Hey Listen, I Tried
SUSTO – Ever Since I Lost My Mind
I was really looking forward to this album. Ironfish turned me onto this group a couple of years ago, and I loved & I’m Fine Today. This, however, was not enjoyable at all. After the initial listen failed to grab me, I went back a handful of times. Still nothing. I gave it one last try when I prepared to write this. There just wasn’t enough to balance out Mr. Osborne’s naturally downtrodden pained voice. This was the musical equivalent of a limp handshake.
CRX – Peek
I enjoyed New Skin. I don’t enjoy reformulations of the same sound though. Moving on…
Hiss Golden Messenger – Terms of Surrender
Continuing with the theme of the previous two groups. I enjoyed a handful of songs off the last two of his albums. I need more juice, baby.
The Berries – Berryland
I just could not get into the lead singer’s voice. And since I’m shallow, the phenomenal musicianship was not enough to place this higher in the ranking.
DIIV – Deceiver
This group reminds me of a mix of Smashing Pumpkins + Weezer + Sonic Youth. Elder Melse turned me on to these guys. I enjoyed the album but didn’t go back to it enough.
The Next Nine
White Denim – Side Effects
Now we are getting to the good stuff. White Denim is a top 5 band of mine, and I’m excited to see where they go with a refreshed and revamped lineup. This is an album of B-sides and you can definitely tell.
Strand of Oaks – Eraserland
This is the first album of his that I got into. I had heard a few songs off the Heal album and enjoyed them. I just never took the time to dig in further. He reminds me of a mix of Noah Gundersen + Morrissey + War On Drugs.
Michael Kiwanuka – Kiwanuka
First of three Danger Mouse produced albums making on my list. Kiwanuka’s voice and songwriting are just as on point as they were for Love & Hate. Kiwanuka’s introspective lyrics are beautifully baked into this melodic, easy to listen to album.
The Raconteurs – Help Us Stranger
Straightforward consistent rock album. That is all. Thank you.
Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride
I was glad to hear the band not make another Paul Simon record. Instead, they made a spotty 18 track exploration album. Kudos. There are some great songs on here. There is also a lot of whiny drawn-out tracks that get skipped over.
Karen O & Danger Mouse – Lux Prima
Enter number two for Mouse on this list. This album is afloat through space. Production quality is predictably good. Similar to the feeling you get when listening to James Mercer’s collaboration, Karen O gets transported into another dimension without structurally changing her sound. Synth pop-rock, that reminds me of the ride we took with the Arctic Monkeys Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino.
Sam Cohen – The Future’s Still Ringing In My Ears
This is where my list starts to tighten up. It’s an album I feel I’ll look back at and wonder how I ranked it in the 13th spot. Upon listening to the first twenty seconds of the first track, I thought; this has a real Broken Bells type feel to it. Lo and behold, I was correct in thinking that. This album is psychedelic and understated.
The Black Keys – “Let’s Rock”
They don’t make distorted bluesy rock anymore. Their sound is easily digestible and straightforward. They are now featured on Kia commercials. I should scoff at this band and throw them in the Kings of Leon bucket. The Keys differ in that they still sound authentic. That is a testament to their talent. There are a few standout tracks on this album. But for the most part, it’s a well put together steady rock album. That is a sufficient recipe for the time being.
Lettuce – Elevate
Funk. Jazz. Mainly Instrumental besides a handful of soulful vocals that harkens back to Earth, Wind & Fire. The musicianship of this group, and particularly, this record, are off the charts. They effortlessly weave hip hop and R&B vibes into a jam band atmosphere.
Top Ten
Barrie – Happy to Be Here
Psychedelic dream pop with perfect female vocals. Yes, please. Not much more of a description is needed. This group popped up on an indie channel on SiriusXM.
Marco Benevento – Let It Slide
Marco is a favorite of Elder Melse. I ignored his previous declarations. I was a fool. This album feels a bit more polished than previous. I enjoy synth in just about everything. Add that to R&B grooves and I’m all in. His vocal strength leaves a wee bit to be desired, but let’s not split hairs.
The Teskey Brothers – Run Home Slow
Another SiriusXM find. Just listen to the song “So Caught Up”. Soulful Australians? Indeed, they are.
Modern Pleasure – Goodbye Chanel
A perfect mix of Island and Two Door Cinema Club. Ethereal 80’s inspired dream pop. It seems to be my niche genre. This group popped up via an Apple Music recommendation.
Hand Habits – placeholder
Delicate melodic female vocals with complex lyrics. Well-timed, soft but charging guitar riffs. She happens to hail from Amsterdam, NY. Extra credit is given.
Night Moves – Can You Really Find Me
The first on the list that really is a complete joy to listen to from beginning to end. It’s amazing how much Stevie Nicks comes through in his voice. The warble, tone, and delivery are as if you distilled her voice into a male form. The perfect blend of country, ambient dream pop, and roots 70’s rock. Just enough synth, just enough twang. Catchy hooks and melodic delivery.
Whitney – Forever Turned Around
A sophomore follow-up to the monster album Light Upon the Lake. The group obviously has a handle on their sound and what works. This is almost a seamless part two to the previous record. I’d say they opened their sound up just a tad. Feels like more space and openness in these tracks. Very tough to rank from Night Moves forward.
Sturgill Simpson – Sound & Fury
I like this record way more than A Sailor’s Guide to Earth. Where that album was a crisp showcase of his broad talent, Sound & Fury is the exact opposite. Imagine a coked-up psychedelic ride down a desert highway. It has a concept record feel to it, as songs seamlessly meld into each other with the help of fuzzy AM radio search static. From beginning to end, the album bobs and weaves through Sturgill dealing with fame and what comes next. All the while, with a middle finger out of the car window.
Amo Amo – Amo Amo
I’m so glad Ironfish turned us onto Omar Velasco. This album took what was so perfect from his solo release Golden Child and added beautiful female accompanying vocals. A mix of breezy L.A. dream pop and wah-wah guitar is all you need to make you feel like you are strolling through a park in southern California. Whereas the previous four albums all seem to stick to a similar formula throughout, this changes pace and style just enough to make you nod your head in agreeance.
Fruit Bats – Gold Past Life
Lastly, we get to my favorite album of 2019. This was a tough call, but the edge this had over Amo Amo was due to the fact I had never previously explored Fruit Bats prior to being recommended by a music friend. This is why we incessantly pursue new music. Every once in awhile, something comes out of nowhere and makes the digital crate digging worth it. This album perfectly balances out boppy 70’s infused grooves, hum-worthy choruses, and the unique vocal ability of lead singer, Eric Johnson.
