Best indie music releases of 2012

Well, 2012 turned out to be a tough year for a variety of reasons. At least Long Island musicians did their part to keep our spirits up.

Here's a look at some of the best indie releases the year had to offer:

1John Hampson, "I Do"(Dirty Poet): There's an added swagger in this love song from the Nine Days front man that makes it his best in years. With a groove inspired by The Band and Hampson's clever lyrics, "I Do" deserves a broader audience that it will hopefully find in 2013.

2Hoodie Allen, "No Faith in Brooklyn"(Hoodie Allen): The Long Island rapper made his mark nationally with his "All American" album, which hit No. 1 on iTunes the week it was released. This sleek, smart slice of hip-hop shows why Hoodie is ready to make his mark.

3Ashanti, featuring Busta Rhymes, "The Woman You Love"(Written Entertainment): The Princess of Hip-Hop and R&B is all grown and out on her own now, launching her own label and delivering a powerful statement for strong women that shows how she's ready to be a mogul.

4Gambit, "Lovers in the Basement"(Gambit): The Rocky Point singer-songwriter has a knack for staying passionately indie while keeping his melodies catchy.

5Swear and Shake, "Marbles"(Swear and Shake): It's only a matter of time before fans of The Lumineers and Mumford and Sons discover Swear and Shake's inventive brand of indie folk that is both cool and emotional.

HONORABLE MENTION:Raquel Castro, "Diary" (Break a Record); Hesta Prynn, "We Could Fall in Love" (For Fire); Chris P. Cauley, "I Blame You" (Chris P. Cauley); Daytrader, "Letter to a Former Lover" (Rise); Syler, "Down Before" (SylerMusic)

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