Japandroids, ‘Celebration Rock’ – Top Albums of 2012
It sometimes seems that the forces of Cool have overwhelmed those of Fun in the musical world of 2012. Luckily for us, there are still advocates for awesomeness, like mile-a-minute Japandroids. If "ooh-oh-ooh" choruses are an index of Gross National Happiness, ‘Celebration Rock’ is Bhutan (if that Himalayan kingdom were loaded with high-fiving, shout-it-from-the-rooftops stompers).
It's hard to pick a favorite among this raucous roster, though the unhinged ‘Adrenaline Nightshift’ and its opening lines would make Jack Kerouac proud, and the drunk-on-reminiscence ‘Younger Us’ would do the same for Bruce Springsteen. The album's connected with us and with listeners, enjoying weeks on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. So roll the windows down and crank it up: There’s rock ’n’ roll to be had.