50. MASTODON- HUSHED AND GRIM
Stuffed to the brim double album offers glimpses of what makes Atlanta metal institution Mastodon one of the best at what they do over the past two decades.
Best tracks- Teardrinker; Gigantum
49. MY MORNING JACKET- MY MORNING JACKET
First album in six years is a welcome return for Louisville, KY band who blur lines between jam band and indie rock.
Best tracks- Last Expected; Never In The Real World
48. DEAFHEAVEN- INFINITE GRAVITY
Fifth album by west coast black metal band is an extreme departure from their previous albums. The band shifts towards a shoegaze sound akin to the band Explosions In The Sky, with clean, intelligible vocals minus the demonic screaming. Gorgeous is less distinguishable.
Best tracks- Great Mass Of Color; Shellstar
47. CHLOE MORIONDO- BLOOD BUNNY
Thoughtful but pissed off indie-pop; a more underground version of Olivia Rodrigo.
Best tracks- Bodybag; Rly Don’t Care
46. YOUNG THUG- PUNK
Only the second “official” full-length album by massively influential Atlanta rapper is probably Thug’s most accessible and mellowest release to date despite its title.
Best tracks- Livin It Up; Icy Hot
45. LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM- LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM
Seventh solo album released in the wake of his very public firing by Fleetwood Mac, LB is often a delight, especially when Buckingham is able to meld experimentation with his noted knack for melody.
Best tracks- On The Wrong Side; I Don’t Mind
44. A NATION OF LANGUAGE- A WAY FORWARD
Often excellent Brooklyn based indie synth pop band who recall mid eighties New Wave at its finest.
Best tracks- Across That Fine Line; This Fractured Mind
43. L’RAIN- FATIGUE
Beautifully thought provoking work by NYC based artist who combines free jazz, R&B, electronic music and indie rock with the avant-garde. Futuristic and forward leaning.
Best tracks- Two Face; Find It
42. VIAGRA BOYS- WELFARE JAZZ
Second album b y Swedish band who combine post-punk with black humor, dry wit and satire. Unfortunately Benjamin Valle, a band co-founder and guitarist recently passed away in October of ’21 making the future of the band in up in the air. Features stand out cuts like “Ain’t Nice” and “Creatures” as well as a cool cover of “In Spite Of Ourselves”.
Best Tracks- Ain’t Nice; Creatures
41. TIRZAH- COLOURGUARD
Second album by British experimental indie-pop artist. A Meditative and gorgeous exploration of early motherhood and the artist’s pregnancy, “Colourguard” highlights familial love and intimacy.
Best tracks- Send Me; Tectonic