February 18, 2018

Early 2018 Favorites

Seems kind of crazy to post a list not even two months into the new year, but fuck it, the world may explode tomorrow, so I better get down my thoughts now.

Albums I turn to when I get pissed off reading the news (so pretty much every day):

Jeff Rosenstock - POST-
Oh man, "USA" is a sprawling, kitchen sink punk epic that just slays in its messy brilliance.


Superchunk - What A Time To Be Alive
Delivering on the promise of last year's political daggers, this album captures where my head's at these days. Practically on daily rotation. 


And And And - Idiot
Their last album, The Failure, struck a chord with me in my life at the time. Only a couple days into this album but finding plenty of saltiness to love.  

When I need my politics wrapped up in catchy indie pop choruses:

The Spook School - Could It Be Different?
Just try and not sing along to "Fuck You, I'm Still Alive." Then go out and support your local trans org.


Chemtrails - Calf Of The Sacred Cow
Just discovered Chemtrails off an end of year label sampler and fell in love with their previous two psych pop EPs. My Johnny-come-lately status pays off with an album released just weeks later. 


When the world is getting me down, but I just need to chill:

The Orielles - Silver Dollar Moment
Infusing their indie pop tons of clever surprises. Sounds both familiar and unique. 


Beatchild & The Slakadeliqs - Heavy Rockin' Steady
Subtle and buttery hooks from all over place. Throw it on for your own High Fidelity/Beta Band type moment.


Alice Ivy - I'm Dreaming
Avalanches comparisons are fair, but damn if the album doesn't reveal new details to love with each listen. 


5 Comments:

Rain Hiawatha Kernytsky said...

That Orielles album has been doing it for me, as well.

I also think the new Franz Ferdinand album is the best thing they've done since their premier release, 15 years ago...

Also, if you want to get heavy, the new MMMD offering, Andromache, RULES!

awmercy said...

I'd fallen off the FF train a couple albums back, so I hadn't even checked it out. I'll give it a spin now though.

Rain Hiawatha Kernytsky said...

Also, damn, that new Shannon & The Clams joint is chasing my snowy day winter blues away...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm3cf3jsWNw

Rain Hiawatha Kernytsky said...

Also, I've changed my mind about that FF album. It doesn't hold up after a few listens. I was hopeful but it's just chasing the ghost...

awmercy said...

HA! It's hard to recreate that magic of falling in love with a band for the first time.