Top 10 Albums of 2021

 

Normally, I say a bunch of stuff about what think of the past year in music.  This one was good.  It was single heavy for me.  This list is not about the best ten albums, just what I listened to most.  I’ve spent most of my life, putting music as my go to for enjoyment and solace and comfort, but it isn’t working as well for me anymore.  I haven’t figured out anything else that contains its healing and inspirational powers.  There is always good music.  Seek it out and let me know what you enjoyed this year.

1.      1. Low HEY WHAT

 

Low have stayed relevant and a personal favorite since I first learned of them in 1994.  This new album in not very song oriented, and at times can be jarring or sleepy, but to me it is full of imagination and incredible depth.  The first couple of tracks remind me of being stuck in an MRI machine.  I have always thought about the repetitive clanks and rapid fire noises as musical.  And here it is.  An ode to the MRI.  The entire album though, has caused me to imagine it as a musical slash early 70s style antiseptic white room based sci-fi movie, where we realize that the things we’re supposed to worry about in the future, are here now.  Wonderful.  Masterful.

(https://lowtheband.bandcamp.com/album/hey-what)

1.    2.  Blankenberge Everything

 

Epic, dramatic, precise, powerful, awe-inspiring.  How many superlatives can I use?  His band from Saint Petersburg, Russia exceeds them all.  This album will be a favorite for the rest of my life.  There is no question.  Especially when played loud.

(https://blankenberge.bandcamp.com/album/everything)

 

2.     3.  Flyying Colours Fantasy Country

 

Australia’s Flyying Colours took some time, but finally released their best album yet early in 2021.  It includes two singles at the beginning that were released quite some time ago, the kinda groovy 70-ish “Goodtimes” and the roaring anthem “Big Mess.”  The rest of the album seems inspired by their own wonderful sound and a less isolating Movement era New Order precision. 

(https://flyyingcolours.bandcamp.com/album/fantasy-country)

 

3.     4.  Tambourina Tambourine Dream

 

Tambourina is born out of previous bands like Glowfriends and Overly Polite Tornadoes.  Continuing their lineage of dynamic indie rock.  Their thoughtful and insightful songs are catchy as hell and I love the vocal interplay.  Fantastic debut from these veterans.

(https://tambourina.bandcamp.com/)

 

4.      5. Old Moon Altars  and  Dreamer, Sleeper

 

New Hampshire’s Old Moon is already very prolific.  They keep releasing a rustic sounding version of early post-punk darkness and it is enthralling.  Both albums from this past year are amazing.

(https://oldmoon.bandcamp.com/music)

 

5.     6.  Ducks Ltd. Modern Fiction

 

This Toronto twosome create a spiky UK sound reminiscent of the stuff from the late 80s Sire Records roster.  I loved a lot of those bands, and welcome a modern band full of wit and addictive tunes.

(https://ducksltdband.bandcamp.com/album/modern-fiction)

 

6.      7. Deafheaven Infinite Granite

 

I don’t know much about Deafheaven.  From what I gather, their history has landed them in a metal / screamo category of rock.  I don’t really care for the thousands of sub categories that we create to label groups.  But whatever the case, this album is a softer edged sound with stretched out songs and spectacular musicianship.  The songs are heartfelt and enjoyable and every so often a mentalism or scream comes to the fore.  Epic.

(https://deafheavens.bandcamp.com/)

 

7.      8. Fotoform Horizons

 

Seattle’s Fotoform’s second album is a tight little pot-punk / goth nugget.  That early Cure bass line throughout is absolutely magical, but also a bit repetitive.  Whatever the case, it’s a sound that I am addicted to.  These emotional songs are quite the elixir. 

(https://fotoform.bandcamp.com/album/horizons)

 

8.     9.  Fawns of Love Innocence of Protection

 

This is the second album in a row that Fawns of Love have delved into the dance pop programming of mid 80s New Order only with dreamy angelic vocals.  I am a sucker for this.  Another enjoyale collection.

(https://fawnsoflove.bandcamp.com/album/innocence-of-protection)

 

9.      10. The High Violets B-Sides & Rarities

 

Portland legends.  I’ve loved their music for years, and seen them perform live many times, but always felt their recorded output never reflected the quality of their live sets.  This collection collects rarities, but it is also now their best album.  These songs are among their best.

(https://thehighviolets.bandcamp.com/)