| #1. 75 Dollar Bill – I Was Real |
In a year when getting lost in sound was a good thing, this album was the most colorful tapestry of minimalist krautrock that I found myself infinitely lost in. I can’t imagine a world where this leaves my musical rotation at any point going forward. |
| #2. Freddie Gibbs and Madlib – Bandana |
Madlib made these beats on an Ipad, the same tool your kid uses to watch Paw Patrol. We aren’t worthy. |
| #3. Blanck Mass – Animated Violence Mild |
Anger. Pure unbridled anger. In the most beautiful way. While we all would love a new Fuck Buttons record, having a mesmerizing, white-knuckle, wall-of-sound rage from half of the legendary ambient duo. |
| #4. Dave – Pyschodrama |
A UK rapper who feels like he is wise beyond his years, with this concept album moving forward a whole genre and diving into stories that show he is wise beyond his years. |
| #5. Niyhek – After its own death….. |
The latest haunting opus from Liz Harris. Put on a candle and get lost in sound. |
| #6. Mdou Moctar – Ilana: The Creator |
The guitar hero we need. |
| #7. Altin Gun – Gece |
Turkish expats exploring the rich musical history of their country. A rich blend of pysch, pop and funk that has sound tracked much of the year. |
| #8. V/A – Pure Sounds of Michigan |
Ambient sounds mixed with field recordings across Michigan. One of the most peaceful, relaxing albuims of the year. |
| #9. Tom of England – Sex Monk Blues |
A collection of wonked-out, twitchy post-punk that would make PiL proud. |
| #10. Madison McFerrin – You + I |
A beautiful collection of pop and soul from an artist who has expanded beyond her (amazing) acapella work towards a more full, lush sound. |
| #11. Sunwatchers – Illegal Moves |
Hold on tight because this is a wild trip. A Technicolor blend of jazz and rock that feels perpetually like it will fall off the rails, but somehow always lands. |
| #12. William Tyler – Goes West |
Listened to this on a road trip out west, and the dusty instrumentals captured the expansive, wide-open spirit of our national parks in a beautiful way. Tyler is a maestro of maximalist primitive Americana. |
| #1. Jon Hopkins and Kelly Lee Ownes – Luminous Spaces |
I worry there may be some recency bias, but I’m pretty confident thagt isn’t the case and this is actually the best song of the year by a mile. |
| #2. Caribou – Home |
When Caribou catches the wave of warm electronic pop, there is no one better. On this track from his 2020 LP he catches a major wave. |
| #3. Noname – Song 32 |
Noname drops another gem between book club posts. Hoping to have another LP soon. |
| #4. Helado Negro – Running |
There is a classic, timeless feeling to this song (and most of the this whole album). He’s been reaching towards this over his last few releases, and really hits it here. |
| #5. Daphni “Sizzling” feat Paradise |
As we head into the brutal months of winter, keep this jam close at hand when you want to get sweaty. |
