Triangle Music's 2012 readers' poll results

This is one our favorite posts of the year. We get to tally up the results of our annual readers' poll and share them with you wonderful people.

Japandroids' Celebration Rock came out the clear winner this year in the top album category. Local folk band Bowerbirds came out on top in the top song category with "Tuck the Darkness In" (their album The Clearing also came in at number three on the albums list). And last but not least, Hiss Golden Messenger's fantastic set at the Fletcher Opera House during the Hopscotch Music Festival was you guys' favorite show.

Check out the full results below and our own personal lists HERE and HERE. Happy holidays!

Best of 2012: Kevin's Favorites

Another year is almost over and it's been another great year for music. I am always drawn to big melodies and fantastic songwriting and this year's list reflects that.

My album of the year is one that I kept going back to over and over again, Passion Pit's Gossamer. It's full of big hooks, is tons of fun and a really stellar outing from a young band. The rest of the list includes everything from bluegrass virtuosos Punch Brothers to Canadian pop band Stars, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Kenneth Aaron Harris, and veteran songstress Aimee Mann.

Check out my favorites below and stay tuned for the results of our annual readers' poll which are coming soon.

Best of 2012: Justin's Favorites

This year I was reminded how vital music can be in tough times and how context can turn a good album into something unforgettable.

When I hear Nate Tarr of Wood Ear start singing "Been the hottest summer that I've known," I'll always feel the sweltering humidity of summer 2012 – literally the hottest summer I've known. All of my favorites this year send specific memories like this to the forefront of my mind.

I don't know if I would rank any of my top albums this year higher than any albums I've listed in previous year-end posts for Triangle Music, but they were crucial in 2012 for me and will always be an important part of how I remember 2012.