QuickCrit's Top 16 Albums of 2018

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Jesse's Top 15 Albums from 2018

1. 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.

2. Horse Feathers - Appreciation             

Longtime fan, but this is easily my favorite Horse Feathers album. Playing it for everyone, and all kinds dig it.

3. Flasher - Constant Image       

Is this post punk? New Wave? The best of both? It toys with jagged riffs, repetition, harmonies, and so many barbed hooks. Plus, they look 10.

4. Native Sun - Always Different, Always The Same    

    

A late addition and only an EP, but nearly every song is a killer slab of swaggering rocknroll.

5. Alice Ivy - I’m Dreaming

Avalanches comparisons are fair, but damn if the album doesn't reveal new details to love with each listen.

6. Spiritual Cramp - Television   

Holy crap! Loved the EPs but these 6 new songs might even be better. Combines for an all around fiery punk LP.

7. Alien Boy - Sleeping Lessons 

Nailing that perfect mix of melody, noise, and emotional heft. Easily one of my top Portland albums this year.

8. Heaven - All Love Is Blue        

Love their expansive sound; this shoegaze struts. Side A is near perfection. On heavy rotation this year.

9. The Orielles - Silver Dollar Moment   

Infusing their indie pop tons of clever surprises. Sounds both familiar and unique.

10. Chemtrails - Calf Of The Sacred Cow

Discovered these gender-bending psych pop masters off a 2017 label sampler and fell in love with their previous two psych pop EPs. My Johnny-come-lately status payed off with an album released just weeks later and that I’ve rocked ever since.

11. 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.   

12. Jeff Rosenstock - POST-        

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

13. The Record Company - All Of This Life

They keep it simple -- three guys, a couple chords, minimal lyrics -- but when they find a rhythm, they work it, wringing out each sweaty riff. Hey! Whoa oh oh oh.

14. Lord Huron - Vide Noir

First introduced to this band off one of these lists back in 2011 and they’ve been a mainstay on the radio since then. Another family favorite.

15. Murder by Death - The Other Shore

Propelled by a baritone vocals and bold drum beats, these country gothic anthems ride the line between dark and celebratory.

Graham's Top 3 Albums from 2018

1. Beach House - 7     

    

2. Lord Huron - Vide Noir   

         

Makes me want to go on a road trip.

3. Alice Ivy - I'm Dreaming          

Like movies from the 50's mixed with some mellow sweet beats, relaxation, nostalgia.

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.