This has been a weird year for the site. We are transitioning into covering other types of content other than music (I think…). Anyway, we still cover music but our staff has kind of dwindled both in number and people interested in covering content on the site. So instead of having this mega list where we rank albums sitewide with people’s votes, etc. I thought it would be better to celebrate our authors individually and have them share their own top ten albums of 2019.
Top Ten Albums of 2019
Kelsey Simpkins (The Aural Premonition)
2019 was the worst continuous year of my life so far. And I’m not even considering politics in that statement! Because I was in a not-great state most of the year, I didn’t discover or listen to that much new music or write about much either, unfortunately. From mysterious and chronic health issues and endless, stressful work and travel, to the death of beloved dogs and deep heartbreak, I had a lot of lows, over and over. The music that I listened to this year then functioned either as emotional support and comfort or inspirational and motivational, to celebrate the good things that did happen. Listening to these albums helped me immensely, and I don’t know what I would have done without them.
1. Kiltro – Creatures of Habit
Kiltro’s debut album was recorded during one of the worst years of my life – but since its release, it’s become one of my all-time favorites. Within the Denver music scene, Kiltro is something distinct, something significant. Compared to the entire American music scene, Kiltro is something unconventional, innovative, avant-garde. And in the world? Simply something brilliant. Also — a must-see live.
http://www.theauralpremonition.com/music/a-year-with-kiltro
2. Lemolo – Swansea
This is the third full release from Seattle’s Meagan Grandall, a project now 10 years old. A sweeping, symphonic expression of loss and the ache that comes with it, I have listened to this album this year in airports, at home, and in my car at the loudest possible volume while in the worst possible mood. Lemolo has been with me for many years now as a favorite, but Swansea was there for me this year at a time when I needed it the most.
3. Lomelda – M for Empathy
There is a special place in my heart for albums that find me when I’m at my lowest, and lovingly hold me there. No expectations, no pity. Just some of the most simple, gorgeous, heartbreaking — and shortest — songs I’ve heard in a long, long time.
4. Buke and Gase – Scholars
For those familiar with Buke and Gase’s previous work, this is quite the departure in some ways. Three years ago, they embraced electronic music, and developed Arx. This device has mostly replaced their namesakes, the buke (bass ukulele) and gass (guitar-bass). They have joined the cacophony of electronic performers: now triggering sounds, changing effects on their instruments, and controlling vocal harmonies all with the punch of a button. Buke and Gase create entire universes unto themselves, symphonies within single songs, blurring time and space with their new discovery and creation. They will never not be in a league of their own, no matter what they use to make their music.
Buke and Gase concert review here.
5. Electric Guest – KIN
This whole album is rad, sassy, and dancy. Also, his voice is just… so good. Get listening!
6. Tove Lo – Sunshine Kitty
Guilty pleasure? Sure — I’m guilty of loving almost every single song on this release by the Swedish pop artist. Great for car rides and dancing around at home. Her best work yet.
7. MUNA – Saves the World
“Number One Fan” hooked me initially, but “Stayaway” and “Pink Light” sunk me. If you’re a fan of reimagined 80s pop ballads, you will love this group of talented musicians.
8. From Indian Lakes – Dimly Lit
This band is like comfort food for me, I can always return to them for some slightly sad, but meaningful and well-composed songs. And on this latest release, they really find their groove, having created their best yet. Check out “Your Heartbeat Against Mine,” and “Garden Bed” for a good taste.
9. Great Grandpa – Four of Arrows
I first heard this band on Indie 102.3 (Colorado Public Radio) and had to look them up immediately. What a fantastic album, ranging from some of the best indie out there today, to an original piano composition (“Endling”). Every song has a different story and a different feel — yet the whole is cohesive. I can’t wait for what they make next.
10. Litany – Single Player Mode
Finally! FINALLY! this talented woman releases her songs as something more than singles, so I can list her in my top ten! This 4-song release includes one of my absolute indie pop favorites, “My Dude,” and another newer favorite, “Go Out.” The last two songs are a different style for her, with more of a sad or frustrated theme, but they’re just as good as her more upbeat tunes.
Runner up: Polyenso – Year of the Dog
I found out about this band less than a week ago, and already I’m in love. They released these songs in 2019, however, so I’m including them.
Eddie Carter’s 2019 (An ode to a lost year) – Written Links Here
To be honest, I think the fact I struggled to get to a top forty list for albums this year is reflective of my own lack of blogging. But, I cannot say that there has been a drop in quality as the albums that make up my top list are as good as any other year you would care to mention. It’s been the usual mix bag, with noise/rock forming my main focus. Once I approached the top ten, I sadly had to cut brilliant works by Vladopus9, Fret!, New Model Army, Speilbergs, and Kim Gordon. Each of these in another year would have topped my list, but the quality of the top ten is immense (at least in my eyes). So, without much further ado (and probably more mistakes than Jon would care for), here is the view from that drunk Geordie in the North East of England.
1.Kkett – Kketterwaul
Description: Described by themselves as Joycore, but for me as Primus on uppers and flirting with punk, Kkett are one of the hottest bands in Newcastle at the moment. Songs about unicorns, pasties, krakens and TV presenter, Bill Oddie be damned, these guys are fantastic!
2. Sam Fender – Hypersonic Missile
From my hometown, riding a wave of publicity and self-confidence like a pro and topping the UK charts at the same time. Imagine if Bruce Springsteen was from Newcastle and liked to swear more, with songs about poverty, families, and love. Time will tell if he can keep this up, but this is a fantastic start!
3. Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride
I did not see this one making my list when it was announced, due to drifting away from their music since Contra. However, this little gem of gentle tunes, catchy words, and tales of the gold rush has featured high on my rotation for ages now. Damn those pesky hipster!
4. Dunes – Take Me to the Nasties
The kings of Stoner Rock from the North-East of England have finally released their debut album, and what a cracker it has turned out to be! Songs such as “Release the Clowns”, “Denim Casket” and “Take Me to the Nasties” are stone cold classics, with riff after riff after motherfucking riff! Also, any band that can get a beer released as well (from Allendale Brewery – check it here) are doing good business in my eyes!
5. Waheela – A Wreck So Clean
I keep saying this, but Waheela are a band who deserve a spotlight. Not because they are show-offs, not because they are for everyone, but because they are making the best noise records going. A Wreck So Clean was so close to topping their high water mark, HX Pop; this in itself is proof positive that the hunger for drone is not over yet.
6. Andrew Bird – My Finest Work Yet
My Finest Work Yet is my first introduction to Andrew Bird, his twelfth studio album since 1996. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But this multi-instrumental man has created an Indie rock masterpiece. Full of light, love, and whistle, My Finest Work Yet could be the most fitting title of 2019.
7. Jimmy Eat World – Surviving
A band that keep on doing their own thing, ignoring trends and releasing quality records. A sentence I never thought that I would say about Jimmy Eat World, but here we are. Surviving is not so much a statement of intent, but an announcement of continuation. They know they’re not changing the wheel, so why fix something that isn’t broken? It might not be a massive leap forward from Integrity Blues, but it’s another small step which is all that matters.
8. Cult of Luna – A Dawn of Fear
From Umeå in Sweden, Cult of Luna are a name that immediately should conjure images of Post-Metal noise. A Dawn of Fear is their best work to date, a tour-de-force of some of the heaviest Post-Metal to be released this year. If you are not playing it loud, you are not doing the work justice.
I also enjoyed this album. – Jon
9. The Wildhearts – Renaissance Men
An album ten years’ in the making, Renaissance Men marks the return of the classic Wildhearts line-up. Picking up as if the last decade had just been a dream, Ginger, CJ, Danny and Ritchie have created what some say is their greatest ever album. I cannot argue with that logic, for each song on here is a rock anthem in the making. Hopefully, they won’t leave it too long to their next release!
10. Adam French – The Back Foot & the Rapture
Singer/songwriters might be ten a penny, but some standout from the rest. Adam French is one of those stand out artists. A man with a dark sense of humour, a voice that could tempt angels to the devil and an uncanny knack of getting you to sing along. Also, any person that can improve on “The Rat” by The Walkmen is a good egg in my book.
Aaron “Coop” Cooper – Written Links Here
Despite the world being in turmoil, be it politically, financially, or mentally, 2019 was an insane year for music! With a decent combination of new artists and fixtures, there wasn’t a clear winner as to who owned the year but that isn’t exactly a bad thing. Instead of someone holding down the fort or kicking the door down, we got banger after banger from just about everything I was excited about. For the first time in years, I can’t really think of an instance where an artist let me down. Chopping away at my Top 10 proved harder than I could ever imagine and even though I’m confident in my selections, I’m sure it would change if I thought about it anymore. -Coop.
1. Transylvania Stud – White Witch
After a stellar debut Red Queen a few years ago, I can’t think of any other indie artist who’s sophomore release had me as stoked as Transylvania Stud. With White Witch, Andrew Godfrey spent less time in space and leaned harder into heavier territory. Chunky riffs, other-wordly beats, vitriolic vocals, and my favorite cover art, Transylvania Stud delivered the year’s most satisfying hard rock release.
Transylvania Stud feature here.
I also enjoyed this album. – Jon
2. Angel Olsen – All Mirrors
I’ve always loved the transparency of Olsen’s music. There’s an always-present indescribable vulnerability in everything she does. But with All Mirrors that vulnerability isn’t self-aware, it’s ice-cold and unlike anything she has ever recorded. I don’t know what she was mentally going through during the recording process but putting the primary focus on disconnect not only paid off but maybe even makes All Mirrors a career-defining moment for an already accomplished artist.
3. Timothy Eerie – Ritual
As with grunge was to the 90s, psyche is to the 2010s. But what most of 60s flavored, reverb-heavy noise bands lack, oozes from every pore of Timothy Eerie; charm. Underneath the haze of static and fuzz lies an underbelly of hooks and self-awareness that makes Ritual such a fun album. One second you’re on a hallucinogenic cloud in the fifth dimension with songs like “She Talks To Mushrooms” and the next you’re skateboarding in the Hollywood Hills with “West Coast”. I can’t think of a more confusing or entertaining album.
4. The Hip Priests – Stand For Nothing
The definition of punk can be about as diverse as the people who make it. Regardless if you think it means civil unrest or political protest, The Hip Priest couldn’t care any less about what you think about any movement. While every other genre gets a soft reboot, Stand For Nothing is a shot in the arm for punk rock. It’s an apologetic kick in the teeth in the nastiest way possible. If this record doesn’t make you want to trash mainstreet in a violent riot, you were probably too soft for 2019 anyway.
5. Big Thief – Two Hands
It’s wild to think Big Thief dropped not one, but two records in 2019. Even wilder is the fact both could’ve easily made my personal Top 10. And even wilder than that is how the second of the two, Two Hands, just might be the best one. With U.F.O.F., Big Thief explored the surreal weirdness of both mystical and science fiction. But Two Hands is a straight-up rock record with raw production and imperfect arrangements. However, the off-kilter demo aesthetic showcases just how interesting Big Thief really are. It’s not always about beautiful dreamy folk when they’re just as good at brutal, devastating honesty too.
6. Gyasi – Andrognye
Part Aladdin Sane-era Bowie and part T Rex, Gyasi buzzes all things glam, but beneath the charisma and glam, Andrognye is a love letter to a time when rock n’ roll was more than a screened t-shirt and sticking your tongue out in pictures. Not only do the hooks pop and riffs roast, Gyasi encourages the listener to embrace what turns them on and celebrate it. Just because the world around us is in shambles, it doesn’t mean we can’t have a good time.
7. Kim Gordon – No Home Record
It’s hard to believe after nearly 40 years in the music business, but No Home Record is Kim Gordon’s debut solo album. Despite noisy guitars, fist-clenching choruses, and all the wit and vigor only Gordon could deliver, No Home Record isn’t exactly a rock records as one would think. While there isn’t many callbacks to her time in Sonic Youth, Gordon offers up all the attitude and jaded commentary we’ve all come to expect. Whether she’s calling out harassment in the music industry or obsessive consumerism, No Home Record is bitterly entertaining commentary on the sugar-coated garbage dump that is America in 2019.
8. American Goon – American Goon
When Zack Murphy isn’t playing drums in Nashville’s sleaziest blues rock outfit Blackfoot Gypsies, he’s the mastermind behind American Goon. With his full-length self-titled debut, Murphy doesn’t waste time with glossy production or viral gimmicks. All his bottled up energy is spent on no nonsense, unflinching, fuzzy rock n’ roll. There really isn’t much to talk about to be honest. If you don’t like American Goon, you don’t like rock music. It’s that’s cut and dry.
9. Orville Peck – Pony
Wearing a mask made of fringe and Porter Wagoner-esque Nudie suit, Orville Peck could come off as a parody of classic country music. But with heartbreaking lyrics and Glenn Danzig meets Roy Orbison vocals, Peck delivers a unique take on a genre that doesn’t see too much diversity. Pony has the wit of a Tarantino grindhouse film but the haunting surrealism of David Lynch. Despite the cartoony masked character element in the visual department, Peck is the real deal and the only country artist that mattered in 2019.
10. Reverends – The Disappearing Dreams of Yesterday
After emerging from a mental and emotional crisis, Reverends’ frontman Dandy Lee Strickland looked to his music for a way to snap him back in place. The result was The Disappearing Dreams of Yesterday. Even with all the fuzz and atmosphere of their 2016 debut Derealization Blues, The Disappearing Dreams of Yesterday manages to be an album of hope and redemption without being preachy or condescending. It was the album I didn’t even know I needed and I don’t know what kind of year I would’ve had without it.
Adam P. Newton – Written Links Here
I’m a coward who doesn’t attach numbers to the music he enjoys. I just assemble a big list of the stuff I really liked in a given year, and if I really REALLY liked it, I attach a picture. So, I always have a Top 10-15 list, but I’m not gonna number them for you. Sorry. Art is subjective. Get over it.
Angel Olsen – All Mirrors
A beautiful, rich, lush album that finds Olsen exploring the boundaries of her sound, complete with a wonky, skronky production aesthetic that pleases and challenges my ears.
Big Thief – U.F.O.F.
Fine, fine – every hipster best-of list will include this project, the first of TWO stellar folk-rock albums this band released in 2019. And you know what? I don’t care. This music touched many of the same parts of my soul as Carrie & Lowell did, so maybe melancholy folk just resonates with me sometimes. Is that OK?
FKA Twigs – Magdalene
Insert “Critically Acclaimed” nomenclature here This album is great. Full stop. The lyrics are soul-bearing, the beats are compelling, the arrangements and melodies are superb. Stop hating on stuff that’s good just because you’re tired reading fawning profiles about people who make good music. The people making the music aren’t writing the profiles. You can ignore the hype and still appreciate the art.
Holly Herndon – Proto
Dear God. If my dear editors make me pick a #1 album of 2019, this is it. It’s the logical and mind-bending conclusion to all of the electronic music I’ve explored since Burial released Archangel in 2007. Hendon effortlessly weaves together the nerdiest and geekiest impulses from the forefront of the electronic music scene but does so in a way that evinces power and majesty like few can. My ears are absolutely entranced.
I also enjoyed this album. – Jon
Jamila Woods – Legacy! Legacy!
Vintage R&B with a keen sociopolitical bent, Jamila Woods opines about a host of African-American cultural leaders without delving into hagiography. A history lesson wrapped in stellar beats and warm production, her voice draws you in with honeyed subtlety, compelling you to hear, understand, and absorb her words.
Kim Gordon – No Home Record
When Aaron Cooper tells you that rock will never die, this is the sort of record he’s talking about. Easily the best solo project ever created by a member of Sonic Youth, Kim Gordon manages to pummel you in the face before giving you a much-needed aural hug. Lyrically, the songs discuss a range of contemporary socio-cultural issues from a leftist perspective, but musically, this is expressive no-wave art-rock of the highest order. No pretension allowed. And fuck you, Thurston Moore.
Moor Mother – Analog Fluids of Sonic Black Holes
This is a master class in take-no-prisoners noise rock. Moor Mother will not take your bullshit, and she will not give you any. The music pummels you relentlessly, while still impressing upon you the need to let yourself go so you can fall headlong into the onrushing truth of the abyss.
Pedro the Lion – Phoenix
Oh look – an extremely excellent indie record that ticks off every single possible checkbox on my list of what I like in 21st century rock music. It’s a return to form for David Bazan, complete with some of the most evocative lyrics of his career.
Sharon Van Etten – Remind Me Tomorrow
Oh look – a fuckin’ fantastic rock record filled with rich, deep emotions and compelling musical ideas. This album leaves me gutted with every single listen. I would listen to Sharon sing-cry the phone book.
Sudan Archives – Athena
R&B meets indie meets folk meets electro. This is the future of world music. It’s a completely polyglot experience that destroys musical and national boundaries while showcasing the best of what global music can and should be if we want to build a better world. And it’s as sexy as hell.
Matt Jamison – Written Links Here
2019 was a year that was extremely busy. Busy with life. Busy with work. Busy listening to so much good music! Not enough contributing to the site but you may have been bombarded by tweets from my burner account on Twitter @bgmlive. Haha! There is always next year. My true favorites of the year list won’t be ready till New Year’s Eve because I have to follow a process. But for the sake of being included on the B.G.M. year-end list I pulled off the bandaid and here are my favorite 10 (for now).
1. Low Dose – S/T
Out of the ashes of Fight Amp comes the action-packed debut from Philadelphia’s Low Dose! Non-stop grunge tinged noise rock that will keep you coming back for more. One of the best live shows of 2019 as well!
No Place Like Home feature here.
I also enjoyed this album a lot. – Jon
2. Altin Gün – Gece
Turkish music made for the dance floors of Amsterdam became one of the hottest global exports of the year. Selling out venues all across the world, this band became an essential must-see. Gece is not their first record but definitely their breakthrough. Looking forward to what the future has in store for this band.
3. Glassing – Spotted Horse
Brutal Panda coming in strong! Two of my top three records of the year are courtesy of this label. Glassing provide spaced out blackened noise rock that will catapult your mind to somewhere out of this world. Urgent and essential release. Love it.
4. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Bandana
The follow up to my favorite record of 2014 did not disappoint. I mean, what do you expect when you combine one of the best rappers alive with one of the most prolific producers in the world? Pure fire. Plus, the features on this album are best of 2019.
I also enjoyed this album. – Jon
5. Blood Incantation – Hidden History of the Human Race
Death metal had a solid year as a whole. But I am a sucker for getting trippy and Blood Incantation are the best at taking their extreme heavieness into psychedelic mastery. A lot of people hate on the gaudy cover art but I LOVE THE COVER ART TOO.
6. DIIV – Deceiver
This record blew me out of the water. For some reason I never gave them a chance. I blame Coop. But DIIV bring shoegaze back to the front of mind for me. What a wonderful piece of music. This one is likely to end up higher on my final list.
7. Pelican – Nighttime Stories
My favorite instrumental rock record of 2019. That is saying something considering we got new Russian Circles and new Town Portal this year. Some day I will get a chance to see them play live. Some day.
8. Actionesse – The Deep, Bright Below
One of the most fun shows of 2019 was put on by Seattle’s Actionesse. They brought the songs from The Deep, Bright Below to life in the most magnificent fashion. Basically they bash you over the head with upbeat noise rock and a hefty dose of horns. SO MUCH FUN.
9. They Hate Change – 2019 EPs
Tampa Bay rap duo They Hate Change had a busy 2019. They released THREE EPs. I grew up a fan of Bone Thugs and there is something about the way these dudes rap and the beats they have that reminds me of when I was younger listening to Bone. That is supposed to be a compliment. Do yourself a favor and buy all three EPs and burn them onto one magnificent CD.
10. Have A Nice Life – Sea Of Worry
One of the most polarizing releases of the year amongst their fans and critics alike. I don’t know what the problem is. Sea Of Worry is fantastic. “Science Beat” is one of my favorite songs of the year. This record has gotten me through a lot of anxiety-riddled days since it came into my life. LOVE IT.
Jon
I’ve consumed so much music this year that it’s hard for me to figure out what my Top 10 of 2019 would be. There are things that I really liked that only got one spin and things that I thought were okay that got way too many spins, mostly because I was constantly seeking out new stuff that I didn’t spend enough time with stuff that I loved. I’ve just kind of been existing in the music either this year if that makes any sense. However, to play along and participate here are my 10 favorite albums of 2019. (I think…)
Also, to catalog all the stuff I listened to and liked this year I will be making full genre lists for 2019 hopefully soon
1. Big | Brave – A Gaze Among Them
It’s drone, it’s magnificent, it’s beautiful. Robin Wattie’s vocals are primal and urgent. The first track “Muted Shifting Space” is a portal to the fourth dimension!
2. These Beasts – S/T
These Beasts are what dream bands for me sound like. A three-piece power trio that just goes. Crazy dynamics, smart compositions. All four elements: vocals, guitar, bass, and drums all doing amazing shit in each song. Like Kowloon Walled City on speed and steroids. Favorite track is the second track ” Shovel and Pick”.
3. Ari Lennox – Shea Butter Baby
“I just got a new apartment
I’m gon’ leave the floor wet
Walk around this bitch naked
And nobody can tell me shit”
4. Etta Bond – He’s Mine / He’s Not Mine
Etta bond dropped a pair of short albums not sure in which order you’re supposed to listen to them, but the concept is in the titles. He’s Mine focuses on being in a relationship, He’s Not Mine focuses on being single. I discovered Etta Bond last year when she was featured on the song “Something New” off of my #1 album from last year, SiR’s November. Etta bond returns the favor this time around with SiR being featured on her song “More Than a Lover” off of He’s Mine. I think the combination of SiR’s vocals and Etta Bond’s vocals are heavenly together and I totally like to fan fiction out and think that these two are a couple in real life and that all of their love songs are about each other, which leads me to my next choice…
5. SiR – Chasing Summer
Sadly there is not another Etta Bond feature on Chasing Summer, but this album is still fire. The chillest most dopest R&B out there. SiR is life, SiR is love, SiR is the future. Get on board or get left in the past.
6. Spotlights – Love & Decay
If you know anything about me you know how obsessed I am with Spotlights. Their music embodies the pinnacle of heavy and dreamy and if you know anything about me you know that’s the sound I am always searching for. Well, the search is over because Love & Decay is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Plus they finally added a full-time drummer in Chris Enriquez.
No Place Like Home Feature with Spotlights here.
7. Serial Hawk – Static Apnea
This was a late 2019 release and an even later discovery for me, but Serial Hawk dropped one of the best albums of the year with Static Apnea. These dudes have chops for days like they are reading each other’s minds or some shit. They play so well together. Heavy, heavy, and then heavy. If you listen to track three “Depths and Passages” and don’t have your mind blown, then your brain probably left your head a long time ago, because you’re lame as fuck.
8. Cherubs – Immaculada High
Cherubs don’t give a fuck so hard that they give a fuck. Don’t make me explain myself. So glad this band is back and making the weirdest sounding rock music around.
9. Julia Jacklin – Crushing
Like old-school Angel Olsen vibes, but darker. Fun fact Julia Jacklin is from Australia. The opening track “Body” is devastating.
10. Torche – Admission
Torche went through a bit of a line-up change before this album Jonathan Nuñez switched from bass to guitar duties and then the band added Eric Hernandez form the band Wrong on bass. This new addition must have served as a shot of pure adrenaline to the band because their latest album Admission absolutely slays. Just savageness throughout all 11 tracks.
Wow! You made it all the way to the end. What is wrong with you? Hope you found some new music you hadn’t yet discovered in 2019. Here is to a super positive 2020 full of kick-ass music.
One Love – Jon