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"
