2019 Top Record Releases.
In a rather unceremonious fashion, I present a list of my favorite records to surface in the year 2019.
To those who may take an interest, please enjoy.
In no particular order:
10. Tyler, the Creator - Igor
I must give the man credit where credit is due. He managed to reinvent himself and come out with one of the freshest takes on hip hop and R&B that I have come across. Igor is fantastic.
9. Sunn O))) - Life Metal
Drone music can be an acquired taste. The band, with the help of Mr. Steve Albini come through with one of the densest sounds and productions in their discography. It is really something to experience.
8. Better Oblivion Community Center -S/T
Both Pheobe Bridgers and Conner Oberst, fantastic songwriters on their own, Come through with an intensely likable group of tracks. With Lyrics to die for.
7. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - Ghosteen
I've been a long time fan of Mr. Caves' work. Coming through this time confronting the loss of his Child. Hauntingly sad, through and through.
6. Russian Circles - Blood Year
In my opinion, Blood Year is the most visceral project the band has released to date. Mike Sullivan is a wizard.
5. Frail Body - A Brief Memoriam
I am always a fan when a heavy band takes a “No Bullshit” approach to songwriting. Frail Body does that in spades with this LP.
Real Screamo fans, rejoice.
4. Black Fucking Cancer/ Gloam - Boundless Arkane Invokations
Being a new Black Metal listener, I came into this with open ears and no expectations. This Split LP doesn't let up for its entire runtime and the two bands flow together seamlessly.
3. Greet Death - New Hell
Not many bands utilize dynamic in the way Greet Death Does here. Feels like a throwback to some old shoegaze that I find myself to be very nostalgic about.
2. Leonard Cohen - Thanks for the Dance.
I normally find posthumous albums to be in poor taste. With Cohens passing in 2016, I didn't know what to expect going into this record. I feel it is a genuine extension of his catalog put together by a family member who wanted to see. This unfinished vision realized.
1. Wear Your Wounds - Rust on the Gates of Heaven.
Being an avid fan of Mr. Jacob Bannon and his work with Converge, I went into this record with high hopes and was not let down. In place of the ferocity of Converge, wear your wounds uses dynamic and sound density to make their point with this record. Its Melodic, tense, and enjoyable. It almost feels as if it could be a score for a movie. I think it is well worth your time.
2019 was full of good music, looking forward to seeing what comes along in 2020.
Cheers!
-RH
