I actually thought 2012 was a pretty good year for Bay Area music.  Ty Segall had a banner year that has landed him on notable Best Of lists (even if he's celebrating by moving back to LA), the world found out Antwon exists, The Mission got a new venue via The Chapel (even if it looks like a dark and spooky hobo camp most nights),  The Coup released that video of puppets railing serious lines, everyone's favorite local rollerskating hero got a shout-out in Spin (which I guess is music-related), the free concerts at Brick + Mortar are still going strong, I didn't hear Journey once at a karaoke bar, and I personally discovered Grandma's Boyfriend is a band.  A damn good year, no?

Well, the critics over at The Bay Bridged weren't so impressed, but they were able to find a few hits:

The Mallard played everywhere this year. They graced the small and mighty stage at Oakland’s amazing 1,2,3,4 Go! Records and they thrashed outdoors at our very own Rock Make Street Festival. They got it going on. See them soon before your only option is the nosebleed section of Oracle Arena.

Well, shit.  I was able to catch the last few minutes of their Rock Make set and it was definitely damn good, so you should probably go get tickets to their 1/12 show at The Indy before you have to do something regrettable like go to Oakland to see 'em.

(And read on for additions thoughts on Terry Malts and queer bars in Oakland.)