Another year in the books and Don't Forget to Remember remains mostly dormant. Which makes the annual Top 5 list all the more intriguing. If you are interested in my perspective on workforce engagement, follow me here. I've also got a collection of short stories on Medium.
There are a million sources through which to access the independent music landscape these days. I've found joy (and pain) in following Indiecast, Talkhouse, Broken Record, That's How I Remember It, Growing Up Punk and the Download 15.
2024 saw the return of legendary acts like Grandaddy, J Mascis, Father John Misty, and Alkaline Trio. All perfectly back to form.
If you don't know the name MJ Lenderman at the moment, you will! His work with Wednesday and Waxahatchee are a few nice appetizers into his latest solo album which will keep any BBQ moving along smoothly. Australia's Middle Kids authored some pool party anthems that nearly cracked the top 5. Good Looks resurfaced consistent with their smooth swap rock. Medium Build's album "country" produced a number of gems that hit right over morning coffee or with a night cap. Wild Pink can also join this group of ambitious youngsters with "Dulling the Horns". If you love Cake you will love Cheek Face.
Christian Lee Hutson, Adrianne Lenker & Hurray for the Riff Raff kept the harmony alive in 2024.
All you little punk rockers will praise the long awaited return of The Story So Far, Frank Turner's consistently great folk punk, the finger tapping of Bottom Bracket and the joyous, if not insurmountable, grief relief brought to us by Aaron West & the Roaring Twenties.
A tip of the trucker cap to Nik Freitas and an honorable mention extended to slimdan. In the case of the ladder, the indie producer took up the mantel to bring us tunes that run the gamut from new love to facing a life in hell for eating a hot dog.
Here are the Top 5 Albums of 2024:
5. DEADBEAT! by Jack Kays
DEADBEAT starts as a rollicking party album, but through it's progression, youthful negligence begins to tangle with the shame of addiction. You'll get notes to old friends, stories of love lost and missteps with family in these fables from an acoustic guitar. The sound cloud influence still prevalent in the production and album attitude; the lyrics triumphant to manifesto level. The record culminates with the recovery anthem, "My Promise" and even finds time to pay homage to the Mountain Goats. A listen that doesn't require a ton of focus but delivers some inspiring words to live by.
Vampire Weekend is one of those band we all take for granted, the music consistently great at every turn. But can Ezra and company deliver absent of Rostam and with a new supporting cast? Yes, Yes they can. OGWAU certainly had it's expectations thanks to a ton of promo in the podcast-verse and boy did the boys deliver! Smoothed out tunes with less comfortable topics - check that box. All with the usual V Weekend layered instrumentation that frequently allows space for Ezra's story telling to shine. Another gem!
3. Santa Cruz by Pedro the Lion
Speaking of consistency. David Bazan and the various iterations of Pedro the Lion have been at it since the 90's. The formula of the music has not strayed much from the path but the subject matter continues to evolve to meet us in our life travels. Santa Cruz is the 3rd in the recounting of Bazan's life adventures. This chapter finds the journeyman.... wait for it..... actually fitting in socially by finding some personal happiness. Theme's of social awkwardness, life lessons from a loving family, music as a tour guide and maturing into confidence flood this record all beneath the shimmer of the Santa Cruz sunlight narrated through Bazan's signature baritone. My son venturing to the albums namesake on a four year heroes journey made this stop on the tour all the more impactful.
Owen Ashworth's story telling through nasal vocal tones never gets old. Nor does his ability to translate small town fables into grand life lessons. Horrible Occurrences serves as a collection of short stories each mired in human disarmament with an ever-sweet silver lining. Low-fi electro pop with a singer/songwriter cadence.
1. Weird Faith by Madi Diaz
Madi Diaz returns to the countdown this time with a perfect album of guitar strums and fables of love lost, acquired, returned, pondered and circumnavigated. A simple easy listen that challenges the heart in wonderful ways.
Something tells me we are going to need great music more than ever in 2025. Shut off the noise and crank up the volume.
Thank You for Listening,
Dave
