Sound Off | The best songs of 2012, one month in

Sleigh Bells? More like Sleigh Smells. Lana del Rey? Try Lana del Okay…at best. Leonard Cohen? Not even—how about…um…Leonard's blowin'?

Yeah, I'm just going to quit while I'm ahead. For the record, Leonard Cohen is actually amazing, and from what I've heard of his new album on All Songs Considered, he's still got it.

And as for those other two major acts that have already released material in the nascent year, Lana Del Rey and Sleigh Bells, I don't exclusively hate; I actually mostly appreciate. Del Rey's ballad "Video Games" was unequivocally the best single of 2011, and it's hard not to admire a stadium-rock waltz like Sleigh Bell's "Born to Lose" for its energy and scope—and of course their 2010 album Treats was absolutely fantastic. Nevertheless, from what I've heard of del Rey's Born to Die and Sleigh Bell's Reign of Terror—I feel just underwhelmed. Maybe I just need to sit down and give these artists another listen before railing on them, especially since I know many who disagree.

Regardless, once you get past the question marks of 2012, it's hard not to get pumped about some of the delightful songs that have already been released. Here are four of the best cuts the year has already offered up, and only two months into the rat race at that!

"Simple Song," The Shins

The Shins were more than just the darling of the indie music genre in their mid-2000s heyday; they defined the indie music genre, what with the quality of their craft, and of course the shoutouts from Natalie Portman. But after five years of radio silence and questionable overhauls to the band's lineup, there was every reason in the world to view their return to the music scene with a dubious eye.

But when "Simple Song" debuted on Jan. 9, all fears were allayed. In a sense, it's more of the same old Shins—the song would easily fit right in on 2007's Wincing the Night Away. But even though it's treaded ground, it works because the Shins have molded their craft into pop-rock perfection. From the chirpy guitars to the upbeat bassline and the rousing lyrics, "Simple Song" hits a sweet spot. And the first time you hit the magical 1:30 mark, when James Mercer begins to yelp the chorus a lá "Turn on Me," you'll be transported to a bittersweet realm of high school nostalgia. It's enough to raise your dorsal hairs on end.

Do also check out "September," the second single from Port of Morrow—I kid you not when I say that these two cuts are possibly the greatest songs The Shins have released, period.

"Cartoons & Cereal," by Kendrick Lamar

Talk about hot off the presses; this song was streaming through my earbuds for the first time a mere five hours ago. But despite its freshness, this single is probably the best hip-hop track to have dropped in 2012. And that's saying a lot, considering the potpourri of offerings that have already graced the blogosphere. Consider "I Do," for starters, a superstar-laden collaboration between Young Jeezy, Jay Z, Drake and my all-time favorite emcee Andre 3000; the cinematic track rocks a sublimely choral beat that recalls 2007's classic "International Players Anthem," by UGK and Outkast. On another stellar track, Tony Williams's "Another You," Kanye West positively kills his guest spot.

But Kendrick Lamar's "Cartoons & Cereal" stands out due to its superlatively singular production from the get-go. The opening seconds of the song weave together samples of Bugs Bunny and other Saturday morning cartoon snippets. The samples are juxtaposed with a tinny, alien-sounding hook from Lamar, dripping with dark, surreal and biting imagery. Lamar sings: "The next day I woke up in the morning, seen you on the news / Looked in the mirror, then realized I had something to prove / You told me, ‘Don't be like me, just finish watching cartoons,' / Which is funny now cause all I see is Wile E. Coyotes in the room."

The interwoven production and lyrics create a resonant tapestry, that mixes childhood memories of Apple Jacks and Looney Tunes with a grim surround of adulthood. It's a lengthy track, and not exactly light fare, but is well-worth with a contemplative listen.

"Tonight," Saint Etienne

If you think fans of the Shins have had to wait a long time for their band of choice to release some new music, consider the (albeit smaller) fan-base of the synth-pop ensemble Saint Etienne. They've been waiting seven years for their artist-of-choice to announce their grand return. But finally, it's happening; the trio has announced a new album and dropped a fresh single, the riveting dance number "Tonight."

Saint Etienne has been around for over two decades, and their experience shines through on this track. The synth sparkles, the strings swell and lead singer Sarah Cracknell gently croons with seasoned restraint—an infectious recipe indeed. But what really takes the cake with "Tonight" is the absolutely charming subject matter: the unbridled joy of seeing your favorite band play at a concert. As Cracknell muses over whether they will play "an album track or a top-five hit," you can palpably sense her excitement to see her favorite artist on stage. This combo of shimmering pop production with such an unpretentious narrative of concert-going is simply lovely. Seven years may have past, but Saint Etienne has not lost the ability to sweep you away.