MARCO'S TOP ALBUMS OF 2012 - #1 (Part 23 of 23)
And here we are. I made it... one month of more-or-less daily updates on the music that rocked my world, in the year that was supposed to be the last of mankind: it wasn't, of course. But I'm not sure that 2013 will be able to do much better, because as I said when this countdown started, I truly enjoyed music this year.
And here's the one album that made the difference, the top of the top.
#1: LANA DEL REY, 'Born To Die'. In its "Paradise Edition", pretty please.
The general thinking prior to - and continuing after - the release of 'Born to Die' appeared broadly split into two camps: those considering her to be exhibiting a bruised, seductive movie-star persona with a series of deliciously dark pop tracks from the unlit side of the Hollywood sign. And those that considered her a cynical piece of record label fodder and dolled-up industry window dressing. Or in failing to concoct anything so articulate, uttering something appertaining to the shape of her lips. This polarisation became one of 2012's defining pop music opinions - it became remarkably difficult to predict who fell for the charms and who turned away in distaste.
Lana Del Rey - the Marmite artist of 2012.
As for me? I hate Marmite. Loathe the stuff. But I've got a genuine love for 'Born to Die'.
It has flaws, of course, but then again, it's a album of POP music: it has to appeal the masses, so it's bound to have flaws (gotta love a bit of social Darwinism in my reviews, here and there.).
But this is the first album of straight pop music that manages to blend together the widest variety of influences, crowning it with a stunning delivery and being able to count on a mass-media promotional onslaught that made sure everyone in the world heard it - and music is meant to be heard - since... dunno, let's cite Depeche Mode's 'Songs Of Faith And Devotion', to stir even more uneasiness from those who will crucify me for this review. I revel in that kinda stuff.
This album is the benchmark of perfection in 2012. Deal with it.
Oh, and she IS hot too, and can sing as well - yes, also live.
Suggested listening: "Summetime Sadness", "Ride", "Gods And Monsters", "Blue Jeans", "Video Games", "Born To Die", "Dark Paradise".
And here's the one album that made the difference, the top of the top.
#1: LANA DEL REY, 'Born To Die'. In its "Paradise Edition", pretty please.
The general thinking prior to - and continuing after - the release of 'Born to Die' appeared broadly split into two camps: those considering her to be exhibiting a bruised, seductive movie-star persona with a series of deliciously dark pop tracks from the unlit side of the Hollywood sign. And those that considered her a cynical piece of record label fodder and dolled-up industry window dressing. Or in failing to concoct anything so articulate, uttering something appertaining to the shape of her lips. This polarisation became one of 2012's defining pop music opinions - it became remarkably difficult to predict who fell for the charms and who turned away in distaste.
Lana Del Rey - the Marmite artist of 2012.
As for me? I hate Marmite. Loathe the stuff. But I've got a genuine love for 'Born to Die'.
It has flaws, of course, but then again, it's a album of POP music: it has to appeal the masses, so it's bound to have flaws (gotta love a bit of social Darwinism in my reviews, here and there.).
But this is the first album of straight pop music that manages to blend together the widest variety of influences, crowning it with a stunning delivery and being able to count on a mass-media promotional onslaught that made sure everyone in the world heard it - and music is meant to be heard - since... dunno, let's cite Depeche Mode's 'Songs Of Faith And Devotion', to stir even more uneasiness from those who will crucify me for this review. I revel in that kinda stuff.
This album is the benchmark of perfection in 2012. Deal with it.
Oh, and she IS hot too, and can sing as well - yes, also live.
Suggested listening: "Summetime Sadness", "Ride", "Gods And Monsters", "Blue Jeans", "Video Games", "Born To Die", "Dark Paradise".
Dec 30 2012
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