40. ST. VINCENT- DADDY’S HOME
Sixth studio album by singer/songwriter and phenom electric guitarist Annie Clark is a concept album inspired by her father’s recent release from prison for white collar crimes. Musically it’s a throwback to 60’s and 70’s psychedelia and lounge music.
Best tracks- The Melting Of The Sun; My Baby Wants A Baby
39. BLACK COUNTRY, NEW ROAD- FOR THE FIRST TIME
Debut album by one of a handful of young, London band who successfully combine post-punk with prog-rock and experimental music. Black Country adds jazz with a prominently featured saxophone and violins added to the mix.
Best tracks- Track X; Sunglasses
38. STRAND OF OAKS- IN HEAVEN
Seventh album “In Heaven” is a return to form and the group’s best album since 2014’s “Heal”. Strand Of Oaks but the rock in folk rock adding elements of grunge. Features stand out lead single “Galacticana”
Best tracks- Galacticana; Sunbathers
37.DAWN RICHARD- SECOND LINE
Sixth studio album in a fascinating career from model, actress, musician and animator. Richard got her start as a member of Danity Kane in P. Diddy’s “Making The Band II”. She is now an indie artist signed to North Carolina label Merge Records putting out underground R&B music. “Second Line” is an homage to the music and culture of her hometown New Orleans.
Best tracks- Bussifame; Boomerang
36. BRANDI CARLILE- IN THESE SILENT DAYS
Seventh album by former Grammy winner. It took me way too long to hear and get into Carlile’s music but as soon as I took the plunge I took to it immediately. Her heavy take on country and beautiful, folkie ballads remind me of the classic rock that is often missing in today’s music. The band behind her sounds great as well.
Best tracks- Broken Horses; Sinners, Saints & Fools
35. THE BUG- FIRE
‘The Bug’ is the alias of British musician and producer Kevin Martin. He has been completely off of my radar since 2008’s amazing “London Zoo”. “Fire: captures the zeitgeist, paranoia and anger of our moment with its furious combo of dancehall, electronic music & UK Grime; featuring excellent British guest rappers throughout.
Best tracks- Vexed; Fuck Off
34. PARQUET COURTS- SYMPATHY FOR LIFE
With their seventh album “Sympathy For Life” NYC based indie rock band Parquet Courts have quietly proven themselves to be one of the most consistently reliable rock bands of the last decade. They tweak their sound just enough each time around, this time veering towards a funkier and more danceable sound than before.
Best tracks- Walking At A Downtown Pace; Homosapien
33. BLACK MIDI- CAVALCADE
Second album by London experimental rock band solidifies their standing as one of the most exciting young bands on the scene. “Cavalcade” may not hit with the surprise of their 2019 debut “Schlagenheim” but it’s beefed up sound sands off their edges a bit showing musical growth and a pathway forward.
Best tracks- Dethroned, John L
32. SHAME- DRUNK TANK PINK
Second album by South London, post-punk band is an improvement on their promising debut in every way- better songs, better sound and even more pissed off anger and energy than before.
Best tracks- 6/1; March Day
31. JAPANESE BREAKFAST- JUBILEE
Third album by American indie dream pop project, featuring song of the year candidate “Be Sweet”.
Best tracks- Be Sweet, Kokomo, IN