Category Archives: best of 2017

(31) Days of Good//12.3.17

“With a sound that could call back to either Don Henley or Future Islands, ‘Candy May’ nevertheless stands on its own as it carves out a dark groove that shines like black glitter. It’s a devastating and danceable single from Forced Witness, deftly produced by Foxygen’s Jonathan Rado and mixed by Richard Swift, that features backing vocals from Angel Olsen.” (via Kathleen Tarrant, npr music)

Alex Cameron – Candy May [from Forced Witness]
[facebook.com/ALKCM]

 

Mr Jukes – Tears (feat. Alexandria) [from God First]
[jukesjukes.com]

 

This is one of those songs you know you’re going to love right away. A delightfully infectious and inviting track you’ll be enjoying on repeat after your first listen.

Korey Dane – Lovesick In A Hotel Wildfire [from Chamber Girls]
[koreydane.com]

 

 

“‘Exhumed’ ignited a catharsis that fed into the rest of the record. Writing this song acted as the dynamite that brought me back to life.” – Zola Jesus

Zola Jesus – Exhumed [from Okovi]
[zolajesus.com]

 

#31days2017

(31) Days of Good//12.2.17

Alice Glass opens up the title track of her self-titled solo EP with “Am I worth it or am I worthless?”…especially heavy considering the recent allegations regarding her former Crystal Castles bandmate Ethan Kath. With all that aside though, I really enjoy this side of Glass. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the intensity and snarling vocals she is so well known for, but many of my favorite Crystal Castle tracks were the more reserved and fragile offerings.

Alice Glass – Without Love [from Alice Glass EP]
[alice-glass.com]

 

Noise rock trio METZ returned this year with their latest album Strange Peace. Alex Edkins, lead singer, explains that the lead-off track, “Mess Of Wires,” is “a reference to the human brain and all its wonder. What are dreams? What is consciousness? The chorus line ‘make a sound’ is about acting on instinct and not rationalizing your life away. It’s about being in motion rather than spectating; being honest instead of constructing a false reality to inhabit. It is about speaking your mind even though you feel your voice is inconsequential and flawed.”

METZ – Mess of Wires [from Stranger Peace]
[metzztem.com]

 

I doubt there is a single Hazel English song I don’t enjoy. My personal favorite right now is this dreamy, indie pop gem.

Hazel English – Fix [from Just Give In / Never Going Home]
[tacvba.com.mx]

 

Maryn Jones (All Dogs, Saintseneca) originally released The Offer (her first solo album as Yowler) back in 2015, but this year reissued said album and included two new tracks. “Go” is one of the these new tracks and it alone makes purchasing the reissue well worth it.

Yowler – Go [from The Offer]
[yowler.bandcamp.com]

 

#31days2017

(31) Days of Good//12.1.17

I know, I know. Run the Jewels 3 is technically a 2016 release, but they dropped it at the end of the year (on Christmas day to be exact), without warning, and I wasn’t able to properly feature them during #31days2016. So it’s only fair I kick things off this year with my favorite track from the incredible RTJ3, the raw and explosive “Call Ticketron.”

Run The Jewels – Call Ticketron [from Run the Jewels 3]
[runthejewels.com]

 

The debut single from the NYC-based Gussie is a chirpy blend of blurred synths and tenacious electronic beats, which creates a near perfect 80’s throwback sound.

Gussie – Others [single]
[soundcloud.com/blairblairblair]

 

There are certain songs I become completely lost in and this is one of those. Originally released back in 2015 as part of the Lost River Original Motion Picture Score, but released this year as a proper single, so i’m counting it towards 2017.

Johnny Jewel – Tell Me (feat. Saoirse Ronan) [single]
[soundcloud.com/johnnyjewel]

 

♩ Swells – Dream Girl [from What Are You Gonna Do?]

North Hollywood surf-punk rockers Swells dropped their excellent debut LP this year and it included this solid ballad.  Swells is one of the hardest working bands out there right and they put on a super fun live show…and they just happen to be hosting the inaugural Swells Christmas Special tonight in Los Angeles. Swing by if you can manage.

 

#31days2017

(31) Days of Good//2017

The holiday season is finally upon us and with it comes the 2017 edition of (31) Days of Good!

For those of you unfamiliar with (31) Days of Good, it’s an annual trip down memory lane and look back at some of the year’s best music. There really isn’t a particular order or rank for the songs, I simply pick my favorites and hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Some days will feature a handful of picks, some days might only feature one or two, and like previous years, my good friend and frequent collaborator, Brendan will be offering up his favorite tunes of the year as well. And if we’re lucky, we’ll also be treated to some favorites from the one and only Slippery Duves, so “hold on to your butts.”

It all kicks off tomorrow morning. Stay tuned.

#31days2017

p.s. tune in Dec. 8th for my favorite EPs & Dec. 15th for my favorite LPs of 2017.