Top 4 of 2012 (So Far)

1 Bruce Springsteen : Wrecking Ball - The voices of those struggling through the Great Recession are heard not through the young and idealistic, but are delivered most clearly by a 62-year-old rocker. Bruce's best work in 20 years. Best tracks: Land of Hope and Dreams, We Are Alive, Death to My Hometown.

2 Bap Kennedy : The Sailor's Revenge - The best pure Americana (despite being a Brit) album released in years. Singer-songwriter perfection. Best tracks: Working Man, The Sailor's Revenge, Jimmy Sanchez.

3 Jay Farrar, Will Johnson, Anders Parker and Yim Yames : New Multitudes - Doesn't have the staying power of the Wilco/Bragg Guthrie sessions, but a strong effort, nonetheless. Jay Farrar's now at his best when collaborating with other frontmen. Key tracks: No Fear, Hoping Machine, New Multitudes.

4 Japanroids : Celebration Rock - Only 1-2 listens in, but sounds pretty nice. Key tracks: who knows.

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