welcome to the Ritmo Machine (2011, Nacional) B+(**)
- Brother Ali: The Bite Marked Heart (2012, Rhymesayers, EP) B+(*)
- Burial: Kindred (2012, Hyperdub, EP) B+(***)
- Joe Cocker: Hard Knocks (2010 [2012], 429 Records) B-
- Corrosion of Conformity: Corrosion of Conformity (2012, Candlelight) B
- Die Antwoord: Tension (2012, Zef) B+(*)
- Dr. Dog: Be the Void (2012, Anti-) B+(*)
- Dr. John: Locked Down (2012, Nonesuch) B+(**)
- Craig Finn: Clear Heart Full Eyes (2012, Full Time Hobby) B+(***)
- Melanie Fiona: The MF Life (2012, Universal Republic) B+(*)
- Fun.: Some Nights (2012, Fueled by Ramen) B
- Gangrene: Vodka & Ayahuasca (2012, Decon) B+(***)
- Robert Glasper Experiment: Black Radio (2012, Blue Note) B+(*)
- Kevin Gordon: Gloryland (2011 [2012], Crowville Media) B+(*)
- The Habit: Lincoln Has Won (2010 [2011], Reel to Reel) B+(***)
- Charlie Haden/Hank Jones: Come Sunday (2010 [2012], Emarcy) B+(*)
- Beth Jeans Houghton & the Hooves of Destiny: Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose (2012, Mute) B
- I See Hawks in L.A.: New Kind of Lonely (2012, Western Seeds) B+(*)
- King Midas Sound: Without You (2011, Hyperdub) B+(*)
- Kevn Kinney: A Good Country Mile (2012, self-released) B+(***)
- La Sera: Sees the Light (2012, Hardly Art) B
- Lyle Lovett: Release Me (2011 [2012], Lost Highway) B+(*)
- Madonna: MDNA (2012, Interscope) A-
- The Magnetic Fields: Love at the Bottom of the Sea (2012, Merge) B+(***)
- Spoek Mathambo: Father Creeper (2012, Sub Pop) B
- The Men: Open Your Heart (2012, Sacred Bones) B+(**)
- Monolake: Ghosts (2012, Imbalance Computer Music) B+(***)
- The New Trio [Günter Baby Sommer/Floros Floridis/Akira Ando]: Melting Game (2010 [2011], Jazzwerkstatt) A-
- Nneka: Soul Is Heavy (2012, Decon) B+(***)
- Odd Future: The Odd Future Tape Vol. 2 (2012, Odd Future) B-
- Jimmy Owens: The Monk Project (2011 [2012], IPO) B+(***)
- Evan Parker/Zlatko Kaucic: Round About One O'Clock (2009 [2011], Not Two) B+(**)
- Perfume Genius: Put Your Back N 2 It (2012, Matador) B
- Punch Brothers: Who's Feeling Young Now? (2012, Nonesuch) B
- Frankie Rose: Interstellar (2012, Slumberland) B
- Jenny Scheinman: Mischief & Mayhem (2010 [2012], self-released) A-
- Shearwater: Animal Joy (2012, Sub Pop) B
- The Shins: Port of Morrow (2012, Columbia) B+(*)
- Todd Snider: Agnostic Hymns & Stoner Fables (2012, Aimless/Thirty Tigers) A
- Joan Soriano: La Familia Soriano (2012, IASO) A-
- Esperanza Spalding: Radio Music Society (2012, Heads Up) B-
- Speech Debelle: Freedom of Speech (2012, Big Dada) B+(**)
- Bruce Springsteen: Wrecking Ball (2012, Columbia) A-
- Pete Swanson: Man With Potential (2011, Type) B+(*)
- Tanlines: Mixed Emotions (2012, True Panther Sounds) B
- THEESatisfaction: Awe Naturale (2012, Sub Pop) B+(*)
- Ana Tijoux: La Bala (2012, Relativity) B+(*)
- The Unthanks: Diversions, Vol. 1: The Songs of Robert Wyatt and Antony & the Johnsons (2010 [2012], Rough Trade) B+(*)
- Ken Vandermark: Mark in the Water (2010 [2011], Not Two) B+(*)
- The Vandermark 5: The Hose Jumps/The Ship Is Gone (2009 [2010], Not Two, 2CD) A-
- VCMG: Ssss (2012, Mute) B+(**)
- Paul Weller: Sonik Kicks (2012, Island) B
- Tommy Womack: There, I Said It! (2007, Cedar Creek) B+(***)
- Tommy Womack: Now What! (2012, Cedar Creek) A-
- Ruby Braff: Hi-Fi Salute to Bunny (1957, RCA) A-
- Willem Breuker/Leo Cuypers: . . . Superstars (1978, FMP) B+(***)
- Alex Chilton: Free Again: The 1970 Sessions (1969 [2012], Omnivore) B+(**)
- Günter Christmann/Detlef Schönenberg Duo: We Play (1973, FMP) B+(***)
- Karen Dalton: 1966 (1966 [2012], Delmore Recording Society) B
- Globe Unity Orchestra: Globe Unity 73: Live in Wuppertal (1973, FMP) A-
- Goldfrapp: The Singles (2000-12 [2012], Mute) B+(*)
- Government Cheese: Government Cheese: 1985-1995 (1985-95 [2010], Cedar Creek, 2CD) B+(***)
- Georg Gräwe Quintet: New Movements (1976, FMP) B+(**)
- Julius Hemphill: Dogon A.D. (1972 [1977], Arista Freedom) A-
- Bill Hicks: Philosophy: The Best of Bill Hicks (1990-93 [2001], Rykodisc) B+(**)
- Peter Kowald: The Complete Duos: Europa America Japan (1986-90 [2003], FMP, 2CD) B+(***)
- Ernst-Ludwig Petrowsky: SelbViert (1979 [1980], FMP) B+(***)
- Michael Smith Quartet: Live in Berlin: Austin Stream (1976 [1977], FMP) B+(**)
- Günter Sommer: Hörmusik (1979 [1980], FMP) B+(*)
- Keith Tippett/Louis Moholo: No Gossip (1980 [1982], FMP) B+(***)
- Tronics: Love Backed by Force (1981 [2012], What's Your Rupture?) B
- Air: Le Voyage Dans La Lune (A Trip to the Moon) (2012, Astralwerks) A-
- Oren Ambarchi: Audience of One (2012, Touch) B+(***)
- Thomas Anderson: The Moon in Transit (Four-Track Demos, 1996-2009) (1996-2009 [2012], Out There) A-
- Carolina Chocolate Drops: Leaving Eden (2011 [2012], Nonesuch) B+(***)
- Chiddy Bang: Breakfast (2012, Virgin) A-
- Cloud Nothings: Attack on Memory (2012, Carpark) B+(***)
- Coldplay: Mylo Xyloto (2011, Parlophone) B-
- Chick Corea/Eddie Gomez/Paul Motian: Further Explorations (2010 [2012], Concord, 2CD) B+(**)
- Dion: Tank Full of Blues (2012, Blue Horizon) B+(**)
- Escort: Escort (2011 [2012], Tirk) B+(***)
- Jay Farrar/Will Johnson/Anders Parker/Yim Yames: New Multitudes (2012, Rounder) B+(**)
- First Aid Kit: The Lion's Roar (2012, Wichita) B-
- Galactic: Carnivale Electricos (2012, Epitaph) B
- Charles Gayle Trio: Streets (2011 [2012], Northern Spy) A-
- Grimes: Visions (2012, 4AD) B+(*)
- Himanshu: Nehru Jackets (2012, Greedhead) A-
- Homeboy Sandman: Subject: Matter (2012, Stones Throw, EP) B+(***)
- Homeboy Sandman: The Good Sun (2010, High Water Music) B+(***)
- Hospitality: Hospitality (2012, Merge) B+(*)
- Imperial Teen: Feel the Sound (2012, Merge) B+(***)
- Ital: Hive Mind (2012, Planet Mu) B+(***)
- K'Naan: More Beautiful Than Silence (2012, Octone, EP) B+(*)
- Lambchop: Mr. M (2012, Merge) B+(*)
- Mark Lanegan Band: Blues Funeral (2012, 4AD) B
- Kellie Pickler: 100 Proof (2011 [2012], BNA) B+(**)
- Prinzhorn Dance School: Clay Class (2012, DFA) A-
- School of Seven Bells: Ghostory (2012, Vagrant) B+(*)
- Skrillex: Bangarang (2011 [2012], Big Beat/Atlantic, EP) B
- Sleigh Bells: Reign of Terror (2012, Mom + Pop Music) B+(***)
- Ringo Starr: Ringo 2012 (2012, Hip-O) C+
- Tennis: Young & Old (2012, Fat Possum) B+(*)
- The 2 Bears: Be Strong (2012, Southern Fried) B+(*)
- Sharon Van Etten: Tramp (2010-11 [2012], Jagjaguwar) B-
- Wire: The Black Session: Paris, 10 May 2011 (2011 [2012], Pink Flag) B+(*)
- Betty Wright and the Roots: Betty Wright: The Movie (2011, S-Curve) B+(**)
- Zola Jesus: Conatus (2011, Sacred Bones) B+(*)
- Cannonball Adderley with Bill Evans: Know What I Mean? (1961 [2011], Riverside/OJC) A-
- Chet Baker: It Could Happen to You: Chet Baker Sings (1958 [2010], Riverside/OJC) B+(**)
- Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers: Ugetsu (1963 [2011], Riverside/OJC) B+(**)
- Ornette Coleman: Something Else!!!! (1958 [2011], Contemporary/OJC) B+(***)
- Miles Davis/Sonny Rollins: Dig (1951 [2010], Prestige/OJC) B+(**)
- Bill Evans Trio: Explorations (1961 [2011], Riverside/OJC) B+(***)
- Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson: Ella and Oscar (1975 [2011], Pablo/OJC) B+(*)
- Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass: Easy Living (1986 [2011], Pablo/OJC) B+(***)
- Vince Guaraldi Trio: Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus (1962 [2010], Fantasy/OJC) B+(**)
- René Marie: Vertigo (2001, MaxJazz) A-
- Thelonious Monk: Thelonious Alone in San Francisco (1959 [2011], Riverside/OJC) B+(**)
- Wes Montgomery: Boss Guitar (1963 [2010], Riverside/OJC) B+(**)
- Clark Terry Quintet: Serenade to a Bus Seat (1957, Riverside/OJC) B+(***)
- Cal Tjader/Stan Getz: Sextet (1958 [2011], Fantasy/OJC) B+(***)
- McCoy Tyner: Horizon (1979 [1980], Milestone) B
- Betty Wright: I Love the Way You Love (1972, Alston) B+(**)
- Alabama Shakes: Alabama Shakes (2011, Rough Trade, EP) B+(*)
- Marsha Ambrosius: Late Nights & Early Mornings (2011, J) B-
- Bhi Bhiman: Bhiman (2012, Boocoo Music) B+(***)
- Black Milk/Danny Brown: Black and Brown (2011, Fat Beats, EP) B+(**)
- Blow Your Head, Vol. 2: Dave Nada Presents Moombahton (2011, Mad Decent) B+(**)
- Bomb the Music Industry!: Vacation (2011, Really) B+(*)
- Buraka Som Sistema: Komba (2011, Enchufada) B+(**)
- Cauldron: Burning Fortune (2011, Earache) B+(*)
- Jimmy Cliff: Sacred Fire EP (2011, Collective Sounds, EP) B+(**)
- Dennis Coffey: Dennis Coffey (2011, Strut) B+(*)
- Leonard Cohen: Old Ideas (2012, Columbia) A-
- Mikal Cronin: Mikal Cronin (2011, Trouble in Mind) B
- Dawes: Nothing Is Wrong (2011, ATO) C+
- Lana Del Rey: Born to Die (2012, Interscope) B+(**)
- Brett Dennen: Loverboy (2011, Dualtone) B+(*)
- Ani DiFranco: Which Side Are You On? (2010-11 [2012], Righteous Babe) A-
- DJ Rashad: Just a Taste, Vol. 1 (2010 [2011], Ghettophiles) B
- The Dø: Both Ways Open Jaws (2011, Six Degrees) B+(**)
- Drexciya: Journey of the Deep Sea Dweller, Vol. 1 (1992-96 [2011], Clone Classic Cuts) A-
- Fred Eaglesmith: 6 Volts (2012, Bluewater Music) B+(*)
- Kathleen Edwards: Voyageur (2010-11 [2012], Zoë) B
- Charlotte Gainsbourg: Stage Whisper (2010 [2011], Elektra) B
- Girls' Generation: Oh! (2010, SM Entertainment) B+(**)
- Girls' Generation: The Boys (2011 [2012], Universal) B+(*)
- Guided by Voices: Let's Go Eat the Factory (2012, GBV) B
- Van Hunt: What Were You Hoping For? (2011, Godless Hotspot) B+(*)
- Jack Ruby: Jack Ruby (1974-77 [2011], UgExplode, EP) B+(***)
- The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble: I Forsee the Dark Ahead, If I Stay (2006-11 [2011], Parallel Corners) B
- The Klezmatics: Live at Town Hall (2006 [2011], Soundbrush, 2CD) B+(***)
- Le Butcherettes: Sin Sin Sin (2010 [2011], Rodriguez Lopez Productions) B+(*)
- The Little Willies: For the Good Times (2010-11 [2012], Milking Bull) B+(*)
- The Men: Leave Home (2011, Sacred Bones) B+(*)
- Randy Montana: Randy Montana (2011, Mercury Nashville) B+(*)
- Maria Muldaur: Steady Love (2011, Stony Plain) B+(**)
- My Morning Jacket: Circuital (2011, ATO) B-
- Nacho Picasso: For the Glory (2011, self-released) B+(***)
- David Nail: The Sound of A Million Dreams (2011, MCA Nashville) B
- Willie Nelson: Remember Me, Vol. 1 (2011, R&J) B+(*)
- James Pants: James Pants (2011, Stones Throw) B+(*)
- Random Axe: Random Axe (2011, Duck Down Music) B+(**)
- Sandwell District: Feed-Forward (2010 [2011], Sandwell District) B+(***)
- Schoolboy Q: Setbacks (2011, Top Dawg) B+(**)
- The Skull Defekts: Peer Amid (2009 [2011], Thrill Jockey) B+(***)
- Patrick Stump: Soul Punk (2011, Island) B-
- John Talabot: Fin (2012, Permanent Vacation) B+(***)
- Tove Styrke: Tove Styrke (2010 [2011], Epic) B+(*)
- Tha Grimm Teachaz: There's a Sitaution on the Homefront (1993 [2011], Breakfast) A-
- Amon Tobin: ISAM (2011, Ninja Tune) B+(*)
- The Twilight Singers: Dynamite Steps (2011, Sub Pop) B
- Tycho: Dive (2011, Ghostly International) B+(*)
- Hype Williams: One Nation (2011, Hippos in Tanks) B+(*)
- Destroyer: Kaputt (2011, Merge) B+(*)
- Pistol Annies: Hell on Heels (2011, Columbia Nashville) A-
- Marion Brown: Geechee Recollections/Sweet Earth Flying (1973-74 [2012], Impulse) B+(***)
- Mel Brown: The Wizard/Blues for We (1968-69 [2012], Impulse) C+
- Alice Coltrane: Huntington Ashram Monastery/World Galaxy (1969-71 [2012], Impulse) B+(*)
- Sonny Criss: The Joy of Sax/Warm and Sonny (1976 [2012], Impulse) C+
- Chico Hamilton: El Chico/The Further Adventures of El Chico (1965-66 [2012], Impulse) B-
- John Handy: Hard Work/Carnival (1976-77 [2012], Impulse) B
- Freddie Hubbard: The Artistry of Freddie Hubbard/The Body and the Soul (1962-63 [2012], Impulse) B-
- Keith Jarrett: Mysteries/Shades (1975 [2012], Impulse) A-
- The J.B.'s & Fred Wesley: The Lost Album (1972 [2011], Hip-O Select) B+(*)
- The Lijadu Sisters: Danger (1976 [2011], Knitting Factory) B+(*)
- Charles Mingus: The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady/Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus (1963 [2012], Impulse) A-
- Blue Mitchell: African Violet/Summer Soft (1977-78 [2012], Impulse, 2CD) C
- Oliver Nelson and Friends: Happenings/Soulful Brass (1966-68 [2012], Impulse) B+(*)
- Howard Roberts: Antelope Freeway/Equinox Express Elevator (1971-72 [2012], Impulse) B+(*)
- Sonny Stitt: Now!/Salt and Pepper (1963 [2012], Impulse) B+(***)
- Clark Terry: The Happy Horns of Clark Terry/It's What's Happenin' (1964-67 [2012], Impulse) B+(**)
- T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo: The Kings of Benin Urban Groove 1972-80 (1972-80 [2004], Soundway) B+(***)
- Michael White: Spirit Dance/Pneuma (1972 [2012], Impulse) B
- Ryan Adams: Ashes & Fire (2011, Capitol) B+(*)
- ASAP Rocky: LiveLoveASAP (2011, RCA/Polo Grounds Music) B+(***)
- Atlas Sound: Parallax (2011, 4AD) B
- Awol One & Factor: The Landmark (2011, Fake Four) B+(**)
- Maya Azucena: Cry Love (2011, Half Note) B-
- Mary J. Blige: My Life II . . . The Journey Continues (Act 1) (2011, Geffen) B+(*)
- BNJMN: Black Square (2011, Rush Hour) B+(**)
- Bottle Rockets: Not So Loud: An Acoustic Evening With Bottle Rockets (2007 [2011], Bloodshot) B+(**)
- Charles Bradley: No Time for Dreaming (2011, Daptone) B+(**)
- The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble: Mr. Machine (2011, !K7) B+(**)
- British Sea Power: Valhalla Dancehall (2011, Rough Trade) B+(*)
- JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound: Want More (2011, Bloodshot) B
- Danny Brown: XXX (2011, Fool's Gold) B+(***)
- Kate Bush: 50 Words for Snow (2011, Anti-) B
- Canibus: C of Tranquility (2010, Interdependent Media) B+(***)
- Cerebral Ballzy: Cerebral Ballzy (2011, Williams Street, EP) B+(*)
- The Chain Gang of 1974: Wayward Fire (2011, Modern Art) B
- Chase and Status: No More Idols (2011, Universal) B+(*)
- The Civil Wars: Barton Hollow (2011, Sensibility) B
- Common: The Dreamer/The Believer (2011, Warner Brothers) B+(***)
- Cunninlynguists: Oneirology (2011, RBC) A-
- Cut Off Your Hands: Hollow (2011, Frenchkiss) B+(***)
- Deaf Center: Owl Splinters (2011, Type) B+(**)
- Del the Funky Homosapien: Golden Era (2011, The Council) B+(***)
- Dirty Beaches: Badlands (2011, Zoo Music, EP) B+(*)
- Dum Dum Girls: He Gets Me High (2011, Sub Pop, EP) B
- Elzhi: Elmatic (2011, Jae B Group) A-
- Emika: Emika (2011, Ninja Tune) B+(**)
- Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire: Lost in Translation (2011, Mishka) B+(***)
- James Ferraro: Far Side Virtual (2011, Hippos in Tanks) B+(**)
- Foo Fighters: Wasting Light (2011, RCA) B
- The Front Bottoms: The Front Bottoms (2011, Bar/None) B+(***)
- Girls Guns and Glory: Sweet Nothings (2011, Lonesome Day) B+(*)
- Gold Panda: DJ-Kicks (2011, !K7) B+(*)
- Gold-Bears: Are You Falling in Love? (2011, Slumberland) B+(***)
- Danny Paul Grody: In Search of Light (2011, Students of Decay) B+(*)
- Grouper: A/A: Dream Loss (2011, Yellowcentric) B+(*)
- Grouper: A/A: Alien Observer (2011, Yellowcentric) B+(*)
- G-Side: The One . . . Cohesive (2011, Slow Motion Soundz) B+(***)
- Anthony Hamilton: Back to Love (2011, RCA) B+(***)
- Lalah Hathaway: Where It All Begins (2011, Stax) B-
- Joe Henry: Reverie (2011, Anti-) B+(*)
- Honeyhoney: Billy Jack (2011, Lost Highway) B+(*)
- Hot Chelle Rae: Whatever (2011, RCA) A-
- Eileen Jewell: Queen of the Minor Key (2011, Signature Sounds) B+(**)
- Sean Jones: No Need for Words (2011, Mack Avenue) B+(*)
- Mamani Keita: Gagner L'Argent Français (2011, No Format) B+(***)
- King Creosote & Jon Hopkins: Diamond Mine (2011, Double Six) B+(*)
- Kid Koala: Space Cadet [Original Still Picture Score] (2011, Ninja Tune) B
- La Dispute: Wildlife (2011, No Sleep) B+(***)
- La Vida Boheme: Nuestra (2011, Nacional) B
- Sonia Leigh: 1978 December (2011, Southern Ground) B+(**)
- Limousines: Get Sharp (2011, Dangerbird) A-
- Los Campesinos!: Hello Sadness (2011, Arts & Crafts) B+(*)
- Los Chicharrons: Roots of Life (2011, Tummy Touch) B+(***)
- Main Attrakionz: 808s and Dark Grapes II (2011, Mishka) B+(**)
- Laura Marling: A Creature I Don't Know (2011, Virgin) B+(*)
- Master Musicians of Bukkake: Totem Three (2009 [2011], Important) B
- Mazes: A Thousand Heys (2011, Fat Cat) B+(*)
- Miracles of Modern Science: Dog Year (2011, self-released) B
- Tracy Nelson: Victim of the Blues (2011, Delta Groove) B
- Oddisee: Rock Creek Park (2011, Mello Music Group) B
- Orchestre Poly-Rythmo: Cotonou Club (2009 [2011], Strut) B+(**)
- Peaking Lights: 936 (2011, Not Not Fun) B+(**)
- Peggy Sue: Acrobats (2011, Yep Roc) B
- People Like Us: Welcome Abroad (2011, Illegal Art) D+
- Andy Petr: Rapper Turned Singer (2011, Mixpak, EP) B+(**)
- The Postelles: The Postelles (2011, +1) B+(*)
- Prince Polo: Brooklyn Bodega (2011, DubShot) B+(*)
- The Psychic Paramount: II (2011, No Quarter) B+(***)
- Steve Reich: WTC 9/11 (2011, Nonesuch) B+(**)
- Rose Hill Drive: Americana (2011, Slow and Shirley) B+(*)
- Shackleton: Fabric 55 (2011, Fabric) B+(***)
- Shakira: Live From Paris (2011, Sony Latin Music) B+(**)
- Sleeping in the Aviary: You and Me, Ghost (2011, Science of Sound) B+(*)
- SMOD: SMOD (2011, Nacional) B+(***)
- Spank Rock: Everything Is Boring and Everyone Is a F---ing Liar (2011, Bad Blood) B+(***)
- Stalley: Lincoln Way Nights: Intelligent Trunk Music (2011, Mishka) B+(**)
- Boubacar Traoré: Mali Denhou (2010 [2011], Lusafrica) B+(**)
- Unknown Mortal Orchestra: Unknown Mortal Orchestra (2011, Fat Possum) B
- Tom Waits: Bad as Me (2011, Anti-) A-
- Hank Williams III: Ghost to a Ghost/Gutter Town (2011, Hank3, 2CD) B+(**)
- Amy Winehouse: Lioness: Hidden Treasures (2002-11 [2011], Universal Republic) C-
- Wye Oak: Civilian (2011, Merge) B
- Kembe X: Self Rule (2011, mixtape) B+(***)
- Yellow Ostrich: The Mistress (2010 [2011], Barsuk) B
- Youth Lagoon: The Year of Hibernation (2011, Fat Possum) B+(*)
- Rez Abbasi's Invocation: Suno Suno (2010 [2011], Enja) B+(*)
- Bachata Roja: Amor y Amargue (1960s-80s [2011], IASO) B+(***)
- David Berkman: Self-Portrait (2011, Red Piano) B+(**)
- Black Stars: Ghana's Hiplife Generation ([2008], Out Here) B+(***)
- The New Gary Burton Quartet: Common Ground (2011, Mack Avenue) B+(**)
- Gerald Cleaver/Uncle June: Be It as I See It (2010 [2011], Fresh Sound New Talent) B+(**)
- Nat King Cole: Cole Español (1958, Capitol) B+(**)
- Nat King Cole: A Mis Amigos (1959, Capitol) B+(**)
- Larry Coryell: With the Wide Hive Players (2010 [2011], Wide Hive) B+(*)
- Adam Cruz: Milestone (2010 [2011], Sunnyside) B+(**)
- Joseph Daley Earth Tones Ensemble: The Seven Deadly Sins (2010 [2011], Jaro) B+(***)
- Empirical: Elements of Truth (2011, Naim Jazz) B+(**)
- Vinny Golia Quartet: Take Your Time (2011, Relative Pitch) B+(***)
- Danny Grissett: Stride (2011, Criss Cross) B+(*)
- Sir Roland Hanna: Colors From a Giant's Kit (1990s-2002 [2011], IPO) B+(*)
- Julius Hemphill: Julius Hemphill Big Band (1988, Nonesuch) B+(**)
- Fred Ho and the Green Monster Big Band: The Sweet Science Suite (2011, Mutable/Big Red Media) B+(*)
- Fred Ho and the Green Monster Big Band: Year of the Tiger (2004 [2011], Innova) B
- Ari Hoenig: Lines of Oppression (2009 [2011], Naïve) B+(*)
- Michael Howell: Looking Glass (1973, Milestone) B+(**)
- Steve Lacy: Live at Jazzwerkstatt Peitz (1981 [2006], Jazzwerkstatt) B+(**)
- Steve Lacy: Five Facings/Five Pianists (1996 [2008], Jazzwerkstatt) B+(***)
- Oliver Lake & Jahi Sundance: Lakes at the Stone (2008 [2011], Passin Thru) B+(**)
- Lim: Lim With Marc Ducret (2010 [2011], Kopasetic) A-
- René Marie: Black Lace Fredian Slip (2011, Motéma Music) B+(***)
- Christian McBride Big Band: The Good Feeling (2011, Mack Avenue) B+(*)
- Christian McBride: Conversations With Christian (2011, Mack Avenue) B+(**)
- Pietra Montecorvino: Napoli Mediterranea (2003 [2008], Lucky Planets) B+(***)
- Gretchen Parlato: The Lost and Found (2010 [2011], ObliqSound) B-
- Nicholas Payton: Bitches (2011, In + Out) B
- Potsa Lotsa: The Complete Works of Eric Dolphy (2009-10 [2011], Jazzwerkstatt, 2CD) B+(*)
- Phil Ranelin: Perseverance (2011, Wide Hive) A-
- The Rempis Percussion Quartet: Montreal Parade (2011, 482 Music) B+(***)
- Poncho Sanchez/Terence Blanchard: Chano y Dizzy! (2011, Concord Picante) B+(**)
- Alex Sipiagin: Destinations Unknown (2011, Criss Cross) B+(**)
- Colin Stetson: New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges (2011, Constellation) A-
- Colin Stetson: Those Who Didn't Run (2011, Constellation, EP) B+(**)
- Vijana Jazz Band: The Koka Koka Sex Battalion: Rumba, Koka Koka and Kamata Sukuma (1975-80 [2011], Sterns) A-
- Ben Williams: State of Art (2011, Concord Jazz) B+(**)
- Gerald Wilson Orchestra: Legacy (2011, Mack Avenue) B+(***)
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