True, I had a lot of "life" thrown at me these past few years but now there is no excuse. I hope to hit up more shows and explore more tasty tunes this year I promise.
Here are my top 10 albums of 2018 and a few honorable mentions. It was a pretty good year for music. A few new entrants on heavy rotation that were SO GOOD as well as some fresh/much anticipated LPs from some relative veterans. Enjoy!
1. Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - Hope Downs
I am obsessed with this band. I heard their French Press EP a while back so I was pacing the room waiting for this full length to come out. Please, please, please buy all of their recordings...NOW.
2. Snail Mail - Lush
I saw 19...yes 19 year old Lindsay Jordan interviewed where she talked about influences like Sonic Youth, Future Islands etc. Her sound validates. She gives me hope for the future (blocking out of my mind every SNL music guest featured over the past 5 years)
3. The Breeders - All Nerve
One of those albums that keeps coming up on my shuffle that takes me aback. Still got it Deal sisters. Bravo.
4. Car Seat Headrest - Twin Fantasy
Re-recorded/re-arranged from 2011. These guys are so ridiculously good and the songwriting is something unique that's hard to compare to anyone past or present...maybe Pavement.
5. Gorillaz - The Now Now
I finally saw Gorillaz in concert last year at the Barclays in Brooklyn with my sister Amy. We hadn't done an old school brother-sister NYC show outing in a long time and it was amazing. One of those life changing, unforgettable sonic experiences. "Sound on"...
6. Interpol - Marauder
This album didn't get much love from the press but I think its great. It's nowhere near the last record (El Pintor) but solid. I'm going to see them live in NYC this weekend with aforementioned Car Seat Headrest and Snail Mail as openers. Its like the "CugeRock Tour" am I right? Guys? Hello?
7. F**ked-Up - Dose Your Dreams
I am a such fan of these guys. Canadian hardcore that have matured their sound over the years. One of the best live shows I've seen. DYD is an offering definitely outside of their comfort zone but they've stayed the course in making an truly outstanding record.
8. Cursive - Vitriola
A welcome surprise from one of Omahas finest as I wasn't loving their last record. Vitriola is a return to form.
9. Screaming Females - All At Once
Another established punk rock outfit that waited a good 3 years to crank out another record and it was worth the wait. New Jerseys finest showed up. Plus Brendan Canty from Fugazi guest stars on one of the tracks which not many bands can boast. I still haven't seen them live but after hearing this latest gem I must get to one of their shows this year.
10. Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Sparkle Hard
I'd say a mellower than usual Malkmus record to round out the top 10 but I dig it. The Jicks never disappoint.
Honorable Mention:
Superchunk - What a Time to be Alive
One of my favorite bands of all time. This album is more punk and obviously born out of Trump-era angst but a good listen to blow off some steam.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen - Merrie Land
News of this album came out of nowhere as this Damon Albarn led super group hadn't put anything out since the groups inception over a decade ago. TOTALLY different sound from the last record but worth a rotation. Damon rarely steers you wrong (see #5 above)
