A Different Kind Of Truth by Van Halen
Van Halen’s 12th and final studio album, A Different Kind Of Truth, was released in February
Reuniting with original lead singer David Lee Roth, this was the first full album recorded with him on vocals since the 1980s and was also unfortunately the last Van Halen album. It was also the only one to not feature Michael Anthony on bass, as he had been was replaced by Eddie’s son, Wolfgang Van Halen. The album was very successful and achieved top ten status around the world. Two singles were released and for me, was a return to the form of their heyday.
Favourite track: “Stay Frosty”
Love This Giant by David Byrne & St. Vincent
Love This Giant is a collaboration between David Byrne and Annie Clark a.k.a. St. Vincent
This is Byrne’s ninth studio album overall and Clark’s fourth. The duo had previously played together on the album Here Lies Love. The performers enlisted a variety of brass musicians to augment their song-writing and toured over the following year to promote the album. The album was a success and reached the top 30 in the US on the back of two singles.
Favourite track: Lead single, “Who”
Black Rabbits by Grinspoon
Black Rabbits was the seventh and to date, final studio album by Australian act Grinspoon
I have enjoyed Grinspoon’s music throughout their career and own all their albums. Even so, I was surprised by how good this album was and was disappointed that it was not as well received as some of their earlier albums. It did reach the top 10 in Australia though and two singles were released. The following year the band went on a five year hiatus.
Favourite track: “Branded”, released as the album’s second single
King Animal by Soundgarden
King Animal was the sixth and final studio album released by grunge rockers Soundgarden
Released 16 years after its predecessor Down On The Upside, a reunited Soundgarden did their best to recapture their former glory. Largely it worked, picking up from where they left off. The album debuted at number five on the US charts and was a success around the world. Three singles were released, two of which charted well in the US.
Favourite track: “By Crooked Steps”
The Russian Wilds by Howlin Rain
Howlin Rain’s third studio album was four years in the making
I absolutely adore this album and I still haven’t tired of it after 11 years. I think it is a modern masterpiece and it was not just my favourite album of 2012, but also the decade! I had not heard of the band prior to this album and it was another of those serendipitously discovered thanks to a free compact disc accompanying a music magazine. Man do I miss those happy accidents!
Favourite track: “Phantom In The Valley”
The Slabthrower 