Jesse's Winter Favorites

So I decided that 2021 officially started in February. 2020 can have January. New music is rolling out and it feels good. Now we all need to get vaccinated so we can hug and go to shows together again. 

Genders - "The World Fades Away"

I couldn't be more excited by the return of the Genders. With Sunbathe killing it in the meantime, maybe Genders is the side project now. Regardless, based on this single, the album is going to be amazing.

Kiwi Jr. - "Undecided Voters"

Cooler Returns is my first 2021 album on heavy rotation. Their lo-fi power pop is hitting the right notes for me right now.

The Quiet Ceased - "Gotta Move"

I've listened to this EP a lot more than I've actually hung out with my friend Eli. Luckily, it's really good and sounds like him and his world weary musings, just now accompanied by his beautiful and intricate guitar playing. 

The Bones of J.R. Jones - "Stay Wild"

A new song by a longtime favorite with some beautiful slide guitar. 

Wonderhorse - "Deleted Scenes"

When I finally got around to digging into the 2020 PDX Pop compilation, I discovered a familiar voice in a great new band. It adds an alt. country wash onto the lo-fi pop and everyday observations of LANDLINES or Alternative Milks.

POSTDATA - "Nobody Knows"

So my brother Eric definitely recommended Wintersleep to me back in 2016. Not sure if it didn't resonate at the time or if I never followed through, but I love frontman Paul Murphy's new solo album and now have a whole back catalog to explore. 

Corvair - "Oceanside"

I fun mix of male-female harmonies, catchy guitar and keyboard riffs, and self-described "arena rock sex jams,"which is an intriguing Bandcamp tag I hope catches on.

Lord Huron - "Not Dead Yet"

A family favorite delivers another cozy blanket of a song.

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.

QuickCrit's Top 30 Albums of 2015

1.             Lord Huron - Strange Trails

“These guys create a magical world in their songs. I think I want to live there but I'm also a bit afraid of it.” – Ancient Indian Wizard

“Is this country? Is this indie rock? Who cares; who knows… it is really good. Full of catchy, smooth tales of who-knows-the-fuck-what that are sure to fulfill your need for addicting toe-tapping tracks.” – NightraiN

“My children listened to Strange Trails every night for probably three months and I still didn't get tired of it.” - Vivacranewife

2.             Sleater-Kinney - No Cities to Love

“Such a bad-ass album that it hurts.” - ve1cro

“After ten years off, their anger and politics resonate and inspire me more than ever.“ – Awmercy

“It's awesome to see a return of Sleater-Kinney, and it's amazing to see them return in such strong form. No Cities to Love is familiar yet refreshing.” – Patch

“All Hands On The Bad One will forever be MY Sleater Kinney record, but who knew they still had something so amazing still in them? This is badass!” - CloningMishap

3.             Father John Misty - I Love You Honeybear

“This album is like good satire: you can not really listen and just enjoy it, and then you can really listen and be like "HOLY SHIT" and the see the entire world differently." – Vivacranewife

“A gorgeous overview of the small and big problems of the world set to a soothing and wistful soundtrack.” - AncientIndian Wizard

“Having seen Father John Misty perform live several times this year, I don't know if his showmanship has colored my view of the album and catapulted it to the top. The whole album is refreshingly sarcastic and very well-crafted.” - Patch

4.             The Decemberists - What a Beautiful World, What a Terrible World

“I shouldn't be surprised given previous year's picks...but I am." – Nesto 

“Colin Meloy has handled aging and adulthood beautifully. He's stayed weird and awesome and moving.” – Vivacranewife

“Oh weird?! The Decemberists put out a new album this year and it's in my top 10 list?! Another lovely romp in and out of reality by these talented fools.” - Ancient Indian Wizard

5.             Divers - Hello Hello

“Divers mix heartland punk and slow burning indie rock. Rough and passionate, I’m blown away every time I see them.” – Awmercy 

“Both epic and earthy.” - Paul

“Fantastic rock music. The album is great but this band truly shines in concert. I think this album makes my list mostly because of much they rocked my socks off every time I saw them this year.” - CloningMishap

6.             Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp a Butterfly

“Lamar confronts injustice and violence, and he does it with a hopeful attitude and a constantly changing style that gives the album an epic feeling.” - CloningMishap

7.             Jamie xx - In Colour

“This album makes me pine for the days when Underworld and The Orb were duking it out for the trippy chill-music crown. It's sample-driven and mostly instrumental with the vocals and lyrics sliding into the background.” – CloningMishap

“Pretty much rules.” - dillwithit

8.             Bop English - Constant Bop

“A complete album worth multiple listens.” – Nesto

“The 60s and 70s influences run deep on this somewhat-solo project album from White Denim’s front man. The songs taper off in quality toward the end, but the start is so strong that this warrants a top slot.” - NightraiN

9.             Summer Cannibals - Show Us Your Mind

“Fully ascended as one of Portland's best rock bands delivering jagged hooks with serious chops, intensity, and attitude. A tight and ferocious live set not to be missed.” - Awmercy

“Do I love this album because it's tight, fast, and loud, or do I love this album because I have a serious crush on the lead singer? Tough call.” - CloningMishap

10.          Kurt Vile - B'lieve I'm Goin' Down...

“Somber...uplifting?” - Nesto

“Darker, quieter, and folkier than his recent releases, Vile's introspective voice shines through on this classic-rock influenced album that is very listenable and impressive.” - NightraiN

11.          Chrvches - Every Eye Open

“I love Lauren Mayberry and the things she makes me feel.” - ve1cro 

“The second best Chvrches album ever made! Yes, it's not really revolutionary but it IS a near-perfection of what they did with the first album.” - CloningMishap

12.          Twin Shadow – Eclipse

“I started running this summer. It's kind of huge; when I texted my husband that I went on my first run he responded "WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?" But it's also amazing and I love this new part of my life. For the first couple of months, I only ran to this album.” – Vivacranewife

“Perhaps a polarizing album in the Twin Shadow fan club. I was apprehensive but after deciding to dive on in I never looked back.” - Ancient Indian Wizard

13.          Bully - Feels Like

“I wish I could make this album tie for first. This entire album is solid and there are some definite stand out hits. The vocals are so full of life and passion, and the lyrics are full of coming-of-age angst. A truly fantastic album.” - Patch

14.          Lost Lander – Medallion

“A grandiose pop album, the band striding out onto the dance floor with their fingers still grasping at the stars.” – Awmercy

“The song "Sunburns" absolutely rules.” - Ancient Indian Wizard

“One of the prettiest albums I've ever heard come out of Portland.” - CloningMishap

15.          Sheer Mag – II

“It's a 7". It's 4 songs. It's amazing.” - Ancient Indian Wizard

“The blownout lo-fi might deter some, but to me it sounds like that hidden gem on a friend’s overdubbed radio mixtape.” - Awmercy

16.          Heat - Rooms EP

“Remember what it was like to be 21 and full of piss and swagger? Me neither. Heat are crushing on Lou Reed just as hard as the Strokes did, and sharp enough to pull it off in style. Ideal for vicarious reminiscing.” – Awmercy

“Thankfully someone decided to continue in the Strokes gritty pop music mold while still concentrating on craftsman ship. Not only did they accomplish that but they expanded on it. Well done Canada!” - Ancient Indian Wizard

17.          Big Grams - Big Grams

"Fell In The Sun" is an all out club banger for me. First time I heard it I was like "who the hell is this" then I found out that it was Big Boi and Phantogram and what was left of my mind was fully blown. So good.” - Ancient Indian Wizard

“This "Seven Deadly Sins" themed album was a constant guilty pleasure of mine this year.” - Patch

18.          Belle & Sebastian - Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance

“Just like an old friend who you haven't seen in years and who you can pick up with right where you left off.” - ve1cro

19.          Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit

“Almost anecdotal in its lyrical style. Conversational. She drifts in and out of actually singing and makes normal life sound so damn cool. Hang out with me, Courtney!” – CloningMishap

“A very solid album from Courtney Barnett.” – Patch

20.          Langhorne Slim and The Law - The Spirit Moves

“This album is a happy-then-sad rollercoaster of emotions. Sucking you in with the rollicking floor-stompers, but tugging at your heart-strings in the slower tracks. I’m really enjoying the evolution of Langhorne Slim… please continue.” – NightraiN

21.          Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Asunder, Sweet and Other Distress

“The new National Anthem. ...and because America is so broken, it had to be Canada that did anything about it...” – Rain

“Despite being a scant 4 songs long album, all the songs are top-notch and merit repeated hearings.” - Patch

22.          The White Buffalo - Love and The Death of Damnation

“Not as potent as El Buffalo Blanco’s last release, but I find just about everything he puts out to be praiseworthy and I still gravitate to his slower tracks to let the deep baritone wash over me.” – NightraiN

“The quandary of heartache and melancholy, "do I drink more or drink less?" - Nesto

23.          Jose Gonzalez - Vestiges & Claws

“A contemplative acoustic lightness but with a large presence.” – Nesto

24.          Lucero - All A Man Should Do

“Overall the quietest and most tender album from Lucero yet (although the horns remain!), but don’t let that fool you into thinking that it lacks the passion of Lucero’s previous albums.” – NightraiN

25.          Promotmartyr - The Agent Intellect

“The Future of the Left travels through the early 80s and ends up in the 2010s.” - Paul 

26.          Ryan Adams - 1989

“I'm not kidding, I cried when I listened to his cover of Out of the Woods.” – Vivacranewife

“Hi Ryan. Of course I still love you.” - Ancient Indian Wizard

27.          Murder by Death - Big Dark Love

“Liked it more every new listen. More strings please.” – Nesto

“I love this band, but this album dropped off just a little bit. I feel like some of that may be due to the lack of a clear-cut single, but with that said I love "Send Me Home" and happily listen to this album anytime.” - NightraiN

28.          Tame Impala – Currents

“A really psychedelic album from a consistently great band. The song "Cause I'm a Man" has been on of my most played singles this year, that I shamelessly sing along to and recommend to others.” - Patch

29.          The Helio Sequence - The Helio Sequence

“I keep wanting to talk about how simple their sound is but I feel like that sounds wrong because they obviously put a ton of work into it and it sounds amazing so I'm just going to say that it is simple in the absolute best possible way. I love these dudes.“ - AncientIndian Wizard

30.          Nathaniel Rateliff And The Night Sweats - Nathaniel Rateliff And The Night Sweats

“Sing-a-long!” – Nesto

“Like Cee Lo’s “Fuck You” for the alt. country set, ‘S.O.B.’ is catchy as hell and with just enough color in the chorus with to give it some edge.“ - Awmercy