This list didn't happen last year which was ironic when there was little to do but listen. But I'm still finding new musical pleasures, and seeing the connections with the music that shaped me. So here, once again, are the new sounds that most nourished, surprised and pleased me in the year gone by:
Office Culture, Big Time Things
These smart, sparkly-textured pop songs have a decade's spanning style that recalls Steely Dan, Belle and Sebastian and Kings of Convenience all at once. And maybe this year's best band name.
Robert Glasper, Black Radio III
BRIII perfectly embodies the pleasure of listening to adventurous radio stations like Philly's WDAS in the 70's and 80's. Glasper, his generation's Herbie Hancock, is genius.
Wet Leg, Wet Leg
Wet Leg is a British duo that will more than meet your needs for tuneful noise. Post-punk should always be this much fun.
Mansions on the Moon, Lightyears EP
I'm a sucker for the kind of chilled-out, SoCal pop songs that I hear only on KCRW in Santa Monica. This blissful EP is the bastard child of Rumors-era Fleetwood Mac and Avalon-era Roxy Music.
She She She, Prism
Did you love the girl groups of the 60's like I did? That charm is all here, dressed up in electro-soul. Doo wop that thing, for sure.
Young Gun Silver Fox, Ticket to Shangri-La
Someone's making new yacht rock, as shiny and addictive as the originals. These guys.
Willie Nelson, A Beautiful Time
Nelson is the Keith Richards of country. He's improbably still alive and writing and recording rich, satisfying new tunes.
Plus three from last year's uncompiled list:
Yola, Stand for Myself
Yola produced a miracle that recalls "Dusty in Memphis" -- a completely captivating blend of country and R&B with a contemporary sheen.
Leon Bridges, Gold Diggers Soul
Drake crossed with Bill Withers? Nah, just foolin'. But close.
Pastor T.L. Barret and the Youth for Christ Choir, I Shall Wear a Crown
I'm breaking all my own rules with this 2021 compilation of Chicago gospel recordings, some going back to the 1970's. But it is transcendent. Can I get an "Amen"?
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Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0U4T34i8XhG5o8LDEWJi01?si=71b90cc96343472e
