Only her second album, produced by Will Toledo from Car Seat Headrest, the Detroit Rocker delivers a powerful grungy rock record. With more clarity than her first, Midnight gives us twelve songs somewhere between punk and garage rock finishing with an amazing Billy Idol cover.
If I hadn't known better, I would have placed this album in the 60's folk movement. Kentucky resident, Joan Shelley, strips it all down to nothing but the basics for this album. I am super happy I came across this album this year, it is all kinds of fantastic.
Amber Bain from Buckinghamshire is The Japanese House. She has some help from her friend, George Daniel of The 1975. Named after a house she stayed in as a child owned by Kate Winslet, The Japanese House is shoegaze pop band reminding me of Everything But The Girl. Her dad taught her to play Stairway to Heaven when she was 11.
29. Foals - Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part 1
Foals current lineup consists of lead vocalist and lead guitarist Yannis Philippakis, drummer and percussionist Jack Bevan, rhythm guitarist Jimmy Smith and keyboardist Edwin Congreave. This is the first half to two albums they released this year, Part 1 was released in March and Part 2 was released in October. I find Part 1 to be more coherent and Foals like. Part 2 takes on a different character, however I have had much more time to get into Part 1.
Peter Perrett was the frontman for the early 80's band The Only Ones. He has emerged from retirement with his second solo album. I don't know what led him to seek this creative outlet in his late 60's, but I'm glad he did, it gives me hope.
Angel Olsen made the blog in both 2014 and 2016. Another prolific songstress, this album incorporates a 12 piece strings section. It adds power and beauty to her already compelling voice and music.
Ezra Furman made the list last year as well, here. The Chicago native has been prolific since his split with the Harpoons. A heavy punk, in your face album, this album doesn't ask your permission.
If you have followed this blog at all over the years, it should come as no surprise that Frankie Rose made this list again, after making it in 2010, 2012 and 2017. This, of course, is a complete cover of The Cure's 1980 album and it is magnificent.
Omoiyari is like empathy, it translates roughly to creating compassion for other people by thinking about them. There are a lot of people in my life doing this for me right now, so I can appreciate an album created around this concept. Kishi Bashi is violinist/instrumentalist extraordinaire. This is his fourth album and is directed at the state of America right now in its current political disarray.
half*alive is a band from Long Beach, California and is comprised of lead singer Josh Taylor, drummer Brett Kramer and bassist J Tyler Johnson. Their genres collide with indie pop, the 60's and 70's, R&B and Jazz and funk.
Sharon Van Etten's fifth album is a powerful, piercing display of broken relationships and the joys of raising a child. She hails from New Jersey and has written one of her most cohesive albums to date.
Taylor Vick is Boy Scouts. Based out of Oakland, she's produced out of her bedroom for over a decade utilizing many instruments. She just signed to Anti Records and recorded this album in a shipping container converted to a studio.
Dawn Richard has been in many projects and prior to the release of this album, completed a trilogy of solo album releases. What I like about this particular album is the heavy electronica influence while incorporating elements of r&b and rap. It tells a story of her growing up in New Orleans, it's a powerful statement.
An excellent addition to the year, Austin based Black Pumas eponymous debut album hits that soul/funk vibe this list needed. Comprised of Adrian Quesada, guitarist of Grupo Fantasma, and Eric Burton, found by busking his way through Central Texas. The duo put forth an aesthetic reminiscent of old town funk and underground rap. They won a Grammy for best new artist this year.
Stella is a Welsh-Australian and this is her debut album. She studied music at West Australia Academy of Music and has been acclaimed by critics. It's a pop masterpiece of soured relationships.
Che Aplalache is two Americans and two Argentines makin South American Bluegrass music. The Latin influence on a traditional genre like bluegrass is amazing. Their songs speak to the populations of the South and they hope to mend fences with their music of inclusion.
How could I not like this album, the second I saw the name, I had to listen to it. A blend of R&B, funk, jazz and pop, Velvet Negroni is Jeremy Nutzman. After a drug fueled first couple albums, this one he sobered up for and it's reflected in his lyrics.
This artist was born and bred in New Zealand. Her actual name is Hannah Sian Topp and she was discovered busking on a street corner by another musician. This is her third album and it is magical, I've actually been enjoying her catalog.
This album and several like it are produced by Game Chops. This is a lo fi hip hop remix of songs throughout the Zelda video game series by Nintendo. Relaxing and meditative, this album got lots of spins over the last twelve. He also just released a Poke and Chill album as well, if you're into it.
Hand Habits is Meg Duffy. They played with War on Drugs, Weyes Blood and for Kevin Morby's live band. This is their beautifully dark solo effort and was recorded at Justin Vernon's Wisconsin studio. Duffy is non-binary and uses the pronoun they/them.
Juliana Hatfield has been extremely prolific over the last year plus. She's put out a covers album of Olivia-Newton John (which made the Top 50 last year here), released this album and just issued a Police covers album (which you should totally check out). She's a fantastic artist and I love her aesthetic.
This 27 year old Londoner is already into her third and easily best album to date. Growing up learning music since the age of four, she is both an artistic and musical genius. Her dark, melancholy lyrics set the tone for this beautiful pop/folk record.
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, this is a motley crew of musicians who cover about every genre of music imaginable. Quirky and fun, their fourth album does not disappoint.
A former member of Kurt Vile and the Violators, Steve Gunn currently resides in Brooklyn. This new solo effort from him is genius and I am remiss that I have not listened to him before.
No intro this year, off to a late start, but here we go with The Top 50 Albums of 2019! Cass McCombs is a native Californian and this is his 9th album. I saw him open for Andrew Bird a few years ago and fell in love with his intense lyrics. While this album has a long opener, settle in for the ride and definitely check out the video below.
Here's a nice and easy linkable list in case you missed any of the Top 50 for 2018. There's a Spotify playlist at the bottom of the post with my favorite song from each album. Hope you enjoyed the list. Let me know your favorites for the year in the comments below. Follow the playlist, follow the blog. See you in November.
This is Simon Houck's first album in five years. His last album, Muchacho, garnered him a spot here. He took a break to move out of Brooklyn and have a child with his wife in Nashville. While his voice and sound are certainly distinguishable, this particular album is easily his the best out of his vast catalog. There's a maturity and resonance with his work this go around and I still can't put this album down.
Damien Jurado is one of my favorite artists. He hit #1 in 2014 here and #3 in 2016 on this blog. Having finished up his triology in 2016, we find Jurado in new territory, leaving behind his work with producer, Richard Swift. This album is self-produced, and could easily be his best work to date. Maybe with experience and trust in oneself, he is able to ascend to the greatness we all believe him to be.
I think I have finally hit the age where my memory cannot keep up with the sheer number of bands I've seen live. At least that's what my daughter thinks, when, after seeing them live in Chicago this last year, she promptly reminded me we had seen Middle Kids the year prior at SXSW. It's ok though because this band has quickly become one of my favorites, and apparently many others as well. Many in the crowd were shouting out the lyrics to every song. They came out with an EP last year that would have put them close to #1, so, they may be getting some residual love, but they certainly own the #3 spot. The band is from Sydney, Australia and singer Hannah Joy is joined by husband, Tim Fitz and drummer Harry Day. Hannah's voice and lyrics are piercing and intimate and coupled with a wall of sound and musical precision, this band is poised to do great things. I look forward to their future.
This is actually a re-recorded version of his 2011 classic. Will Toledo likes to tinker with his stuff and has a vast array of songs laying around since inception. I liken this to what Paul Simon did earlier this year, by rearranging his catalog and 'fixing' songs he never felt complete. Will wanted this to deliver more of an impact, or whatever he felt was wrong with the previous arrangements. Regardless, this is a punchy foray into stripped-down guitar rock and it's an enjoyable ride.
Matt Quinn is the heart of the Philly based band. This is their debut album and what an album it is. I know I keep saying this, but this is basically why the Top 10 is the Top 10. The second I put this album on, it grabbed me and didn't let go. The soaring folk rock anthems, the intricate lyrics and the rambling southern style rock made this album one of my favorites. They will be playing live March 9 at Tower Theatre, but don't buy all the tickets yet, I still have to get mine.
On his first album in five years, Gregory Alan Isakov returns with a powerful group of songs that was so compelling I had to buy the vinyl immediately. Gregory lives on a farm in Boulder, Colorado (because, of course he does) and this album was produced by him in a barn on his property. There's a natural quality to this album, and I hope I get to see some portion of it performed live. The video below highlights easily the best song on the album.
This is Ben Howard's third album. I have loved his other two, but this album grabbed a hold of me in a way that hasn't happened in a while. His previous two albums were gorgeous, but the work he did on this album, the experimentation, the electric/acoustic contrast, the lyrics. It's just beautiful. Definitely check it out.
Definitely one of my favorite new bands of the year. Acid Dad is based out of Brooklyn and the roster consists of, Sean Fahey, vocals/guitar; Kevin Walker, drums; JP Basileo, Bass; and Vaughn Hunt, vocals/guitar. This is their debut album, although they've been playing a few years. Psych punk, but with enough variety to keep the album extremely interesting.
This is Lo Moon's debut album. The album is very interesting, because it's one of those albums where the band is trying to find their sound. It consists of Matt Lowell, Crisanta Baker, Samuel Stewart, and Sterling Laws and they reside in Los Angeles. They signed to Colombia, so, I think they're shooting for the moon (get it). They have a sound like Temper Trap or Future Islands, but heavily influenced by New Wave, I'm sure their sound will do them well. I know I certainly enjoyed this album a lot, it was very addictive.
I have been in love with this guy since his last album way back in 2014. He made the Top 50 here. Appropriately he is in the Top 10 with this fantastic piece of work. Also, quick plug, you can hear the song below on the debut of my new radio show, B Sides on thespyfm.com and kosu.org tonight starting at 10pm CST. 91.7FM OKC, 88.3 Stillwater and 107.5 Tulsa.
You may know Juliana Hatfield from such bands as The Lemonheads, Minor Alps or Some Girls. She is an accomplished solo musician and her new tribute to 80's pop sensation, Olivia Newton-John is magnificent. Even though the news falsely reported that Olivia is hanging on by a thread (which prompted said musician to post a video of her alive and well), this is meant to be a living tribute to pay homage to her muse. A portion of the record's sales will be donated to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute.
Sophie Alleson is Soccer Mommy. She was born in Sweden but raised in Nashville. She's held a guitar since she was six and produces intensely lyric driven soft punk style music. This is her official studio debut and at 20 years old, what a debut it is.
This is the sixth album from Justin Ringle and band. Based out of Portland, Oregon, they produce incredibly dense folk music with a little electronic thrown in for good measure. Their Appalachian vibe never fails to make me happy, but the additonal string arrangements and backing band on this album have pushed them into one of my more listened to records of the year. They made the blog way back in 2012, here.
Young Fathers is a three piece out of Edinburgh, Scotland. The band consists of ‘G’ Hastings, from Drylaw, Edinburgh, Alloysious Massaquoi, originally from Liberia via Ghana and Kayus Bankole, born in Edinburgh to Nigerian parents. They have had much acclaim in the UK and opened for Massive Attack. While they eschew genre, they are often classed as experimental hip-hop. Their name derives from the fact that each of the band members is named after their father.
Technically this album is from 2017, but Francis Starlite dropped it on December 29th, so I'm counting it. Mostly because it is all I listened to in January. He has gained notoriety for his work with Drake, Kanye West and Chance the Rapper. Kanye and Bon Iver have guest vocals on this album. His voice and style are often compared to Peter Gabriel and Prince and I certainly see it. It's an addictive album, to say the least.
Fell in love with Glen Hansard when I first saw the movie Once. Then, I fell out of love with him when The Swell Season broke up and he just kind of sounded whiny brandishing his worn out guitar. The critics have bashed this album, but I find it refreshing. He's hired a session band, uses an organ and an electric guitar on some tracks and has actually made something that sounds interesting. For the exact reasons the critics gave for hating this album is exactly why I love it. Marketa Irglova from The Swell Season makes a guest appearance as does Dawn Landes.
With a name like Rascal, you kind of know what you're getting yourself into before you even start listening. Rest assured, this Nebraska native has the ability to pour raw emotion into some incredible music. This is a breakup album and was recorded in two days to give it the same feel as one of his electric live performances. He plays in OKC often because of the proximity.
Wild Child is an Austin based indie pop band. For their fourth album, they traveled far and wide and worked with different producers for each song. What it's done is create an album with a unique aesthetic. The album is pop driven, but you often feel as if you're listening to something new and fresh with every song. It's really well done and may be their best work to date.
This may be the first posthumous album to make the Top 50. Prince has an enormous amount of recorded material, and left no instructions for how to deal with it after his death. He recorded everything he did in his home studio and even had recording equipment in other parts of the house, in case he felt like breaking into song. This particular album is just one session at a piano. It is incredible to hear his song-writing process on this album, the improvisations and even the toe tapping to provide a beat. You get to hear an early, early version of Purple Rain, some gospel and Joni Mitchell covers as well.
Laura Veirs has grown to become a favorite of mine. Warp and Weft was a beautiful album, but what really grabbed my attention from her was July Flame, which made the Top 50 wayyyy back here. On her new album, she is not heading into new territory, but has brought us more of her wispy, soft vocals with this amazing intensity and power behind them. She also hit the Top 50 back in 2016 with her collaboration with k.d. Lang and Neko Case.
Leeds based band, Hookworms, have ditched their pop-punk grunged out sound for a new dancey, electronic one. It's shiny and wonderful and full of up tempo beats. Mind you, it's still a serious album with depth and complexity that some disco synthed bands lack. This is the quintet's third album. The band has had a bout of bad luck with flooding and their breakup this year following the allegations of mental and sexual abuse by a former partner of the lead singer.
Ryan Gustafson is The Dead Tongues and this is his third album. The melodically dense folk of this album is reminiscent of Bob Dylan and while that might seem trite, the album is not. It's lyrically dense and one of the best folk albums of the year. This is a headphones album that must be taken in slowly and intensely.
Remember Sports was previously just a college band in Ohio called simply, Sports. Regrouping in Philadelphia, the band changed its moniker and continues to put out delightful power pop punk (power punk pop?). The band is comprised of Carmen Perry, vocals and guitar; Jack Washburn, guitar; Catherine Dwyer, bass; and Conner Perry on drums.
Todd Michael 'Leon' Bridges was born in Fort Worth, Texas and is the ripe old age of 29. This is his sophomore album and is a great album to leave on repeat. Leon Bridges leaves behind the soul of the past and infuses his own style into this album. The writing is genuine and artful and it's nice to see him stretch his wings out on this album.
I've been keeping my eyes on this band since they put out a couple songs in 2017 and made a big splash at SXSW. This is the London based eight piece's debut album. At first, it took a minute to get into this album, but it is definitely one of those albums that after you listen to it a few times, it grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go. The multi-international band are producing a truly unique sound and I simply love it. Check out the video below. Check out the band. I can't wait to see where these guys go next. Also, if you do watch the video, you can play that actual game here.
Thanks for stopping by. I listen to entirely too much music and love sharing music almost as much as I love listening to it. The purpose of this blog is to do just that and bring you along the journey with me.
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