Favorite Albums of 2024

This year feels like the true post-pandemic return of great music! New releases from some solid favorites and more importantly some splendid new talent to carry the Rock 'n' Roll torch!

1. Cloud Nothings - "Final Summer"

It's one thing to create a great album but quite another to maintain that excellence throughout a decade plus career, but here we are! The songwriting is next level as each tune pulls you in and captivates until before you realize it ten songs have flown by in thirty minutes and trust me, you will find more to love with every listen! My personal favorite is the crushing "I'd Get Along" - TURN IT UP!

2. Green Day - "Saviors"

Wow, this is the best Green Day album since the classic, "American Idiot"! Billie Joe & co. dish out the catchiest punk/pop in decades with producer, Bob Cavallo back at the helm and everything sounds amazing! The guitars are LOUD - seriously, I've never heard them up this far in a mix before and I love it! Check out "Living in the '20s" and "1981" for a sample of what you're in for.

3. Blushing - "Sugarcoat"

The third album from this Austin, TX two husband and wife couples is the charm. Reverb-soaked,  psych-glazed, dreamy shoegaze of the highest order. Sympathetically produced by Ride's Mark Gardner, this is my favorite new discovery of 2024! Opening track, "Tamagotchi" dazzles!

4. Chime School - "The Boy Who Ran The Paisley Hotel"

Andy Pastalaniec follows up his stunning 2021 debut with another collection of ringing 12-string awesomeness! Relax on the porch of this Paisley Motel and let the waves of invigorating jangle cascade  over your ears one after another. It's enough to restore your faith in Rock 'n' Roll - check out the rush of,   "Why Don't You Come Out Tonight" for proof!

5. The Shop Window - "Daydream"

A five-piece band from the UK led by Carl Mann creates this delightful slice of perfect indie pop! Sixteen tracks awash in winsome melodies and gorgeous harmonies without sounding twee. Citing Teenage Fanclub, The Stone Roses and Close Lobsters as influences how could they go wrong? Do some window shopping on Bandcamp and check it out!

6. Nada Surf - "Moon Mirror"

The gift of another album by Nada Surf is a pure joy! As reliable as my Sony Walkman CD player (both still performing flawlessly for over 30 years) these guys never disappoint. Another engaging entry in their formidable catalog of excellent releases. Matthew Caws' voice continues to soar over rousing melodies. A band still at the top of their game - check out "In Front of Me Now" for a prime example.

7. Jack White - "No Name"

With a long resume which includes; The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, Dead Weather, a long solo career, and running his own label (Third Man Records) Jack White still found time to release this fantastic new album! A return to his earlier raw rock and blues crunch was an unexpected shock in the best way! Give a listen to "That's How I'm Feeling" or "Missionary" to get the blood flowing.

8. Real Estate - "Daniel"

This band has been producing it's unique brand of laid back melancholy indie pop/rock for over 15 years so you know to expect pretty guitar-driven tunefulness. Over time their sound has gotten cleaner and shinier which only enhances the skillfully crafted songs. "Water Underground" is absolutely addicting and it's accompanying video is the best I've seen in years!

9. The Bevis Frond - "Focus On Nature"

They broke the mold when they created Nick Saloman, a prolific one-man lo-fi, psych rock, guitar riff machine! He writes, plays, records and produces everything himself whenever he damn well pleases. Saw him live this year with a full band and it was mind-blowing! In a world infested with prefab corporate "music" choose The Bevis Frond! 

10. Ian Hunter - "Defiance Part 2"

"Defiance Part 2" follows a mere year after it's predecessor referencing that age is no obstacle and at 86 the man knows of what he speaks! Plenty of guests arrive to celebrate his musical genius (Jeff Beck, Brian May, Cheap Trick and many more) but make no mistake, this is Ian's show from beginning to end. Tinnitus has prevented him from touring but it sounds like a Defiance Part 3 is on the way!

More Good Stuff

Redd Kross - "Redd Kross"

Nick Piunti - "Up and Out of It"

M J Lenderman - "Manning Fireworks"

The Vaccines - "Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations"

The Smile - "Wall of Eyes"

Eels - "Eels Time!"

Fabiano Do Nascimento/Sam Gendel - "The Room"

The Black Crowes - "Happiness Bastards"

J Mascis - "What Do We Do Now"

 Something Old...Something New (#34)

"Mott" - Mott the Hoople (released 1973)

   Given a second life thanks to fan/friend David Bowie, Mott the Hoople followed up "All the Young Dudes" with this stunner! 1973 is Glam at its peak - "Queen", "Aladdinsane",  Roxy Music's "Stranded", the New York Dolls debut and even the Stones dabble (check out the video for "Silver Train" from "Goat's Head Soup"). Ian Hunter's raspy vocals have been called Dylanesque, but his distinctive Englishness and higher register give him a unique emotional primacy. Paired with Mick Ralphs exactingly flawless riffs, rhythms and fills the result is an exemplary Rock 'n' Roll album. Things explode out of the gate with the rollicking piano stomper "All the Way From Memphis" spotlighting a crazed sax solo by Roxy's Andy McKay. The staccato glam anthem "Whizz Kid" hooks you with a biting guitar intro and features a spirited synth break from Morgan Fisher. Requiem for the aging rockers out there "Hymn for the Dudes" is highlighted by a soaring Mick Ralphs guitar solo! The irresistible bounce of "Honaloochie Boogie" leads to the rough and tumble rocker "Violence" which eventually descends into chaos (amid violins no less) because how could it not? Next, is the straight ahead rocker "Drivin' Sister" and "Ballad of Mott the Hoople", a pretty number tracing the restless history of the band. Mick Ralphs' guitar playing is a wonder throughout (his final album with the band) and he takes lead vocals on "I'm a Cadillac/El Camino Dolo Ros". Simply a brilliant song from the opening riff and lets Mick showcase his acoustic and slide guitar skills in the second half. Ian closes with the exquisite ballad "I Wish I was Your Mother". Some criticize this album for being too polished but hey,  most gems are!

                                          "Dead Meat" - The Tubs (released 2023)

   A group of teenage squatters settle in the London slums and form a musical collective known as Gob Nation. From this aggregation spring any number of bands with "Joanna Gruesome" becoming the most celebrated. When the singer (Alanna McArdle) splits in 2017 the remaining members form the Tubs. If you can imagine Richard Thompson fronting R.E.M. you will have a good reference point for this splendid debut! Frontman Owen Williams' tales of angst and neuroses are set to layers of clever guitar hooks and bouyant melodies. Energetic strum and thrum is the fire that burns throughout, from the opening track "Illusion Pt. II" onward. Two favorites are the sparkling pop stunner, "I Don't Know How it Works" and the speedy rhythmic jangle of the title track which is over almost before it starts (1:30). "Sniveler" presents a post punk snarl with an angular guitar riff and charming chorus with Alanna McArdle guesting (check out her new band Ex-Void which has Owen Williams as a member). The closing track "Wretched Life" launches to life with a driving baseline and exudes a fine Psychedelic Furs vibe. With nine impressive songs in under thirty minutes it's over in a flash, so you can play it again, and again, and again. My favorite debut of 2023!

 Favorite Albums of 2023

Another year of bands regaining their post-pandemic footing in the studio and on the road. Not sure if any of these releases will reach classic status but some great stuff nonetheless!

1. Reds, Pinks & Purples - "The Town That Cursed Your Name"

After two years of being the bridesmaid, Glenn Donaldson's wistful, lo-fi, world weary brilliance finally claims my top spot. The rare prolific artist that sets the bar higher with each release. Check out "Burning Sunflowers" - Gorgeous!

2. Ian Hunter - "Defiance Part 1"

Octogenarian, Ian Hunter truly Defies age and expectations with this triumphant return to the studio. Backed by a who's who of Rock 'n' Roll (Jeff Beck, Mike Campbell, Billy Gibbons, Todd Rundgren, Ringo and many more) this album could easily veer into tribute territory but fear not, Ian's stellar writing and vocals rule! "Guernica" ranks with his best - Amazing!

3. The Tubs - "Dead Meat"

From the ashes of Joanna Gruesome arises the debut album from the Tubs! The driving strum and thrum of this English quartet embraces the best of Richard Thompson and R.E.M. (how's that for a recommendation)! My favorite new band of 2023!

4. Hurry - "Don't Look Back"

Philadelphia's Matt Scottoline and company had been churning out jangly melodic righteousness for a dozen years before I finally discovered them. This release is simply their latest and greatest! Head over to Bandcamp and show them some love - their digital albums are only $5!

5. Superchunk - "Misfits & Mistakes"

This 2-disc collection of singles, B-sides and unreleased material is from my favorite era of the band (2007-23) and it's a rich bonanza of 50 songs! It would be impossible to round up all these rare 45s, cassettes, soundtracks, EPs, etc... but here they are with insightful liner notes to boot!

6. Eyelids - "A Colossal Waste of Light"

Haunting guitar pop out of Portland, Oregon. Led by singer/songwriters Chris Slusarenko (Guided by Voices) and John Moen (Decemberists) this is some seriously great indie rock from the get go with the opener, "Crawling Off Your Pages" to closer, "I Can't be Told". Impeccably produced by good friend and sometimes collaborator, Peter Buck. 

7. En Attendant Ana - "Principia"

A blissful breeze of sparkling indie pop from Paris, France, fronted by the crystalline voice of singer/songwriter Margaux Bouchaudon. Her vocals float atop a Belle and Sebastian/Velvet Underground musical base flecked with bits of sax and trumpet, making for one fascinatingly fine listening experience! 

8. The Baseball Project - "Grand Salami Time"

The fourth album from this baseball-loving supergroup featuring members of R.E.M., the Dream Syndicate and a myriad of other projects is still batting 1.000! Each song is clever and catchy, from taking aim at big sluggers ("The All or Nothings"), to baseball cliches (the title track) to the dreaded yips ("The Yips") - take me out to the ballgame!

9. Yo La Tengo - "This Stupid World"

Best title of the year! This unique unclassifiable NYC trio has now been around for 40 years! From delicate hushed melodies to full-on noise guitar skronk Yo la Tengo is as eclectic as it gets. Their albums always reward repeated listens and this one is no exception. Still on top of their game!

Rolling Stones - "Hackney Diamonds"

The first Stones album of original material in almost 20 years pretty much guarantees this a spot in my top ten and damned if it doesn't almost live up to all the hype and expectations! The songs are terrific, Mick sounds great and it's nice to hear Charlie and Bill reunite for a track or two, but Andrew Watt's production sucks all the air out of the room leaving behind a very sterile atmosphere. 

So close :(

Honorable Mention;

Marty Stuart & his Fabulous Superlatives - "Altitude"

Guided by Voices - "La La Land" and "Welshpool Frillies"

The Hives - "The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons"

William Tyler - "Secret Stratosphere"

Boygenius - "The Record"

Teenage Fanclub - "Nothing Lasts Forever"

Something Old...Something New (#33)

"Horses" - Patti Smith (released 1975)

   "Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine", and with those words the high priestess of punk announced her arrival on a debut album unlike any other. Packed with free-form poetry and for the most part ignoring conventional song structure. It was off-kilter and oddly abstract set amidst the typical radio fare of the time but her unique voice, fearless passion and unbridled energy kept you spellbound. This was something wholly different and at the same time something special! Expertly backed by a sympathetic band (Lenny Kaye-guitar, Richard Sohl-piano, Ivan Kral-bass, Jay Dee Daugherty-drums) there are no missteps or creative dead ends. The single, "Gloria" opens the record with a mournful/slinky intro which builds to an unleashed version of the Van Morrison classic. "Redondo Beach" is a fairly straight Reggae based tune that would fit neatly on an early Elvis Costello album. The brooding, elegiac, "Birdland" showcases Kaye's keenly skittering guitar, Smith sing/speaks in tongues like a woman possessed while Sohl's beautiful piano anchors the nine minute piece. "Free Money" quickly unspools into a wonderful minor key rocker while "Kimberly" is a pretty mid-tempo song for her sister. "Break it Up" has Kaye's soaring guitar echoing Smith's emotional vocals. This brings us to the three-part tour de force "Land: Horses - Land of a Thousand Dances - La Mer (De)" A driving epic with the rhythm section constantly pushing forward as Patti's words pour out as if in a trance. The album wraps up with "Elegie" a tribute to her fallen heroes in music and poetry. From the production by John Cale to the striking b&w cover by Patti's great friend, Robert Mapplethorpe, this is a landmark album in every way!

"The Town That Cursed Your Name" - The Reds, Pinks & Purples (released 2023)

   A veteran of the Bay Area music scene (Vacant Gardens, Skygreen Leopards, Art Museums, to name just a few) "the Reds, Pinks & Purples" is the latest and greatest creation of San Franciscan singer/songwriter/musician, Glenn Donaldson. Over the past four years he has released over a dozen EPs and LPs showcasing his hazy, melodic, lo-fi pop methodology. His world weary voice instills a sad beauty to every song while acoustic strum and electric jangle add to the dreamy tone throughout the record. Recording everything himself in his home studio/kitchen is a recipe that has served Donaldson well.  Some favorites from this album's smorgasbord of melancholy pop are the opener, "Too Late for an Early Grave", "Leave it All Behind", "Waiting on a Ghost to Haunt You" and "Mistakes (Too Many to Name)". "Here Comes the Lunar Hand" is an absorbing and hypnotic change of pace while the driving "Burning Sunflowers" features some fairly sizzling guitar work. His arrangements reward every listen as an opportunity to discover more sonic details in each song. Honestly, he is so consistently excellent that if you like one song you'll enjoy the whole album and indeed his entire catalogue! My favorite album of 2023 and he already has a new LP out now! RIYL; East River Pipe, the Smiths, Belle & Sebastian.

 

 Favorite Albums of 2022

A tentative return to normalcy brought with it a slew of good albums, just not a lot of great ones. It was exciting to see bands attempting to tour again (amid many cancellations) as artists attempted to make sense of this crazy new world. These albums will help you do just that!

1. Chris Church - "Darling Please"

Lenoir, NC brings us the album I can't stop listening to. It doesn't just have my favorite song of the year ("Bad Summer") but my second favorite as well ("Pillar to Post")! A ten year old two track basement recording rescued from the scrap heap becomes a buzzing, melodic marvel! Chris Church touches the sun on this one and every listen just reaffirms that feeling.

2. The Reds, Pinks & Purples - "Summer at Land's End"

San Francisco's Glenn Donaldson goes back to the kitchen (literally) and serves up another helping of hazy tuneful indie pop. His breakneck pace of releasing multiple singles, EPs and an LP each year belies the dreamy laid-back sunny afternoon feel that radiates from his music. Keep them coming Glenn!

3. Young Guv - "III & IV"

Ben Cook as Young Guv traffics in hyper-catchy power pop which was on full display in 2019's "Young Guv I & II". This time around we get more of his sublime musicianship on "III" along some new wave and even country-flecked sounds on "IV". An artist at the top of his craft.

4. Superchunk - "Wild Loneliness"

This Chapel Hill, NC band blazed an indie rock trail in the 90s before taking a ten year break. They exploded back onto the scene with 2010's magnificent "Majesty Shredding" and this is their fourth straight second stage winner! Tighter and more focused with guest stars; Norman Blake and Raymond McGinley (Teenage Fanclub), Mike Mills (R.E.M.) and Sharon Van Etten among others make for an engaging listen!

5. The Helicopters - "Eyes of Oblivion"

Longtime Swedish hard rockers return after fourteen years with a sensational new album! Guitarist/songwriter, Nicke Andersson describes the record as "The Beatles meets Judas Priest or Lynyrd Skynyrd Meets the Ramones..." That might sum it up - all I know is that "Reap a Hurricane" and the title track rock harder than anything I've heard in years!

6. Flyying Colours - "Flyying Colours"

Australia's premier Dreampop/Shoegaze outfit reissue a collection of their early out-of-print EPs. The guitars swirl, the voices soar and your brain melts in the sonic haze!

7. Healees - "Healees"

My favorite new find of the year. The Healees are a dream pop band located in Paris featuring members from Belgium, France, Sweden and the USA. Only available as a cassette or download (those crazy kids)! Head to their bandcamp page to check out the delightful debut EP.

8. Cheap Star - "Wish I Could See"

Remi Vaissiere has been fronting this enchanting melodic power pop outfit for years. His latest and greatest incarnation includes Jon Auer (Posies) on every track as well as special guests; Matthew Caws (Nada Surf), Gary Louris (Jayhawks), Brendan Benson and Mitch Easter - Wow!

9. The Beths - "Expert in a Dying Field"

New Zealand's Beths third album showcases singer/songwriter/guitarist Elizabeth Stokes front and center as well she should be. Her voice is beautifully compelling as are her insanely catchy tunes. Their debut is still my favorite but this is better than 99% of what's out there.

10. The Smile - "A Light for Attracting Attention"

Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood of Radiohead fame have collaborated on a project sure to please fans of both. Their fascinatingly quirky machinations are anything but boring and sometimes downright beautiful. Until a new Radiohead release appears this will do just fine!

Other Favorites

Band of Horses - "Things Are Great"

Marc Andersson - "First Prize For Everyone"

Nick Piunti & Complicated Men - "Heart Inside Your Head"

Alvvays - "Blue Rev"

Kids on a Crime Spree - "Fall in Love Not in Line"

Lauds - "Lauds II"

Death Cab For Cutie - "Asphalt Meadows"

Martin Courtney - "Magic Sign"

Spielbergs - "Vestli"

Eels - "Extreme Witchcraft"

Persian Leaps - "Machines For Living"

First Aid Kit - "Palomino"

 

Something Old...Something New (#32)

"Aladdin Sane" - David Bowie (released 1973)

   Bowie follows up the zeitgeist-tapping perfection of "Ziggy Stardust...'' with his hardest rocking album. Written during the craziness of his 1972 American tour (a lad insane) it's his final LP with the Spiders from Mars (Mick Ronson-gtr, Trevor Bolder-b, Mick "Woody" Woodmansey - dr) and released at the commercial peak of the Glam scene. The Stonesy rocking opener "Watch That Man" gets things off to a rollicking start (you can picture Mick and the boys tearing into this one)! When Bowie encouraged pianist Mike Garson to let loose his avant-garde style he unleashed a mind-blowing one-take solo on the title track! Garson's inventive skills are also on full display in the glittering theatrical ballads "Time" and "Lady Grinning Soul". "Drive-in Saturday" and "The Prettiest Star" portray Bowie's pop/rock side to perfection with the latter highlighted by another terrific Ronson solo! Mick Ronson is the unsung architect of Glam. His arrangements, guitar tones and solos for all Bowie's work throughout this period is impeccable! An infectious Bo Diddley vibe drives "Panic in Detroit" deep into your reptilian brain before the grinding sleaze of "Cracked Actor" ends side one. The stomping swagger of "The Jean Genie" closes with a stuttering swell of guitars and a place in classic rock history! Let's not forget the iconic album cover that's every bit as inspired as the music. Most critics were disappointed but aside from relegating "Let's Spend the Night Together" to the "Pin Ups" covers album which came out later that year I wouldn't change a thing. Still brilliant 50 years on!

"Chime School - Chime School (released 2021)

    San Francisco's Andy Pastalaniec is Chime School. A drummer for local bands Odd Hope, Sealbite and Cruel Summer he was inspired to create his own music when his girlfriend gifted him a 4-track Tascam Portastudio. He them proceeded to write record and produce this utterly charming debut album at home. A long time fan of jangly rock with upbeat melodies from the 60s (Byrds) and 80s (the C86 scene in Britain began with the release of a cassette by the New Musical Express in 1986. It showcased new indy bands and labels in the UK) he took these influences and ran with them! This album is a winner from beginning to end. An effortless barrage of hooks and melodies that are at once familiar but at the same instant fresh and exciting! With his ringing 12-string jangle and hints of dream pop he fashions one happy/melancholy pop gem after another. "Wait Your Turn", "Dead Saturdays", "Radical Leisure", "It's True", "Calling In Sick", the ten tunes fly by and it's impossible to choose a favorite as the guitar driven energy and breezy vocals make every song irresistible! Pick up this album and Chime School will always be in session. RIYL Young Guv or The Reds, Pinks and Purples (and you should!)

 Favorite Albums of 2021

2021 was another challenging year for the music community with remote recording and cancelled tours remaining the norm. With many established acts electing to sit on the sidelines until some sense of normalcy returns it was a good year to discover new artists and that's definitely reflected on my list of 2021 favorites. Remember, musicians pour their hearts and souls into their work so be sure to support them any way you are able (vinyl, CD, download)

1. Cloud Nothings - "The Shadow I Remember"

The band reunites with legendary producer Steve Albini at his Electrical Audio Studios and emerge with another revelation. Light and shade abound in these eleven densely compact post-punk marvels featuring explosive rhythmic discord and resplendent melodies around every corner! Good luck choosing a favorite.

2. Chime School - "Chime School" 

Springing from the head of the Power Pop Gods fully formed, Rickenbacker in hand, appears Andy Pastalaniec. Revel in the sweet jangling righteousness of his debut as Chime School. Class is in session for my favorite new artist of 2021!

3. The Reds, Pinks & Purples - "Uncommon Weather"

Glenn Donaldson cooks up yet another collection of engagingly warm indie pop recorded in the kitchen of his San Francisco home (seen on the album cover). He's been releasing his dependably pleasing tunes at the rate of two albums a year so I'm sure he'll be on next year's list too!

4. Aeon Station - "Observatory"

Waiting 15 years for the follow-up to the Wrens "Meadowlands" (a masterpiece) to be completed by his musical partner (Charles Bissell) was long enough for Kevin Whelan. He took his songs and 3/4 of the band to form Aeon Station. This is as close as we'll get to another Wrens album so just immerse yourself in the melancholic beauty.

5. Flyying Colours - "Fantasy Country"

This quartet from Melbourne, Australia delivers my favorite shoegaze album of the year. The most fully realized album of their career is a glorious sea of Krautrock rhythms propelling shimmering waves of psych rock guitar. Dreamy vocals and keyboard textures help deliver a lavish listening experience.

6. Ducks Ltd - "Modern Fiction"

Sounding for all the world like a lost member of New Zealand's "Flying Nun" label this Toronto duo delivers the jangle pop goods on a great debut LP.  Earworm alert - Tom McGreevy and Evan Lewis construct some of the catchiest hooks and choruses you'll hear this year!

7. Lauds - "Lauds" EP

This five piece from Wilmington, North Carolina have produced an EP of stunningly beautiful guitar pop. It's easy to be swept away in the first rate melodies, tranquil vocals and clean production. RIYL Real Estate or R.E.M.

8. Split Single - "Amplificado"

From his 90s band, Verbow, to continuing stints as bass player for Bob Mould and Superchunk, Jason Narducy exemplifies musical excellence. His latest features drummer extraordinaire Jon Wurster (Superchunk, Bob Mould, Mountain Goats) and Mike Mills (R.E.M.) on bass. Head over to their Bandcamp page and check out "95 Percent" - sublime!

9. Neil Young & Crazy Horse - "Way Down in the Rust Bucket"

The Neil Young archives are a gift that just keeps giving. This show was recorded in 1990 and Young's majestic, snarling guitar playing is on full display as he and Crazy Horse hit the road in support of "Ragged Glory". With six songs clocking in at over 10 minutes, it's the feral shredfest we all need!

10. The Institutes - "Colosseums"

If you thought Britpop was dead these lads from Coventry beg to differ. Their debut fairly bursts with big chorus anthems in the style of Oasis. The opener, "All That You'll Ever Know", rockets out of your speakers and the momentum rarely subsides. Maybe the next big thing in the UK ignored by the U.S.

Honorable Mention

Robert Plant/Alison Kraus - "Raise the Roof"

Persian Leaps - "Drone Etiquette" (EP)

Tom Petty & Heartbreakers - "Angel Dream"

Cheap Trick - "In Another World"

The Black Keys - "Delta Kream"