GL.21.03: Remko Van Knippenberg
GL.21.04: ERIK KRISTJANSON
GL.21.05: Marisa Plaice
GL.21.06: Lukas Brooks
***
Sharon Van Etten, Angel Olsen - “Like I Used To”
Hard to pick one song above the rest for me again this year. This topped my list given that 2021 was supposed to be the year things got 'back to normal', but it became clear things won't be 'like it used to'. Times are like the big ice cube in my whiskey, never returning to what it once was - but melting into what I'm currently consuming (and for that I'm grateful).
Wolf Alice - “How Can I Make It Ok?”
Wolf Alice appears to have many personalities, and I like ‘em all! This one stood out for me, with a sort of M83 feel.
The War on Drugs - “I Don't Live Here Anymore”
Got a lot of miles out of this album in 2021.
Faye Webster - “Cheers”
One of my go to 'relaxing music' albums this year. I love cheersin' so Cheers!
Wet Leg - “Wet Dream”
Wet Leg really made a splash this year! Can't wait for the full album in 2022.
Japanese Breakfast - “Be Sweet”
Dancy, poppy, happy song here.
Mitski - “Working for the Knife”
This one cut deep; I too feel I'm working for the knife, day in and day out. Well said, Mitski.
Tonstartssbandht - “What Has Happened”
One of those songs that's an experience to listen to, with, like, an arc. Weird and wonderful music.
Lucy Dacus - “Thumbs”
Naming such a beautiful and sparse song after pressing someone's eyes out with your thumbs is a badass move. Well played, Lucy Dacus.
Taylor Swift - “All Too Well” (10 Minute Version)
Not sure if this should count as a new song, but it's so damn good I had to put it on here. Some of Taylor's finest work in my mind.
Mdou Moctar - “Afrique Victime”
Musically next level and lyrically an anthem. "Africa is a victim of so many crimes / If we stay silent it will be the end of us / Why is this happening? / What is the reason behind this?"
Trace Mountains - “EYES ON THE ROAD”
Sounds like a pared down War on Drugs. Obviously a great road trip song, but a great song in general.
Big Thief - “Little Things”
I feel like I have a Big Thief (or Adrianne Lenker) song on here every year. This one has such a cool sound, can't wait for the double album in 2022!
Matt Sweeney, Bonnie Prince Billy - “Hall of Death”
Loved this Superwolves album, one of the more upbeat tunes on here.
Mach-Hommy - “The Stellar Ray Theory”
All about Mach-Hommy! Sounds like the creative hip hop stuff I banged in the late 90s (and he sounds like Mos Def).
Flock of Dimes - “Two”
Always impressed when a member of a very good band (in this case Wye Oak) can have a solo project that is also very good (in this case Flock of Dimes).
Wild Pink - “The Shining but Tropical”
Discovered Wild Pink just this year, surprised they are not more popular than they are. Good old fashioned indie rock jams.
Parquet Courts - “Walking at a Downtown Pace”
These guys have the best album openers (from “Master of My Craft” to “Total Football”). Full of energy and really kick things into gear.
Bomba Estereo - “Deja”
Colombian dance party! Watching my two year old shake her hips to this song gives me much joy.
Isaiah Rashad - “Headshots (4r Da Locals)”
Another stand out rap album for me this year (which are fewer and farther between for me these days). Love the samples here.
Bachelor (Jay Som, Palehound) - “Sick of Spiraling”
What could be more universal than spiraling out of control and needing someone who loves you in order to stop? :)
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