Let's face it: Many of you are probably wondering who the hell is Chevy Anderson. Where did he come from? I kind of burst on the scene out of nowhere taking photos at shows.
I've given up on keeping track of how many people have asked me, "Where did you come from?" The answer is simple. 2012 was my coming out party, musically.
Now, this list of the year's best music was not simple to put together by any means because my interests are all across the board. 2012 treated us well with great local and national music, too.
With all the good things that happened, music lost some greats this year along the way. So I would also like everyone to take a moment to think about the music legends that are no longer with us, locally and nationally.
Table of contents
Best national albums | Best local albums | Best new songs (nationally) | Best new songs (locally) | Best album art | Best new bands | Best shows of the year | Best music videos | Best band style (aesthetics) | Best Nebraska music developments
Best national albums
1. Fear Fun by Father John Misty
This album is good start to finish.
2. 1999 (Mixtape) by Joey Bada$$
This 17-year-old knows his way around a microphone. I was pleasantly surprised that he came hard with an old-school flow. 1999 is free so there is no reason not to download it. Also, check out his buddy Capital Steez, though unfortunately, Steez is no longer with us. A bunch of potential will never be fulfilled.
3. Port Of Morrow by The Shins
Honorable mention: Chanel Orange by Frank Ocean
Best local albums
1. Contextual Doom by Capgun Coup
I like the sound of these dudes. I'm also looking forward to Sam Martin's solo record due out next year sometime.
2. Discovering and Deciphering Your Value as a Human Being by Universe Contest
Universe Contest knows how to have a good time. It's pretty apparent when they are performing. I didn't get a chance to see their Halloween show, but I heard the stories.
3. Icky Blossoms by Icky Blossoms
If you like getting high in the afternoon and dancing crazy all over your house, throw in Icky Blossoms. I predict this band to be the next big act out of Omaha.
Best new songs (nationally)
1. "Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings" by Father John Misty
2. “Same Love” by Macklemore ft. Mary Lambert
A powerful song that touches on an ongoing current event. Give it up to Macklemore for talking about something that many hip-hop artists avoid.
3. “Simple Song” by The Shins
Best new songs (locally)
1. “Dead is God” by Capgun Coup
2. “Somebody Help Me” by Howard
The video to this is song is pretty rad. I’m still kind of bummed that this band is no longer together.
3. "Static Expressions" by Tilly and The Wall
Best album art
1. InDreama by InDreama
2. Fear Fun by Father John Misty
3. Love This Giant by David Byrne & St. Vincent
Best new bands
1. Joey Bada$$
I love good hip-hop. Just watch the video.
2. The Echo-Friendly
This Brooklyn duo caught my attention with their song "Same Mistakes."
3. Sun Settings
I heard these guys for the first time at O'Leaver's, and they didn't have a bass player. It left a bad taste in mouth. Since then, I've had the chance to see them two other times, and I got a chance to listen to their EP. I'm fairly impressed with these young lads now. Download their EP.
Best shows of the year
1. Icky Blossoms | 7.3.12 | Waiting Room
Icky Blossoms' album release show was probably the most high-energy show that I’ve seen all year. Ask Nik Fackler. The guy left the show with one fewer guitar.
2. Father John Misty | 11.01.12 | The Slowdown
It’s rare to find artists who sound exactly like their record. I had the opportunity to see Father John Misty live this past November. I left the show very impressed with his showmanship, his jokes and his flashy hips. He is a must-see.
3. Frontier Ruckus | 11.18.12 | Waiting Room
Even though the crowd was sparse, these guys still put their all into the show. For the last couple of songs, they got up close and personal coming down to the floor to play some tunes.
Best music videos
1. “Grown Up” by Danny Brown
The little guy was exceptional. I always wondered how Danny Brown chipped his tooth.
2. “Perfect Vision” by Icky Blossoms
I always wanted to trash a house in slow-motion.
3. "Chum" by Earl Sweatshirt
The black and white complements the song well.
Best regional bands
1. Sidewalk Chalk
Sidewalk Chalk combines jazz, R&B and hip-hop to create a well rounded sound.
2. The Bears of Blue River
I met these guys at Lincoln Calling. I had “Boy Toy” playing for weeks.
photo by Chevy Anderson
3. The Kickback
I just realized that all of these bands reside in Chicago.
Best band style (aesthetics)
1. Plack Blague
Leather chaps and ass is what you get.
2. Universe Contest
These dudes just know how to party. Enough said.
3. Icky Blossoms aka Icky Style
Crazy light show.
Best Nebraska music developments
Art and music combined is always good.
2. This Band Sucks
I must say this blog is pretty funny whether you like it or not. I've spoken to people who were mentioned in This Band Sucks, and they seem to think that it is funny, too. I've also overheard countless conversations about people speculating the true identity of this person. I have my guesses as to who it is. The blog can be over the top, but if anything, this person has people talking about the good and the ugly.
3. Red Sky Music Festival
You can say or think whatever you want, but I couldn’t stand this festival. The way they promoted the festival beforehand made it sound promising. I remember when reports came out that were looking to book Jay-Z. What a big letdown. RIP Red Sky.
Chevy Anderson is a Hear Nebraska intern. He is looking forward to what 2013 has to offer, and wishes happy rest of the holidays to everyone. Reach him at chevya@hearnebraska.org.