It’s been a wild year for music, what with a lingering pandemic, massive upheaval in streaming / online platforms, & myriad other seismic shifts. There were also tons of great new releases. Here’s a thread of 10 albums in particular that really stood out for me: beacons of light in a dark time.
Supra grateful to Ezra Brooks for including Spirit Guide in his 2023 list! Here’s to 2024 being a lot less dark for humanity – and in the meantime, here’s what else made it onto the list:
Melenas – Ahora (Mushroom Pillow)
Fenne Lilly – Big Picture (Dead Oceans)
Fat Spirit – EGG (Citrus City)
Deer Tick – Emotional Contracts (ATO Records)
James Brandon Lewis / Red Lily Quintet – For Mahalia with Love (Tao Forms)
Rose City Band – Garden Party (Thrill Jockey)
Mapache – Swinging Stars (Innovative Leisure / Calico Discos)
Jess Williamson – Time Ain’t Accidental (Mexican Summer)