by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Here it is, the annual Reader and Lazy-i Top 20 (and next 10) bands from Nebraska (that’s an easy way of saying that both Omaha and Lincoln bands were considered when developing the list). So other than location, what else was considered?

That’s been a matter of contention for as long as we’ve been putting together this local version of a Village Voice-like Pazz and Jop where the writers and critics of the local scene get together and hammer out a list of the “most important bands in the area.” Are these the best bands? Are they the most popular bands? Are they the most successful bands? No, no and no. They’re not even our favorite bands. Throughout the back-and-forth that went into making the list, bands that have made the biggest impact from our scene are given preference. That means they’ve likely recorded and released something in the past year, have gone on tour or have created a substantial, undeniable buzz locally and/or nationally.

So like every year, the writers got together, brought their list, and then hashed out each nominee. Some bands and musicians make the list; some don’t. It don’t mean nuthin’, folks, it’s just a list.

Usually I post The Reader‘s list first, then my own. I’m doing it backwards this year and posting mine first because, well, this is lazy-i.com. So here are my picks, in no particular order:

Lazy-i Top 20 of 2012

Desaparecidos
The Faint
Cursive
Mynabirds
Icky Blossoms
Digital Leather
Whipkey Three
Azure Ray
Simon Joyner
McCarthy Trenching
Tilly and the Wall
Baby Tears
Darren Keen
UUVVWWZ
Eli Mardock
Conduits
So-So Sailors
Capgun Coup
Domestica
Universe Contest

And the next 10 (also in no particular order)

Dim Light
Millions of Boys
InDreama
Yuppies
Worried Mothers
Solid Goldberg
Brad Hoshaw
John Klemmensen
Under Water Dream Machine
Peace of Shit
Snake Island

And here’s The Reader‘s list:

The Reader Top 20 of 2012

Tilly and the Wall

Whipkey Three

Icky Blossoms

Mynabirds

Conduits

Kris Lager Band

Desaparecidos

The Faint

Cursive

Digital Leather

Magic Slim

All Young Girls Are Machine Guns

Simon Joyner

McCarthy Trenching

Capgun Coup

So-So Sailors

Matt Cox Band

Millions of Boys

Baby Tears

Azure Ray

Check out the full write-up here at The Reader, including band descriptions and other info. I’m told they’ll be posting their “next 10” online sometime today, probably linked to this story.

Now let the discussion begin.

* * *

Tonight at Film Streams, Dan McCarthy provides the music performing live to Buster Keaton’s silent classic Sherlock Jr. The film starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 General; $10 Students, Seniors, Teachers, Military, Bike-Friendly; $8 Film Streams Members. More info here.

* * *

Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2012 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.