These are the kinds of songs you'll like when you hear then in a commercial or on a TV/film soundtrack. You may have never heard of the band, but that doesn't mean they're not worth a listen.
I find these kinds of tracks on music blogs and fall in love with new ones every year. Here are my 12 favorites, as well as six great 2012 albums from which it was impossible to choose just one track.
6 favorite albums of 2012
1. 
Alabama Shakes "Boys & Girls"Brittany Howard can play guitar, piano and drums, but her real instrument is her amazing voice. Think Etta James mixed with Joe Cocker - an unlikely but thrilling sound. Check out the tracks "Hold On," and "Be Mine" and be ready to catch your jaw before it hits the floor.
2. 
Lord Huron "Lonesome Dreams"Ben Schneider built a debut LP that merits listening to straight through. It's very accessible and could be a win for fans of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros and My Morning Jacket. Check out the tracks "Time to Run" and "Ends of the Earth" and their unique videos.
3. 
Jack White "Blunderbuss"You're not at all surprised to see this one on the list, what with White's two massively popular, sold-out shows at Cain's in 2012. The man became a legend with fantastic acts The White Stripes and The Raconteurs, but it's in his solo work he shines brightest. Check out the tracks "I'm Shakin" and "Sixteen Saltines." He's playing with two bands - one all girls, one all boys - which is novel if a bit odd. Not unlike the man himself.
4. 
(Alt-J) "An Awesome Wave"The band's name looks like the Greek letter Delta, but if you want to talk about this Leeds (UK)-based quartet, call them by the (Mac) keyboard shortcut that creates a Delta symbol: Alt-J. The music has an intensely vibed electronic feel, but its indie rock sensibilities appeal to lots of music tastes. Check out the tracks "Tesselate" and "Fitzpleasure." See if it doesn't get your body movin.
5. 
Broke For Free "Gold Can Stay"We're going instrumental, kiddos. I had the first single from Tom Cascino on repeat for hours. His ebullient sound makes for excellent listening-while-reading/writing. Check it out: "The Gold Lining." The rest of the EP was just as amazing, and I'll be following Mr. Cascino closely in 2013.
6. 
Tennis "Origins"This husband-and-wife duo have been on my radar awhile, but their early 2013 album release, the sophomore effort produced by Patrick Carney (best known as the bespectacled superstar from The Black Keys), is brilliance. The songs are stuck on repeat in my head, and it's glorious instead of annoying. Check out the tracks "My Better Self" and the brilliant beach-music sounding "Origins."
Credit where credit is due: Thanks to all you wonderful musicians and music bloggers out there!
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