Marvellous. As in, every time I listen to this album I marvel at how exquisite it is. Nothing is overlooked, from the varied and interesting beats, to the high production value, the quasi-concept album thematic, and most importantly Dave's astounding word play. It's impossibly clever and impeccably delivered, including hooks, social commentary and downright funny jokes; I discover something new each time without even consulting Genius.com. Lesley may be the best tale in a tune of the year - please, sit down and listen. Santan Dave's wisdom, vision, execution, skill, voice, and, yes, piano-playing are all on display in this damn-near masterpiece of a rap album.
2. default genders - main pop girl 2019
I couldn't get enough of this album and still cannot describe properly why. It is a super-pop album that swaps genres at blistering speed, many of which I wouldn't normally find myself listening to but here it just works. Lyrically it tells some tales, again things that I wouldn't necessarily relate to, but there I was putting it on for my morning run for the 50th time months later. Just give it a try.
(Not available on Spotify but grab it from Bandcamp PWYC, including free)
3. Snotty Nose Rez Kids - Trapline
Late to the party, I'm glad to have caught onto this blazing band this year. With their unreserved Reservation-rap (okay, I made that term up) they pull no punches in upping their lives and their lifestyles through song. It is fresh, eye-opening and altogether ass-shaking. Unfortunately I haven't yet caught them live but their Insta-stories sure do make it look like it absolutely goes off! It's a good time to grab hold as these high-fliers are taking off.
4. Sigrid - Sucker Punch
Diamonds, sapphires, rubies - this album is full of pop gems. A rising star, Sigrid has the voice and the musical sensibilities to burn long and bright. Anytime I was looking for an accessible and mostly upbeat shot of music this year, Sucker Punch was an easy fix, and it held up on the repeatability too. But there's a depth to it as well with emotional songwriting that tackles real feelings without drowning the listener in sorrow. Sigrid's versatility makes this a complete album.
5. Sir Babygirl - Crush on Me
Unabashed retro-beats pop music - I'd read someone liken it to a pumped up Britney Spears album for 2019 - and Sir Babygirl plays with expectations with glee. Starting with that gender-fluid name they don't hold back on the glorious 26 minutes of this album (I looked it up, it's not an EP), including two reprises! Haunted House is the standout, with that chorus raising more questions than answers, and the album is perfectly punctuated by the tongue-in-cheek closer, Crush On Me. All I want is more.
6. Black Midi - Schlagenheim
Defying conventions, these music-school nerds have gone ahead with a gloriously indulgent album that brings many influences together to make something so new. Based around their impressive individual instrumental skills they've managed to flaunt their musicianship appropriately. The math-rock elements, the "unique" vocals, and the varying signatures make for an eclectic mix that keeps the listener guessing but it's a challenge worth taking.
7. Tim Baker - Forever Overhead
Fronting one of my all-time favourite Canadian bands, Hey Rosetta!, could be either a blessing or a curse when it comes to the first solo offering. Would Tim be able to live up to the heightened expectations without the six super-talented musicians supporting him in both the songwriting and performing? I'm happy to report that this is a very worthwhile offering that doesn't try to recreate the magic of HR! but maintains the eloquent lyrics in an appropriate, slightly stripped-back, singer-songwriter context (still showcasing some of Tim's piano too).
8. Better Oblivion Community Centre - Better Oblivion Community Centre
This combination of a couple of true, through-and-through songwriters has struck gold symbiosis. Coner Oberst (Bright Eyes) and Phoebe Bridgers could both play their way out of a troll's trap alone so when they joined forces for BOCC it was like giving both of them a turbo boost. The songwriting is impeccable and the interplay is excellent. Released early in the year it has been an album that has never really left the rotation and still plays frequently and with much adoration.
9. Sacred Paws - Run Around the Sun
An upbeat, carry-you-along album filled with quirky and catchy ditties highlighted by the back-and-forth vocals of this cross-UK-border, female duo. It's music for any bright occasion, or even to make a not so bright time, like dusting the living room, into an bopping dance party.
10. Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride
An album that I'd been looking forward to in the long interim between releases that just gave and gave and gave. Yes, it's long but it hardly falters and finishes on a gem. Bringing in the duets and accompaniments throughout manages to keep the songwriting and delivery fresh, for repeated listening (it showed up all over my Spotify year-end breakdowns). Very pleased to have VW back in town.
Honourable Mentions
Shotgun Jimmie - Transistor Sister 2
Jimmie has captured lightning in a bottle again on this revisitation to the Transistor Sister that set a benchmark in his earlier career. Simple, yet catchy and effective, this album can fit most moods.
Pup - Morbid Stuff
Who'd have known that Pup could squeeze so much traction and love out of this genre? Here they are once again giving a damn fine performance and encouraging the kids to get out there and catch them live where they really ignite.
Tallest Man on Earth - I Love You. It's a Fever Dream.
Quietly this album ended up in my year-end conversation by being a lovely accompaniment to those moments of reflection and tranquility.
JOHN (TIMESTWO) - Out Here on the Fringes
Discovering this duo late in the year I was sold from the get-go with their guitar-to-the-wall brand of rock.
Press Club - Wasted Energy
An energetic burst of Aussie punk that enthuses a freshness into the genre.
Sandro Perri - Soft Landing
Similar to In Another Life, this album is anchored by a ploddingly excellent opening track, Time (You Got Me) with a still-strong B side.
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