Despite the corporate sponsored sewage poisoning our precious airwaves there remain many wonderful artists creating great music! Commercial radio has abandoned Rock 'n' Roll so immerse yourself in Satellite, College or the Internet(podcasts) and discover the hidden wealth of exciting new sounds! Here are my favorites from 2018 although I'm certain there are many more I have not heard that deserve a place on my list - Rock on!
1. Cloud Nothings - "Last Building Burning"
Once again Cloud Nothings bring it like like there's no tomorrow! Equal parts passion, explosive drumming and an avalanche of guitar noise power each track. From the blitzkrieg opener "On An Edge" through the upbeat closer "Another Way of Life" the energy level is unrelenting and invites you to uncover new sonic wonders with each listen - WOW!
While attempting to make sense of our poisonous political climate Superchunk has created a modern day masterpiece! Scorching guitars, a thundering rhythm section and Mac McCaughan's impassioned voice propel every hook-infused gem - Long Live Superchunk!
3. The Choir - "Artifact: The Unreleased Album
The final lineup of this legendary Cleveland group recorded their only album in 1969 where it remained unreleased until 2018! A treasure trove of tunes that capture the magic of their contemporaries such as Procol Harum and the Left Banke! Omnivore Records terrific remastering has it sounding as fresh as the day it was created!
4. The Beths - "Future Me Hates Me"
My favorite new band is an indie pop group out of New Zealand. Elizabeth Stokes is the main songwriter and a delightful vocalist. Loaded with fuzzy guitar-laden earworms this is an easy album to fall in love with on first listen - can't wait to hear what they come up with next!
Flying under most Americans radar this Canadian quartet of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalists knock it out of the park on their 12th album! 12 songs and not a dud in the bunch, plus the mesmeric opening track "Spin Our Wheels" gets my vote as catchiest song of the year! Time to check out their back catalogue.
6. Nick Piunti - "Temporary High"
If there has been a more consistently excellent Power Popper over the last five years I am unaware of them. Nick Piunti has been on a four album tear since 2013's "13 in my Head" and shows no signs of slowing down (lucky us)! Ten captivating tunes performed at the highest level!
7. Soft Science - "Maps"
It's one mesmerizing tune after another on the second release by this Shoegaze/Dream Pop outfit from Sacramento, California. Katie Haley's ethereal poppy vocals sit atop the whirling mist of distorted guitars to take you to your happy place - wonderful!
8. The Persian Leaps - "Pop That Goes Crunch"
The first album by this Minneapolis, MN lo-fi jangle rock trio is a collection of previous EPs and a new track so you know it's packed with good stuff! Influenced by Guided by Voices and Teenage Fanclub makes it part of a well balanced musical diet - dig in!
9. The Grip Weeds - "Trip Around the Sun"
The Grip Weeds have been forging their distinctive mix of jangly Power Pop tinged by psychedelia at the pace of a new album every few years for decades, so here we are - another outstanding set of polished musical diamonds!
Ryan Allen and his Extra Arms mix things up a bit after 2016's "Basement Punk" by cranking up the distortion and I like it! This a rocking record loaded with outstanding songs and wonderfully aggressive guitars - There's something in that Detroit water!
Honorable Mention: any of these albums could sneak their way into my top ten
Ruler - "Winning Star Champion" The Longshot - "Love is for Losers"
Interpol - "Marauder"
The Spielbergs - "Distant Star" EP
Caddy - "Ten Times Four"
Chris Richards & the Subtractions - "Peaks and Valleys"
Yo La Tengo - "There's a RiotGoing On"
En Attendant Ana - "Lost and Found"
