When the blogosphere received news of Gayngs, a new (sorta) supergroup, featuring Bon Iver, rapper P.O.S. and members of Megafaun and Solid Gold, there was a definite buzz. Later, upon the release of their chilled track 'Gaudy..', we were marvelling at the prospect of a debut full-length. Their ideas were huge and their sonics were intoxicating - hypnotising. But, the song was archetypal of everything cliched in laid-back music terms - something you would have thought would not be so delightful to the listener, instead rather dire.
But it actually worked, and very well at that! - it utilised frickin' cool suave saxes, retrospective slap bass and effortlessly smooth and reverbed vox - forming a loose yet confident, though-provoking blend of cheese and lo-fi.
34. Grinderman - Worm Tamer
'Worm Tamer' is an amalgamation of all of Nick Cave's strongest, most visceral tendencies; it's psychologically chilling, grandiose and lyrically lewd and humorous. It exudes ingenuity, commingling gaudy distortion, unworldly guitar screeches and dark, gruff-voiced vocals.
He here cements his place as rock n roll's faultless funny man, saviour and tour de force - indeed, he begins each verse with a squall of different names for his 'lover', and ends the song with one for himself: she’s a ‘Worm Tamer’ and a ‘Serpent Wrangler’, but he is just an ‘Abominable Snowman’.33. She & Him - In the Sun
In the last few years, Zooey Deschanel has carried on her role as an actress in many a blockbuster, but has revived her musicality too, as singer in She & Him, her joint musical endeavour with Bright Eyes member, and artist in his own right, M. Ward. She sings in a dainty and melodious manner - some might call it 'twee'.
The duo released their second album, 'Volume Two' this year, which although sluggishly titled, was a transcendent collection of songs, all highlighting Deschanel's saccharine, downbeat 50s-esque harmonies and Ward's rococo guitar solos.
The first single, 'In the Sun', was a utterly brilliant pop tune, equipped with one infectious piano riff and a fittingly cheesy high school video to accompany.
32. Cults - Go Outside
This year, a whole congregation of adroit lo-fi-arbiters emerged, all purveying their rock n roll-tinged, chillwave-influenced fuzz pop. The band who stood out from the crowd were New York's Cults, who write cute, silvery little tunes, and use xylophones. Debut single, 'Go Outside', which according to their website is to be released on December 23rd 2012, mysteriously, is actually already available on their bandcamp, as is a 7".
31. T33TH - See Spaces
T33TH, London's rollicking electronic three-piece shot to fame earlier this year for two reasons:
1. Being geeks and die hard Gaga fans. They hacked her twitter account, tweeting the following '<3 <3 <3 @T3ETH NXT TIME REALNESS PIC A BETTER PASSWORD!!!! PVNKS UNITE!!!' and 'I swear my dick is not as big as T33TH’S!!!! POPWRLDSUCKZ!!! PUNX UNITE!!!! <3'.
2. Being the greatest, most exhuberant, most exhaustive alternative techno act since Crystal Castles. Their debut single 'See Spaces' stormed right to the top of the Hype Machine chart back in Easter, and remixes from Dreamtrak and Dolby Anol showcased their ability to write a damn hawt dance track.
