Top 5 Albums of 2012
John Butcher, “Bell Trove Spools” (Northern Spy)
Killer Mike, “2012, R.A.P. Music” (Williams Street)
Mako Sica, “Essence” (La Société Expéditionnaire)
MV & EE, “Space Homestead” (Woodsist)
Victor Rice, “Dub Discoveries from Version City” (Stubborn)
—Dave Cantor

Top 5 Classical Concerts of 2012
Riccardo Muti & the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Cherubini Requiem
Chicago Chamber Musicians, Debussy Chamber Music Festival
Bella Voce, Music of the Sistine Chapel
Riccardo Muti & the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Bruckner Sixth Symphony
World Orchestra for Peace, Solti Centennial Concert
—Dennis Polkow

Top 5 Drill Songs of 2012
“Po’ Up” by King L
“Molly Girl” by Lil Durk
“Tatted” by Sasha Go Hard
“Love Sosa” by Chief Keef
“Itz a L Beat” by S. Dot
—B. David Zarley

Top 5 Albums for Heshers in 2012
Black Bombaim, “Titans” (Lovers & Lollypops)
Eternal Tapestry, “A World Out of Time” (Thrill Jockey)
Puffy Areolas, “1982″ (HoZac)
Staer, 2012 – “Self Titled” (Gaffer)
Sylvester Anfang II, “Perzische Tapijten” (The Great Pop Supplement)
—Dave Cantor

Top 5 Not-Drill Hip-Hop Songs of 2012
“Please, No Pictures” by BBU
“King” by Mikkey Halsted
“Big Worm” by Naledge
“Juke Juke” by Chance the Rapper
“Chain Glow” by Cocaine 80s ft. Nas
—B. David Zarley

Top 5 Chicago Bands You Might Have Forgotten Are Still Together in 2012
Local H
Smoking Popes
Deals Gone Bad
Poi Dog Pondering
Lucky Boys Confusion
—John Wawrzaszek

Top 5 Holiday Albums of 2012
Apollo’s Fire, “Sacrum Mysterium: A Celtic Christmas Vespers,” Avie Records
Willie Nelson, “The Classic Christmas Album,” Sony Legacy
Benedictine Nuns of Mary Queen of Apostles, “Advent at Ephesus,” Decca
Katherine Jenkins, “My Christmas,” Decca
Rod Stewart, “Merry Christmas, Baby,” Verve
—Dennis Polkow