Written By: Bobby Hecksher

EDITOR’S NOTE:

I was recently bedridden with a severe cold for over a week and my chances to create a best of 2012 list had been lost. Chris is in the midst of publishing a great holiday edition series of his fave bands, but of course, I would have liked to put together my own list. Next year will bring another opportunity.

Nonetheless, while I was plugging away, trying to get back in the swing of things, the blog Gods looked kindly upon me and, Mr. Bobby Hecksher of The Warlocks sent me an intriguing list of his favorite American arts and culture contributions of 2012. It was right on time, and I am pleased and honored that Bobby likes us enough to share his personal tastes and ideas with you…through us. We love Bobby and The Warlocks long time. -j.e.

Check out Bobby Hecksher’s Top Ten Faves of 2012

HTRK (Music)

This band is totally in their own world, way outside anything I can compare to. Absolutely amazing on every level. Ground breaking weird videos too. Filled with tragedy as their bass player apparently killed himself. Very sad, heavy stuff for a new band like this. I don’t know what that means for their future or anything but man what a great group. Their live show was just as amazing.

Soft Moon (Music)

Not many bands go for the Psychedelic / Goth thing. Its a complete clash of ideals and both of these genres pretty much hate each other. Right on.

Cosmonauts (Music)

These kids have a big bright future if they can just hold it together. It’s like Lo-Fi Psychedelic or something. There are songs in there but its buried in haze. I’m in!

Lola Colt (Music)

I only have the one song to go on but its very good!

Ariel Pink Mature Themes (Music)

Another great record! Such a cool guy too. Always nice and friendly even before he was famous. Sorry about all the lawsuits brother! Stinks

Indian Jewelry @ Stalker (Music, Club)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stalker/303969279625838

Double nomination here. Stalker is an awesome Goth / Darkwave club here in Los Angeles. You should totally like them and go to everything they put on. Totally not stuck in the past, they play new and old favorites. These people take a big risk on bands and watching Indian Jewelry was a high light during the summer. It reminded me of early Butthole Surfers or something. Amazing!

Frankenweenie (Movie)

(Click Image to Watch Clip)

Best movie ever. Watched this gem with Neeka. We fucking laughed THE WHOLE TIME. Its really good and perfect. WowTim Burton, just wow.

The Master (Movie)

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A lot of people hated this movie. I loved it. It was original and shot extremely well. It’s pure beauty. The plot is in the shape of pretzel, whatever that means. The longer space I have from this movie the more of a dream it seems like it is. Oh yeah AND loosely based on Scientology – brave, brave, brave. A hairy subject for any studio to tackle as those guys operate like the CIA. I heard Tom Cruz tried to stops this or change it or something. Bravo!

Stanley Kubrick at LACMA (Movie/Art)

(Click Image to Watch Clip)

There is nothing that can be said about Stanley Kubrick that hasn’t been said already. He is a genius! This exhibit is a slice of the man in action! See all the cool costumes and props. Once in a lifetime stuff here. You can learn a lot about life just by seeing the way this guy worked.

The Walking Dead (TV Show)

(Click Image to Watch Clip)

This once brilliant, almost believable zombie flick has turned into pretty much the best/worst thing on the TV. They really duped us this season with the captain hook, Mad Max beyond thunder dome, repunzal esq plot. Complete with fantasy phone calls from the abyss. Oh yeah thanks for killing off the best characters too-that was awesome! You punks kill Daryl and its over! Oh man I felt scammed and embarrassed for getting hooked in the first place. THANKS JEN! “Shouldn’t I be working on music or something” frequently crossed my mind. Still I’m in for the long haul! It’s going to get weirder and weirder.