Y La Bamba
Another year, another year-end review. 2019 though, was a really, really difficult year for me -- likely the worst calendar year of my life. (And I’m not even considering politics in that statement!)
Because I was in a not-great state most of the year, I didn’t discover or listen to that much new music, see much live music, or write about much either, unfortunately. From mysterious and chronic health issues and endless, stressful work, to a lot of travel, the death of a beloved dog, and deep heartbreak, I had a lot of lows, over and over. Mental health has also been a continuous struggle since the start of 2019. The music that I listened to this year then functioned either as emotional support and comfort, or inspirational and motivational -- to celebrate the good things that did happen, because those happened, too.
Good things included: seeing Bad Suns live (amazing show), finally seeing Tomberlin live (I cried so much), seeing Buke and Gase live (underwhelming, sadly), photographing UMS in Denver, getting retweeted by Empress Of and Liza Anne, buying new vinyl, finally meeting Dessa at a book signing, Ryan Adams getting revealed as the absolute shit that he is, The Envy Corps released new music (!!), I saw David Bazan live at one of his super small secret shows and got to chat with him (!!!), I found another venue I like in Denver (Summit Music Hall) and got to photograph Clairo there, and the amazing women of the Minneapolis music scene got featured in the Star Tribune.
So there was good with the bad, but listening to these specific albums helped me immensely, and I don’t know what I would have done without them. So artists, if you're on this list: 1. I can't thank you enough for making this music, 2. I'm buying these albums, if I have not already, and 3. I can't wait to hear more of what you make in the years to come.
For even more new music this year, check out Bearded Gentlemen Music’s list!
Because I was in a not-great state most of the year, I didn’t discover or listen to that much new music, see much live music, or write about much either, unfortunately. From mysterious and chronic health issues and endless, stressful work, to a lot of travel, the death of a beloved dog, and deep heartbreak, I had a lot of lows, over and over. Mental health has also been a continuous struggle since the start of 2019. The music that I listened to this year then functioned either as emotional support and comfort, or inspirational and motivational -- to celebrate the good things that did happen, because those happened, too.
Good things included: seeing Bad Suns live (amazing show), finally seeing Tomberlin live (I cried so much), seeing Buke and Gase live (underwhelming, sadly), photographing UMS in Denver, getting retweeted by Empress Of and Liza Anne, buying new vinyl, finally meeting Dessa at a book signing, Ryan Adams getting revealed as the absolute shit that he is, The Envy Corps released new music (!!), I saw David Bazan live at one of his super small secret shows and got to chat with him (!!!), I found another venue I like in Denver (Summit Music Hall) and got to photograph Clairo there, and the amazing women of the Minneapolis music scene got featured in the Star Tribune.
So there was good with the bad, but listening to these specific albums helped me immensely, and I don’t know what I would have done without them. So artists, if you're on this list: 1. I can't thank you enough for making this music, 2. I'm buying these albums, if I have not already, and 3. I can't wait to hear more of what you make in the years to come.
For even more new music this year, check out Bearded Gentlemen Music’s list!
Top Albums of 2019
Kiltro - Creatures of Habit
Kiltro’s debut album was recorded during one of the worst years of my life – but since its release, it’s become one of my all-time favorites. Within the Denver music scene, Kiltro is something distinct, something significant. Compared to the entire American music scene, Kiltro is something unconventional, innovative, avant-garde. And in the world? Simply something brilliant. Also -- a must-see live. Read more here.
Kiltro’s debut album was recorded during one of the worst years of my life – but since its release, it’s become one of my all-time favorites. Within the Denver music scene, Kiltro is something distinct, something significant. Compared to the entire American music scene, Kiltro is something unconventional, innovative, avant-garde. And in the world? Simply something brilliant. Also -- a must-see live. Read more here.
Chris Bowers-Castillo of Kiltro at UMS 2019
Lemolo, Swansea
This is the third full release from Seattle’s Meagan Grandall, a project now 10 years old. A sweeping, symphonic expression of loss and the ache that comes with it, I have listened to this album this year in airports, at home, and in my car at the loudest possible volume while in the worst possible mood. Lemolo has been with me for many years now as a favorite, but Swansea was there for me this year at a time when I needed it the most.
Lomela, M for Empathy
There is a special place in my heart for albums that find me when I’m at my lowest, and lovingly hold me there. No expectations, no pity. Just some of the most simple, gorgeous, heartbreaking -- and shortest -- songs I’ve heard in a long, long time.
Buke and Gase, Scholars
For those familiar with Buke and Gase’s previous work, this is quite the departure in some ways. Three years ago, they embraced electronic music, and developed Arx. This device has mostly replaced their namesakes, the buke (bass ukulele) and gass (guitar-bass). They have joined the cacophony of electronic performers: now triggering sounds, changing effects on their instruments, and controlling vocal harmonies all with the punch of a button. Buke and Gase create entire universes unto themselves, symphonies within single songs, blurring time and space with their new discovery and creation. They will never not be in a league of their own, no matter what they use to make their music. Read an interview with the band here and a review of their show here.
Electric Guest, KIN
This whole album is rad, sassy, and dancy. Also, his voice is just… so good. Get listening!
Tove Lo, Sunshine Kitty
Guilty pleasure? Sure -- I’m guilty of loving almost every single song on this release by the Swedish pop artist. Great for car rides and dancing around at home. Her best work yet.
MUNA, Saves the World
“Number One Fan” hooked me initially, but “Stayaway” and “Pink Light” sunk me. If you’re a fan of reimagined 80s pop ballads, you will love this group of talented musicians.
From Indian Lakes, Dimly Lit
This band is like comfort food for me, I can always return to them for some slightly sad, but meaningful and well-composed songs. And on this latest release, they really find their groove, having created their best yet. Check out “Your Heartbeat Against Mine" for a good taste.
Great Grandpa, Four of Arrows
I first heard this band on Indie 102.3 (Colorado Public Radio) and had to look them up immediately. What a fantastic album, ranging from some of the best indie out there today, to an original piano composition (“Endling”). Every song has a different story, and a different feel -- yet the whole is cohesive. I can’t wait for what they make next.
Litany, Single Player Mode
Finally FINALLY this talented woman released her songs as something more than singles, so I can list her in my top ten! This four-song release includes one of my absolute indie pop favorites, “My Dude,” and another newer favorite, “Go Out.” The last two songs are a different style for her, with more of a sad or frustrated theme, but they’re just as good as her more upbeat tunes.
Runner-up album:
Polyenso, Year of the Dog
I found out about this band in mid-December and already I’m in love. They released these songs in 2019, however, so I’m including them!
This is the third full release from Seattle’s Meagan Grandall, a project now 10 years old. A sweeping, symphonic expression of loss and the ache that comes with it, I have listened to this album this year in airports, at home, and in my car at the loudest possible volume while in the worst possible mood. Lemolo has been with me for many years now as a favorite, but Swansea was there for me this year at a time when I needed it the most.
Lomela, M for Empathy
There is a special place in my heart for albums that find me when I’m at my lowest, and lovingly hold me there. No expectations, no pity. Just some of the most simple, gorgeous, heartbreaking -- and shortest -- songs I’ve heard in a long, long time.
Buke and Gase, Scholars
For those familiar with Buke and Gase’s previous work, this is quite the departure in some ways. Three years ago, they embraced electronic music, and developed Arx. This device has mostly replaced their namesakes, the buke (bass ukulele) and gass (guitar-bass). They have joined the cacophony of electronic performers: now triggering sounds, changing effects on their instruments, and controlling vocal harmonies all with the punch of a button. Buke and Gase create entire universes unto themselves, symphonies within single songs, blurring time and space with their new discovery and creation. They will never not be in a league of their own, no matter what they use to make their music. Read an interview with the band here and a review of their show here.
Electric Guest, KIN
This whole album is rad, sassy, and dancy. Also, his voice is just… so good. Get listening!
Tove Lo, Sunshine Kitty
Guilty pleasure? Sure -- I’m guilty of loving almost every single song on this release by the Swedish pop artist. Great for car rides and dancing around at home. Her best work yet.
MUNA, Saves the World
“Number One Fan” hooked me initially, but “Stayaway” and “Pink Light” sunk me. If you’re a fan of reimagined 80s pop ballads, you will love this group of talented musicians.
From Indian Lakes, Dimly Lit
This band is like comfort food for me, I can always return to them for some slightly sad, but meaningful and well-composed songs. And on this latest release, they really find their groove, having created their best yet. Check out “Your Heartbeat Against Mine" for a good taste.
Great Grandpa, Four of Arrows
I first heard this band on Indie 102.3 (Colorado Public Radio) and had to look them up immediately. What a fantastic album, ranging from some of the best indie out there today, to an original piano composition (“Endling”). Every song has a different story, and a different feel -- yet the whole is cohesive. I can’t wait for what they make next.
Litany, Single Player Mode
Finally FINALLY this talented woman released her songs as something more than singles, so I can list her in my top ten! This four-song release includes one of my absolute indie pop favorites, “My Dude,” and another newer favorite, “Go Out.” The last two songs are a different style for her, with more of a sad or frustrated theme, but they’re just as good as her more upbeat tunes.
Runner-up album:
Polyenso, Year of the Dog
I found out about this band in mid-December and already I’m in love. They released these songs in 2019, however, so I’m including them!
Clairo
Other artists who released great music this year:
Lady Lamb
Rosie Carney
The Japanese House
Hand Habits
Jamila Woods
Bad Bad Hats
Toro Y Moi
Still Woozy
Lizzo
Corre
Frankie Cosmos
Bag Raiders
Clairo
Y La Bamba
Andrew Thoreen
Lady Lamb
Rosie Carney
The Japanese House
Hand Habits
Jamila Woods
Bad Bad Hats
Toro Y Moi
Still Woozy
Lizzo
Corre
Frankie Cosmos
Bag Raiders
Clairo
Y La Bamba
Andrew Thoreen
Liza Anne
Stuff I wrote:
Bearded Gentleman Music
Houses: Drugstore Heaven EP | The Existential EP of the Year
Buke and Gase: The Challenge of Intimate Venues
Denver Shines for Three Days During the Underground Music Showcase
I love Clairo and her music. I struggle to love her sudden rise to fame.
The Good Place is the Best Experiment on Television
The Aural
Words With: Buke and Gase
Exclusive: Andrew Thoreen - "I Know What It Takes"
A Year With Kiltro
Denver Shines for Three Days During the Underground Music Showcase
Bearded Gentleman Music
Houses: Drugstore Heaven EP | The Existential EP of the Year
Buke and Gase: The Challenge of Intimate Venues
Denver Shines for Three Days During the Underground Music Showcase
I love Clairo and her music. I struggle to love her sudden rise to fame.
The Good Place is the Best Experiment on Television
The Aural
Words With: Buke and Gase
Exclusive: Andrew Thoreen - "I Know What It Takes"
A Year With Kiltro
Denver Shines for Three Days During the Underground Music Showcase
Empress Of
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