Now that the year 2012 is coming to a close us here at WKNC look back at our top five albums of the year once again. Although we might not always agree on what is the most amazing, the love of great music not only kept us excited throughout 2012, but we look forward to the amazing music that it will bring as well. Take a gander at what are a few of the albums we loved throughout this year, as chosen by WKNC DJs. See you in 2013!

 

Sarahnade

1. Caspian – Waking Season
2. El Ten Eleven – Transitions
3. Spider Bags – Shake My Head
4. Pinback – Information Retrieved
5. Divine Fits – A Thing Called Divine Fits

 

C. Deuce

1. Yeasayer – Fragrant World
2. Alt-J – An Awesome Wave
3. Hundred Waters – Hundred Waters
4. Sweet Valley – Eternal Champ
5. Miike Snow – Happy to You

 

CMYK

1. Japandroids – Celebration Rock
2. Andrew Bird – Break It Yourself
3. Beach House – Bloom
4. The Mountain Goats – Transcendental Youth
5. Oceanics – Bright People

 

JKG

1. Dan Deacon – America
2. MAKE – Trephine
3. The Album Leaf – Forward/Return
4. Dads – American Radass (this is important)
4. El Ten Eleven – Transitions

 

Zaps

1. Father John Misty – Fear Fun
2. First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar
3. Bowerbirds – The Clearing
4. Lost In The Trees – A Church That Fits Our Needs
5. Jukebox the Ghost- Safe Travels

 

Seagull

1. DIIV – Oshin
2. Tame Impala – Lonerism
3. Ty Segall Band – Slaughterhouse
4. Mac Demarco – 2
5. Beach House – Bloom

 

DJ DiGiorno

1. Howler – America Give Up
2. Beach House – Bloom
3. Dirty Projectors – Swing Lo Magellan
4. Father John Misty- Fear Fun
5. Dr. Dog- Be The Void

 

DJ GRZA

1.  Flying Lotus – Until The Quiet Comes
2.  Andrew Bird – Break It Yourself
3.  Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
4.  Kendrick Lamar – good kid, M.A.D.D city
5.  Alt-J – An Awesome Wave

 

The Mattador

1. Grouplove – Never Trust a Happy Song (Released 2011)
2. Dr. Dog – Be the Void
3. Passion Pit – Gossamer
4. Cloud Nothings – Attack on Memory
5. Supreme Cuts – Whispers in the Dark

 

DJ Smitty

1. The Menzingers – On The Impossible Past
2. Red Collar – Welcome Home
3. Japandroids – Celebration Rock
4. Murder By Death – Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon
5. Hop Along – Get Disowned

 

DJ Ones

1. Andrew Bird – Break if Yourself
2. Tame Impala – Lonerism
3. Sharon Van Etten – Tramp
4. Dirty Projectors – Swing Lo Magellan
5. Grizzly Bear – Shields

 

DJ Salinger

1. The Avett Brothers – The Carpenter
2. Grimes – Visions
3. The XX – Coexist
4. Toro y Moi – June 2009
5. Oberhofer – Time Capsules II

 

Muta

1. GRiZ – Mad Liberation
2. Purity Ring – Shrines
3. Submotion Orchestra – Fragments
4. Badbadnotgood – BBNG2
5. XXYYXX – XXYYXX

 

May Day

1. Beach House – Bloom
2. Purity Ring – Shrines
3. The Walkmen – Heaven
4. The Helio Sequence – Negotiations
5. Oberhofer – Time Capsules II

 

Billy

1.Stripmines – Crimes of Dispassion
2. Oiltanker/No Tomorrow – Split LP
3. The Sword – Apogryphon
4. High On Fire – De Vermis Mysteriis
5. Mob Rules – The Donor

 

Walter-Ego

1. Dan Deacon – America
2. Death Grips – The Money Store
3. Spider Bags – Shake My Head
4. The Mountain Goats – Transcendental Youth
5. Dr. Dog – Be The Void

 

DJ Sweet D

1. Grimes – Visions
2. Purity Ring – Shrines
3. First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar
4. Andrew Bird – Break It Yourself
5. Grizzly Bear – Shields

 

Major Tom

1. Alt-J – An Awesome Wave
2. Cloud Nothings – Attack On Memory
3. Tame Impala – Mind Mischief
4. The Shins – Port Of Morrow
5. Beach House – Bloom

 

DJ ACORN

1. Micachu & The Shapes – Never
2. Daughn Gibson – All Hell
3. The Music Tapes – Mary’s Voice
4. Schoolboy Q – Habits & Contradictions
5. Murder by Death – Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon

 

Anastassia

1. Japandroids – Celebration Rock
2. Ty Segall Band – Slaughterhouse
3. DIIV – Oshin
4. Grass Widow – Internal Logic
5. Grimes – Visions

 

Spaceman Spiff

1.  Chromatics – Kill for Love
2.  Cloud Nothings – Attack on Memory
3.  Wild Nothing – Nocturne
4.  Grimes – Visions
5.  Divine Fits – A Thing Called Divine Fits

 

DJ CJ

1. Neil Young and Crazy Horse – Psychedelic Pill
2. Carolina Chocolate Drops – Leaving Eden
3. Steep Canyon Rangers – Nobody Knows You
4. Trampled By Turtles – Stars & Satellites
5. Old Crow Medicine Show – Carry Me Back To Virginia

 

ALASKA

1. Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra – Theatre is Evil
2. Sharon Van Etten – Tramp
3. White Lung – Sorry
4. Perfume Genius – Put Your Back N 2 It
5. La Sera – Sees the Light

 

DJ Mason

1. Lost in the Trees – A Church That Fits Our Needs
2. Beach House – Bloom
3. Death Grips – The Money Store
4. Grimes – Visions
5. Here We Go Magic – A Different Ship

 

The summer is here, and that means that the men are hot, hot, hot.

 

Two years ago, we had our list of hot women, and the temperature is now ripe for the opposite sex. Here are our list of the 88 Hottest Men in Indie Rock (we love you Jack White!).

 

1. Sufjan Stevens

 

Our WKNC djs had bellowing arguments and fisticuffs to put Sufjan Stevans on top.  Ever since he invited us to “Come on feel the Illinoise!”, his soft, luring voice only complimented his angelic  good looks. If only he felt the way about us as he does about the fifty states. And it doesn’t hurt that he played a cover of The Innocence Mission’s “Lakes of Canada” with a banjo ON TOP OF A ROOF! Could you get hotter than that? We didn’t think so.

2. Andrew Bird

There’s a reason why his last name is “bird”.

Andrew Bird is well versed in violin, guitar, and the glockenspiel. But his greatest instrument is that fabulous whistle. That croon could attract many an avian creature and delighted female alike.  His classic countenance combined with his folky and eclectic sound makes him number two on our list.

 

3. Phil Moore (Bowerbirds)

Moore comprises half of Raleigh favorites, The Bowerbirds.  Even though the band is very in-touch with Mother Nature (“In our Talons”; also both Moore and Beth Tacular currently reside in a trailer in the woods of Pittsboro),  this mountain man could not bathe for weeks on end and still be hot. Recently he has been sprouting a long ponytail, and he still looks prettier than most women.

 

4. Ezra Koenig (Vampire Weekend)

What band is Ezra Koening not in? He played saxophone for the Dirty Projectors, interned with The Walkmen, recorded with MIA and The Very Best, and provided vocals on Discovery’s LP, not to mention front.  A graduate of Columbia, Koening is intelligent enough  to woo you with talk about unnecessary punctuation and sweet enough to teach your little sister’s class room. What a pile of sugar, spice, and everything adorable.

 

5. Chris Chu (Morning Benders)

The lead singer of Morning Benders looks like me if I were a male, but that is not the sole reason he makes a top slot in our hot list. Plus he piled in massive amounts of musically inclined in the studio to record the Yours Truly Recording of the epic ”Excuses”.

 

6. Sondre Lerche

Countless Viking blood must have been shed to make this Norwegian hottie. So pale, so gorgeous. Only the warmth of his delicate voice will save you from the cold of his country.

 

7. Will Hackney (Midtown Dickens, Mount Moriah, Lost in the Trees)

I remember seeing the keyboard man in Mount Moriah and commented to myself, “Hot damn. That keyboard man is ridiculously attractive.” He was so attractive, it was ridiculous. As it turns out, the man behind the keys is actually the co-owner of Trekky Records and partakes in what seems like every single local band.

 

8. Christopher Bear (Grizzly Bear)

Despite the fierce moniker  of his last and band name, Christopher Bear has a baby face. I wish I had the right to bear his hands.

 

9. Kristian Matsson (Tallest Man on Earth)

With a voice like Bob Dylan,  the Tallest Man on Earth is actually of average height.  And he’s from Sweden! But that rough voice is only a front for his soft, story-spinning heart. I want to be the Queen of Spain.

 

10. Matt Berninger (The National)

That deep set baritone contributed the soundtrack to Obama’s campaign video and probably bedded a lot of women.

 

11. Paul Banks (Interpol)
My love for Interpol is for one of those bands that I will consistently love and support despite the fact that their recent releases have been subpar. One of the reasons for this is because of Paul Banks, his bilingual vocals, and his smashing attractiveness. I don’t think I can ever have enough of this Julian Plenti.

 

12. Damian Kulash (OK GO)

When OK GO toured Raleigh last year, Damian Kulash lauded Raleigh for the homeplace of his grandfather, the one who invented a species of beetle. His other grandfather invented the Fish Stick. Good genes apparently pour into this sex creature.

 

13. Andrew Vanwyngarden (MGMT)

This adorable cutie from MGMT looks so young and innocent, I feel almost shameful for putting him on this list.

 

14. James Blake

The cover of James Blake’s eponymous album is blue and distorted and basically obscures James Blake’s beauty. Why hide behind a blue blob, James Blake? Maybe he didn’t want his “pretty boy” countenance to be the deciding factor in his music, which is commendable, but it doesn’t hurt that he is  a’smokin’.

 

15. and 16. Flight of the Conchords (Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement)

In this New Zealand duo’s rap ballad, “Hiphopopotamus vs Rhymenoceros”, McKenzie and Clement proclaim that their “rhymes are so potent that in this small segment / [they]I made all of the ladies in the area pregnant,” which is a fairly accurate description.

 

17. Kele Okereke (Bloc Party)

Not only is he on our hot list, but last year, Kele Okereke  was named the

Sexiest Out Gay Male Artist by music website LP33. Quite an accomplishment. Kele is known for being very political in his songs, and we commend that kind of fortitude.

 

18. Johnny Flynn

He may be the Justin Bieber of Indie Rock, but Johnny Flynn is one promising hot young artist. He writes his own poetry, and cites Yeats and Shakespeare in his lyrics.  A man that well-versed deserves a spot in our hot list.

 

19. Robin Pecknold (Fleet Foxes)

The founder of Fleet Foxes has this shy, coy look about him, like an animal emerging from the forest about to be hit by a car. But when he opens his mouth, out bursts the love child of Crosby, Stills, Nash and / or Young. Not to mention that beard completes this fox’s face.

 

20. M. Ward

M. Ward is the Him of She and Him but don’t let Zooey Deschanel (#2 on our Hottest Women of Indie Rock list)  distract you from how hot he is. Take a gander at “Poison Cup” and his intense longing croon will win any girl over.

 

21. Carter Gaj (Max Indian)

Carter of Max Indian wore sunglasses during his performance in Double Barrel Benefit, and he is the only man who can pull off doing so at night. His cool attitude could only be the product of some magical force that drifted from Aphrodite’s sea foam waves.

 

22. Kevin Drew (AC Newman, Broken Social Scene)

A founding member of a Canadian supergroup, Kevin Drew has dated hot indie women, Feist and Emily Haines. We can tell why of course.  With talent like that, it’s hard to resist.

 

23 and 24. The Dodos (Meric Long and Logan Kroeber.)

A dodo is an endangered bird but “The Dodos” are two fetching men who rock out with the intensity of gods.

 

25. Thomas Mars (Phoenix, Air)

Mars is the baby daddy of Academy Award-winning director Sophia Coppola’s baby.  What a father. Here we have a lead of the Grammy-award winning French dance pop band Phoenix, and my, is he hot. I hope he runs into me with a lasso.

 

26. Spencer Krug (Frog Eyes, Sunset Rubdown, Wolf Parade)

27. Thom Yorke (Radiohead)

28. Alex Ebert (Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros)

29. Bon Iver

30. Jens Lekman

31. Ryan gosling (Dead Man’s Bones)

32. Matt Johnson (from Matt and Kim)

33. Brian Corum (Lonnie Walker)

34. Dan Whitford (Cut Copy)

35. Dave Monks (Tokyo Police Club)

36. and 37. Ratatat (Mike Stroud, Evan Mast)

38. Villagers

39. Ben Bridwell (Band of Horses)

40. Tunde Adebimpe (TV on the Radio)

41. Chris Keating (Yeasayer)

42. John Paul Pitts (Surfer Blood)

43. Patrick Stickles (Titus Andronicus)

44. Stephen Malkmus (Pavement)

45. Beck

46. Bill Callahan

47. Dan Auerbach (Black Keys)

48. Sam Herring (Future Islands)

49. Stu Mclamb (The Love Language)

50. Noah Lennox (Animal Collective, Panda Bear)

51. Julian Casablancas (The Strokes)

52. Wayne Coyne (Flaming Lips)

53. Jose Gonzales

54. Hamilton Leithauser (the Walkmen)

55. and 56. Seth and Scott Avett

57. Jack Beva (Foals)

58. Dave 1 (Chromeo)

59. Robert Schwartzman (Rooney)

60. Twin Shadow

61. Yoni wolf (Why?)

62. Owen Pallet

63. Calvin Harris

64. Chuck Chriss (Freelance Whales)

65. Alex Scally (Beach House)

66. Britt Daniel (Spoon)

67. Dougy Mandagi (Temper Trap)

68. Michael Angelakos (Passion Pit)

69. Patrick Phelan (Luego )

70. Win Butler (Arcade Fire)

71.Rostam Batmanglij (Vampire Weekend)

72. Ivan Howard (The Rosebuds)

73. J.Roddy Watson

74. Colin Meloy (The Decemberists)

75. Jack Penate

76. John Darnielle

77. Ari Picker

78. Brett Harris

79. Django Haskins (The Old Ceremony)

80. James Mercer (Shins, Broken Bells)

81. Conor Oberst

82. Ben Gibbard

83. Matt Voorhis (SNMNMNM / Rooster for the Masses)

84. Ash Bowie of Polvo

85, 86, and 87. The beards of Megafaun (Phil and Brad Cook, Joe Westerlund)

88. Jack White

 

1. Morrissey made his return to his tour playing at London’s Royal Albert Hall on October 27, after his onstage collapse on October 24. The former frontman of The Smiths was taken to the hopsital after he experienced breathing problems and collapsed onstage during the first song of his set at Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon, England. via (NME)

2. Spoon has announced its next album will be released on January 26 and will be entitled Transference. The 11 song trackset includes their latest EP’s title song “Got Nuffin”. The album will be released in North America by Merge. via (Pitchfork)

3. All of the members of Los Campesinos! have been diagnosed with H1N1 virus. The band announced all its members had been diagnosed via its Twitter account with, “ALL OUR BAND IS BEING DIAGNOSED WITH SWINE FLU” before its show in Leeds, UK. They followed up with, “AND WE HAVE TO GO ONSTAGE IN TWENTY MINUTES!!” The band has no plans to cancel any upcoming shows due to illness. via (NME)

4. The Cribs has released its cover of the Kaiser Chiefs‘ “Modern Way.” The cover, which was initially released as the B-side to its 2005 “Mirror Kissers” is now available for download with the proceeds going to Cash for Kids Action on Neglect Appeal. The organization helps children who have been neglected in the Leeds and West Yorkshire area of the UK, where two of the members are from. via (The Cribs)

5. In another act of goodwill, a charity album which features Arcade Fire, Cat Power, Bon Iver, and Grizzly Bear has raised around $590,160. The album entitled “Dark Was the Night” features more than 31 tracks from various artists and the money raised from the album goes to The Red Hot Organization, which supports HIV/AIDS charities all around the world. via (NME)

That’s right guys Bonnaroo is THIS WEEK!!  June 11th- June 14th!  Check out the Bonnaroo website because tickets are still on sale and the website has tons of cool stuff to help you prepare for a great Bonnaroo time like the Artist Lineup and Activities and Attractions!!

So, I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t wait to see Phish, Wilco, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Snoop Dogg, Beastie Boys, Grizzly Bear, White Rabbits, Andrew Bird, TV on the Radio, Animal Collective, MGMT, and Girl Talk.

Bad news is it may be impossible to catch all the acts you are dying to see.  But, don’t worry it is pretty much going to be a blast either way.

Ok, first step to go to Bonnaroo –> get a ticket somehow someway!

Next –> Look at the lineup and stages and make an estimated list of MUST SEEs.

Then –> Well get together with your Bonna Buds and make a Bonna Checklist.

HERE are some of the things I plan on taking! If you have any MUST SEE or Checklist Suggestions make sure to leave it in comment style on the blog!

*Tent and other camping equipment

*Hat/Bandanna

*Non-perishable food

*Water

*Cooler

*SunScreen

*Deodorant

*Baby Wipes

*Money

*Camping Chair

*Walking Shoes

*Nalgene Bottle

*Rain Gear

*Bug Spray

*Portable Lantern

*Batteries

*Sunglasses

*Something to Shade the Campsite

*Toilet Paper

*Alcohol

*And Whatever Else Will Make the Trip Complete

The Bonnaroo Website also has great lists to check out before you  make your trip!

The count down to Bonnaroo is ON! SO great ready everyone it’s gonna be a crazy ride!!!!

–Liztopia

Here are the top 30 records at WKNC for last week, compiled by Daytime Music Director Jenna St. Pierre:

1. Technicolor Health by Harlem Shakes
2. Three Sides by Veelee
3. Eating Us by Black Moth Super Rainbow
4. Actor by St. Vincent
5. American Folklore by American Folklore
6. Ascenseur Ouvert by Kingsbury Manx
7. Kingdom Of Rust by Doves
8. Inside Your Guitar by It Hugs Back
9. Power Move by Screaming Females
10. Telekinesis by Telekinesis
11. Pretzelvania by Americans in France
12. Manners by Passion Pit
13. Walking On A Dream by Empire of the Sun
14. These Times Old Times by Lonnie Walker
15. Oh Tall Tree In The Ear by Roman Candle
16. Set Em Wild, Set Em Free by Akron/Family
17. The First Time by Embarrassing Fruits
18. To Lose My Life by White Lies
19. Fantasies by Metric
20. It’s Blitz by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
21. Welcome To Mali by Amadou and Mariam
22. The Love Language by The Love Language
23. Suckers [EP] by Suckers
24. Devotion Implosion by Gliss
25. Pilgrim by Red Collar
26. Jupiter by Starfucker
27. Seven Days Now by Xu Xu Fang
28. Bunny Gets Paid by Red Red Meat
29. Bromst by Dan Deacon
30. Hazards Of Love by Decemberists

Here are some new albums we’ve added to our library, which you can look forward to hearing:
Veckatimist by Grizzly Bear
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix by Phoenix