The amorphous Asbury-based Folk collective that is Moon Motel released a beautifully arranged debut in 2012 named Blanket. The three-track collection weaves front-man J. Sales’ subdued croon through layers of plucked and prodded stringed instruments and the gentle woodwind-induced breezes. Stream Blanket and check out Sales’ eight favorite records of 2012 below:
1.) Fiona Apple – The Idler Wheel… – Always keeps me waiting years for new music, and always worth the wait
2.) Sigur Ros – Valtari – My favorite album of the year by my favorite band. Beautiful, ambient, dreamlike
3.) Nas – Life Is Good – A 90s sounding hip hop album, over a decade later, and still relevant
4.) Circa Survive – Violent Waves – What happens when an established band goes D.I.Y. – Truly beautiful and uplifting, lyrically and musically
5.) Slipknot – Antennas to Hell – A greatest hits album that timelines half of my life
6.) Moon Motel – Blanket – Not because I’m on it, but because I love it
7.) Wakah Chan – The Art Of Compromise – “And she lived like the wind blowing through… And she loved like a soft breeze.” – beautiful imagery from beautiful friends
8.) EL-P – Cancer For Cure – Brilliant production and a modern take on a classic hip hop sound. A dark album