Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Top Ten 2018 - Year in Review

1. Deafheaven - Ordinary Corrupt Human Love
A triumph from front to back, this album is melodic and driving. The piano and spoken word opener may lull you in but even when unleashing the guttural screams it still washes down smoothly with stellar guitar work and pounding drums.

2. Tune-yards - I Can Feel You Creep Into My Private Life
What a vocal performance this is! It makes you want to sing along as best as you can to every song. I may be new to Tune-yards but this record has made a convert out of me.

3. Janelle Monae - Dirty Computer
What a strong, confident, and important album that Janelle had made this year. The fact that it's infinitely repeatable and danceable push it's reach to the masses.

4. Donovan Woods - Both Ways
What else can I say about this songwriter that I haven't already lauded upon him in previous years? Well Donnie has done it once again with a collection of stories that draw you in and grab you by the heart, one way or another. There are a dozen journeys taken in each listen, including Next Year - oof, and all to the tune of his excellent folk rock voice and guitar lines.

5. Lowell - Lone Wolf
Lowell has made a confident, powerful, and slick record in Lone Wolf. Plenty of hooks, a few tunes to dance to, and lots of alt-pop goodness on each track. I feel like there's an audience for this album.

6. Sandro Perri - In Another Life
On paper this album would not be something that I would be interested in: a 24 minute song followed by Everybody's Paris Parts 1-3 and that's it - 4 songs, 43 minutes. And yet it is so relaxing, drawing the listener in through repetition with variation, that it just takes me away every time I put it on.

7. Young Fathers - Cocoa Sugar
Admittedly I was very excited for this release after Young Fathers topped my 2015 List and it was beloved throughout this year. Slightly more polished production than their earlier outputs they maintain their independent and eclectic styling throughout. Perhaps missing a couple more danceable bangers it is still an excellent disc.

8. The Wonder Years - Sister Cities
First coming across this band as Pup was opening for them across the UK, I didn't mind at all what I heard. However this album seems to be The Wonder Years at the top of their game. Rocking, emo, and thoughtful (for fans of Brand New but without the guilt) this is a great album all the way through.

9. Superorganism - Superorganism
Don't fear the collective. Putting hordes of musicians in a studio to throw it all at the wall can payoff in dynamic pop such as this. With all kinds of sounds used as instruments it is a fresh and fun debut, all under this exciting new female voice. Short and saccharine; listen to it twice. 

10. Joey Purp - Quarterthing
Such promise from his iiiDrops EP that this debut has bated much breath and - hallelujah - it was worth every moment. Swagger over beats, often skewering the hip hop tropes for a modern and forward view. Deserves a sub-woofer and a dancefloor.

Dan Mangan - More or Less
What a comeback for my beloved, gruff-voiced, singer-songwriter. Not to slight the Blacksmith album but this sees Dan shed the band and return to his roots. It's what made him famous for good reason.

Dream Wife - Dream Wife
Yes, Dream Wife. Do what you're doing. This growling punk rock from a charismatic feminist serves 2018 perfectly. 

Idles - Joy As An Act Of Resistance
In quick succession on the back of last year's Brutalism, in a year that has seen their following explode. I would have waited another month or two to upgrade the odd throwaway on here but still plenty of brilliance. And with another record already written they may just be back on here next year for a third year running. 

Sophie - Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides
This album is strange and challenging at times which is actually where it succeeds. The more straightforward back half tends to lose my attention, keeping it out of The Ten.

Let's Eat Grandma - I'm All Ears
A fun, new band with an in your face album that will rattle you onto the dance floor. Standout vocals too, all interestingly mixed together, if only it maintained the gas throughout.

Frank Turner - Be More Kind
This troubadour has done what he's always done, taken on this world with a guitar and a smile. The politics of the day are obviously top of mind for Frank but he doesn't want his audience to be held back by it as he encourages, Be More Kind. 

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