My Top Records of 2022

Julia Jacklin – Revolution Hall – October 2, 2022

Dear Reader – Do you use Tidal to stream? If so, please enjoy the playlist I made from these tremendous records, here. In case you did not know, Tidal gives much more money to artists than any other streaming platform. Consider switching! It’s a great app and you will be supporting artists more fully.

Sudan Archives – Natural Brown Prom Queen

It’s usually a struggle for me to decide what my favorite record in any given year, might be. Not 2022. From the first moment I heard it, there was no doubt that “Natural Brown Prom Queen” would be at the top. The talent, brilliance and phenomenal creativity that emanates from this album will wrap you up, have you dancing, grooving and otherwise, blissing out when you listen. Don’t miss this one.

Robert Glasper – Black Radio III

The talent on this record is a little awe inspiring. From Glasper himself, to Q-Tip, Killer Mike, H.E.R, Ty Dolla Sign, Common, and so many more, it’s a rich glimpse into the divine nature of collaboration and music. I have not stopped listening to it since it was released. I encourage everyone to do the same!

Big Thief – Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You

How could this record not be on my list? I don’t think there’s greater talent out there right now than these folks. Lenker is a master songwriter and allowing us to join in her poignant emotional journeys.

Ari Lennox – age/sex/location

In terms of what I listen to, Ari is at the absolute top of my streaming queue. Her voice is just gorgeous and the beats never miss. Check this full length out.

Sharon Van Etten – We’ve Been Going About this All Wrong

There’s no way Sharon Van Etten would not be on my list. It’s fair to say she’s one of my favorite artists of all time. I feel hugely lucky to have seen her last summer along with Julien Baker and Angel Olsen. I’m not sure there’s another artist that taps into my heart, more than her. Her latest record is brilliant, thoughtful and as always with her, we see what a tremendously talented woman SVE is.

Babehoven – Light Moving Time

This lovely little record is one the prettiest of the year. With sweet riffs and melodic vocals running through all of it, I am enchanted.

Beach House – Once Twice Melody

I’ve loved everything that Beach House has released. This is no exception. Allow yourself to drift into dreamy chords and dazzling melodies with them.

Melissa Carper – Ramblin’ Soul

In the last decade or so, I’ve become a lot more enamored by country music. I do prefer alt-country or old style, so discovering this artist was a thrill.

Preoccupations – Arrangements

I discovered this Canadian band through a partner that has impeccable taste in music. I love this record. It’s classified as post punk, but I hear tones of the 80’s new wave all over it, and I am so into it!

Alvvays – Blue Rev

It was beyond worth the wait to hear more from the incredible Alvvays. Their music feels upbeat, hopeful and their talent as musicians shines through in every track.

Julia Jacklin – Pre Pleasure

It’s possible that every time Julia Jacklin released a record, it ends up on my best of list. This Australian is a talent that just keeps getting better with time.

Rhett Miller – The Misfit

Rhett has been someone I’ve admired since first listening to his work with The Old 97’s back in the early 2000’s. This latest record of his feels a little different than previous releases. More dreamy, a little groovier.

Laura Veirs – Found Light

Portland artist Laura Veirs brings us yet another delicious record. I feel as though I’m walking through life with her as I listen to this brilliant release.

Angel Olsen – Big Time

I feel like this record takes us back to Angel Olsen’s roots. Gorgeous and mindful, this is a fantastic album.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Cool it Down

I don’t know about you, but I did not expect that The Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs would ever release another album. I was thrilled to hear new music from one of my favorites voices in music.

Tyler Childers – Can I Take my Hounds to Heaven?

More brilliance in the modern country scene comes in the form of Tyler Childers’ new release. Kick back on your front porch and have a listen.

Trupa Trupa – B Flat A

As an American, it’s easy to stay focused on all the music made here in the states. But then you’d be missing out on talent like Trupa Trupa. This deeply layered, dark and brilliant band hails from Gdansk, Poland and is absolutely one of my favorites of the year.

Ty Segall – Hello, Hi

It should come as no surprise to anyone who reads these yearly missives to see Ty Segall on this list. After his last, more electronic release, I am glad to see him return to the style I know and love so much.

Wombo – Fairy Rust

Listening to independent radio like XRAY out of Portland allows me to discover bands I might otherwise miss. This group out of Louisville, KY is one of my favorite finds of 2022. Enjoy!

Daniel Rossen – You Belong There

When you listen to this record, it’s clear that much of the talent behind Grizzly Bear lay within the heart and mind of Daniel Rossen. I was fortunate enough to see him play in Portland this year – I left feeling utterly mesmerized. I hope this record has the same effect on you.

The Smile – A Light for Attracting Attention

I feel fairly certain this album will make many top records of 2022, lists. As it should. Radiohead members coming together and creating more brilliance for us is not to be missed.

Warpaint – Radiate Like This

A truly great release from the very talented women of Warpaint. Layers of guitar and expansive chords will enthrall you.

HTRK – Death is a Dream

Yet again, looking outside the US and you will find brilliance such HTRK. Downtempo, heady and overall just so lovely. Add this Australian band to your queue.

Die Andere Seite – Epythmia

I admit that I first discovered the talent behind this band because I am a fan of the work of the German actor, Tom Schilling(band member). However, once I gave it a listen I was deeply impressed with this album. Expand your world view and give this a listen.

Lady Wray – Piece of Me

Oh, how I adore this record. Gorgeous vocals and beats to keep you feeling good all day long.

The Hunger for New Music

My bio says I’ve been musically obsessed since birth. I can’t speak to the first five years of my existence but after that it’s clear my life would be constantly shaped by music. My dad always had something on turntable, usually jazz and his stereo was enviable by standards of the day. My sister started seeing concerts when she was 13 and picked up the guitar just a few years later. They were both early versions of what I would later come to see as my gear-shifters, influencers, expanders.

Anyone who matched this decription had a profound affect on what I listened to. Later versions of this included high school teachers, classmates, college boyfriends, colleagues, the list goes on. Ever ravenous for new bands and new sounds I finally found my greatest influencer of all, KEXP. It was 2005 and I had recently taken a trip to what is my now my city of residence, Portland. I heard some new bands there, searched for them online, one thing led to another the daily ritual of hearing John Richards, Cheryl Waters and Kevin Cole began. It’s seven years later and I’ve discovered thousands of artists because of them. At long last I had found the cure for my hunger, a radio station.

In this vein I thought I’d share a few songs to satiate us all.

Dirty Projectors - Image courtesy of Domino Records

If you haven’t listened to the Dirty Projectors yet go back to 2009 and check out Bitte Orca and prepare to become smitten by super tight beats combined with vocals that will amaze. This is a brand new track called Gun Has No Trigger.

I clearly hear George Harrison, Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley in this Daniel Rossen track, Silent Song. It sends me drifting gleefully into a field of flowers.

Everyone’s favorite dreamcore band, Beach House, has a new track, Myth. Put your headphones on, lay back and groove.