Did you see those other “best of” lists? Cringe-worthy, right? They either missed the mark entirely, or picked obvious boring choices, or just simply have shit taste. Not here, though. We might not have listened to EVERYTHING this year, but we listened to a lot, and as always we have the cream of the crop here for your enjoyment. So, do yourself a favor, uninstall your Spotify, un-favorite your mainstream music website and check out some true highlights of the year. Every entry here is a winner. You can’t go wrong. It’s the best year music has ever had!
Best Music of 2024
There’s no telling how albums are gonna hit on a given year, but sometimes you hear something that makes you fall in love right away and marry them on the spot. You know they’re the one. Half Divorced is brutal, has swagger, and is hilarious. It does it all effortlessly, and in doing so, is cool as hell.
I don’t think anyone knew this was going to be METZ’s last year for a while. Everyone I know who loves the METZ doesn’t like the new stuff, but the new stuff is better than anything they’ve ever done. Up on Gravity Hill is dynamic and beautiful, like a freeze dried rose smashed onto the pavement in slow motion.
I’ve said it before, but the Hilken Mancini Band’s debut might have been my favorite album this year if only it came out a little earlier to give me time to digest. The songs here are catchy, fuzzy, and will kick you in the ass like a shot of espresso. Let’s hope this is the first of many more albums to come.
What a shame, especially considering To All Trains is full of the off-ball humor and unique delivery Steve Albiuni is known for. Also a shame is that it’s too short. To All Trains is a masterclass in songwriting and sound. It’s a testament to a trio of musicians bringing Frankenstein to life.
When will Jon Snodgrass put out an album with more substance? I’m saying that because Barge at Will does nothing but impress. It’s short and perfectly crafted pop punk. The essence of the songs are delivered then it’s on to the next one. What’s the hurry? We can’t fill up on this delicious appetizer plate!
If you don’t love Dog Party then there’s something seriously wrong with you. Not only does Dangerous deliver that Ramonesy goodness with a buzzy fuzzy beat, but it sees the ladies exploring a more folk-country side of their music. Somehow they still sound like the Dog Party we all know and love! Bravo!
Some would think a 20 minute opening track would be a recipe for disaster, but not in the hands of the Melvins. Tarantula Heart finds them at the catchiest and sludgiest they’ve been in years and for an album full of substance, it’s over before you know it. Is this secretly the best Melvins record?
Why retire when you’re still making music this good? Who knows what’s going on internally with X, maybe they’re just getting too old, but Smoke & Fiction is full of fun and innovative ideas while still sounding like an X record. Not all bands age with this much grace and sophistication.
You see that cover? Does that remind you of a certain Beatles album? It took me a while to get, but once I did, it made me love this selftitled so much more. I had never heard Redd Kross before. Isn’t wonderful to discover a well established garage superstar? This album hits hard, is full of melodies and harmonies and that magic feeling.
J Robbins is just too experienced both in the writing and sonic aspects of his music to not make wonderful music. Basilisk is simply a rock album that sounds crisp and is full of luster, but has enough twists to keep things interesting. It can appeal to both the casual listener and more hardcore fans. It wouldn’t surprise is this album was mentioned in the New Yorker. Pinkies up!
Best of the rest in no particular order:
Minneapolis Uranium Club – Infants Under the Bulb
St Vincent – All Born Screaming
Sleater Kinney – Little Rope
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Wild God
Pearl Jam – Dark Matter
Fucked Up – Another Day
The Smile – Wall of Eyes
Tim Heidecker – Slipping Away
Gouge Away – Deep Sage
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – Flight b741
Best EPs:
Jon Spencer – Sick of Being Sick
I was a bit worried for Spencer since his last few LPs, although good, were lacking the appeal of his earlier work. This EP shows just this old dog is still full of cool tricks. It’s raw and filled with that strange energy you’d expect from a Blues Explosion album. More music should sound like this!
GEL – Persona
Oef, can sonic brutality really be so catchy? Persona is a short EP but is a veritable punch in the gut. It’s thrashing hardcore with killer vocals. This one’s a rager!
Wilco – Hot Sun Cool Shroud
Leave it to Wilco to put out an EP that fully encapsulates their musical style. Hot Sun Cool Shroud has all the elements of their musical catalog, it’s quiet and contemplative, loud and experimental, rocking, but also with folk-like elements. It sounds like Wilco, for better or worse.
Best Reissue:
Ibrahim Hesnawi – The Father of Libyan Reggae
You know, you grow up shunning your cultural heritage only to appreciate it when you get older and wiser. The Habibi Funk label has taught me that Arabic music can be as versatile and dynamic as western music… or the other way around. My parents just had shit taste. This is the best arab electro-funk reggae reissue I’ve heard all year.
Best album from last year I didn’t hear until this year:
Aesop Rock – Integrated Tech Solutions
ITS came a little too late last year and I was a little too unenthusiastic about Aesop Rock’s previous album to pay it the attention it deserved. I spent lots of time with it this year, and found that ingenious, mischievous, and funny Aes I’ve come to know and love. Though bordering on wacky, this guy still has more integrity than most mainstream rappers.
