Albums of 2019

User avatar
Rob
Die Mensch Maschine
Posts: 7351
Joined: Fri Jul 06, 2012 3:53 pm
Location: Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Rob »

Jirin wrote: Have S-K just decided they are content releasing one album every nine years?
The last one was only 4 years ago.

Sadly, they have no concerts out of North America scheduled.
Nick
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3115
Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2012 9:28 pm
Location: New York State

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Nick »

Great:

1. Weyes Blood- Titanic Rising
2. Jai Paul- Leak 04-13 (Bait Ones)

Very Good:

3. The National- I Am Easy to Find
4. Vampire Weekend- Father of the Bride
5. Sharon Van Etten- Remind Me Tomorrow
6. Solange- When I Get Home
7. Flying Lotus- Flamagra
8. The Comet Is Coming- Trust in the Lifeforce of the Deep Mystery
9. Beyoncé- Homecoming: The Live Album
10. Fontaines D.C.- Dogrel
11. Big Thief- U.F.O.F.
12. Malibu Ken- Malibu Ken

Good:

13. Billie Eilish- When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
14. Carly Rae Jepsen- Dedicated
15. Tyler, the Creator- Igor
16. Little Simz- Grey Area
17. Slowthai- Nothing Great About Britain
18. Helado Negro- This Is How You Smile
19. Ariana Grande- Thank U, Next
20. CHAI- PUNK
21. Deerhunter- Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared?
22. Better Oblivion Community Center- Better Oblivion Community Center

Decent:

23. Kevin Abstract- ARIZONA baby (EP)
24. James Blake- Assume Form
25. Panda Bear- Buoys
26. Toro y Moi- Outer Peace

Poor:

27. Xiu Xiu- Girl with Basket of Fruit
Nick
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3115
Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2012 9:28 pm
Location: New York State

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Nick »

Jai Paul's 2013 leaked album has been officially released.

It's...really good.
Jirin
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3350
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:12 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Jirin »

I decided on the format for the decade tournament I'm going to do in 2020.

200 albums get in, 20 per year in the decade. Other years there will be some re-listening to decide the list, 2019 will just be whatever makes my year end list. Each album will start with 6 points and there will be random matches of four. Based on how much I enjoy them on that listen, second place will get -1, third place -2, fourth place -3. When fewer than 32 albums remain with any points, all albums remaining will be added into a double elimination draw.

Should be fun and take me most of the year. :)

At the end of the year I'm going to try to build a new ranking program that's based on an ELO algorithm instead of the simulated annealing one I use now. Hopefully one with a user friendly GUI so I can easily share it with the group this time.

Is anyone else listening to Our Native Daughters? It's a folk album from three black folk singers comprised of songs about the post-slavery era.
Jirin
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3350
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:12 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Jirin »

Holly Herndon - PROTO is a really good album, but one that evokes a really unsettling feeling. Like music that would play in some sort of techno horror video game.

I think the job of music is to evoke feeling, regardless of which feeling it evokes. But god damn that’s not a feeling you want most of the time.
Nassim
Full of Fire
Posts: 2793
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:35 pm
Location: Lille (France)

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Nassim »

Pretty much everything I have heard from this year is good, but I didn't connect strongly to any of those. Top 10 is pretty good though so I'll probably go back to those a few times.

1) RAP - EXPORT
2) DAVE - Psychodrama
3) Helado Negro - This Is How You Smile
4) Joni Void - Mise en Abyme
5) PUP - Morbid Stuff
6) Malibu Ken - Malibu Ken
7) William Basinski - On Time Out of Time
8) Fennesz - Agora
9) Fontaines D.C. - Dogrel
10) Tyler, the Creator - Igor
11) The Chemical Brothers - No Geography
12) Sunn O))) - Life Metal
13) Chai - PUNK
14) Puppetmastaz - Sweet Sugar Rush
15) Weyes Blood - Titanic Rising
16) Cate Le Bon - Reward
17) The National - I Am Easy To Find
18) Tim Hecker - Anoyo
19) Big Thief - U.F.O.F.
20) Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride

However I am pretty excited for months to come, after the first singles from personal favorites Sleater-Kinney, Hot Chip, Girl Band and Blanck Mass and 2 pretty great tracks from Jai Paul.
User avatar
PlasticRam
Into the Groove
Posts: 2202
Joined: Tue Feb 05, 2013 12:51 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by PlasticRam »

New ratings in bold.

Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated 8.8
Tyler, the Creator - Igor 8.0

Jenny Lewis - On the Line 7.9
Weyes Blood - Titanic Rising 7.9
Aleksi Perälä - Sunshine 3 7.9
Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride 7.8
2 Chainz - Rap or Go to the League 7.8
Sharon Van Etten - Remind Me Tomorrow 7.8
Mac DeMarco - Here Comes the Cowboy 7.7
American Football - American Football [LP3] 7.7
Cate le Bon - Reward 7.7
Future - Save Me 7.6

Deerhunter - Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared? 7.5
The National - I Am Easy to Find 7.5
Xiu Xiu - Girl with Basket of Fruit 7.1
YNW Melly - We All Shine 6.9
James Blake - Assume Form 6.8
Little Simz - Grey Area 6.7
Ariana Grande - Thank U, Next 6.5
Solange - When I Get Home 6.5
Big Thief - U.F.O.F. 6.4
Fontaines D.C. - Dogrel 6.3
Future - The WIZRD 6.1
I feel like that
User avatar
notbrianeno
Movin' On Up
Posts: 917
Joined: Fri Sep 12, 2014 4:47 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by notbrianeno »

Essential
Weyes Blood | Titanic Rising
Xiu Xiu | Girl With Basket of Fruit
Jai Paul | Leak 04-13 (Bait Ones)
Beyoncé | Homecoming: The Live Album

Excellent
Nilüfer Yanya | Miss Universe
Denzel Curry | ZUU
Flying Lotus | Flamagra
Vampire Weekend | Father of the Bride
Tyler, the Creator | Igor
Black Taffy | Elder Mantis
Fennesz | Agora
James Blake | Assume Form
Jamila Woods | Legacy! Legacy!
Deerhunter | Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared?

Great
The National | I Am Easy to Find
Sharon Van Etten | Remind Me Tomorrow
Nivhek | After It's Own Death / Walking in a Spiral Towards the House
Anderson .Paak | Ventura
American Football | American Football (III)
Solange | When I Get Home
Hayden Thorpe | Diviner
Ariana Grande | Thank U, Next
Kevin Abstract | Arizona Baby
Billie Eilish | WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP WHERE DO WE GO
Holly Herdon | PROTO
Gesaffelstein | Hyperion
D∆WN | New Breed

Good
Big Thief | U.F.O.F.
2 Chainz | Rap or Go to the League
BLACKPINK | Kill This Love
Danger Mouse & Karen O | Lux Prima
LOONA | [X X]
Helado Negro | This Is How You Smile
CHAI | Punk
Maluma | 11:11
Interpol | A Fine Mess EP
Flume | Hi This Is Flume
Future | Future Hndrxx Presents: The WZRD

Solid
Maggie Rodgers | Heard It in a Past Life
Carly Rae Jepsen | Dedicated
Ioanna Gika | Thalassa
Steve Lacy | Apollo XXI
TR/ST | The Destroyer - 1
Jenny Lewis | On the Line
Panda Bear | Buoys
Miley Cyrus | SHE IS COMING EP

Poor
ScHoolboy Q | CrasH Talk
Lil Pump | Harverd Dropout

Poor
Weezer | Weezer (The Teal Album)
Jackson
Into the Groove
Posts: 2075
Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2012 6:05 am
Location: Los Angeles

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Jackson »

PlasticRam wrote:New ratings in bold.

Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated 8.8


Surprised that more people on here aren't talking about this album. It's really good! Sure, like any Carly album, there are a few throwaway-type tracks, but the amount of really good songs on here is impressive: Want You in My Room, Julien, and Too Much are the highlights , but some of the non-singles are growing on me. It looks like most critics are comparing this unfavorably to Emotion; while I may end up agreeing, it'll probably be close. Just because Emotion has gained (deserved) cult status in the years since its release doesn't make it Pet Sounds; it's not a perfect album and it has some filler-type tracks too just like Dedicated. I'm glad to see CRJ continuing her streak of strong releases, though for her next album, I'd love to see her go weirder (like Charli XCX's career path).
Jirin
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3350
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:12 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Jirin »

New, bigger list, post-midyear listening tournament.

Tier 1:
1) KARYYN - The Quanta Series

Tier 2:
2) Big Thief - U.F.O.F.
3) Sharon Van Etten - Remind Me Tomorrow
4) Little Simz - GREY Area

Tier 3:
5) Malibu Ken - Malibu Ken
6) Elena Setien - Another Kind of Revolution
7) Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride
8) Mercury Rev - Bobbie Gentry's The Delta Sweete Revisited

Tier 4:
9) Dave - Psychodrama
10) Lorelle Meets The Obsolete - De Facto
11) American Football - American Football
12) The National - I Am Easy To Find

Tier 5:
13) You Tell Me - You Tell Me
14) Sundara Karma - Ulifas Alphabet
15) James Blake - Assume Form
16) The Comet Is Coming - Trust In The Lifeforce of the Deep Mystery
17) Jenny Wilson - Trauma
18) Weyes Blood - Titanic Rising

Tier 6:
19) Flying Lotus - Flamagra
20) John Garcia - John Garcia and the Band of Gold
21) Deerhunter - Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared?
22) Sneaks - Highway Hypnosis
23) Foals - Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost
24) Fennesz - Agora
acr0320
Are You Experienced?
Posts: 46
Joined: Wed Mar 22, 2017 7:22 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by acr0320 »

The new Santana album is probably my favorite of the band’s work in the last 40 years. Carlos sounds reinvigorated, and I’m happy to see the band experimenting again. Very happily surprised by how much I loved this release, probably in my top 10 of the year maybe top 5
Jirin
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3350
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:12 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Jirin »

Mdou Moctar - Ilana (The Creator) is incredible.
sonofsamiam
Feeling Good
Posts: 1053
Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2012 10:19 pm

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by sonofsamiam »

Accidental double post, see below :angry-banghead:
Last edited by sonofsamiam on Fri Jun 21, 2019 10:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
sonofsamiam
Feeling Good
Posts: 1053
Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2012 10:19 pm

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by sonofsamiam »

I have listened almost exclusively to new music this year, and I have to sat 2019 has been extremely deep, as well as having very high highs. It may actually end up being the best year of the 2010s, in my opinion, though I suppose time will tell.

That said, here's my Top 50 for the first half of the year. I had to leave off some pretty good albums in here; quite a lot of quality out there.

1 | John Luther Adams / Seatthe Symphony | Become Desert
2 | Weyes Blood | Titanic Rising
3 | Jamila Woods | Legacy! Legacy!
4 | Holly Herndon | PROTO
5 | Sunn O))) | Life Metal
6 | Sharon Van Etten | Remind Me Tomorrow
7 | Jenny Wilson | TRAUMA
8 | The Art Ensemble of Chicago | We Are on the Edge: A 50th Anniversary Celebration
9 | Yugen Blakrock | Anima Mysterium
10 | Mdou Moctar | Ilana (The Creator)
11 | Damon Locks Black Monument Ensemble | Where Future Unfolds
12 | Flying Lotus | Flamagra
13 | The Comet Is Coming | Trust in the Lifeforce of the Deep Mystery
14 | Shiina Ringo | Sandokushi
15 | Waste of Space Orchestra | Syntheosis
16 | Billy Woods and Kenny Segal | Hiding Places
17 | Nihiloxica | Biiri EP
18 | Caterina Barbieri | Ecsatic Computation
19 | Tanya Tagaq | Toothsayer EP
20 | Sungazer | Sungazer Vol. 2
21 | Fire! Orchestra | Arrival
22 | Tyler, The Creator | Igor
23 | Aldous Harding | Designer
24 | Little Simz | Grey Area
25 | The Caretaker | Everywhere at the End of Time (Stage 6)
26 | Tim Hecker | Anoyo
27 | The Cinematic Orchestra | To Believe
28 | Marissa Nadler and Stephen Brodsky | Droneflower
29 | Saba Alizadeh | Scattered Memories
30 | These New Puritans | Inside the Rose
31 | Fennesz | Agora
32 | Wadada Leo Smith | Rosa Parks: Pure Love
33 | Paal Nilssen-Love | New Brazilian Funk
34 | Black to Comm | Seven Horses for Seven Kings
35 | Caroline Shaw / Attacca Quartet | Orange
36 | Africa Express | EGOLI
37 | Lizzo | Cuz I Love You
38 | Ben Lamar Gay | Confetti in the Sky Like Fireworks
39 | Hildur Guonadottir | Chernobyl
40 | Quelle Chris | Guns
41 | Dawn Richard | New Breed
42 | Malibu Ken | Malibu Ken
43 | Big Thief | U.F.O.F.
44 | Anderson .Paak | Ventura
45 | Baroness | Gold & Grey
46 | Kate Tempest | The Book of Traps and Lessons
47 | EABS | Slavic Spirits
48 | Matmos | Plastic Anniversary
49 | Solange | When I Get Home
50 | Joshua Abrams Natural Information Society | Mandatory Reality
User avatar
acroamor
Shake Some Action
Posts: 1490
Joined: Sun Apr 15, 2012 3:16 pm
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by acroamor »

We're at around the halfway point of the year, so I've got a top twenty for now. I'm especially curious to hear the William Basinski, Baroness, Cinematic Orchestra, and Fontaines D.C. records.

1. Better Oblivion Community Center - Better Oblivion Community Center
2. Lady Lamb - Even in the Tremor
3. Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride
4. FIDLAR - Almost Free
5. Sharon Van Etten - Remind Me Tomorrow
6. Weyes Blood - Titanic Rising
7. William Tyler - Goes West
8. Big Thief - U.F.O.F.
9. Tyler, the Creator - IGOR
10. The Caretaker - Everywhere at the end of time - stage six
11. Faye Webster - Atlanta Millionaire’s Club
12. The National - I Am Easy to Find
13. Flying Lotus - Flamagra
14. Julia Jacklin - Crushing
15. Maggie Rogers - Heard It in a Past Life
16. Norah Jones - Begin Again
17. Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated
18. Aaron West and the Roaring Twenties - Routine Maintenance
19. Karen O and Danger Mouse - Lux Prima
20. Anderson .Paak - Ventura
User avatar
Moonbeam
Full of Fire
Posts: 2543
Joined: Mon Feb 06, 2012 11:40 am
Location: Sydney, Australia

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Moonbeam »

It may be a bit cheesy to talk about the "imperial phase" of an artist called Prince, but Originals is a glowing testament to the fact that there really was a Prince empire in the 80s, with numerous proteges and completely independent artists alike serving as ambassadors of his ravenous productivity. As such, Originals serves a key role in representing Prince's towering legacy, providing a peek behind the curtains of some of the hundreds of songs he gave away. It's a clever idea that was hatched thanks to the positive reception of last year's release of the original, soulful take of "Nothing Compares 2 U", also included in this set. That said, the selection of songs is so inspired that Originals is more than just an interesting glimpse into his glory days - it's an essential entry in his catalog, one that manages to find a great balance of appealing to the masses and hardcore Prince fans alike.

Over the course of fifteen songs, we're taken on a whirlwind tour of many of the things that made Prince such an exciting artist. We get ass-shaking synth funk jams ("Sex Shooter", "Jungle Love", "The Glamorous Life"), soulful R&B ballads ("Baby, You're a Trip", "Gigolos Get Lonely Too", "Nothing Compares 2 U"), psychedelic pop-rock ("Manic Monday", "Dear Michaelangelo"), cartoon funk ("Holly Rock"), ruff 'n ready rock ("Wouldn't You Love to Love Me?"), spiritual sanctuary ("Love... Thy Will Be Done") and some vibrant experiments ("Noon Rendezvous", "Make-Up", "You're My Love") all tucked into a neat package. While the presence of these and other gifted gems unveiled different corners of his psyche back in the 80s, hearing them now performed by Prince feels like a more intimate revelation. As such, Originals is as sprawling as any of his 80s albums, packed with songs generally worthy of the standard set by his own contemporaneous releases. Amazingly, this album then can serve as a fine introduction to Prince for newcomers despite the fact it doesn't feature any of his own well-known hits.

A lot of discussion in the press seems to be focusing on determining whether the versions included here or the ultimately released versions are superior, but this feels misguided. Prince's intentions were clear – these songs were deliberately given to other artists, and as such, their versions are more in keeping with his vision. We can roughly divide the songs into two camps – those that serve as a dry run for released versions which remained faithful to these incarnations, and those that developed into something substantially different upon release. The tracks that steer closest to the released versions still unlock new dimensions to these songs that make them fascinating and worthy of release. For example, "Sex Shooter" and "Jungle Love" sizzle with the same libidinous spark as the versions released by Apollonia 6 and The Time. That said, hearing Prince's feminine seduction on "Sex Shooter" back-to-back with the more playful, macho braggadocio of "Jungle Love" shines a light on the duality of his persona. Likewise, the Linn drum machine madness and rumbling synth bass stabs of the dark electronica standout "Make-Up" are similar to what was released on the Vanity 6 version, a sort of early precursor to electroclash. But Prince's deadpan delivery, delivering lyrics like "if I wear a dress, he will never call, so I'll wear much less, I guess I'll wear my camisole" renders it all the rawer and more subversive.
At times, Prince's vocal delivery may seem like it undersells a song's potential, but as these songs served as guides for other artists to follow, it makes sense that his performances are not the balls-to-the-wall bonanzas he would release himself. Nonetheless, these moments offer insight into the spirit underlying these songs. The kaleidoscopic splendor of The Bangles' version of "Manic Monday" is hard to beat, but Prince's delivery here is endowed with a sleepy dreaminess that suits the storyline of the lyrics and the feeling of being stuck in a rut of doldrums. Likewise, Prince's tone on "Gigolos Get Lonely Too" lacks the cool swagger that Morris Day injected into The Time's version. The song is a sort of thematic cousin of "Little Red Corvette", where instead of telling the object of his affections to slow down, he turns the message inward. Both songs feature beautifully textured synths to cast an evocative atmosphere, while "Gigolos" is given an extra thump in the groove to complement the narrative of a man who has been around the block too many times for meaningless trysts and now seeks genuine connection. It's a theme that Prince eventually developed into an entire film (Under the Cherry Moon), so it's one that he obviously felt pretty deeply. His downtrodden performance here conveys a more believable yearning than The Time's version, the falsetto sections charged with more desperation, making for another spellbinding highlight.
In fact, the only time that one of these "vocal guides" feels a little perfunctory is on "The Glamorous Life", which is nonetheless a badass jam even without Sheila's percussion. An obvious exception to the apparent guide vocal treatments is "Baby, You're a Trip". Having long been a favorite among hardcore fans, hearing Prince's wailing vocal theatrics with such clarity is a delightful testament to how great a vocalist he was. Infused with gospel fervor and wonderfully intertwined with Jill Jones' backing vocals, it's a show-stopping performance filled with blood-boiling screams that will leave any fan mesmerized. Similarly, "100 MPH" had long done the bootleg rounds, and hearing its hefty thump in this clarity is a delight for long-time fans.

The songs that depart greatly from the released versions are perhaps more interesting. "Holly Rock", for instance, is produced as a sort of proto-"Housequake" frolic that works better with the drier feel than the version released by Sheila E. Also given to Sheila E., "Dear Michaelangelo" is a wonderful slice of psychedelia that places greater focus on some inspired guitar shredding, later repurposed for The Scandalous Sex Suite. "Wouldn't You Love to Love Me?" went through various incarnations, originating as a groovy disco track in the late 70s before ending up as frothy pop/funk-lite when released by Taja Savelle in 1987. Here, it's decked out as a rumbling new wave rocker from 1981, giving the lyrics a more assertive punch that serves the song well. The inferior sound quality kind of suits the gritty nature of the track, connecting it to the Dirty Mind imagery on the album's cover. Another song with admirable versatility, "Noon Rendezvous" is one of the most precious songs Prince has ever recorded. Its lush synthpop release by Sheila E. made it the opulent jewel in the crown of The Glamorous Life, while live performances from 1984 often elevated the beautiful chord sequence into jaw-dropping guitar apotheosis. Here, the sparse production allows the naked longing of Prince's breathy falsetto to shine, backed only by piano and a minimal Linn drum heartbeat. Breathtakingly intimate, it's no wonder that it was revived for the acclaimed Piano and a Microphone shows in 2016. It's one of the most gorgeous songs Prince ever wrote and it's an absolute godsend to hear it like this.
Elsewhere, the ethereal calm of "Love… Thy Will Be Done" had long been one of Prince's most prized outtakes, embodying a sacrosanct spiritual wholeness that my wife likes to say is "worthy of ascension". More stripped down than the version that became a hit for Martika, it revolves around a gentle keyboard pulse that accents Prince's hushed, prayer-like delivery, which grows increasingly beautiful with lovely backing harmonies and a closing gospel choral coda. Although it does not fit the 1981-1985 timeframe of the other songs, it is likewise a highlight of his career, arguably better than anything he released in the surrounding years.
Most surprising of all, "You're My Love" showcases a crooning vocal style that Prince never adopted on any other song. Recorded in 1982, it nonetheless recalls the sort of breezy balladry of For You, eventually finding a home with Kenny Rogers. Zooming in to 1982, "You're My Love" captures the spirit of Originals well - it's remarkable that a song like this was recorded in the same year as futuristic anthems like "1999", the alien funk soundscapes of "Automatic", paranoid electro nightmares like "Something in the Water (Does Not Compute)", and scorching funk rockers like "Lady Cab Driver", not to mention early versions of "Raspberry Beret" and "I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man". Prince inhabited a lot of worlds and characters during these years, and that breadth is reflected well throughout Originals.

It may be true that Prince would have never approved of a release like this. Moreover, I'm sure most Prince fans would trade the opportunity to hear these lost gems if it meant that Prince was still alive and well. Nonetheless, Originals is a vital album and one that significantly adds to Prince's legacy. Vault curator Michael Howe has suggested that if Originals is a success, further volumes may follow. Here's hoping!
User avatar
PlasticRam
Into the Groove
Posts: 2202
Joined: Tue Feb 05, 2013 12:51 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by PlasticRam »

Jackson wrote:
PlasticRam wrote:New ratings in bold.

Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated 8.8


Surprised that more people on here aren't talking about this album. It's really good! Sure, like any Carly album, there are a few throwaway-type tracks, but the amount of really good songs on here is impressive: Want You in My Room, Julien, and Too Much are the highlights , but some of the non-singles are growing on me. It looks like most critics are comparing this unfavorably to Emotion; while I may end up agreeing, it'll probably be close. Just because Emotion has gained (deserved) cult status in the years since its release doesn't make it Pet Sounds; it's not a perfect album and it has some filler-type tracks too just like Dedicated. I'm glad to see CRJ continuing her streak of strong releases, though for her next album, I'd love to see her go weirder (like Charli XCX's career path).

Jepsen said that she had written almost 200 tracks for the album so it really shows that she has chosen the cream of the crop.
I feel like that
User avatar
Moonbeam
Full of Fire
Posts: 2543
Joined: Mon Feb 06, 2012 11:40 am
Location: Sydney, Australia

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Moonbeam »

I should give Dedicated another spin. I found it to be merely pretty decent on first listen but the hype around it suggests maybe I should give it another spin.
User avatar
Romain
Happy Up Here
Posts: 5433
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 2:25 pm
Location: Lyon, France

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Romain »

Moonbeam wrote:Fucking good Prince review
Thanks a lot MoonBeam. Of course, the album has been running on a loop in my HI-fi system since the june 21. a big slap in the face for me... again, even after he died. :music-guitarred:
User avatar
Moonbeam
Full of Fire
Posts: 2543
Joined: Mon Feb 06, 2012 11:40 am
Location: Sydney, Australia

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Moonbeam »

Romain wrote:
Moonbeam wrote:Fucking good Prince review
Thanks a lot MoonBeam. Of course, the album has been running on a loop in my HI-fi system since the june 21. a big slap in the face for me... again, even after he died. :music-guitarred:
Yeah, it's a bittersweet feeling knowing we wouldn't get this if he were alive, but loving it all the same. This might be my favorite Prince release since The Gold Experience.
Nick
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3115
Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2012 9:28 pm
Location: New York State

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Nick »

Halfway through the year update:

Great:

1. Weyes Blood- Titanic Rising
3. Freddie Gibbs and Madlib- Bandana
3. Jai Paul- Leak 04-13 (Bait Ones)

Very Good:

4. The National- I Am Easy to Find
5. Vampire Weekend- Father of the Bride
6. Sharon Van Etten- Remind Me Tomorrow
7. Solange- When I Get Home
8. Charly Bliss- Young Enough
9. Mannequin Pussy- Patience
10. The Comet Is Coming- Trust in the Lifeforce of the Deep Mystery
11. Flying Lotus- Flamagra
12. Beyoncé- Homecoming: The Live Album
13. Fontaines D.C.- Dogrel
14. Big Thief- U.F.O.F.
15. Malibu Ken- Malibu Ken

Good:

16. Billie Eilish- When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
17. Carly Rae Jepsen- Dedicated
18. Thom Yorke- Anima
19. Tyler, the Creator- Igor
20. Hatchie- Keepsake
21. Bruce Springsteen- Western Stars
22. black midi- Schlagenheim
23. Little Simz- Grey Area
24. Slowthai- Nothing Great About Britain
25. Helado Negro- This Is How You Smile
26. Ariana Grande- Thank U, Next
27. CHAI- PUNK
28. Deerhunter- Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared?
29. Better Oblivion Community Center- Better Oblivion Community Center

Decent:

30. Kevin Abstract- ARIZONA baby (EP)
31. James Blake- Assume Form
32. Panda Bear- Buoys
33. Toro y Moi- Outer Peace

Poor:

34. Xiu Xiu- Girl with Basket of Fruit
Rdwdbob
Keep On Movin'
Posts: 1604
Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2012 2:06 am
Location: Healdsburg, CA
Contact:

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Rdwdbob »

Mid-Year Top 20 (not necessarily in ranked order but pretty close)

1. Jenny Lewis - On The Line
2. Cage The Elephant - Social Cues
3. Yola - Walk Through The Fire
4. Lizzo - Cuz I Love You
5. Carly Rae Jepson - Dedicated
6. Vampire Weekend - Father Of The Bride
7. Craig Finn - I Need A New War
8. Weezer - The Black Album
9. The Black Keys - "Let's Rock"
10. The Head And The Heart - Living Mirage
11. Marina - Love + Fear
12. Fruit Bats - Gold Past Life
13. Collective Soul - Blood
14. Ex Hex - It's Real
15. Rob Thomas - Chip Tooth Smile
16. Charlie Faye And The Fayettes - The Whole Shebang
17. Prince - Originals
18. Bruce Springsteen - Western Stars
19. Thomas Rhett - Center Point Road
20. Bob Mould - Sunshine Rock
User avatar
JohnnyBGoode
Rust Never Sleeps
Posts: 706
Joined: Fri Feb 19, 2016 10:11 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by JohnnyBGoode »

Halfway

- Vampire Weekend: Father of the Bride
- Fontaines D.C.: Dogrel
- Weyes Blood: Titanic Rising
- The National: Easy to Find
- Faye Webster: Atlanta Millionaires Club
- Stella Donelly: Beware of the Dogs
- Ariana Grande: thank you, next

Honourable Mentions
Big Thief
Julia Jacklin
Jamila Woods
Jenny Lewis
Kelsey Lu
Sharon Van Etten
Lizzo
The Mountain Goats
The Delines
User avatar
prosecutorgodot
Keep On Movin'
Posts: 1547
Joined: Tue Apr 14, 2015 5:53 am
Location: SF Bay Area, California

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by prosecutorgodot »

Honorable Mentions:

Mark Ronson – Late Night Feelings
A slightly disco-y pop set about late night feelings from one of the most popular and capable producers working today. The second half has several noteworthy tracks, featuring the likes of Miley Cyrus, Angel Olsen, Lykke Li and Diana Gordon.
Stella Donnelly – Beware of the Dogs
Folky singer-songwriter stuff. I like the boldness of the way she puts her British-ness front and center.
Beyoncé – Homecoming: The Live Album
A staggering two-hour epic consisting of all the songs you love (or hate), from perhaps the most iconic female performer of the past twenty years. It’s not just “playing the hits,” as Beyonce pulls a semi-Sex Machine-like performance, full of backing horns, backing vocalists, her signature bombastic live personality, and other things that up the ante in a live setting.
Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride
The famed indie pop band returns (without Rostam). Ezra sounds older, but not necessarily in a bad way. This is perhaps the most frustrating album of the year, because each song is either one of the best tracks of the year, or a perplexing dud with bad production choices. Worth hearing for the good tracks.
Carly Rae Jepsen – Dedicated
The indie-darling/pop-princess matures naturally. The first half is really stellar, and the second half is really mediocre.

9. Lafawndah – Ancestor Boy
Great sound palette of cavernous reverb and deep bass, sounds like I’m exploring a cave. Looking forward to what she has to offer in the future.
8. Jamila Woods – Legacy! Legacy!
Neo-soul, psychedelic pop. The theoretical concept for the album is fantastic, right up my alley, but execution is just decent.
7. Weyes Blood – Titanic Rising
A beautifully produced baroque pop album. The one major issue for me is the unemotive, unexpressive vocals. At first I hated the album because the vocals sounded so bad. I’ve obviously come around.
6. Lizzo – Cuz I Love You
Lizzo is an awesome performer. She knows how to deliver incredible energy in her studio recordings. Besides that, she writes some amazing tracks, like “Juice.”
5. Otoboke Beaver – Itekoma Hits [compilation]
A rock album that blew my mind. It’s like if Sleater-Kinney never went on hiatus after The Woods, and kept getting more and more experimental and unhinged. As a pop guy, the vocals really stuck out to me as being super off-the-wall, but the other elements are also out there. Sucks that it probably isn’t eligible for official lists because it’s a compilation.
4. Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
Wow, the songs are very well written on this one. Very well sung by Billie Eilish, and very well produced by Brother Eilish. Makes for a quality pop album. This one is so well-done that this could be my #1 by year-end.
3. Matmos – Plastic Anniversary
The album’s concept is environmental, and the album is good! I’m so happy to be able to say that. The dance and electronic duo, use incredible samples from all kinds of plastic to put together these dance tracks. The organic sound is really interesting for dance music.
2. Ariana Grande – Thank U, Next
What most makes this a special album is the distinct tinkly, girly dollhouse aesthetic running through the record. Beyond that, you have great songs like “Needy,” “Fake Smile,” and of course “thank u, next,” which is becoming one of my favorite pop songs of the decade. While Billie Eilish’s album is more consistent, Ariana’s album has the bigger hits.
1. The Comet is Coming – Trust in the Lifeforce of the Deep Mystery
Because I’ve had to listen to a lot of pop music this year (for various reasons), the spiritual jazz fusion of this album is what I needed. It’s not going to be for everybody.

Still want to hear: Slauson Malone, Tyler the Creator...
User avatar
JohnnyBGoode
Rust Never Sleeps
Posts: 706
Joined: Fri Feb 19, 2016 10:11 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by JohnnyBGoode »

JohnnyBGoode wrote:Halfway

- Vampire Weekend: Father of the Bride
- Fontaines D.C.: Dogrel
- Weyes Blood: Titanic Rising
- The National: Easy to Find
- Faye Webster: Atlanta Millionaires Club
- Stella Donelly: Beware of the Dogs
- Ariana Grande: thank you, next

Honourable Mentions
Big Thief
Julia Jacklin
Jamila Woods
Jenny Lewis
Kelsey Lu
Sharon Van Etten
Lizzo
The Mountain Goats
The Delines
Probably add the Billie Eilish album to that list. Really good.
Jirin
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3350
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:12 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Jirin »

I keep hearing more and more good British Rap this year, is it a new major trend in the UK?
Jackson
Into the Groove
Posts: 2075
Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2012 6:05 am
Location: Los Angeles

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Jackson »

Jirin wrote:I keep hearing more and more good British Rap this year, is it a new major trend in the UK?
I agree; this is an obvious trend from the first half of the year. Will this go down as the best year ever for UK rap?
Jirin
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3350
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:12 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Jirin »

I never even liked Dizzee Rascal and Streets.

But Little SIMZ, Dave, Skepta, probably others I’m not remembering. A lot of the year’s best.
User avatar
bonnielaurel
Keep On Movin'
Posts: 1662
Joined: Wed Feb 20, 2013 2:48 pm

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by bonnielaurel »

Halfway through the year my album top 20 is beginning to shape up:
  1. Billie Eilish - When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
  2. Stella Donnelly - Beware of the Dogs
  3. Holly Herndon - PROTO
  4. Ina Forsman - Been Meaning to Tell You
  5. The Divine Comedy - Office Politics
  6. Avril Lavigne - Head Above Water
  7. Tim Hecker - Anoyo
  8. Weyes Blood - Titanic Rising
  9. dodie - Human
  10. Numen - Cyclothymia
  11. Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated
  12. The Far Meadow - Foreign Land
  13. Ibibio Sound Machine - Doko Mien
  14. Steve Mason - About the Light
  15. CHAI - Punk
  16. The Japanese House - Good at Falling
  17. Ariana Grande - Thank U, Next
  18. On the Raw - Climbing the Air
  19. Alice Wallace - Into the Blue
  20. Kate Tempest - The Book of Traps and Lessons
My Albums 2019 on RYM
User avatar
FrankLotion
Movin' On Up
Posts: 840
Joined: Sat May 05, 2018 9:15 pm
Location: Portland, OR

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by FrankLotion »

Favorites for the year so far:

1. Ariana Grande - thank u, next
2. Yola - Walk Through Fire
3. Solange - When I Get Home
4. Beyoncé - Homecoming
5. Aldous Harding - Designer
6. Weyes Blood - Titanic Rising
7. CHAI - PUNK
8. Sharon Van Etten - Remind Me Tomorrow
9. Little Simz - GREY Area
10. Billie Eilish - When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
11. Jenny Lewis - On The Line
12. Julia Jacklin - Crushing
13. Tyler, the Creator - IGOR
14. Kevin Morby - Oh My God
15. Sleaford Mods - Eton Alive
16. Santana, Buika - Africa Speaks
17. The National - I Am Easy to Find
18. KÁRYYN - The Quanta Series
19. Flying Lotus - Flamagra
20. Jamila Woods - Legacy! Legacy!
21. Fat White Family - Serf’s Up!
22. Lizzo - Cuz I Love You
23. Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride
24. Anderson .Paak - Ventura
25. PUP - Morbid Stuff
26. 2 Chainz - Rap or Go to the League
27. Andrew Bird - My Finest Work Yet
28. The Japanese House - Good at Falling
29. Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah - Ancestral Recall
30. Faye Webster - Atlanta Millionaires Club
31. The Damned Things - High Crimes
32. Big Thief - U.F.O.F.
33. Crumb - Jinx
34. FONTAINES D.C. - Dogrel
35. Jessica Pratt - Quiet Signs
36. Sunn O))) - Life Metal
37. Stef Chura - Midnight
38. Megan Thee Stallion - Fever
39. La Dispute - Panorama
40. slowthai - Nothing Great About Britain
41. Dave - Psychodrama
42. Hayden Thorpe - Diviner
43. Bring Me the Horizon - amo
44. Julia Kent - Temporal
45. Mekons - Deserted
46. Better Oblivion Community Center - Better Oblivion Community Center
47. Durand Jones & the Indications- American Love Call
48. Spellling - Mazy Fly
49. The Delines - The Imperial
50. Employed to Serve - Eternal Forward Motion
51. Fennesz - Agora
52. Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated
53. Hand Habits - placeholder
54. Nilüfer Yanya - Miss Universe
55. Desperate Journalist - In Search Of The Miraculous
56. William Basinski - On Time Out Of Time
57. Mdou Moctar - Ilana (The Creator)
58. Ezra Collective - You Can’t Steal My Joy
59. Bob Mould - Sunshine Rock
60. Black to Comm - Seven Horses for Seven Kings
61. Swervedriver - Future Ruins
62. James Blake - Assume Form
63. Avey Tare - Cows on Hourglass Pond
64. Helado Negro - This is How You Smile
65. JAMBINAI - ONDA
Jirin
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3350
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:12 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Jirin »

Santana’s new album Africa Speaks is incredible.
acr0320
Are You Experienced?
Posts: 46
Joined: Wed Mar 22, 2017 7:22 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by acr0320 »

Favorite albums of the year so far:

1) Tyler, the Creator - Igor
2) Billie Eilish - When we All Fall Asleep, Where do we Go
3) The National - I am Easy to Find
4) Santana - Africa Speaks
5) Freddie Gibbs - Bandana
6) Ariana Grande - thank you, next
7) Solange - When I Get Home
8) Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride
9) Sharon Van Etten - Remind Me Tomorrow
10) Blood Orange - Angel’s Pulse
11) James Blake - Assume Form
12) Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated
13) Charly Bliss - Young Enough
14) Weyes Blood - Titanic Rising
15) Lizzo - Cuz I Love You
16) Avey Tare - Cows on Hourglass Pond
17) Deerhunter - Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared
18) Bob Mould - Sunshine Rock
19) Jenny Lewis - On the Line
20) Thom Yorke - Anima
discord
Let's Get It On
Posts: 201
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2016 7:08 pm

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by discord »

Riot City - Burn the Night
Durand Jones & The Indications - American Love Call
Sleeper - The Modern Age
Stef Chura - Midnight
Pottery - No. 1
Mega Bog - Dolphine
The Raconteurs - Help Us Stranger
Ariana Grande - thank u, next
American Football - American Football
User avatar
mileswide
Full of Fire
Posts: 2526
Joined: Wed May 01, 2019 5:08 pm
Location: Nottingham, England

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by mileswide »

Genuinely astounded by the depth of the musical knowledge of you all-- below is the entirety of my album intake so far this year (and 1 may not even count as it's an EP). Hopefully more will be forthcoming by the end of the year:

1. Little Simz - Grey Area
2. Dave - Psychodrama
3. DJ XTC - Do Not Approach EP
4. Mercury Rev - Bobbie Gentry's The Delta Sweete Revisited
5. Billie Eilish - WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
6. Ezra Collective - You Can't Steal My Joy
7. White Denim - Side Effects
Last edited by mileswide on Fri Sep 13, 2019 5:36 am, edited 1 time in total.
All I got inside is vacancy!
Cold Butterfly
Different Class
Posts: 484
Joined: Sun Dec 09, 2018 2:28 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Cold Butterfly »

Not a ranked list, but these are the albums that i’ve kept on rotation the most this year, so far. I will say in all honesty that Titanic Rising has worn me out. Although I enjoyed it at first, it’s now becoming tiring, and it’s not a surprise considering it’s too grandiose for my taste.

thank u, next - Ariana Grande
When I Get Home - Solange
U.F.O.F. - Big Thief
WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? - Billie Eilish
Bandana - Freddie Gibbs & Madlib
IGOR - Tyler, The Creator
PUNK - Chai
It’s Real - Ex Hex
Grey Area - Little Simz
Designer - Aldous Harding
Angel’s Pulse - Blood Orange
Malibu Ken - Malibu Ken
Injury Reserve - Injury Resreve
User avatar
JohnnyBGoode
Rust Never Sleeps
Posts: 706
Joined: Fri Feb 19, 2016 10:11 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by JohnnyBGoode »

1. Hatchie - Keepsake
2. Vampire Weekend - Father Of The Bride
3. Fontaines D.C. – Dogrel
4. Billie Eilish - WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
5. Weyes Blood – Titanic Rising
6. The National - I Am Easy To Find
7. Faye Webster – Atlanta Millionaires Club
8. Stella Donnelly - Beware of the Dogs
9. Ariana Grande – thank u, next
10. Big Thief - U.F.O.F.
11. Julia Jacklin – Crushing
12. Thom Yorke - ANIMA
13. Sharon Van Etten – Remind Me Tomorrow
14. Jenny Lewis – On the Line
15. Jamilia Woods – LEGACY! LEGACY!
16. Kelsey Lu – Blood
17. Lizzo – Cuz I Love You
18. The Mountain Goats - In League With Dragons
19. Rose Elinor Dougall - A New Illusion
20. Aldous Harding - Designer
21. Desperate Journalist – In Search of the Miraculous
22. Better Oblivion Community Centre - Better Oblivion Community Centre
23. The Delines – The Imperial
24. The Twilight Sad - It Won/T Be Like This All the Time
25. Solange - When I Get Home
26. Pedro The Lion - Phoenix
27. Maggie Rogers - Heard It In A Past Life
28. Deerhunter - Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared?
29. Foals - Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost (Part 1)
30. Andrew Bird - My Finest Work Yet
31. The Japanese House - Good At Falling
Jirin
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3350
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:12 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Jirin »

I am listening to my Spotify Discover playlist, and loving every song that comes up. AI is getting impressive.
discord
Let's Get It On
Posts: 201
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2016 7:08 pm

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by discord »

Riot City - The Hunter
PUP - See You At Your Funeral
Fontaines D.C. - Boys in the Better Land
Sleeper - The Sun Also Rises
User avatar
Edre Depeche Head
Movin' On Up
Posts: 866
Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2017 9:27 pm
Contact:

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Edre Depeche Head »

While I am no where near as crazy in terms of listening like everyone else on this thread, so far these 6 albums are my favorite I have listened too this year. Now while there are many more albums I like, these 7 have stood out to me the most so far as the albums that will go down in my book as my all time favorites.

1. Billie Eilish - When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?

2. Tyla Yaweh - Heart Full of Rage

3. Lil Nas X - 7 EP

4. Bad Religion - Age Of Unreason

5. The Raconteurs - Help Me Stranger

6. Thom Yorke - ANIMA

7. Juice WRLD - Death Race For Love
Edre the Depeche Head
Jirin
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3350
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:12 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Jirin »

I think I found my BMAA2019 nomination.

Saint Abdullah - Mechanical Flirtations

Experimental electronic album by a duo of brothers who live in NYC and grew up in Iran.
User avatar
JohnnyBGoode
Rust Never Sleeps
Posts: 706
Joined: Fri Feb 19, 2016 10:11 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by JohnnyBGoode »

Bill Callahan - 'Shepherd in Sheepskin Vest' so good too
JohnnyBGoode wrote: Fri Jul 19, 2019 12:23 pm 1. Hatchie - Keepsake
2. Vampire Weekend - Father Of The Bride
3. Fontaines D.C. – Dogrel
4. Billie Eilish - WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
5. Weyes Blood – Titanic Rising
6. The National - I Am Easy To Find
7. Faye Webster – Atlanta Millionaires Club
8. Stella Donnelly - Beware of the Dogs
9. Ariana Grande – thank u, next
10. Big Thief - U.F.O.F.
11. Julia Jacklin – Crushing
12. Thom Yorke - ANIMA
13. Sharon Van Etten – Remind Me Tomorrow
14. Jenny Lewis – On the Line
15. Jamilia Woods – LEGACY! LEGACY!
16. Kelsey Lu – Blood
17. Lizzo – Cuz I Love You
18. The Mountain Goats - In League With Dragons
19. Rose Elinor Dougall - A New Illusion
20. Aldous Harding - Designer
21. Desperate Journalist – In Search of the Miraculous
22. Better Oblivion Community Centre - Better Oblivion Community Centre
23. The Delines – The Imperial
24. The Twilight Sad - It Won/T Be Like This All the Time
25. Solange - When I Get Home
26. Pedro The Lion - Phoenix
27. Maggie Rogers - Heard It In A Past Life
28. Deerhunter - Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared?
29. Foals - Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost (Part 1)
30. Andrew Bird - My Finest Work Yet
31. The Japanese House - Good At Falling
User avatar
JohnnyBGoode
Rust Never Sleeps
Posts: 706
Joined: Fri Feb 19, 2016 10:11 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by JohnnyBGoode »

... And after re-listening to Fontaines D.C.

1. Fontaines D.C. – Dogrel
2. Hatchie - Keepsake
3. Vampire Weekend - Father Of The Bride
4. Billie Eilish - WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
5. The National - I Am Easy To Find
6. Faye Webster – Atlanta Millionaires Club
7. Stella Donnelly - Beware of the Dogs
8. Bill Callahan – Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest
9. Ariana Grande – thank u, next
10. Big Thief - U.F.O.F.
11. Julia Jacklin – Crushing
12. Weyes Blood – Titanic Rising
13. Sharon Van Etten – Remind Me Tomorrow
14. Jenny Lewis – On the Line
15. Purple Mountains – Purple Mountains
16. Clairo - Immunity
17. Thom Yorke – ANIMA
18. Jamilia Woods – LEGACY! LEGACY!
19. Kelsey Lu – Blood
20. Lizzo – Cuz I Love You
21. The Mountain Goats - In League With Dragons
22. Rose Elinor Dougall - A New Illusion
23. Aldous Harding - Designer
24. Desperate Journalist – In Search of the Miraculous
25. Better Oblivion Community Centre - Better Oblivion Community Centre
26. The Delines – The Imperial
27. The Twilight Sad - It Won/T Be Like This All the Time
28. Solange - When I Get Home
29. Pedro The Lion - Phoenix
30. Maggie Rogers - Heard It In A Past Life
31. Deerhunter - Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared?
32. Foals - Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost (Part 1)
33. Andrew Bird - My Finest Work Yet
34. The Japanese House - Good At Falling
ColmD
Are You Experienced?
Posts: 32
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 10:25 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by ColmD »

CRITICS & WEBSITE LISTS
Similar to the songs of 2019 I have scoured all music and culture related sites (both acclaimed and unacclaimed) to determine what I being considered the best of the year so far. The lists cover late May to end of July although the lists dried up particularly at the end of July so I don't expect a significant change when August is included.
Naturally there may be a slant toward albums released prior to early June hence the lower positions for Thom Yorke and Freddie Gibbs for example when compared to the Megacritic chart.

Perfectly round numbers to work with - 100 lists of which 25 are included in AM in one form or another.
Here is the top 100 with the number of lists included in brackets (up to a min of 5)

Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? [56]
Tyler, The Creator – IGOR [49]
Solange – When I Get Home [46]
Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride [45]
Lizzo - Cuz I Love You [44]
Sharon Van Etten — Remind Me Tomorrow [43]
Ariana Grande – thank u, next [38]
Weyes Blood – Titanic Rising [33]
Big Thief – U.F.O.F. [31]
James Blake – Assume Form [30]
Fontaines DC – Dogrel [26]
Jamila Woods — Legacy! Legacy! [26]
The National - I Am Easy to Find [25]
Little Simz – Grey Area [25]
Carly Rae Jepsen – Dedicated [25]
Jenny Lewis - On the Line [24]
Flying Lotus – Flamagra [24]
Julia Jacklin - Crushing [22]
Better Oblivion Community Center - Better Oblivion Community Center [22]
slowthai – Nothing Great About Britain [22]
Anderson .Paak - Ventura [20]
Denzel Curry - ZUU [20]
Charly Bliss - Young Enough [19]
PUP - Morbid Stuff [18]
Rico Nasty and Kenny Beats – Anger Management [17]
Dave – Psychodrama [16]
Nilüfer Yanya – Miss Universe [16]
Maggie Rogers - Heard it in a Past Life [16]
The Comet Is Coming – Trust in the Life Force of the Deep Mystery [15]
Stella Donnelly - Beware of the Dogs [15]
Aldous Harding – Designer [14]
Bruce Springsteen - Western Stars [14]
Megan Thee Stallion - Fever [14]
Jessica Pratt - Quiet Signs [13]
Toro y Moi – Outer Peace [13]
Karen O & Danger Mouse - Lux Prima [11]
Sigrid — Sucker Punch [11]
Billy Woods & Kenny Segal – Hiding Places [11]
Deerhunter – Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared? [10]
Holly Herndon – Proto [10]
Cate Le Bon - Reward [10]
Bill Callahan — Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest [10]
The Japanese House — Good At Falling [9]
Faye Webster - Atlanta Millionaires Club [9]
Gary Clark Jr. - This Land [9]
The Chemical Brothers - No Geography [9]
Fat White Family – Serfs Up! [9]
Skepta – Ignorance Is Bliss [9]
Kevin Abstract — Arizona Baby [9]
Maren Morris - GIRL [9]
Orville Peck - Pony [8]
Baroness - Gold & Grey [8]
American Football — American Football (LP3) [8]
Girlpool - What Chaos is Imaginary [8]
Mark Ronson - Late Night Feelings [8]
black midi - Schlagenheim [8]
Beyoncé – Homecoming: The Live Album [8]
Bring Me the Horizon, - Amo [8]
Khalid — Free Spirit [7]
Amyl and The Sniffers – Amyl and The Sniffers [7]
Foals – Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part 1 [7]
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Bandana [7]
Steve Lacy – Apollo XXI [7]
DaBaby – Baby on Baby [7]
Flume - Hi This Is Flume [7]
Kehlani, While We Wait [7]
ScHoolboy Q – CrasH Talk [7]
Cass McCombs – Tip of the Sphere [6]
Kelsey Lu – Blood [6]
Sleaford Mods – Eton Alive [6]
Kevin Morby — Oh My God [6]
Helado Negro - This Is How You Smile [6]
2 Chainz - Rap or Go to the League [6]
Stef Chura - Midnight [6]
SASAMI - SASAMI [6]
The Raconteurs – Help Us Stranger [6]
Sunn O))) — Life Metal [6]
Injury Reserve — Injury Reserve [6]
Maxo – Lil Big Man [6]
Ari Lennox – Shea Butter Baby [6]
Yola — Walk On Fire (Easy Eye Sound) [6]
Cage the Elephant, Social Cues [5]
Durand Jones & the Indications – American Love Call [5]
Jade Bird - Jade Bird [5]
Cherry Glazerr - Stuffed & Ready [5]
The Cinematic Orchestra - To Believe [5]
Thom Yorke - ANIMA [5]
AJ Tracey – AJ Tracey [5]
Chai – Punk [5]
Juice WRLD - Death Race for Love [5]
Boogie – Everything’s for Sale [5]
Jai Paul - Leak 04-13 (Bait Ones) [5]
Malibu Ken - Malibu Ken [5]
Mannequin Pussy - Patience [5]
Pile - Green and Gray [5]
Sada Baby - Bartier Bounty [5]
Young Nudy/Pi’erre Bourne – Sli’merre [5]
ColmD
Are You Experienced?
Posts: 32
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 10:25 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by ColmD »

To complete the circle. here is the list based on the 25 sites that are featured on AM.
Note that these lists may have not met the standard criteria individually and are purely based on the fact that their publication feature on this site.
The publications were
Guardian, Billboard, Complex, NME, Uproxx, Entertainment Weekly, Consequence of Sound, AV Club, Exclaim, Gorilla Vs Bear, Paste, Rolling Stone, Treble, Kerrang, Loudwire (Metal & Rock), BBC, Uncut, The Skinny, NPR, Clash, Spectrum Culture, Popmatters, Austin Town Hall, The Quietus

Here is the list with a minimum of 3 appearances i.e. top 67

Sharon Van Etten — Remind Me Tomorrow [18]
Solange – When I Get Home [17]
Tyler, The Creator – IGOR [15]
Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? [14]
Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride [14]
Lizzo - Cuz I Love You [14]
Ariana Grande – thank u, next [12]
Weyes Blood – Titanic Rising [11]
Big Thief – U.F.O.F. [11]
The National - I Am Easy to Find [11]
Jamila Woods — Legacy! Legacy! [10]
Little Simz – Grey Area [10]
James Blake – Assume Form [9]
Carly Rae Jepsen – Dedicated [9]
Jenny Lewis - On the Line [9]
Flying Lotus – Flamagra [9]
Fontaines DC – Dogrel [8]
Nilüfer Yanya – Miss Universe [8]
Aldous Harding – Designer [8]
slowthai – Nothing Great About Britain [7]
Anderson .Paak - Ventura [7]
Charly Bliss - Young Enough [7]
PUP - Morbid Stuff [7]
Holly Herndon – Proto [7]
Better Oblivion Community Center - Better Oblivion Community Center [6]
The Comet Is Coming – Trust in the Life Force of the Deep Mystery [6]
Stella Donnelly - Beware of the Dogs [6]
Bruce Springsteen - Western Stars [6]
Faye Webster - Atlanta Millionaires Club [6]
Denzel Curry - ZUU [5]
Dave – Psychodrama [5]
Jessica Pratt - Quiet Signs [5]
Karen O & Danger Mouse - Lux Prima [5]
Deerhunter – Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared? [5]
Cass McCombs – Tip of the Sphere [5]
Helado Negro - This Is How You Smile [5]
Julia Jacklin - Crushing [4]
Rico Nasty and Kenny Beats – Anger Management [4]
Maggie Rogers - Heard it in a Past Life [4]
Megan Thee Stallion - Fever [4]
Toro y Moi – Outer Peace [4]
Maren Morris - GIRL [4]
Bring Me the Horizon, - Amo [4]
Sleaford Mods – Eton Alive [4]
Kevin Morby — Oh My God [4]
Sunn O))) — Life Metal [4]
Juice WRLD - Death Race for Love [4]
Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi – There Is No Other [4]
Sigrid — Sucker Punch [3]
Cate Le Bon - Reward [3]
The Japanese House — Good At Falling [3]
Gary Clark Jr. - This Land [3]
Fat White Family – Serfs Up! [3]
Kevin Abstract — Arizona Baby [3]
Orville Peck - Pony [3]
Baroness - Gold & Grey [3]
American Football — American Football (LP3) [3]
Beyoncé – Homecoming: The Live Album [3]
Foals – Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part 1 [3]
Kehlani, While We Wait [3]
2 Chainz - Rap or Go to the League [3]
Stef Chura - Midnight [3]
Yola — Walk On Fire (Easy Eye Sound) [3]
Durand Jones & the Indications – American Love Call [3]
AJ Tracey – AJ Tracey [3]
Dawn – New Breed [3]
Jayda G – Significant Changes [3]
luvulongTIM
Different Class
Posts: 480
Joined: Mon Jun 03, 2013 6:14 am
Location: Rowland Heights
Contact:

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by luvulongTIM »

I know today’s only the first day it’s been posted on Metacritic but the new Slipknot scoring 100% (as of August 7th)? My God!!!!! Wouldn’t it be something if they beat out Big Thief in the polls this year? They are about as non pretentious and artsy fartsy as it get, as opposed to our current #1 and like I said before: Brooklyn? 4ad? Indie? Pitchfork must be pitching a tent :mrgreen:
Last edited by luvulongTIM on Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:57 am, edited 1 time in total.
Jirin
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3350
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:12 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Jirin »

Only six reviews so far so there will be regression toward the mean. Still, has me curious to check it out.

If a Slipknot album does please critics that much I’m wondering what makes it different from their previous generic screaming songs.
Jirin
Running Up That Hill
Posts: 3350
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:12 am

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by Jirin »

luvulongTIM wrote: Thu Aug 08, 2019 6:03 am I know today’s only the first day it’s been posted on Metacritic but the new Slipknot scoring 100% (as of August 7th)? My God!!!!! Wouldn’t it be something if they beat out Big Thief in the polls this year? They are about as non pretentious and artsy fartsy as it get, as opposed to our current #1 and like I said before: Brooklyn? 4ad? Indie? Pitchfork must be pitching a tend :mrgreen:
I’m curious what you find pretentious and artsy about Big Thief. It’s simple folk rock, does simply the act of not being in the mainstream automatically make something pretentious?
discord
Let's Get It On
Posts: 201
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2016 7:08 pm

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by discord »

Jirin wrote: Thu Aug 08, 2019 2:03 pm Only six reviews so far so there will be regression toward the mean. Still, has me curious to check it out.

If a Slipknot album does please critics that much I’m wondering what makes it different from their previous generic screaming songs.
The rym rating is 3.40 which is 0.33 higher than their previously highest rated album.
discord
Let's Get It On
Posts: 201
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2016 7:08 pm

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by discord »

Jirin wrote: Thu Aug 08, 2019 7:18 pm
luvulongTIM wrote: Thu Aug 08, 2019 6:03 am I know today’s only the first day it’s been posted on Metacritic but the new Slipknot scoring 100% (as of August 7th)? My God!!!!! Wouldn’t it be something if they beat out Big Thief in the polls this year? They are about as non pretentious and artsy fartsy as it get, as opposed to our current #1 and like I said before: Brooklyn? 4ad? Indie? Pitchfork must be pitching a tend :mrgreen:
I’m curious what you find pretentious and artsy about Big Thief. It’s simple folk rock, does simply the act of not being in the mainstream automatically make something pretentious?
I find them a bit boring.
luvulongTIM
Different Class
Posts: 480
Joined: Mon Jun 03, 2013 6:14 am
Location: Rowland Heights
Contact:

Re: Albums of 2019

Post by luvulongTIM »

No moving your band over to the hipster Mecca of the world and signing to 4ad which was a sensational label back in the 80s and 90s and still has a few highlights once in a blue moon. Just that alone makes me roll my eyes along with the hipster beards of the male members. Even Fleet Foxes are doing the “Stanley from the office” smirk. I’m superficial at times I’ll admit that but....nah....just based on all that alone kind of drives me insane. It goes the opposite way though. Slipknot came out during the nu metal heyday with their creepy masks and macho aggression so lots of the Pavement listening, Pitchfork reading indie music fans wanted absolutely nothing to do with “that scene.” I wasn’t sold on them much but they did put on incredible concerts. They were quite epic and probably the highlight of the night when I saw them at Ozzfest.
Post Reply

Return to “Music, Music, Music...”