Ivan and Alyosha. Photo Credit: Kyle Dean Reinford
Resident Seattleites Ivan & Alyosha spent the better of 2012 touring around the US and most importantly, working on a their highly anticipated debut album All The Times We Had. The record is set to be released on Feb 26th (Missing Piece/Dualtone) but the band released a free EP entitled The Cabin Sessions this past June, previewing 4 tracks that will be on new album. I&A recently released a new music video and single for “Running For Cover” and has set their CD release show for Feb 23rd at the Showbox Market in Seattle. The guys gave us an early Christmas present and shared their list of favorite albums released in 2012:
Delta Spirit – Delta Spirit
We love pretty much everything these dudes put out. But this record felt very special. Top-notch musicianship with amazing songs. What more could you want?!
Favorite Track: “Tear It Up”
Bruce Springsteen – Wrecking Ball
The Boss killed it on this album! Letting everyone know that he still has an ear to America’s heartbeat.
Favorite Track: “Jack of All Trades”
Taylor Swift – Red
Who doesn’t love T. Swift?! So catchy! This is a great album.
Favorite Track: “All To Well”
Brandi Carlile – Bear Creek
We have had a deep respect for Brandi and her bands’ musicianship and song craft. Bear Creek is a testament to their hard work and love of music.
Favorite Track: “Keep Your Heart Young”
Lord Huron - Lonesome Dreamers
If Paul Simon and The Fleet Foxes had a love child… It would be Lord Huron. So good!
Favorite Track: “She Lit A Fire”
Beach House – Bloom
Beach House has a knack for crafting unseeingly infectious pop songs. They won’t leave my head and I don’t want them to.
Favorite Track: “Lazuli”
M. Ward – A Wasteland Companion
I just can’t get enough of M. Ward, especially after having seen him live for the first time just this year. He’s always creating gorgeous sounding records and writing brilliantly simple pop songs and this album is no exception.
Favorite Track: “I Get Ideas”
Damien Jurado – Maraqopa
I really like the moods Damien and Swift create on this one.
Favorite Track: “Life Away From The Garden”
Alabama Shakes – Boys & Girls
Great guitar work, great hooks, great blend of Motown and Southern rock.
Favorite Track: “Hold On”
The Lumineers- The Lumineers
Great vocals, great songs. Caught my ear the first time I heard it.
Favorite Track: “Classy Girls”
