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Top EPs of 2012 & Forgotten Discs From 2011

By Gary Wien

originally published: 12/29/2012


One trend I've noticed recently is that in addition to artists putting out singles on a more regular basis, they're also putting out EPs more often than ever before. Many are utilizing music sites like Noisetrade.com as a place to showcase an EP and hope to introduce their music to a larger audience. When I come up with my list of Top Albums of the Year, I generally restrict the list to those with 6 or more songs. I just don't think it's fair to compare the work of an EP with 4 songs to a complete album. Nevertheless, many of the best releases each year are EPs, so I like to highlight my favorites.

Top EPs of 2012
In alphabetical order

  • The Cheek Of Her -- Megaphonic

  • Brian Fitzpatrick & The Band of Brothers -- The Northern Lights EP

  • Here & Sea -- Acoustic EP

  • Keith Monacchio -- Tips, Drinks & Gas Money EP

  • Playmaker -- Helicopter EP

  • Red Horse -- Hard Control

  • Scott Miller and Rayna Gellert -- CoDEPENDENTS

  • Since The Penguin plays indie music, sometimes it's difficult to get releases as soon as they come out. Generally, indie bands take a bit longer to promote their records due to limited resources. A good indie record might still be reaching radio stations two or three years after its release. In addition, as an independent radio station, we're also limited by our own budget. So, here are some of the records that would likely have made previous Top Albums lists had we received them earlier...


    Top Forgotten Discs That Appeared In 2012
    In alphabetical order

  • 9 Tomorrows -- Gravity In Love

  • Bullet Bob & The Colts -- It's All About The Song

  • Glen Campbell -- Ghost On The Canvas

  • Pete Donnelly -- When You Come Home

  • Earthman -- Remember

  • Eyelit -- Elephant EP

  • Hemingbirds -- Death Wave

  • Lynda Loveless -- Indestructible Machine

  • David Mayfield Parade -- The David Mayfield Parade

  • Matthew Reed -- Come And Drink

  • Paul Thorn -- A Long Way From Tupelo

  • The Valery Trails -- Ghosts & Gravity

  • Corey Wagar -- On The Edge

  • Listen to great tunes like these every day on The Penguin




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    Gary Wien is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist. He currently writes for NewJerseyStage.com and Jersey Arts, and serves as Program Director for ThePenguinRocks.com, an online radio station spinning indie rock and roll.

    About the author:

    Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Upstage Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station The Penguin Rocks. His personal website is at lightyscorner.com. He can be contacted at [email protected].


    EVENT PREVIEWS

    (PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Four years in, Going Acoustic at Quig's is still doing what it does best: creating a welcoming space where artists feel comfortable to take risks, and audiences are lucky enough to hear it unfold. On Monday, June 22, 2026 the beloved open mic series returns to Quig's Pub for its 4th Anniversary Show, with featured performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC, alongside the series' signature blend of emerging voices and open mic performers.
    Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th

    Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th

    (CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
    Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th

    Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th

    (MADISON, NJ) -- Come hear the joyful and varied repertoire 42 singers from Harmonium Choral Society will take on tour to France on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Grace Church (4 Madison Ave) in Madison. Music ranges from Bruckner to Billings and Bernstein, Rosephanye Powell, Elizabeth Alexander, Lucy Cook, Mark Miller and more! The concert is free; donations at the door are welcome. The church is accessible, air-conditioned, and has ample parking. Showtime is 7:00pm.

    Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Eric Johanson on Thursday

    (TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents New Orleans–based Eric Johanson on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He blends sharp songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar, creating music that's dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, blues, and modern influences. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
    American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

    American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th

    (UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
    MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

    MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th

    (MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
    Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th

    Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th

    (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm. 
    The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre

    The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre

    (NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
    Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th

    Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th

    (MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
    Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival

    Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival

    (ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.

     

    FEATURED EVENTS


    Eric Johanson

    Thursday, June 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm
    Lizzie Rose Music Room
    Tuckerton, NJ


    Mysterious Ways -The U2 Experience

    Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
    Lizzie Rose Music Room
    Tuckerton, NJ


    Straight No Chaser Beach Bash

    Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
    Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
    Morristown, NJ


    Katerina McCrimmon: Naked

    Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 7:00pm
    DMK Black Box Theatre at Union Arts Center
    Union, NJ


    Three American Troubadours: Celebrating Taylor, Simon & King

    Saturday, June 27, 2026 @ 8:00pm
    Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
    Morristown, NJ


    Blues For Greeny The Music of Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac

    Wednesday, July 22, 2026 @ 7:30pm
    Lizzie Rose Music Room
    Tuckerton, NJ



     

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