It has been a heck of a year. This time last year, I fully intended to up my game and write more blog posts, but with a major surgery and the business of life, that didn't happen. Oh well. I still kept listening to new music and tried hard to seek out new sounds for myself, and see what directions those adventures took me. I still listened to a ton of stuff on Bandcamp and still purchased way too much vinyl, and CDs.
Coming up with a top 10 was a little more difficult this year. There were many releases that impressed me a lot even though the field I was exposed to was perhaps a little more limited compared with years passed. And, I still don't have a lot of rhyme or reason as to how I find music. Often it is browsing music stores, which is less efficient than ever. Or, friends recommend what they're into. Or, it is via internet searches. Or, it is because I like an artist's previous work and I find their new stuff, or something they're somehow connected to. It seems inevitable that I will find something from 2018 next year or beyond and wish I'd heard of it in time for this list. That's just the way it goes.
So, without further ramblings... in no particular order...
1. Tanukichan - Sundays
Here's an album I was exposed to via Bandcamp. I listened to it twice and then ordered the vinyl. With my only (that I know of) exposure to "shoe gaze" being shoe gaze metal, in the form of Horseback, perhaps I have more to learn in this genre. That being said, this album pretty much blew my mind. She is from Oakland, which draws me somewhat, but it also gives me some context, having some life history with Oakland, CA. Listening to this album provides a true album experience, all the songs fitting together well and painting a soundscape that can mesmerize and let you escape. It is a powerful thing.
2. Gygax - 2nd Edition
Gygax has managed to make an even better release for their second album. Of course, I love the D&D theme, but don't let that distract you from the magnificence of this album. I think, from the Gypsyhawk days (when I first heard of Eric Harris) to the start of Gygax, to now, there has been nothing but growth. The songwriting on this album is solid through and through, and the sound still reminds me of southern rock/metal, despite these dudes being based out of Ventura, CA. Bryant Throckmorton's guitar work is so frickin' stellar, it hurts. And, it is worth it to do yourself a favor and follow him on social media, to see his shred lessons. But, it is the way the guitars play off each other and the tightness of these songs that really set it apart from Gygax's first release. I got to see them live in Portland this year and, wow, what a show!
3. Sierra - The Mirror
I really, really liked Sierra's album, Pslip. I consider it an all time favorite. I didn't think it possible that they could top that, especially with a departure from their sound that reminds me of Mastodon in all the right ways, on Pslip. However, this is now my favorite Sierra album. The Mirror shows depth and maturity over Pslip, despite being more rock than metal (IMO). Sometimes less is more on this album. All of the musicians do their jobs well and shine through when they need to. The vocals are soaring. If anybody complains about this album, I would guess it is because they've departed so far from where it could be predicted they'd go. Instead of following a trend to make more commercially obvious metal, they've gone and turned creative and created something more unique, and special. I have endless appreciation for this Canadian band and hope they do a west coast tour at some point soon, and stop in my town.
4. Marcus Miller - Laid Black
Gosh, I just don't listen to much jazz. Sometimes I've felt like it is over my head or I don't know where to start. Even though, I've taken classes on jazz history and have listened to quite a bit over the years. Well, I heard of Laid Black via NPR this year and had to hear more. I'm not surprised that Marcus Miller has been a big deal for a long time, even though I'd never heard of him. He's a darn good bass player. Sometimes a musician forms songs, or an album, to just showcase a skill. Miller can do that. He can really play. Just listening to him riff on the bass is enough to sustain the listener's attention. But, that wouldn't have made the special album that we have here. He has written smooth and accessible songs that are easy and enjoyable to listen to, accompanied by bass that is shredding and will appeal to any technically minded musician or appreciator.
5. The Sword - Used Future
I've been a fan of The Sword for a bunch of years now and have always looked forward to their releases. Nothing has really got me excited, though, like Gods of the Earth did, especially the last couple albums (Apocryphon and High Country). To be honest, if it hadn't been for the acoustic release of Low Country, I'm not sure I would have even gone to check out Used Future. I enjoyed Low Country enough to think there was something interesting left with the band. I'm glad I stuck around because the band has rejuvenated my enthusiasm for their music with this release. (Don't get me wrong... none of their releases are bad, but some have given me that "more of the same" feeling that can get old). Used Future has a solid theme and the songs fit together well, and the band sounds fresh. I have to admit, I've had the same enthusiasm that I had for Gods of the Earth, although these songs don't smash you in the face like that album did. Instead, they're more calm and the energy is subtle. I've found myself humming them days later and wanting to return to this album. While it may not be necessary to own every album by The Sword, this one is an essential addition to the collection.
6. Yob - Our Raw Heart
I just love Mike Scheidt and pretty much anything Yob releases. I find myself listening and listening, and finding these nuggets of brilliance to appreciate. They are one of the biggest things to come from my home town and I'm proud of that, but what has impressed me most lately is how they've continued to evolve and develop, and get better. I would say they'd achieved a pinnacle when they released The Great Cessation. That was my favorite among their albums for a long time. And, I greatly enjoyed Clearing the Path to Ascend, thinking it was instrumentally and song writing their strongest, but it exhausted me to listen to it all the way through. With Our Raw Heart, the band has pushed through to the other side and built a musical project that is powerful and commanding, and has all the emotion of CtPtA, but with more of a positive feeling. It is arguably their best and you can tell that this line up has played a lot of time together and practiced their chops, and now they've delivered a masterpiece.
7. Haunt - Burst Into Flame
The more time that goes by, the more it seems to me that Trevor William Church is just plain underrated. I can remember playing early Beastmaker for friends a couple years ago and hearing, nah, they sound too much like too many other bands. I didn't think so. But, maybe time has done good things with practicing the craft and honing the skills, because this album stands out. If it must be argued that it sounds like other bands, then Church has gone and taken the best elements and put them together to put create such a solid straight up metal album. It is hard to stand out in the scene today, but this album has done it. Everything is well done. The tone, the solos, the song writing, it is truly a total package.
8. Floater - The Thief
Floater is another band that I've enjoyed for many years and just seems to be getting better with age. With this album, the core members of Rob and Dave seem to be taking the whole being in a rock band a little less seriously, the album has a relaxed feel about it in some regards. However, they're such talented musicians and have such amazing synergy that I have the feeling even a practice jam sesh with these two would be amazingly tight. The song writing and cohesion of the band on this album is still the best it has ever been. Markedly, this is the first album without the other core member, Pete, but the drumming slot filled by Mark Powers has been filled well. Also, there are some additional instruments present on the album, such as slide guitar, a rarity on their releases. I will always love Sink and some of the older albums, but The Thief is a worthy addition to their discography. Floater remains one of the most creative and interesting bands out there.
9. Janelle Monae - Dirty Computer
Janelle Monae has been a bright spot on the pop music scene from me, one of those musicians who challenges others because she raises the bar. She blends many genres on Dirty Computer, including pop, jazz, R&B, and hip hop to put together a project that maintains throughout, never getting dull. In an age where pop music is too often about the hit or the catchy sound, without focusing on the song writing, she has refused to do that. Encompassed within is also music that is personal and heart felt, and illustrates messages felt by a generation. I heard of her through an NPR interview, which is definitely worth checking out, as she's an interesting person with interesting stories. She put tremendous work into this album and it shows.
10. Mark Knopfler - Down the Road Wherever
Where has Mark Knopfler been lately? I'll admit that his last album (Tracker) was so boring for me that I think I listened to it twice. I purchased his new album, Down the Road Wherever, as a present for my dad off Amazon. I was fearing the worst, but hoping for the best. The purchase came with a digital download, so I listened to it right away. Now, I need to pause and say that I don't personally need every release by an artist to be amazing and I recognize not everything is gonna be for me, even when it is someone I tend to be drawn to like Mark Knopfler. I mean, I've been listening to him since Dire Straits, and since I was a little kid, I usually love his stuff. I actually felt bad for not really liking Tracker because I wanted to like it so much. Well, with Down the Road Wherever, Knopfler is back to playing the kind of music I love from him, the album kicks ass. It has made me want to go back and listen to some of his older stuff that I love, but more importantly, it gets me excited. It gets me excited to listen to music with my dad and maybe reminisce a little about being younger, but also excited for what Mark Knopfler is gonna do on his tours and what he'll release in the future.
Other notable releases I enjoyed this year included:
Robbie Fulks and Linda Gail Lewis - Wild! Wild! Wild!
King Tuff - The Other
Justin Timberlake - Man of the Woods
Car Seat Headrest - Twin Fantasy
Hyborian - Vol. 1
Visigoth - Conquerors Oath
The Midnight - Kids
Steve Perry - Traces
Judas Priest - Firepower
The Jayhawks - Back Roads and Abandoned Motels
Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats - Wasteland
Venom - Storm the Gates
Greta Van Fleet - Anthem of the Peaceful Army
You know, basically any of the above albums could have easily made this list. Who knows, maybe I'll talk about my views on them in another post. I actually considered doing a top 20 for this year. Well, cheers for 2018 and happy new year! I'm looking forward to all the new music to be released in 2019!
til next time
-Jason
