I thought I'd compile a list of some of my favorite records from this year. I've heard a ton of great records this year, but I managed to narrow everything down to only 10. These records have either been on repeat on my Spotify or left me with a memorable impression. My only hope is that you guys check these releases out if they catch your attention. In no particular order, here we go... Thundercat - Drunk Another great addition to Flying Lo's futuristic, boundary pushing Brainfeeder record label. Thundercat's hilarious personality, bass playing, and guest musicians/vocalists (Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell Williams, Kendrick) really kept me returning to this record. Please do yourself a favor and listen to this on good speakers. Foxygen - Hang This album really captivated me with its lavish, orchestral instrumentation and winding song structures. Sure, the Mick Jagger-isms may run a little dry as the album chugs along, but the tunes are just too infectious for me to say no to this project. Remo Drive - Greatest Hits It's always exciting to come across a relatively unknown band who've clearly spent time crafting their sound. Minnesota's up-and-coming Remo Drive have certainly proved themselves on their debut. It's a sweet set of Emo and Indie Rock tunes - they're angsty, witty, and heartbreaking. I've said it before and I'll say it again - this is the Pinkerton of our generation. Pile - A Hairshirt of Purpose Boston outfit Pile's Dripping and You're Better Than This both feature an intriguing approach to experimental rock music through the band's noisy, yet crafted, guitar work. Their latest pushes the band's sound into further experimental territory, with many of the songs winding and twisting through linear song progressions. I love the band's use of dynamics, especially present on cuts like "Leaning On A Wheel" and "Dogs." The band's noisiest and most challenging material ends up on this record, but I'm still really digging it. Mount Eerie - A Crow Looked at Me Singer-songwriter Phil Elverum delivers a record about losing his wife to cancer. With his daughter only one and a half years old, Phil details his personal thoughts in relation to these circumstances in a poetic manner. Themes of loneliness and regret are apparent in the lyrics, and the hollow production compliments his stories beautifully. The way Phil sing-talks over these soft acoustic cuts really beholds an experience quite unlike any other depressing album, ever. "But the truth is I don't think of that dust as you/ You are the sunset." White Reaper - The World's Best American Band The 2010s have been exceptionally horrible for alternative rock, but White Reaper really deliver a catchy, no bs set of songs on this record. "Judy French," "Eagle Beach," and the self-titled track are all really instantaneous, dance-able rock tunes that bands like Jet could have pulled off in the early 2000s. The guitar tone is really crunchy and defining too. This is what should be playing on 105.7, but I guess bands like Green Day will continue to plague the radio with bland, unmemorable material. Check this band out. Pond - The Weather With Tame Impala's own Kevin Parker behind the reigns of production this record, this is another dizzying, psychedelic release from Pond. The first half is homage to Currents-esque bangers like "Sweep Me Off My Feet" and "Paint Me Silver." The more instrumentally focused second half is when the MGMT inspired psychedelic interludes start popping up. Their influences are right on their sleeve, but I'm still loving this one. Kendrick Lamar - DAMN. I'm really liking the vibe of Kenny's new project. Kendrick has already proved himself with his previous two projects, and it's cool to hear a less conceptual, banger-heavy release. I think we've all been starved to hear the energy from Kendrick displays on "DNA" and "ELEMENT." A lot of these tracks are more personal too, and Kendrick's bars are especially dark on cuts like "FEEL" and "FEAR." Overall, a great addition to his uncompromisingly solid discography. Gorillaz - Humanz Humanz was definitely a grower for me. From "Ascension" to "Andromeda," this album does not let up. The feature list is really expansive on this project, but I'm really loving the performances from Vince, De La Soul, Anthony Hamilton, and Danny. It really feels more like a late night playlist, as each feature brings forth a different sound to Gorillaz hip-hop influenced electronica beats. There are a few duds in the tracklist, but it's an album I find myself returning to a lot. Mac Demarco - This Old Dog Mac doesn't disappoint on this project, as he delivers a slightly more stripped back and relaxing sound to his typical Jangle Pop style. My favorites of Mac's love songs end up on this album - "For The First Time," "Still Beating," and "One More Love Song." "Moonlight on the River" was another pleasant surprise, with it's hazy, experimental outro. This Old Dog reveals the maturer side of Mac's personality, and considering Mac's habitual goofy characterr, I'm happy to say it didn't fall flat for me. By Brody McElwain
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I have not been a huge fan of Philly’s very own Alex Giannascoli, I have given his music several listens, but it has never clicked. Trick is probably his most popular album, but I just never enjoyed it. His last album, Beach Music really left fans wanting more; it was severally lacking in numerous areas and felt rushed because he was really trying to reach a larger audience. I feel like it is a little too poppy on some cuts as well. However, for some reason, I decided to listen to this album. I love that Emily Yacina features on this album! Finally some spotlight on her; she is an amazing female artist. Anyway, the album opens with the track “Poison Root,” and it gives a little taste of what can be found in this album-- a folksy sound infused with Alex G’s own personal style. As the album progresses, we have tracks like “Brick” with screaming and a harder guitar sound which doesn’t flow with the overarching folk sound, and “Sportstar” which sounds like it belongs on his previous album, Beach Music. It was a bold move to mix several sounds together, but overall it came together and sounds pretty cohesive. A lot of the tracks can stand alone, but altogether they create an in depth look into what Alex G is capable of producing. Alex G dips his toes in a little bit of rock, indie, folk, and noise pop in this album, making it very enjoyable to listen to. It has some really good cuts, and even though it has its flaws, it is still a solid album. I’m glad to say I finally enjoyed one of his records. This will probably be a career defining record; it has been getting a lot of positive feedback from fans and critics. (Sandy) Alex G is pioneering the anti-folk genre on this album, and overall it worked out to be a solid album. Rating - 7/10 Favorite tracks - “Proud,” “Horse,” “Brick,” “Sportstar,” “Powerful Man” Least favorite tracks - “County,” “Guilty” written by Allie Holler
Phoenix has been a band that's stuck with me for many years. The French band broke through the mainstream with their indie pop opus Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix in 2009. It's a great listen, and songs such as "1901," "Lisztomania," and "Armistice" still get stuck in my head every now and then. Their follow up, Bankrupt, was more instrumentally focused in the deep cuts, but still featured fantastic singles such as "Entertainment" and "Trying to be Cool." With Phoenix releasing two of the greatest albums in their lengthy discography so late into their career, I was very excited to hear Ti Amo. For the most part, the singles leading up to the album were just 'okay.' The colorfully produced lead single "J-Boy" features a head-banging chorus with an intriguing narrative about a torn relationship. The verses kinda fall flat for me though - this is definitely no "1901." I really enjoy "Goodbye Soleil," but I notice that it literally shares the same synth melody from "J-Boy," it's just pitched up an octave according to my ears. Perhaps this repeated instrumental decision has something to do with the love narrative within the lyrics, but it really dampens the flow of the album for me. "Ti Amo" tries its best to be a sensual dance track, but it doesn't do much for me either. If you haven't caught on, Ti Amo's focus is love songs. Mars sings many of the lyrics in French/Italian, and this makes the songs more personal and likable. The ballad "Fior Di Latte," for example, has softer, lighter synths that compliment Mars lyrics very well. On "Telefono," a very uplifting and danceable instrumental is juxtaposed to a story of distance tearing apart a relationship. The mix also appears to include Mars leaving messages on his telephone to try to save the relationship. It's definitely a fantastic close to the album that uses a lot of interesting ideas. "Tuttifrutti" has an irresistible bass groove that keeps me coming back, accompanied by a beautifully catchy synth lead that I'm bound to be whistling for the next month or so. As far as instrumental highlights go in the latter half of the album, I can't say I care for much else. I do at least enjoy the ascending synths on "Lovelife," as well as the reverb strummed guitars on "Goodbye Soleil." If you're looking for some synth pop, I'd at least give this thing a try. Phoenix at least experiment a little with their sound on this album, and they write some great songs in the process. If you haven't listened to Phoenix before, give their past two albums a shot - they're sure to be on your summer playlist. Recommended tracks - "Tuttifrutti," "Goodbye Soleil," "Telefono" written by Brody McElwain
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