It’s the end of the year and while things have been very, very quiet around these parts lately, the music journalist in me can’t turn down an opportunity to create a list. What can I say, old habits die hard.
I’m going to try to do more in this space in 2022, so keep your browsers peeled. But for now, in no particular order, here are 10 records released this year that I really enjoyed and listened to quite a bit throughout 2021.
Czarface + MF DOOM “Super What?”
I pretty much enjoy everything Czarface releases. Add the late, great MF DOOM and I’m immediately sold.
Brandi Carlile “In These Silent Days”
I’m pretty sure it’s impossible for Brandi Carlile and the Twins to release a bad album.
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit “Georgia Blue”
An excellently done covers album of artists from Georgia to celebrate Georgia turning blue in 2020.
Chris Cornell “No One Sings Like You Anymore”
A great album showing the ridiculous range of one of the greatest rock vocalists to come from Seattle.
Amyl and the Sniffers “Comfort to Me”
Hard-hitting punk rock from the land down under.
My Morning Jacket “My Morning Jacket”
The self-titled album from one of the best rock bands in America is one of the best albums from one of the best rock bands in America.
Flag Day Soundtrack
I didn’t want to like this album mostly because I’m not a Cat Power fan. But it’s really, really good. And yes, the song “My Father’s Daughter” by Olivia Vedder is the highlight here, I couldn’t resist posting Eddie Vedder covering R.E.M. And if you’re keeping score, that’s two R.E.M. covers in this post.
Hold Steady “Open Door Policy”
The 1b next to the 1a on my list of favorite bands pulled some magic out of their hats and released a remarkably great late-career album. If you’re a Hold Steady fan there is so much joy in this album and if you aren’t a Hold Steady fan then I’m not sure we can be friends.
Halsey “If I can’t Have Love, I Want Power”
A dark pop record produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross? Oh, and it’s a Halsey record too? Yes, please.
Jerry Cantrell “Brighten”
The latest solo album from Jerry Cantrell is a great as anything Alice in Chains v 2.0 has relaesed.
