The 25 Best Singles of 2012 (5-1)

5. St. Vincent -- Cheerleader

Annie Clark -- known by the stage name St. Vincent -- regularly churns out fascinating music, but she really hit a new high with this track. Its frank declaration of independence is matched only by its lush, languid instrumentation.



4. Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra -- The Killing Type

The force of nature that is Amanda Palmer returned in 2012 with a record financed through a massive Kickstarter campaign. The result was everything fans could have hoped for: it was fierce, fiery, a true breath of fresh air in the pop music world. The first single from it showcased everything that makes Amanda Amanda.



3. Skrillex -- Bangarang

Nobody came into 2012 with more to prove than Skrillex. He had a lot of hype to live up to but he managed it in spades with this explosive track, one that slammed you in the chest with the monstrous beats he's famous for. With this, he proved handily that he's the king of dubstep and maybe of electronic dance in general.



2. Frank Ocean -- Thinking About You

Frank Ocean made headlines in 2012 when he admitted to having had feelings for a man. Is he gay? Is he bi? Is he just experimental? It hardly matters. The bottom line is that as a musician, few are his equal these days. Channel ORANGE was a benchmark in modern soul and hip-hop, and this song was an absolute knockout.



1. Dead Sara -- Weatherman

Dear God, does this song kick your ass all over the room. With the opening guitar crunch and the Joplin-esque howl of Emily Armstrong, Dead Sara ferociously declared themselves to be the new gods of rock. There simply aren't words to describe what a chill-inducing punch to the gut this song was the first time you heard it -- and I guarantee it hasn't relented every time you've heard it since. It was hands-down the best track of the year, single or otherwise.

Listening Post

That sound you hear is Dennis Romero climaxing all over himself.

Here's new Skrillex.

This is Bangarang.

Listening Post

Skrillex owns the night.

The diminutive 23 year old ball of pure energy, whose real name is Sonny Moore, is quite possibly the hottest DJ in the world right now, having been anointed as much by established greats like Deadmau5 and Tiësto. He's basically the vanguard of the dubstep movement in the U.S. and he seems to be everywhere you look in pop music at the moment.

And the kid deserves every bit of credit he's getting -- his "drops" are raw, vicious and as powerful as a kick to the chest.

Here's two from Skrillex. Above it's the brand new, totally mind-bending video for First of the Year. Below it's Rock 'n'Roll (Will Take You To the Mountain).

Happy Friday, gang.