Music I liked in 2017

As a 30-something father of two, I can't overstate how few (zero) people have asked me "Hey - what new music did you listen to this year?" 

But here we are: Me, at home with the kids on a holiday break, and you clicking the link to my blog. 

Listed in alphabetical order, because I can't even begin to think of a way in which I'd rank these numerically.

Alvvays - Antisocialites

This group reminded me of all the parts of Beach House that I love.

Beck - Colors

He may have won a Grammy, for "Morning Phase" but that album is a tough hang snooze-fest for me. This is Odelay-era Beck all grown up with me. I love every track.

John Carpenter - Anthology: Movie Themes 1974-1998

John Carpenter took his most famous movie themes and evolved them into full-length synth-driven songs. And I love every one. "Escape From New York" has been my phone's ringtone for years, and now I can drive the kids to school and have them "call me Snake."

Kurt Vile/Courtney Barnett - Lotta Sea Lice

It's clear they are having a good time with these tracks - a fun listen and great car tunes to have on with the kids in the back seat.

LCD Soundsystem - american dream

"tonite" may be one of the best songs of the year. Great album for gym time and running, too.

Lorde - Melodrama

Another great in-the-car-with-kids album, as long as your kids don't realize she says "Blowing shit up with homemade d-d-d-d-dynamite" in the refrain of "Homemade Dynamite." PARENT OF THE YEAR DISQUALIFICATION.

The National - Sleep Well Beast

This almost got cut from my meaningless list because I can only stand half the songs on this album. The other half - the moody songs about a failing marriage and relationship... I just skip 'em or turn on a new album when we get to them. Remember when you had to buy a whole CD of crap songs just to get the one or two songs you liked from a band to put on your mixtape? MEMORIES.

Ogilala - Billy Corgan

When "Smashing Pumpkins" reforms with D'Arcy and James for a nostalgia mega-tour, shut up and take my money. First solo thing he's done in a good while that wasn't crushed by its own pretentiousness.

Queens of the Stone Age - Villains

This album cannot be played loud enough.

Radiohead - OK Computer OKNOTOK 1997 2017 (reissue)

Amazing how the themes of this album from 1997 were fantastically relevant again this year. It also included as part of the reissue the "Polyethylene (Parts 1 & 2)" EP tracks, which I once purchased in CD form and have been lost for years. YEARS!

R.E.M. - Automatic For the People (25th Anniversary Reissue)

When my friend Brian and I drove to high school each morning, we played this album, which we had in cassette form - it was bright yellow. An album that has aged nicely along with me.

Sylvan Esso - What Now

Great for late-night driving, or morning driving to keep you chill in townie commute traffic. Like Explosions in the Sky but with lyrics.

Vince Staples - Big Fish

I was ironically listening to an old album by "The Streets" and Apple Music suggested this one to me. Love this as gym music.

War on Drugs -  A Deeper Understanding

My most listened to album of the year? My most listened to album of the year.

Waxahatchee - Out In the Storm

Great lyrics, and the tracks all sound like they could have been played on 90's college radio stations.

Weaves - Wide Open

Imagine if the Yeah Yeah Yeahs covered Bruce Springsteen, and you'd get this band. And it is awesome.

Happy Holidays, Happy New Year - here's to 2018, everyone!