So Good, So Far 2017 |
* Sylvan Esso | What Now (April 28)... It has a beautiful warmth, both familiar and odd, like the mantra Holden Caulfield was trying to usurp. There's an almost folk-like feel to the music, in that it calms me and causes my mind to think. The intangible hum, or buzz, seems to never fully leave you. It deserves to be given a true listen. The entire album is magical, it transports me to a place I can't quite describe. The opening track, "Sound", and the final offering, "Rewind", are my preferred escape routes. This is perhaps my favorite record of the year.
Benjamin Booker | Witness (June 2)... Booker was an honorable mention back in June, not anymore. After repeated listening there was no way I could not give credit where credit is due. "Motivation", personally hit home with me; his intention are both sad and encouraging; instructions that can be understood tend to produce better results. Another song that stings is, "The Slow Drag Under". In a world so full of everything, I too feel the weight of isolation, reminding me that I want to make it.
* Arcade Fire | Everything Now (July 28)... The state of our current, modern and western world are captured in the sonic landscapes, creatively married to lyrics that wring out gravity. Real stories unwinding and then wound back up, hurled in the direction of anyone who's actually capable of listening—our part to play in their genius. Arcade Fire has mined both spirit and depth, and instead of hoarding those mined resources, they've decided to share. I simultaneously applaud and thank them. Few artists are as unique and daring, finding ways to move us. "Creature Comfort", "Peter Pan" & "Put Your Money On Me", resonate with me strongly. This too is one of my favorite records.
* David Rawlings | Poor David's Almanac (Aug. 11)... Songwriting, songwriting, songwriting; they care and it's vivid. Very few are able to capture the brilliance, skill and simplicity that he and Gillian are able to harness. Having seen them this fall in Golden Gate Park was as powerful as anything I've seen or heard in quite some time. Masters of their craft, timeless and full of love, we're lucky to have passionate artists who do it on their terms. This album will stand the test of time and is one of my three favorites of 2017.
* David Rawlings | Poor David's Almanac (Aug. 11)... Songwriting, songwriting, songwriting; they care and it's vivid. Very few are able to capture the brilliance, skill and simplicity that he and Gillian are able to harness. Having seen them this fall in Golden Gate Park was as powerful as anything I've seen or heard in quite some time. Masters of their craft, timeless and full of love, we're lucky to have passionate artists who do it on their terms. This album will stand the test of time and is one of my three favorites of 2017.
LCD Soundsystem | American Dream (Sept. 1)... Reunions almost always occur, so it was only fitting that LCD Soundsystem would come back too. I won't lie, there was part of me that didn't want them to fall into that cliché, they were always their own beast and I wanted them to stand alone. The flip-side however, is that their returned gave us more danceable tracks, set against the poetic reality of Murphy's world. They epitomize diversity and singularity, if that's possible? They scream New York City, yet are consumable to all. The second track, "other voices", sounds almost too much like their past ("Advantages"), but still works in a juxtaposed manner, pitting melancholy against the upbeat. The very next track, "i used to", reminds me of 80's synth-pop, influenced by the UK but made fresh through their mechanisms. I'm glad they're back.
Wu-Tang Clan | The Saga Continues (Oct. 13)... No one does what the Wu does, no one. Little Wanda actually snugs to this album, a rarity since hip hop tends to alarm her, so that's gotta mean something. The Saga is a deep album full of grime and contemporary commentary. It continues a legacy that some could argue, created the culture we live in. It's beats, interludes and MC'n is next level shit. Tracks 6, 8, 9, 11 & 18 are beyond on point. The Wu-Tang is forever.
Honorable Mention: Low Roar | Once In a Long, Long While & The Barr Brothers | Queens of the Breakers
Those with an * are my personal picks for album of the year. Enjoy the holidays with some solid sounds. Coming in December, is my annual list of best live performances, The BESTY's...Gobble Gobble, Happy Thanksgiving!
eightychoices.
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