My Favorite Albums of 2019

Beautiful Noise - Sterospread

The amazing North Carolina due put out what is their best album to date. Unique synth popness. My favorite song is “Spend the Last Night with Me”

Beneath the Eyrie - Pixies

The Pixies being one of the best bands of all time, and the band that kicked off the entire sound of the 90’s they have a lot to live up to. Thankfully this record does and is a masterpiece. A bizarre but perfect horror themed album.

Black Ahima - Lacuna Coil

Lacuna Coil is probably my favorite metal band, this record does not disappoint. I love the over the top vocals of “Reckless”. The guitar work and writing of this album is just superb.

Erosion Osmosis - Wasteland Hop
I may be a bit biased since my cousin plays in this band and I mixed their record “Morph” But I just love hearing their new work. This record is such a unique take on hip hop in a band context. Adding violin in the whole thing is a wonderful touch. Don’t miss this record.

Fear in a Handful of Dust - Amon Tobin

Finally new Amon Tobin! One of my favorite electronic artists of all time. If anyone proves that using a sampler can be art it’s him. This record is his experiments in modular synthesis and the results are amazing.

Here comes the Cowboy - Mac DeMarco

I love Mac’s low-fi approach to everything. Just weird sounds and good songwriting. The song “On the Square” was the one that really drew me in to this record. That weird de-tuned oscillator in the chorus really stands out. It’s a risky move that pays off. Good, weird stuff.

Love & Revelation - Over the Rhine

I have loved this band since the 90’s. Seeing them play live when I lived in Indiana was truly life changing. This record opens with the lyrics

“I cried all the way from Los Lunas to Santa Fe

And on to Raton

Neither one of us wanted things to end this way

But one of us had to be wrong

Shoulda moved to Pasadena when we had the chance

Sold the new home, half the farm

Gone to the dance I can fix anything except for me It's easy”

WOW.

Great lyrics, great performances, fantastic production, haunting vocals.

Malibu Ken - Malibu Ken, Aesop Rock

What can I say, it’s Aesop with an amazing producer. This was a nice surprise in the hip-hop world this year.

Net Split or, the Fathomless Heartbreak of Online Itself - MC Frontalot

Another great record from someone that I thought was just a novelty. His record “Question Bedtime” proved he was more than just a one trick pony and this record continues to show his versatility as a songwriter and performer.

Norman Fucking Rockwell - Lana Del Rey

Every record Lana has put out I have loved. She does a great job forging her own path and writing music that is left of center. I loved that her music is called “Hollywood sadcore” I love putting on her record and just writing. This album was the soundtrack of my trip to Albuquerque. From the Air B&B to the airport, to the city. This was always in my headphones.

There Will Be No Intermission - Amanda Palmer

One of my all time favorite artists, who is married to one of my favorite writers. Her other records have just meant the world to me. “There will be no Intermission”s is a record that breaks all the rules. It’s almost an hour and a half long, There are two ten minute songs and so on. But it is just as honest as her earlier work. She discusses being a new mother, life and a plethora of other topics. This is one you really need to sit down with headphones on and really listen to.

To Believe - Cinematic Orchestra

Cinematic Orchestra has not put out a record in over a decade so I was very excited when I heard this was coming out and boy it does not disappoint. Just amazing front to back. Well worth the wait.

Voyager - 311

I was never a huge 311 fan, but this record caught me. It shows growth from a long time hardworking live band. The songs are positive and rock!

Weather - Tycho

The first Tycho album with vocals and its perfect. One of the most interesting artists in electronic music put out his best record yet.

Whenever - Atmosphere

Once again Atmosphere’s song writing and delivery is fun, funny and introspective at times. Another great record in a near perfect discography.

Volume Massimo - Alessandro Cortini

Long time Trent Reznor collaborator, Alessandro’s music is always haunting and an unique take on electronic music. This one is an interesting journey from start to finish.