Nesto's Top 12 Albums from 2017

Trevor Sensor-Andy Warhol's Dream  

Like Bob Dylan, only better, and without the baggage of a Nobel prize.

Future Islands-This Far Field     

It's fortunate I like similar sounding songs.

Father John Misty-Pure Comedy 

Would be higher on my list, but it's not really on the lighter side.

Wolf Parade-Cry Cry Cry  

I waiting for Wolf Parade to write their magnum opus for theater.

Matthew Logan Vasquez-Does What He Wants           

Matthew Logan Vasquez does what he wants.

Portugal. The Man-Woodstock   

Hit or miss...but mostly hit!

Battleme-Cult Psychotica 

Get into it!

Surfer Blood-Snowdonia  

What the hell did I just listen to... a hundred times? A bitter macaroon, a sour eclair?

The White Buffalo-Darkest Darks, Lightest Lights     

The National - Sleep Well Beast  

Delicate Steve-This is Steve          

I had so much fun listening to this album.

The Yawpers-Boy in a Well         

Honorable mention for the Denver locals.

Soft Swells - Soft Swells (2012)

March may be a little early for summer, but it is never to early for summer jammy jams. The summer sounds come early with the Soft Swells' self-titled release. The beachy-vibed indie rock is quite popular these days, and in some respects the Soft Swells could be considered California's response to Florida's Surfer Blood, with less reverb and more appealing vocals.  Overall the album amounts to a well-crafted collection of pop songs, with shimmering vocals and rhythmic drums. Such attributes shine through on "Every Little Thing" and "Shake it Off." While every song is quality, there isn't a dominent single (in my mind) that needs listening to over and over again. More likely, one can toss this on with a couple other breezy indie pop albums, such as the latest Tennis, Drums, or Young Friends and nod along, imaging bare feet in the sand, sun on the face, and an ass in a comfortable folding chair. The combination of Brooklyn and Los Angeles roots reeks of hipster, but the tunes transcend any niche, too-cool-for pop culture genre or stylization. The Soft Swells bring great music and good times.

Howler - America Give Up (2012)

This is rock and roll... This is Howler. Their debut album, America Give Up, is vigorous and catchy much like one of my favorite bands of 2011, The Vaccines. The Drums, Surfer Blood and The Soft Pack (plug in other surf-rock influenced band name here) also come to mind, because the surf-rock trend is so hot right now. The 11 track album comes in at just over 32 minutes, which leaves each riff-laden, power pop track to come and go at a '70s punk pace. It is truly structured as an album from a different era. I suppose we shouldn't be surprised anymore due to all the musical virtuosos currently on the prowl, but I am still amazed by the fact that Howler is made up of mere kids. They pull together an amazingly mature and musically-educated sound, while keeping the songs and song-titles playful and carefree. This album is packed with singles, so take a half-hour out of your day, especially while the sun is shining here in California, and have a listen to some youthful summer jammy-jams. 

The Vaccines - What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? (2011)

Sad-sack mopers beware, The Vaccines' new album, What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? is relentlessly upbeat and fun, so you might as well just slip on your shorts, grab a six pack, and head for the water. Released just in time for the warm weather, the album is packed with summer indie rock jammy jams. The surf rock vibe driven by the reverb-soaked guitar riffs and pounding toms recalls Surfer Blood's Astro Coast, which kicked off last year's summer, but with a touch more pop punk a la The Drums or The Soft Pack. Most of the songs are short, catchy and laden with enough surf and beach references to actually convince the listener that the band has spent a few summers away from London. The hook-filled "Westsuit" is the most obvious example. The album feels young and free-spirited, like on the opener "Wreckin' Bar," which mixes a propulsive beat with a bad ass high school fight song. Overall, they keep it simple and relatable on songs like "Post Break-Up Sex" and "If You Wanna," the later a playfully open offer to an ex-lover to reconsider her decision, creating a refreshingly laid-back and enjoyable album.

The Vaccines will be on tour with Artic Monkeys in May.

2010 Music Survey Results - Top 50 Albums (11-20)

# 11

Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest (September 28, 2010)

"Simple, smart, and lush. Mark Bolan lives on through Bradford Cox!" - Max D

"Deerhunter went and made themselves an album that is listenable, accessible, but not short on substance. Lyrically, their most engaging album yet." - JC Hackett

"Hard to pick a favorite song, because this is an album I always listen to completely.  This is an album to listen to in its entirety in one sitting.  And then maybe one more time again, because its that good." - Hotcatato

Recommended track: "Revival"

# 12

The Tallest Man on Earth - The Wild Hunt (April 13, 2010)

"I never have a ranking for music, which screws up Awmercy's system, but this is actually my number one album.  It's that good." - TheCraneWife

"Saying that an artist sounds familiar in some ways is probably considered a kiss of death.  However, when I say that this album sounds familiar I mean it as a compliment.  For while it sounds like an old friend it simultaneously sounds new and refreshing..  It's weird.  Just listen to it once.  Chances are it'll tug at your heartstrings." - Ancient Indian Wizard

"What a fantastic year for Kristian Matsson.  Not only did he release a stellar album AND EP, but he's really attracting the attention he deserves.  The Tallest Man on Earth showed great promise as a modern singer songwriter on 2008's A Shallow Grave, and he delivers a fully realized set of skills as a full blown troubadour with The Wild Hunt." - Tex

"The critics of the world are often quick to praise the pathfinders–the wildly original artists that thumb their nose at the musical status quo. Sometimes it is more challenging to breath new life into an old form. Kristian Mattson is an old fashioned, heart on the sleeve troubadour with just a guitar,  a rugged voice and some great folk melodies. It is a time honored formula but The Tallest Man has carved his own distinctive niche. He is a songwriter & performer to watch in the coming years." - Luc

 Recommended track: "King of Spain"

# 13

Yeasayer - Odd Blood (February 9, 2010)

"Did this album only come out this year? Seems like forever ago. Doesn't play all the way through well, but the first part of the album is great." - War Machine

"I almost forgot about this one–some brilliant songwriting and great eclectic sound." - Taylor

"Dang. How'd these guys get so catchy? I'm certainly not complaining." - Hotcatato

"Tight and woven and a personal pick because you haven't seen life until you've seen a four year old rock out to these tunes." - JC Hackett

"Regardless of your feelings toward Jethro Tull, this album is fun, upbeat and as expected from Yeasayer, a lotta bit trippy." - NightraiN

 Recommended track: "Ambling Alp"

# 14

The New Pornographers - Together (May 4, 2010)

"The first 15 seconds of "Moves" has got to be one of the best song intros of all time." - Lauren VD

"Neko I want to have your babies!  Well, that and learn to whistle…" - Abbie

Recommended track: "Crash Years"

# 15

Portugal. The Man - American Ghetto (May 11, 2010)

"Just listen to it." - Ernesto

"Brilliant. P.TM never disappoints." - Julia

"They are funky and fun. They rock the house every time. Their videos are bad-ass. Love me some P.TM." - NightraiN

"A funky haze drifts over the album, riding moody psychedelic grooves into hook-laden choruses." - awmercy

 Recommended track: "The Dead Dog"

# 16

The Roots - How I got Over (June 21, 2010)


"Still edging out Kanye because I find myself reaching for it more." - Jeremy

Recommended track: "How I Got Over"

# 17

April Smith And The Great Picture Show - Songs For A Sinking Ship (February 23, 2010)

"A friend invited me to see April Smith & her band at a $10 show at DC9. I had no idea what to expect and knew 2 songs in I would buy the album. She's starting to hit it big–rightfully so. Clever lyrics and just an all-around fun vibe." - AnnMT

"So much fun and so different from a lot of other music coming out by women right now–cheeky, clever, heartfelt, just a wonderful new artist." - Anne

"April Smith and the Great Picture Show sounds like they could have stepped out from a '30s or '40s cabaret. If their sound doesn't make you jump up and do a jig, then you are a lost cause." - Brasilliant

Recommended track: "Colors"

# 18

The Morning Benders - Big Echo (March 9, 2010)

"Melody, melody, my lord the melodies." - Cursivebuildings

"A great all-around album, but just lacking the punch of a top tener." - NightraiN

Recommended tracks: "Excuses"

# 19

Surfer Blood - Astro Coast (January 19, 2010)

"They're still in college? How jealous am I?" - Ari


"In a lot of ways, this was the year of the axe. And these guys are lumberjacks. Or Middle-Earth dwarves. Awesome riffs & muddy vocals with way too much wisdom for their age." - JC Hackett

"These were my jams all winter and I played the shit out of them. The best of the fuzzy buzzing surf pop scene." - awmercy

"Carefree lyrics and vocals, reverberating chords, and surf guitar fill. There are exactly zero reasons not to check this band out." - NightraiN

"Shitty band name and album cover...  (I think I said the same thing in our halfway through the year thingy) anyways.. ruling album!" - Ancient Indian Wizard

Recommended track: "Swim"

# 20

The Walkmen - Lisbon (September 14, 2010)

"Something about the twangy rasp of Hamilton's voice mixed with the almost retro guitar and soft drums allows you to escape the over-saturated electro dance genre of 2010 and transports you to an era where good music, with talented musicians exist." - Layne

"I'm a sucker for vibrato. Throw in some melodrama and big drums (timpani!) and you've got a winner for me." - JC Hackett

"I have a pretty major crush on Hamilton.  Love love the way they jangle on this album." - Hotcatato

Recommended track: "Juveniles"

The Drums - “Down By The Water” video

I don't ever seem to tire of the Drums breezy and retro pop. Instead, I find myself humming "Let's Go Surfing". Here's another one from bother their EP and album. It's sort of a lullaby, but it has just a touch of slow burning soul to it.

I can't believe they are going to be at the Wonder Ballroom October 3rd with Surfer Blood. How perfectly paired are those bands?

Surfer Blood - Astro Coast (2010)

America, this is "Your Radar" speaking: Surfer Blood sells out shows. They blog and Tweet. And they have already committed to South by Southwest in March. Now is the time, if you haven't done so already, to get acquainted with five young dudes from West Palm Beach. "Swim", the first single off of Astro Coast, grabbed my attention in early November, and although the rest of the tracks are quite different than the anthemic rock of "Swim," I have been spinning the catchy blend of mellow vibes and indie pop something heavy. Silky smooth surf guitar riffs coupled with Weezer-esque harmonies make tracks like "Catholic Pagans," "Twin Peaks" and "Take it Easy" stand out as familiar throwbacks. "Floating Vibes," my favorite track off the album, encapsulates all the elements that makes Surfer Blood so fresh and enjoyable — carefree lyrics and vocals, reverberating chords, and surf guitar fill. There are exactly zero reasons not to check this band out.

Surfer Blood - "Swim" [Single] (2009)

Looking ahead to 2010, Surfer Blood's album Astro Coast is set for a January 19th release date and if advance blog chatter is an indication of an albums potential success, consider Surfer Blood soon to be platinum artists. We all know, however, that hype can be misleading, so I prefer to turn to cold, hard evidence. Exhibit A: Their first single "Swim (To Reach The End)" is the kind of anthemic catchy pop rock that is worth looking forward to. Soaring vocals hover above power pop chords with intermingled riffs that are reminiscent of Vampire Weekend, although the bands shouldn't be directly compared. If "Swim" is representative of what the rest of the album will offer, save a slot on your "summer short list" because I have a feeling the album will be packed with summer jammy-jams. Just think, you could be the first kid on your block rocking these tunes at your late January barbecue. Ultimately, there is good stuff here and if the nine other tracks follow the "Swim" direction, I think that Astro Coast will be one to tap into come 2010.