10. “Octopus” — Bloc Party: Four was a disappointing album, but, happily, the wiry “Octopus” was an exception.
9. “Argonauts” — Hospitality: Hospitality’s self-titled album was my favorite of 2012, and “Argonauts” is the album’s most layered, sophisticated track.
8. “Mountain Sound” — Of Monsters and Men: This song has my favorite chorus of 2012, highlighting Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir’s soothing voice.
7. “Priscilla” — Sea Wolf: Old World Romance is of such consistent high quality that it was difficult to pick a standout. “Priscilla” highlights Alex Brown Church’s vocals as much as any song on the album.
6. “Gold on the Ceiling” — The Black Keys: The Black Keys went up-tempo on El Camino and didn’t disappoint, particularly with this track.
5. “Breezeblocks” — ∆ (Alt-J): Alt-J’s debut album, like their band name, is pretentious. But “Breezeblocks” nevertheless manages to be catchy and unique. And I seem to be the only person who likes the vocals on this track.
4. “Feed Me Now” — Saint Motel: Saint Motel’s Voyeur is hurt by a mediocre second half, but the first five songs are upbeat, ambitious, and danceable, liberally (and masterfully) using a horn section.
3. “Little Talks” — Of Monsters and Men: Best duet of 2012. Take that Gotye.
2. “Eighth Avenue” — Hospitality: Bouncy, vibrant, and melodious, like the rest of the album.
1. “Benny Goodman” — Saint Motel: Fantastic sampling, genre-mixing, and vocals.
No Pun Intended 
Posted by Alex on December 27, 2012 at 9:38 AM
How about:
Youth Lagoon – Posters
School of Seven Bells – Faded Heart
Plastic Operator – Motor
Lockets – Catch Me
?
Posted by John S on December 27, 2012 at 2:29 PM
I just want to point out that the Black Keys song came out in 2011.
Posted by Josh on December 27, 2012 at 2:30 PM
The single was released in 2012.
Posted by John S on December 27, 2012 at 2:52 PM
What does that matter? The song was released in 2011.
Posted by doc on January 1, 2013 at 2:01 PM
Who cares? You’re both right. It’s a fantastic song. In the old days, it was when the single came out, often not on an album (see many of the Beatles singles).
Posted by James Schneider on December 27, 2012 at 2:34 PM
You realize Call Me Maybe came out this year, right?
Posted by Josh on December 27, 2012 at 2:37 PM
I do. And I’ve also heard of “fun.”!
Posted by Tim on December 30, 2012 at 12:34 AM
Heard of, but clearly not heard.
Posted by Weylin, once and future resident of the Swiss Confederation... on December 29, 2012 at 3:08 AM
Where would this go? I hear the single is being released tomorrow…
Posted by Josh on December 29, 2012 at 3:30 PM
Definitely top 10. Probably 8.
Posted by Tim on December 30, 2012 at 12:33 AM
I honestly thought of that song over Christmas during a conversation with my dad.
Posted by Tim on December 30, 2012 at 12:34 AM
I think the explanation for your No. 1 song should have been: “Basically, what we’re gonna do is dance.”
That’s for James.
Posted by Tim on January 7, 2013 at 3:29 PM
In case anyone’s interested, my top 10:
10. Dirty Projectors — Swing Lo Magellan
9. Mark Foster, A-Trak and Kimbra — Warrior
8. First Aid Kit — Emmylou
7. Taylor Swift — We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
6. Passion Pit — Take a Walk
5. Ben Folds Five — Do It Anyway
4. Macklemore ft. Wanz — Thrift Shop
3. M83 — Steve McQueen
2. Gotye ft. Kimbra — Somebody That I Used to Know
1. Fun. — Some Nights
Posted by Tim on January 7, 2013 at 3:58 PM
I do want to make it clear that, if the end of that Kendrick Lamar song where they’re talking about Domino’s were a stand-alone song, it would have been No. 1.