We're exploring the best songs of 2012, the first of a two-part series for New Hot. Listen to hear up-and-comers HAIM and Purity Ring as well as established acts like Grizzly Bear and The Shins.

Segments

Lofticries
Purity Ring
Shrines

The House That Heaven Built
Japandroids
Celebration Rock

Rad Times
Black Bananas
Rad Times Xpress IV

Emmylou
First Aid Kit
The Lion's Roar

Default
Atoms For Peace
Default (Single)

Madness
Muse
The 2nd Law

40 Mark Strasse
The Shins
Port Of Morrow

Fitzpleasure
Alt-J
An Awesome Wave

Sixpack
JEFF The Brotherhood
Hypnotic Nights

I Am Not Waiting Anymore
Field Report
Field Report

North Side Gal
JD McPherson
Signs and Signifiers

Baby feat. Dam Funk
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
Mature Themes

Yet Again
Grizzly Bear
Shields

Big Sure
Lushlife
Plateau Vision

Don't Save Me
HAIM
Don't Save Me (Single)