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I love keeping up with new music. So I love reading these lists this time of year to see other opinions about albums I loved and maybe discover a few more that I missed.
If you care about my opinion here are my thoughts on some of my favorites from this list. I'd love to hear some other opinions too!
PJ Harvey: I Inside The Old Year Dying
I think most of us know PJ Harvey. This is some of her best work in my opinion.
Titanic: Vidrio
This is a collaboration between cellist Mabe Fratti and guitarist Hector Tosta. I'm a fan of anything Fratti has been involved with. It falls somewhere in between experimental, ambient, jazz, and pop.
Young Fathers: Heavy Heavy
Almost genreless energy? Excellent album. One of my favorite albums this year. Check out their recent KEXP session.
Water From Your Eyes: Everyone’s Crushed
One of the more innovative groups doing stuff right now. Calling it indie pop/rock is an understatement.
Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter: SAVED!
She changed her name and ditched the metal. But maintained the intensity. It's religious trauma: the album.
billy woods & Kenny Segal: Maps
Likely my favorite hip hop record this year from underground rapper billy woods. It's dark and thoughtful and Kenny Segal's production is excellent.
Kara Jackson: Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?
Really excellent folk album. Great songwriting and lyricism.
Bully: Lucky For You
Nothing groundbreaking here. Just some good fuzzy indie pop/rock.
Mitski: The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We
So good that it made it to the album club discussion!
Sufjan Stevens: Javelin
For fans of Carrie & Lowell style Sufjan.
Wednesday: Rat Saw God
I'm not surprised to see this one at number 1. It's excellent country tinged noisy alternative rock.