So Good So Far 2019

Where has the year gone? December's in full swing and the holiday craze is creeping in on us. One way to mitigate the hustle and bustle of the season is through music. The second half of 2019 has flown by, just as some of us will be flying for the holidays. So whether you're traveling to see family, or trying to escape them, music can be the tool to help remedy the stress.

Back when the summer sun was shining I listed my favorite albums from the first half of the year. Now that we're on the back nine it's time to round out the list. With all the content available to consume sometimes the best stuff falls through the cracks. Below is a small sample of the riches that exist within the sonic landscapes of 2019.

Music soothes the soul, brings us together, and allows us a safe space to be ourselves. Enjoy the holiday season and ring in the new year with some music. So far so good. So good so far. 

Dame D.O.L.L.A. / Big D.O.L.L.A. / Aug. 9

assassin on the court and on the mic, mean bars, nasty beats, he's elite, lyrically dropped Shaq, diamonds shine brighter on some rough necks, Baggage Claim, main attraction, Ricky Bobby

Marco Benevento / Let It Slide / Sep. 20
80's vibes, Solid Gold, funky, dance to it, drip with it, Baby Don't Make Me Wait, breakdowns like nobody else, Send It On A Rocket,

Amendola vs. Blades / Everybody Wins / Oct. 11
the new duo, drums and keys, percussive, funk, jazz, Hi-Lo, outer space, earthlings, catch your breath, room to breath, Hambela

Circles Around the Sun meets Joe Russo / EP / Oct. 18
grateful, instrumental, musicianship, funky sounds, peddle effects, Get It Right the First Time, William Onyeabor meets The Band, Added Addition

Free Nationals / Free Nationals / Dec. 13
long awaited, welcome to the funk lounge, On Sight, synth-pop-gospel, Oslo, hip hop too, Cut Me a Break, everybody's welcome

Honorable Mention
Raphael Sadiq / Jimmy Lee / Aug. 23
Robert Randolph & the Family Band / Brighter Days / Aug. 23
Lana Del Rey / Norman Fucking Rockwell / Aug.30
Wilco / Ode to Joy / Oct. 4

Best Singles 
Julia Jacklin - Someday / Princess Nokia - S.H.I.T. & Balenciaga / Valerie June - Cosmic Dancer


Happy Holidays,
80choices

Silver Anniversary for High Sierra

July 2nd-5th

Most music festivals are in still in their infancy, or maybe their adolescence, not High Sierra—it turns 25 this Fourth of July. Silver anniversaries are a pretty big deal. Here's a quick roundup of the artists I enjoy who've been announced thus far.

The Word (John Medeski, Robert Randolph, Luther Dickinson, Cody Dickinson & Chris Chew), Joe Russo's Almost Dead, Galactic, Shovels & Rope, Lotus, The Wood Brothers, Surprise Me Mr. Davis, The Barr Brothers, Dopapod, and Marco Benevento. 

Quincy, CA is always a gracious host and this year is sure to be no different. Tickets are on sale now. High Sierra begins July 2nd and runs through the 5th. Enjoy.

eightychoices.

Terrapin Crossroads

phil lesh & friends have been busting out plenty of familiar tunes at his new digs in marin, playfully called Terrapin Crossroads. it's located in san rafael & has had both a soft opening (which i find to be both hilarious & interesting), as well as a run of 12 shows which has brought in an array of phenomenal musicians. some of those who have shown up thus far include phil's son grahame, bob weir, jackie greene, jeff chimenti, joe russo, john kadlecik, jimmy herring & chris robinson. next up to appear are the likes of larry cambell & warren haynes. quite a list of names if i do say so myself?

these particular events are steeply priced & will hopefully give way to more affordable shows in the future. if you live in the bay area check out this intimate new venue's upcoming events, it's sure to please those with an interest in the grateful dead or others who just have a fondness for american music & the artists who create it. i wish phil & his family the best in this new endeavor. after all, one could argue that the dead were a san rafael outfit, as much as they were a san francisco band. cheers to live music & its rich history. thanks northern california for nurturing an atmosphere that perpetuates creativity & a freedom to have such fun.

be well

~eightychoices