We’re wrapping up 2019 by looking back at some of our favorite records of the year! Today’s list is from our web-editor Greg who present 13 picks that were in his heavy rotation.
13. Charls Rumback & Ryley Walker Little Common Twist
Recent listen. Excellent jam session from drummer and guitarist. Spacious.
11. 75 Dollar Bill I Was Real
Damn solid psych excursion indebted to desert-blues.
10. Sunn O)) Pyroclasts
As lively as I’ve heard their drones. An experiment in methodology that worked.
9. Wand Laughing Matter
Showing their range. Major step up from a band that’s been getting better every record. STAFF PICK
8. Pile Green & Gray
New generation of post-hardcore that translates for the old heads.
7. Devendra Banhart Ma
Wasn’t expecting guy’s most cohesive and enjoyable record in 2019. Uplifting and reflective. STAFF PICK
6. Natural Information Society Mandatory Reality
Extended vamps in spiritual-jazz hypnotism.
5. Alex G House Of Sugar
Another killer record full of soul and restless experimental pop sounds from this guy.
4. Julia Shapiro Perfect Version
Favorite thing yet from Chastity Belt songwriter. Brilliant downer insight.
3. Wilco Ode To Joy
The most relistenable record from these guys since those records that made em famous. Embrace middle age!
2. Bill Orcutt Odds Against Tomorrow
Reality bending soul soothing guitar work. That and only that.
1. Purple Mountains S/T
Maybe my favorite D. Berman record. Tackling depression with realness profundity and humor simultaneously. It hit hard. RIP
Decade in Review
Record of the decade: Sun Kil Moon Benji
Changed how I thought about songs/lyrics. Stretched the form’s possibilities. Fittingly heard it first in Ohio for a funeral.
Runner-up: Purple Mountains
NW Record of the decade: Milk Music Cruise Your Illusion
This grew on me for years. Truly psychedelic punk in perspective if not sound. Inches away from being a perfect record. Wonder if its timeless?
Trend of the decade: The Re-emergence of Adventurous Jazz.
Was overjoyed that I began hearing plentiful new sounds in Jazz between the poles of Free and Trad. Kamasi Washington was the mainstream success but under the surface a lot is bubbling. Shortlist:
Natural Information Society Simultonality
Gendel / Wilkes Music For Saxofone & Bass Guitar
The Comet Is Coming Channel The Spirits
runner-up: Aussie Punk