RedEye's Sound Board's top albums of 2012

16 of 18

Arkells, 'Michigan Left'

Arkells, 'Michigan Left'

Very simply: I listened to this Canadian pop-rock band's sophomore album as much as almost anything else this year. Its 10 tracks are fat-free and catchy as hell, comforting and rewarding in ways that never feel simple, just perfect versions of what's being attempted. Listen, get 'em in your head and be glad you did. -- Matt Pais

Dec. 6, 2012