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.

More Ty Segall, Now Live at Pickathon

Ty Segall Pickathon

I can’t keep up with Ty Segall. I get emails from his labels, follow them on social media, and I am still surprised when I hear about a new release. But I kind of love that, he’s so just SO prolific! I picked up this rad little record of him playing at Pickathon in 2013. The flip side is also great, King Tuff. It feels like a bootleg in many ways. The sound is not perfect and you can definitely hear a bit of crowd noise. But I love it and wish it was longer. Unlike a lot of musicians these days, Ty does not shy away from putting out live recordings. I love both the release under his name in San Francisco and the one with Fuzz. It’s as close as you can get to feeling his face melting goodness without actually being there.

This latest release is far more sedate, however. He was touring on his record, Sleeper, at the time. It’s a more low key record that made my top records of 2013. You can hear him wanting to rip it up on a few songs, right at the end. I’m guessing with the family friendly vibe at Pickathon, this was frowned upon. Overall, it’s a nice EP and a well worth picking up. The video below is great, and makes me laugh in addition to being a great listen.

I’m not sure there is anything better than live Ty Segall, and next week I’ll get to see him play with Fuzz in Portland. I caught him last year in Albuquerque, that was an absolutely rippin’ show. Meatbodies opened, I had no idea who they were, but love them now!

Meatbodies at the LaunchPad in Albuquerque, NM March 2014

Photo by me. All rights reserved.

Top 14 Records of 2014

1. Ty Segall – Manipulator

Ty Segall is at the top of my list once again. This brilliant record melds together his bleeding guitar riffs with his more harmonic grooves, finding just the right space for them.

2. Sharon Van Etten – Are We There

One of the most talented singer-songwriters out there, it’s as if Van Etten crafted this stellar record, wrapped it up in the most beautiful sunset in the world and handed it over.

3. Ex Hex – Rips

Simply put. this record kicks ass.

4. The Wytches – Annabelle Dream Reader

Psychedelic. English. Mind bending.

5. Run the Jewels – Run the Jewels 2

Smart. Righteous. You won’t be able to stop listening.

6. Lucluc – Passerby
Channeling the best of early 60’s folk, this duo lulls me in the best possible way.

7. Have a Nice Life – The Unnatural World

CT natives make a killer record. Hints of Joy Division. Stellar.

8. War on Drugs – Lost in the Dream

On nearly everybody’s lists for 2014 for a reason. I might love the spaces between the songs the most.

9. Elbow – The Takeoff and Landing of Everything

A divine effort from these UK lads.

10. Warpaint – Self Titled

These women from LA blew me away with this record. Beats that roil around in your brain for a long time.

11. Meatbodies – Self Titled

I caught them purely by accident last year in New Mexico. They absolutely shred.

12. Wampire – Bazar

Portland natives make another record that I could not take off the turntable.

13. Parquet Courts – Sunbathing Animal

More noisy, raucous riffs that fill your brain and send you leaping into the air.

14. Deerhoof – La Isla Bonita

Dear Deerhoof, you are the most amazing band live. And this record is brilliant, too.

Top Ten Records of 2013 – AKA “I’m no one’s tiny dancer”*

1. Ty Segall – Sleeper

There are usually a lot of contenders for record of the year, but for me the choice was easy this time. After I picked this piece of musical divination from the record store, it rarely returned to the shelf. “Sleeper” is an interesting change-up for Ty Segall, much of his music is glorious, raucous, noisy. Here we get slow, singularly beautiful chords and his voice wandering hazily between notes. “Sleeper” is a thing of wonder. Check out the Pickathon session.

 

2. Laura Marling – Like an Eagle

I had an experience recently with a friend being deceitful to me. This person initially seemed cool but turned out to be a liar. Just as I made my escape, I first heard the song, “Little Love Caster,” then the rest of this divinely, dreamy double record. And I knew, this utterly stunning, young UK singer/songwriter, had found her way into my life at just the right moment.

“I wish that I had. I wish that I had’ve told you then. Where my kindness ends”

And I wish I had…………………….

 

3. Unknown Mortal Orchestra – II

I wrote an entire blog post about UMO and how much I adore both them and this record. II was released in February, and I see it’s fallen off the radar for many top 10 lists. This is unfortunate as it really is one of the most amazing recordings released all year. Seeing them live was mind blowing. Imagine my joy when they released “Blue,” an EP of acoustic versions of 5 of the songs from II!

 

4. Savages – Silence Yourself

This record deserves a special place in the list. Not only is it their debut album, but the band members are all women. While an admitted music junkie, I do get burned out on how male dominated the industry can be. When this edgy record came blistering onto the scene, with it’s grind and edginess, it immediately grabbed my attention. It feels like perfection from start to raging finish.

 

5. Daft Punk – Random Access Memories

I’ve always loved Daft Punk. They hold an allure, a self executed mystery, in the form of gold helmets and robotic front men. “Random Access Memories” is everything wonderful about electronica. It brings happiness, the urge to stay up all night dancing and even some slight introspection through a keyboard. I spent some superbly fun hours spinning and bouncing to “Lose Yourself to Dance” at a friends house over the summer.

 

6. Fuzz – Self Titled

I’ve been really drawn to noisy, psychedelic, lo-fi, heavy sounds this year. You won’t find anything better in the psych-rock genre than Fuzz. Bad ass drum solos (by Ty Segall), bleeding chords and bass lines that ride up the back of your spine are all included in this face meltingly good record. Play it very loudly, preferably on vinyl.

 

7. Wooden Shjips – Back to Land

Back in 2008, someone brought me to a Wooden Shjips show at Holocene, small club in town. Mesmerized, I was instantly taken in by their zone inducing, growling sound. In their latest release, they continue to keep me intrigued with their blissed out, haze. This record is tight, with an upright sort of feel. And hey, it came in green vinyl. Ah, bliss.

 

8. Chelsea Light Moving – Self Titled

When Sonic Youth was in their heyday, I never had the chance to see them. I was busy doing other things, but I’ve always carried a major torch for them. KEXP started playing Chelsea Light Moving a bunch, and in keeping with my love affair with the loud and noisy, they immediately caught my attention. The songs creep back and forth between the ear bleed to the slow rise. Open your head. Listen.

 

9. Parquet Courts – Light Up Gold

I’ve got a weakness for most thing labeled “post-punk.” When I first heard Parquet Courts, they reminded me of the late 80’s, the east coast and running around in New York. This record is blast to listen to, uber catchy and easily made my top ten. “Well, I was walking through Ridgewood, Queens, and I was flipping through magazines, and I was so stoned, so stoned and starving.”

 

10. Mikal Cronin – MCII

Maybe you are sensing a theme here? Ty Segall, Fuzz and now Mikal Cronin. All connected, all amazing. This record is my feel good, sweet, choice of the year. Turn it on when you start off on your next road trip, it’s near seamless with both melodic interludes and blazing riffs will keep you in fine company.

*Blog title lyrics courtesy Laura Marling

Lost in a Sea of Fuzz

Labor day weekend brought the opportunity to see an incredible band, one that I’ve listened to dangerously loud while coding away at work, but have never caught live. Ty Segall has been around since 2008 but like many amazing musicians out there, I seem to come across them when the time is right. The show was small and Bunk Bar feels more like a neighborhood bar (albeit a super hip one) than a music venue. The crowd got initially jacked by White Fang, a fun Portland band and flannel shirts were quickly pulled off, the temperature inside climbing.

Ty Segall at Bunk Bar, Portland, OR
Photo by me

To call Ty Segall energetic or wild seem wrong, to call the wall of noise that came at me brilliantly, joyfully, impressive, that’s not it either. When I stood there, my feet firmly planted in my clogs and my head swaying back and forth, I experienced something old, a feeling that such untamed, humorously wild notes have been batted for around eons. I imagined what it must have been like to have been in San Francisco in 1967, catching Hendrix at an early gig, that fuzz, that wail of a guitar right up in your face. I am not comparing Ty musically to Jimi, it is the energy of which I speak. Add to the wall of sound a level of fun, of playful interaction with the audience and that was my experience of Ty Segall. I heard his city in his music, the long energetic tails of San Francisco running through each chord. It’s similar when I hear the Black Angels (Austin!), Wooden Shjips (also SF), Sleigh Bells (Brooklyn) or Bruxa (my own beloved Portland). The city emanates from the chords, the beats, the lyrics and I LOVE that.

Ty Segall
Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Vegan

9/8/12 – I unexpectedly caught some great bands last night. A coworker gave me a ticket and I got to see Menomena and Beirut on Pioneer Square (both for MusicFest NW)

Menomena on the Square
Photo by Me

Beirut on the Square 
Photo by Me

I also caught Moon Duo last night, nothing says Lost in a Sea of Fuzz more than them. They played at the Star Theater and the crowd was small enough that I go to stand right up front. What a killer set, I’m only sorry it was an hour.