Cash’s top 100 (2024)
Here is a compilation of Cash’s top listened to albums/EPs/singles in 2024! Ranked from least fond of to most fond of. Keep in mind, spot 100 is just as important as spot 1! (Most of the later spots are singles fyi)
100. Supercuts - jeremy zucker
Released in 2020, this track is still on my repeat playlist over and over and over again. A simple story about not wanting to be the bad guy in a relationship and putting over a nice guitar & drum track, Jeremy’s producing skills still shine just on this one stand-alone single. Jeremy continues to give me tracks that are beautifully engineered and emphasize the beauty of digital music composition.
RD: July 24, 2020
Mastering Engineer: Dale Becker
Genre: Pop/Indie Pop
99. never there - cake
Taken off of their album, "Prolonging the Magic”, I discovered this track as one of those we recommend __ based off of __ tracks, but I was delightfully surprised. This track, again about a relationship, is a nice catchy tune but rather than talking about how sad the singer is about not being in one with x person, it takes the story of a partner who just wasn’t there for them and putting that over a nice bass line, I find this track in a lot of my playlists.
RD: October 6, 1998
Mastering Engineer: Don C. Tyler
Genre: Pop/Rock
98. yoko ono - mob rich
Taken from their 2021 LP, “Why No Why” it was originally released in 2018, the track is a very intimate song that starts out with a nice and satisfying 808 bass pattern. “dum dum dum. dum da-dum dum.” It very well starts things out with a steady side and takes a nice and gentle turn and it tackles two sides of intimacy for someone all in a verse-chorus pattern. I listen to this every now and then and still it stands out from a pattern I am so used to with new music. I like it.
RD: September 21, 2018
Mastering Engineer: Chris Gehringer
Genre: Pop
97. 4 - sweet dove
The second EP from Sweet Dove, the only reason this project is below 96 is because of it’s length. The project is brilliant. Easter eggs a plenty and Dove makes it known they want you to find them! (psst look at the track lengths)
RD: June 19, 2018
Mastering Engineer: Sweet Dove
Genre: Electronica/Ambient
Fav. Track: “NO! Two Ate Ten”
96. In spring, at dawn - sweet dove
Released in 2018, composer/producer Sweet Dove started by making music as a kid and started releasing singles on their bandcamp page. This is their first EP and first commercial release and it is a nice blend of electronica instrumental music and experimental music. Something I found myself playing whenever I need to relax a little bit. Nice, exciting and beautifully composed.
RD: April 23, 2018
Mastering Engineer: Sweet Dove
Genre: Electronica/Ambient
Fav. Track: “Having Dates By The Bank”
95. 16/04/16 - cavetown
Robbie’s (cavetown) first full-length LP, “16/04/16” is a homage to his late friend who died on the same date. Released in 2016, this album still remains on my playlist and I still love to listen to this album. Absolute gem. Rest in peace Jack.
RD: August 15, 2016
Mastering Engineer: Robin Skinner?
Genre: Indie Alt/Rock/Pop
Fav Track: “Psychometry”
94. hastings - hastings
Their self-titled EP, Hastings made a great introduction to their style of music and their way of producing. I like majority of the tracks off of this although “Right Now”, “Heart’s Not In It” & “Take Mine” took time to get warmed up to, I still enjoy playing this EP.
RD: November 19, 2021
Mastering Engineer: Ted Jensen
Genre: Indie Pop/Rock
Fav Track: “Blank Me”
93 & 92. entomongaku I & II - chypho
Two releases by composer/producer, “Chypho” that recently got a vinyl release from Jonathan Hess at Jahbulon Records, that’s how I found the artist and specifically these two albums. A very calm yet exciting set of projects ones that I find myself listening to over and over and over again. I love these projects
RD: August 2, 2022 (Entomongaku I) & February 10, 2023 (Entomongaku II)
Mastering Engineer: Chypho
Genre: Electronica/Ambient
Fav Tracks: “Butterfly Fountain” & “Dewdrop”
91. dionysian imitatio: kawaii - sweet dove
The first full-length LP from Sweet Dove is one that goes on and demonstrates Dove’s storytelling ability through 19 beautifully crafted tracks. My favorites being the correlation between the first track and the last track. This LP is one that demonstrates Dove’s more electronica side in full glory.
RD: May 25, 2019
Mastering Engineer: Sweet Dove
Genre: Electronica/Ambient/Neoclassical
Fav Track: “Sweets (Conclude)”
90. hi there! i hope you are doing well. - sweet dove
The latest release from Sweet Dove, HTIHYADW is a story about two people with opposing attitudes, one optimistic and one pessimistic. The story talks about the optimist helping the pessimist see the beauty in life and help see the glass as half full. It is a great balance between their neoclassical side and their electronica side and I am HERE FOR IT.
RD: December 20, 2020
Mastering Engineer: Sweet Dove
Genre: Neoclassical/Ambient/Electronica
Fav Tracks: “You” & “Well” (i couldn’t pick)
89. ode to a nightingale - Sweet Dove
By far my favorite Sweet Dove project ever created. A beautiful LP based off of the poem “Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats, the 40-minute LP dives deep into the complex emotions Dove had faced while creating this project. Did you know they originally started making this album in 2018? Amazingly made.
RD: June 4, 2020
Mastering Engineer: Sweet Dove
Genre: Neoclassical / Ambient
Fav Tracks: “Flowers at My Feet”, “On the Viewless Wings”, “This Passing Night” & “My Heart Aches”
88. the tipping point (Single) - tears for fears
Tears for Fears has made a huge following with their 1985 LP, “Songs from the Big Chair.” Who would’ve guessed they would still be releasing music well into the 2020’s. After their 18 year hiatus, they released their first single “The Tipping Point” in 2021, which is the topic for this spot. This track is beautiful from start to finish. The electronic chimes and the soft and gentle melody and the angelic harmony in the line “You know that I can’t love you more” This track has been a repeat for months. #5 pick for late car rides.
RD: October 7, 2021
Mastering Engineer: Ted Jensen
Genre: Pop / Electronic Pop
87. bags & trane - milt jackson & john coltrane
Coltrane Baby
RD: July 1961
Mastering Engineer: ?
Genre: Jazz
Fav Track: “Be-Bop”
86. for cryin’ out loud! - finneas
FINNEAS’ sophomore album since its predecessor, “Optimist” is one that takes an entirely different tone. Giving more of an indie rock/pop kind of feeling whilst discussing several topics and emotions. All with impressive melodies, he proves he is much more than Billie Eilish’s brother
RD: August 8, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Dale Becker
Genre: Indie Rock/Pop
Fav Track: “What’s It Gonna Take To Break Your Heart?”
85. i’ve tried everything but therapy (part 1) - teddy swims
I remember seeing an advertisement for this record at my local shop around last year or so and I never took a stab at it until I heard one of my listened to artist’s become his opener for his upcoming tour. After which, I went and gave his music a listen and ITEBT is a beautiful, soulful R&B record that shows Swims’ diverse vocal range and how he can make the same topic seem fun and bouncy and sad and mellow at the same time
RD: September 15, 2023
Mastering Engineer: Nathan Dantzler
Genre: R&B/Soul/Pop
Fav Tracks: “Lose Control”, “Some Things I’ll Never Know” & “Goodbye’s Been Good to You”
84. bad dreams - teddy swims
From his upcoming second parter (that’s not a word) to “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy” which will be released in January 2025, one of the singles from it has been on repeat in my library. The song “Bad Dreams” is about the desire and almost need for someone and how Teddy is aware of this and is trying to combat these feelings to better himself and sleep better at night. Catchy and the vibes are here with this one, excited to hear the full length LP later next year!
RD: September 13, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Nathan Dantzler
Genre: Soul/R&B/Pop
83. blood bunny - chloe moriondo
The debut album from chloe moriondo, “Blood Bunny” came out around 2021 and my signed CD hasn’t stopped spinning since I got it. Full of bangers like “I Want To Be With You” and “GIRL ON TV” chloe did nothing short of amaze me with this LP and 3 years later it is still on repeat! Hard hitting topics of love over a beat you can dance to in your room and head bang to, this is definitely worth a listen.
RD: May 7, 2021
Mastering Engineers: Greg Calbi & Steve Fallone
Genre: Indie Pop/Rock
Fav Tracks: “I Want To Be With You”, “Take Your Time”, “Bodybag”, “GIRL ON TV” & “What If It Doesn’t End Well?”
82. fishing for fishies - king gizzard & the lizard wizard
I love this in so many ways. Its comedically hilarious considering the following LP is a dark, thrash inspired album with similar themes. This record takes an environmentally positive approach and it does it beautifully with upbeat folk chords and drum patterns. Even the opening snare pattern in the first couple seconds of the first track sets the vibe for the entire LP. Expect plenty harmonicas.
RD: April 26, 2019
Mastering Engineer: Joseph Carra
Genre: Folk Rock / Indie Pop
Fav Track: Boogieman Sam
81. cracker island - gorillaz
The latest LP from Gorillaz has been my favorite so far. The first record that I have been there for the singles and LP release date and it did not disappoint. The record features artists like Tame Impala, Thundercat, Bootie Brown & Bad Bunny and it is full of amazing songs to jam out to in the car. Absolute beauty of an album and worth the countless hours I’ve spent listening to this. Will likely make next years list
RD: February 24, 2023
Mastering Engineer: Randy Merrill
Genre: Electronic Pop/Synth Pop
Fav Tracks: “Baby Queen”, “Cracker Island”, “Tarantula” & “Tormenta”
80. animal kingdom - cavetown & friends
“Animal Kingdom” isn’t your normal type of album, it is a collaborative LP from Cavetown and a few of his friends. The project started as a series of 5 EPs that featured a track performed by Robbie and then a second track performed by a friend of his. My favorite collaboration being the one with Sidney Gish, this project, whether intentional or not, shines a light on friendship and love. Beautiful compilation, beautiful message, beautiful music.
RD: April 12, 2019
Mastering Engineer: Jesse Cannon
Genre: Indie Pop/Alternative
Fav Tracks: “Hug All Ur Friends” & “Somebody’s Baby”
79. the death of peace of mind (single) - bad omens
This isolated track from Bad Omens’ LP from the same name is one I have found on repeat more than I thought it ever would be. Normally my taste in music doesn’t align with this tone of attraction but this track highlights many vocal talents and the band jumps through many hoops to get the feeling of desire and lust across in the most satisfying way possible. This track is one that sticks with me.
RD: February 25, 2022
Mastering Engineer: Zakk Cervini
Genre: Metal-core/Heavy Metal/Rock
78 & 77. brent I & ii - jeremy zucker & chelsea cutler
Jeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler have always been a good pair and one I have had to stick with since I first heard “please” and these two projects are the best pieces of evidence to support my claim. Their friendship and vocal chemistry shine and they highlight their similarities on these two projects. They are one of the best collaboration projects I have ever seen. The only one to top these EPs is their threequel LP later on.
RDs: May 3, 2019 (brent i) & February 5, 2021 (brent ii)
Mastering Engineer: Dale Becker
Genre: Indie Pop/Singer & Songwriter
Fav Tracks: “please”, “scared”, “sometimes”, “emily” & “brooklyn boy”
76. chromakopia - tyler, the creator
This new album since “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST” hits an entirely different set of vibes than it’s predecessor. The last LP takes more of a calm and cocky and laid back, celebratory vibe whereas this one takes more of a serious tone about several hard-hitting topics such as celebrity stalking, pregnancy & fatherhood. Don’t let that fool you though, there are some hard vibes and cocky songs on this one too, but this feels more like an album to me rather than a mixtape. Absolute gem.
RD: October 28, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Mike Bozzi
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
Fav Tracks: “LIKE HIM”, “STICKY”, “RAH TAH TAH” & “THOUGHT I WAS DEAD”
75. the band camino - the band camino
The Band CAMINO released their debut LP years ago and to be honest, I disconnected from it in 2023. After switching my music service to Qobuz earlier this year, I found it sitting in my library and I gave it another listen, finding nostalgia embedded in these catchy songs along with the vibes. Might be less of a quality reason for its placement on this list and more for the nostalgia but she’s here and she’s number 75. Overall a great album and catchy lyrics, dance in your car seat beats and head banging drum solos. Amazing
RD: September 10, 2021
Mastering Engineer: Ted Jensen
Genre: Pop/Rock
Fav Tracks: “I Think I Like You”, “Song About You”, “1 Last Cigarette” & “Help Me Get Over You”
74. Entries from a gladdening island - celestial moon
I’m biased. I love this album. What can I say?
RD: November 8, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Bill Skibbe
Genre: Electronica / Ambient
Fav Track: “Disquiet to Heartbreak”
73. my favorite fish - gus dapperton
A soft, somber & gentle track talking about a love for someone, it being vague on whether or not it’s platonic or romantic makes this track all the more intriguing to me. Then there’s the lyric "I don’t usually fall in love / I’m not used to falalala” That just helps sell the track to me.
RD: January 24, 2019
Mastering Engineer: Gus Dapperton
Genre: Indie Pop
72. optimist - finneas
The debut album from FINNEAS is always going to be my favorite. It has a post-apocalyptic vibe with a unbiased, outsider POV of not only how we live life, but almost how Finneas lives his life as well. It all intrigues me and the production on this LP is insane as well.
RD: October 15, 2021
Mastering Engineer: Dave Kutch
Genre: Alternative/Indie Pop/Rock
Fav Tracks: “What They’ll Say About Us”, “Medieval”, “Love Is Pain”, “The 90s” & “A Concert Six Months From Now”
71. you - james arthur
James Arthur isn’t an artist I listen to often. Besides this LP and Say You Won’t Let Go, there isn’t much from his discography that I know. But I recognize great work when I see it and with the corny lines & the predictable love premise of most of the tracks aside, James exceeds my expectations on this album with the idea that the record is about YOU. Not him. It truly takes a new turn on how I listen to this record and the production on it helps further enhance the experience. A record that has and likely will stick with me for years to come.
RD: October 11, 2019
Mastering Engineer: Randy Merrill
Genre: Pop
Fav Tracks: “Car’s Outside”, “Empty Space”, “Unconditionally”, “Homicide Love” & “If We Can Get Through This We Can Get Through Anything”
70. boarding house reach - jack white
Enter number one of several Jack White records that will make their way onto my list. At the bottom is likely the most complex album of his which is Boarding House Reach. I can’t tell you much about the meaning of this album as I am still trying to decipher it. All I can tell you is that there is a story of some sort and while I haven’t made it out just yet, there is still something about the way White composes his music that draws me back in over and over again. Not something I play on my car ride to Dallas but something I play whenever I need to relax and think.
RD: March 23, 2018
Mastering Engineer: Bob Ludwig
Genre: Alternative Rock / Electronic
Fav Track: “Over And Over And Over”
69. Petrodragonic apocalypse; or, dawn of eternal night: an annihilation of planet earth and the beginning of merciles damnation - king gizzard & the lizard Wizard
I have zero words beside Kick Ass
RD: June 16, 2023
Mastering Engineer: Joseph Carra
Genre: Metal / Thrash Metal / Heavy Rock
Fav Tracks: “Dragon”, “Converge” & “Motor Spirit”
68. man’s best friend - cavetown
This EP from Robbie has stuck with me a lot more than any other he’s ever released and for several reasons. The style is different from the typical electronic indie pop he’s expressed on past projects and moves into a folky vibe while also keeping the undertones that made Cavetown Cavetown. On top of all of this, he managed to tackle heavy hitting topics such as depression and even a track about self harm and toxic relationships. Definitely a good way to spend 30 ish minutes.
RD: June 4, 2021
Mastering Engineers: Hector Vega, Connor Hedge & Fili Filizzola
Genre: Indie Pop/Folk
Fav Tracks: “Let Me Feel Low”, “Sharpener” & “Guilty”
67. petals to thorns - d4vd
The debut EP from d4vd after he got picked up by Interscope is something that I had never expected from such a young & new artist, especially considering it was mostly made on BandLab. A dark undertone present in an array of love songs both light and harsh executed brilliantly in under 30 minutes. Beautiful.
RD: May 26, 2023
Mastering Engineer: Prash "Engine-Earz" Mistry
Genre: Dark Indie Pop
Fav Tracks: “Romantic Homicide”, “The Bridge”, “This Is How It Feels” & “Backstreet Girl”
66. the rise and fall of a midwest princess - chappell roan
The description of a “Midwest Princess” is the best description of Chappell I think I have ever heard. The project first struck me as absurd and outgoing (not a bad thing by the way) but there is a certain level of sexual content I can comfortably listen to before I start thinking “Oh yay! Another innuendo.” But the more I listened to this record the more I found the sexual content less as sexual and more as an extension of love and passion. From there, I grew to love this record more and more.
RD: September 22, 2023
Mastering Engineer: Randy Merrill
Genre: Pop / Electronic Pop
Fav Tracks: “Casual”, “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl”, “HOT TO GO!” & “Red Wine Supernova”
65. flight b741 - king gizzard & the lizard wizard
The newest LP from King Gizzard was one that I got to experience from anticipation to release for the first time and god was it worth it. The record has a chaotic and fun feeling from start to finish and I found it spinning on my player more than any other record made with a DMM cut. Fun, exciting and layered more than all hell in true gizzard fashion.
RD: August 9, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Joseph Carra
Genre: Rock / Folk Rock / Indie Rock
Fav Track: “Daily Blues”
64. funhouse - the stooges
It’s The Stooges what do I need to say? Thanks Dean for the recommendation by the way.
RD: July 7, 1970
Mastering Engineer: ?
Genre: Rock
Fav Track: “Down on the Street” & “Loose”
63. An evening with silk sonic - bruno mars & anderson .paak
Bruno has always impressed me with his ability to make a bouncy hit record and his 2021 collaboration record with Anderson .Paak was an interesting turn onto the same road. Until then, I hadn’t been introduced to Anderson’s music and this was my entry point. The nostalgia point with old R&B music in tie with an effort to create a studio live performance meshed and blended together smoother than a mack. Beauty.
RD: November 12, 2021
Mastering Engineer: Randy Merrill
Genre: R&B / Soul
Fav Tracks: “Fly As Me”, “Skate”, “777” & “Smokin Out The Window”
62. the susceptible now - tyshawn sorey trio
not a word.
RD: October 11, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Dave Darlington
Genre: Jazz
Fav Track: “Your Good Lies”
61. i. - cigarettes after sex
My friend introduced me to the band earlier this year with this being my introductory EP, and it was a damn good one. The songs are melodic and soft and tender consistently through all 4 songs and I can’t express how great it is. Beautiful EP.
RD: July 21, 2012
Mastering Engineer: Jason Martin
Genre: Alternative
Fav Track: “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby”
60. crusher - jeremy zucker
The sophomore LP from Jeremy differs as much as it shares similarities with its predecessor. His first album shows complexity with his producing and lyrical side of his expression. His second LP shows the same lyrical shade but it dimmed a bit on the producing side, almost helping the attitude and story behind it. The first LP focuses more on love and keeping that connection. This second focuses more on self preservation if not obvious from the last track. Beautiful.
RD: October 1, 2021
Mastering Engineer: Dale Becker
Genre: Pop / Indie Pop/Rock
Fav Tracks: “Cry with you”, “Therapist”, “No one hates you (like i do)” & “Don’t come over, i’m an asshole”
59. kimi no machi - ビクター ＭＫＩＩ
An artist I discovered by PURE accident but one I won’t ever let go of, Victor MKII, a beat-tape producer and a damn good one at that. Sampling several pieces of anime into his music to turn each tape into a story, the quality even extends into the vinyl format. My first colored record with a noise floor close to 0. Still constantly spinning.
RD: July 3, 2020
Mastering Engineer: Unknown
Genre: Instrumental / Hip-Hop
Fav Track: “Lovers”
58. kid krow - conan gray
Anybody who knows anything about me, knows I am the biggest Conan Gray fan. Why? Can’t explain but the minute I ever get the chance to reissue an album by this man on vinyl I will jump at it with zero questions. Regardless, I’m rambling. “Kid Krow” was a great debut album showing Gray’s vocal talent and ability to tell a story in several different tones. Maniac being about a breakup cycle in a positive and laughable manner whereas The Cut That Always Bleeds being another breakup cycle but in a painfully truthful, relatable and heart wrenching way. Gray’s diverse manner, intentional or not, is brilliant." “Kid Krow” is patient zero.
RD: March 20, 2020
Mastering Engineer: Randy Merrill
Genre: Pop / Singer/Songwriter
Fav Tracks: “The Cut That Always Bleeds”, “The Story”, “Heather”, “Wish You Were Sober” & “(Online Love)”
57. (un)commentary - alec benjamin
Alec Benjamin, until this LP, was a purple goat in a field full of blue ones. Talented and apart from the crowd but still close. Enough to be in my top listened to but not enough to be in the top 50 or 25 or even 10. His 2022 LP changed every, little, bit of that. “Narrated For You” was a mixtape featuring 7 songs about his love. “These Two Windows” had 8 about his love. “(Un)Commentary” has 2. Just 2. As the title suggests, the record dives more into Benjamin’s opinion and outlook into several situations and takes a third person POV rather than first. And god is it brilliant. After Track 5, we dive into his opinion on the world dynamic, social norms, sexism, friendships, and the danger of just one mistake. It’s refreshing. It’s beautiful. It’s what I needed to pull me back into his discography. Brilliant.
RD: April 15, 2022
Mastering Engineer: Chris Gehringer
Genre: Indie Pop/Folk/Singer/Songwriter
Fav Tracks: “The Way You Felt”, “Shadow Of Mine”, “Speakers”, “Nancy Got A Haircut”, “Devil Doesn’t Bargain” & “Older”
56. Withering - d4vd
It is two tracks and yet I am still placing it high on this list. There are two tracks on this LP, one facing the feeling of falling back into love over and over and over and the other, the idolization and rememberence of one’s past self. My ONLY negative thing I can bring up is, for some reason, the mastering on “Leave Her” is weird, starting off considerably and noticeably quieter than later in the track (30 seconds later). Great 45.
RD: February 9, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Jeff Ellis
Genre: Alternative / Indie Rock / Pop
Fav Track: “Leave Her”
55. a night to remember - laufey & beabadoobee
There will be very few singles from here on out and the only reason there will be any is because they are worth. their. salt. This being one. A simple track about the ghost of a past one-nighter. A person who appeared only once but appeared so differently, elegantly & individually that it stuck with you. It remained with you. Became a part of you.
RD: October 20, 2023
Mastering Engineer: ??
Genre: Jazz/Indie Pop
54. on melancholy hill - gorillaz
no words.
RD: March 10, 2010
Mastering Engineer: Howie Weinberg
Genre: Electronica / Synth-wave / Pop
53. worm food - cavetown
Robbie’s latest album surprised me with all honesty. The album took both a soft and rigid approach to Robbie’s typical style of music. The first track talks about feeling insignificant with the following taking a harsher side of things with the name of the track being “kill u”. The album is brilliant and it is a nice step away from what we have already heard from the one man band. (Did we see the feature with Vic Fuentes?)
RD: November 4, 2022
Mastering Engineers: Dale Becker, Katie Harvey & Noah McCorkle
Genre: Indie Rock / Pop
Fav Tracks: “kill u”, “grey space”, “heart attack”, “frog” & “a kind thing to do”
52. Whiplash (original motion picture soundtrack) - justin Hurwitz
The movie, “Whiplash” is one of my favorite films of all time, second only to "The Waterboy”. The soundtrack is just a nice mental reminder of the genius story written by a film student. Can you guess my favorite track?
RD: March 27, 2020
Mastering Engineer: Michael Aarvold
Genre: Jazz / Film Soundtracks
Fav Track: “Caravan”
51. a night at the symphony - laufey
Normally, live albums wouldn’t be on this list. But the joy, passion and performance Laufey gave on this record is one that I can’t ignore. So much that even the 45 rpm edition LP from Record Store Day has been my go-to album to spin from her. Amazing performance from the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and amazing performance from Laufey. You can hear the joy & excitement in her voice.
RD: March 2, 2023
Mastering Engineer: Joe LaPorta
Genre: Vocal Jazz / Jazz / Pop
Fav Tracks: “Valentine”, “Best Friend” & “Let You Break My Heart Again”
50. my favorite things - john coltrane
We’re halfway there. And from here on out, these are tracks / EPs / Albums I listen to DAILY. No better album to start off with. The classic by Coltrane was released by Atlantic and, as they do with most albums, Analogue Productions’ reissue of this classic was the thing that brought me to it. 4 simple track. 40 simple minutes. One saxophone
RD: March 1961
Mastering Engineer: Unknown
Genre: Jazz
Fav Track: “Summertime”
49. #1 record - big star
Is there anything? Anything I can say that hasn’t already been said? This record is a great example of indie bands and experimentation at its finest. The acoustic track of “Thirteen” followed by the rock and gritty-er “Don’t Lie To Me” followed, again, by an acoustic “The India Song”, god this record intrigues me and drags me in at every second. I loved hearing this. I loved experiencing this. I loved imagining how the recording studio looked while making this record. I love it. (psst I have to brag also that I own a 1972 Monarch Press! Thanks Volume Music!!)
RD: April 24, 1972
Mastering Engineer: Joe Carra
Genre: Indie Pop/Rock/Experimental
Fav Tracks: “Thirteen” & “Don’t Lie To Me”
48. superache - conan gray
The sophomore album from Conan Gray shocked me. Truly shocked me. The vulgarity and honesty in this record changed me in how I view my personal life. I had to listen to this album over. and over. and over again. He kept his feelings on the front line while also keeping himself in check. Admitting his flaws and roles in the flames abrupt and keeping himself a priority at the exact. same. time. I love it.
RD: June 24, 2022
Mastering Engineer: Randy Merrill
Genre: Pop / Rock
Fav Tracks: “Jigsaw”, “People Watching”, “Best Friend”, “The Exit” & “Footnote” (especially footnote)
47. ballads - john coltrane quartet
RD: February 1, 1963
Mastering Engineer: ?
Genre: Jazz
Fav Track: “Nancy (With The Laughing Face)”
46. brent iii - jeremy zucker & chelsea cutler
As I mentioned before, Jeremy & Chelsea make an amazing team which is why when I received a postcard in the mail with a big ol’ “3” on there with the words “the third time’s the charm” I was excited for a third EP. Not knowing I’d get a full-length album. I always enjoyed listening to each of their solo tracks off of the EPs. With this, I was looking more towards the tracks where they shared the spotlight. They took things up a notch and went out with a bang. Beauty.
RD: November 1, 2024
Mastering Engineers: Dale Becker, Katie Harvey & Noah McCorkle
Genre: Indie Pop
Fav Tracks: “toothbrush song”, “good things”, “black & white”, “love you into loving me” & “terrible things”
45. when we all fall asleep, where do we go? - billie eilish
The debut LP from Billie Eilish embodies the ideas of several nightmares wrapped in a 45 minute album. The production from the only other person who might know her as well as she knows herself, FINNEAS, helps brings that personal aspect and outsider aspect together to bring self-awareness, self-pity and optimism if only one can look for it. Let’s look at “xanny”, a record made about Eilish’s relationship with people so intoxicated and stuck in that intoxication that it kills them. A point of view of the outsider looking in. “listen before i go”, a record Eilish wrote, performed and produced herself (as I saw in her documentary). A song about her life and her feeling stuck, hurt, fed up with a year-long headache and comes from a self-aware, self-pity and a first person point of view. This record. is. golden. Interscope consider this my application to reissue this album and everything else in Eilish’s discography. I will do it. for. free.
RD: March 29, 2019
Mastering Engineer: John Greenham
Genre: Indie Pop / Rock / Dark Pop
Fav Tracks: “ilomilo”, “listen before i go”, “bury a friend” & “8”
44. no time to die - billie eilish
There is so much to uncover with this one track it is insane to believe it is part of a soundtrack to a James Bond movie. Regret, Growth & Recognition in 4 minutes. 2 choruses and 2 verses. Beautiful collaboration between Eilish & FINNEAS once again. Beautiful orchestration. Beautiful track.
RD: February 13, 2020
Mastering Engineer: John Greenham
Genre: Dark Pop/Indie Pop/Film Soundtracks
43. a shape of light: “a silent voice: the movie” (original soundtrack) - kenesuke ushio
I rarely would’ve ever put a film soundtrack in my top 100. I rarely would’ve put an instrumental album in my top 50. The movie “A Silent Voice” is based off the manga series by the same name. A movie about a deaf girl who was bullied relentlessly for years and a bully trying to change himself. Trying to make up and sacrifice everything he has to make up for what he took. Never, have I ever heard a soundtrack and rediscover and rewatch the movie along with each track that plays. The music plays into the film perfectly and the film into it. For the people who don’t like anime, just listen to the soundtrack. It’s that damn good.
RD: September 14, 2016
Mastering Engineer: ?
Genre: Film Soundtracks
Fav Track: “lit(var.)”
42. lazaretto - jack white
Creativity is beautiful when we give it the ability to flourish without a damn limitation. Lazaretto is a beautiful example of just this idea. A record that came out years ago but fully separated White from The White Stripes and he made his name his own. He envisioned something and expressed it through chords on a guitar, tape in a player and grooves on a lacquer. Even just the physical pressing of this record has so many hidden features that show how outside the box White gets with his passion. Then there’s the album itself, full of passionate acoustic tracks next to passionate rock anthems, this will always stay in my library.
RD: June 10, 2014
Mastering Engineer: Bob Ludwig
Genre: Rock / Indie Rock
Fav Tracks: “That Black Bat Licorice”, “Would You Fight For My Love?” & “Lazaretto”
41. bewitched: the goddess editon - laufey
Laufey’s debut album was a smash hit and the project that followed just floored my expectations. I went into this record to discover a new artist and I came out of it wanting to buy $300 general admission tickets to her show in Houston. The honesty and the performance both vocally and instrumentally on this one album is beyond what I expected. But god I am glad I took a chance. Her voice was angelic and engaging and quite frankly I can’t see how the goddess becomes anything less off stage. Poetic. Gorgeous. Brilliant.
RD: April 26, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Joe LaPorta
Genre: Vocal Jazz / Jazz / Pop
Fav Tracks: “Goddess”, “While You Were Sleeping”, “Promise”, “Bored” & “Nocturne (Interlude)”
40. murder of the universe - king gizzard & the lizard wizard
If you told me 4 years ago I would be listening to an album titled, “Murder of the Universe” I would’ve told you, you’re crazy. But the intricacies of this record, specifically the band itself and how they operate, it’s nothing short of disgustingly beautiful. They work together in their own spaces so randomly it isn’t. So organized it’s random. I don’t know which it is. But it is a joy to hear this record over and over and over again and their story telling is top notch. Outstanding.
RD: June 23, 2017
Mastering Engineer: Joe Carra
Genre: Psychedelic Rock / Rock / Indie Rock
Fav Tracks: The entire, section of “Tale of the Altered Beast”
39. found heaven - conan gray
I’ve established I am a huge fan of Conan, his 2024 album shocked me again. Conan’s debut album was a Pop experimental record. One that tried different sounds and ideas into one LP. The following record was one that stuck to the idea of sad songs about love in different formats. This one, has an entirely new sound to it. Taking inspiration from ‘80s pop music, Gray utilizes Max Martin, who’s fascinated with the sub-genre, to help orchestrate and illustrate his emotions in new lights. From a hopeful and optimistic opening track, to the sad closing track keeping the same vibe throughout only helped keep its spot on my playlist. P.S. the live performances were insane.
RD: April 5, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Randy Merrill
Genre: Pop
Fav Tracks: “Killing Me”, “Bourgeoisieses”, “Lonely Dancers”, “Alley Rose” & “Never Ending Song”
38. guitar songs - billie eilish
The 45 record from Eilish is nothing short of raw, emotional, and idealistically driven. That’s all I have to say.
RD: July 21, 2022
Mastering Engineer: Dave Kutch
Genre: Pop / Acoustic / Singer / Songwriter
Fav Track: “The 30th”
37. voyager - kings of anything
The band from Salina, KS, “Kings of Anything” released their debut album through Jahbulon Records in 2021 and I discovered them in 2024. Not exactly early to the party here but I am so glad I found them when I did. Originally showing up on my doorstep next to the other Jahbulon Records’ LPs I purchased, this record hasn’t stopped spinning. The electronic / rock combination definitely sits a little odd with me but it works together perfectly. The hard-hitting and soft spoken “Sisyphus” is my main point as to how well the band works together to deliver a single LP full of stuck in your head melodies. Beautiful.
RD: June 25, 2021
Mastering Engineer: Unknown
Genre: Rock / Electronic / Alternative
Fav Track: “Sisyphus”
36. good luck, Babe! - chappell roan
This singer has astounding talent in both her vocals and ability to tell a story with emotion, vulgarity and graphic detail. In this record, she talks about a past love having an affair and where TRAFOAMP utilizes her sexual side to deliver pop hits and club anthems, this record utilizes it to show her passion & dedication to person a. Astoundingly present and astoundingly catchy.
RD: April 5, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Randy Merrill
Genre: Pop / Alternative
35. i think they call this love - elliot james reay
I’ve always loved old timey love songs and this is a modern topic delivered in a classic fashion and James Reay is now a constant play in my car.
RD: July 17, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Unknown
Genre: Singer / Songwriter
34. how deep? (single) - tai verdes
Taken from his 2022 album “HDTV” Tai Verdes delivers a song about not knowing what the future entails with a specific partner of interest. Not knowing if it will last and being lost and confused on whether or not to commit. Delivered with ease, confidence and vibes all around. Amazing
RD: August 26, 2022
Mastering Engineer: Nathan Dantzler
Genre: Hip-Hop/Pop
33. after hours - the weeknd
The 2020 record from The Weeknd was never one that stuck with me but something drew me to it in August. Started with “Save Your Tears” and ended with “Heartless”. The record is an electronic, synth-wave, pop masterpiece that expresses several harsh relationship topics and so beautifully and catchy in true Abel fashion. Never was a huge Weeknd fan til this record. Beautiful.
RD: February 19, 2020
Mastering Engineer: Dave Kutch & Kevin Peterson
Genre: Pop / Synth-Electronica / R&B
Fav Tracks: “Save Your Tears”, “Heartless”, “In Your Eyes” & “Until I Bleed Out”
32. polygondwanaland - king gizzard & the lizard wizard
A complex and gorgeous record, one of the 5 this band released in 2018, that does nothing short but illustrate the band’s effort, dedication & passion for music. This record, in complete contrast to Nonagon Infinity, was recorded on tape in (somewhat relatively) Hi-Fidelity and the fact that the band gave out the record for free in its entirety shows how much the band cares more about the music rather than the money. Astonishing
RD: November 17, 2017
Mastering Engineer: Joe Carra
Genre: Prog Rock / Psych Rock / Rock
Fav Tracks: “Crumbling Castle” , “Inner Cell”, “Loyalty” & “Horology”
31. a love supreme - john coltrane
RD: January 1965
Mastering Engineer: Ryan Smith (UHQR)
Genre: Jazz
Fav Track: “Pt. III”
30. are you experienced? - jimi hendrix experience
RD: May 1, 1967
Mastering Engineer: Bernie Grundman (UHQR)
Genre: Blues / Rock / Psych Rock
Fav Tracks: “Fire”, “Third Stone From The Sun”, “Purple Haze” & “Manic Depression”
29. i can be your mother - sofia isella
the doll people aren’t quiet anymore.
RD: September 6, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Unknown
Genre: Downtempo / Dark Pop / Indie
Fav Track: “The Doll People”
28. everything i wanted - billie eilish
What was her dream and other people’s nightmares was my reality from 2018 to 2022. I learned from her, grew with her music and nobody has put into chords my exact feelings before and this is when I realized it. She has my eternal support, gratitude and “everything i wanted” will always be #28 on my lists.
RD: November 13, 2019
Mastering Engineer: John Greenham
Genre: Bedroom Pop / Dark Pop / Indie Pop / Alternative
27. sos - sza
This beauty of an LP from SZA came with several questions surrounding it. People mainly asking "When’s the deluxe coming out?” Or, “When’s the vinyl releasing” Or even, “Why is she so zoomed out?” Meanwhile I took my time mainly asking, “Where was her mindset when she wrote this?” The songs I heard all had a clear purpose, inspiration and a clear scenario, but I can’t make out where the passion was coming from? Was it a place of hurt or a place of love? Did she sing these songs while she was dealing with these issues or afterwards? And that’s where my love comes into play.
RD: December 9, 2022
Mastering Engineer: Dale Becker
Genre: Hip-Hop / R&B / Pop
Fav Tracks: “Blind”, “F2F”, “Kill Bill”, “Low” & “I Hate U”
26. cavetown - cavetown
The first EP from Robin Skinner is one that isn’t perfect. At all. I’m sure someone reading this is like “Why the hell is this shit above A Love Supreme?” Look, hear me out. This isn’t a Best of 2024 List its a My Most Played List. This EP introduced me to a fanbase that loves, an artist that cares, people I love and loved, and god I have nothing nor no one to thank for that besides this extended play record. The sweet and exciting opening track, followed by 3 somber and raw tracks. The intermission that immediately transitions to the golden, “Banana Bread” then goes into the platinum “Devil Town”, the record is one that shows the creative mind of Robin Skinner and how he started.
RD: November 9, 2015
Mastering Engineer: Robin Skinner
Genre: Pop / Indie Pop / Electronica
Fav Tracks: “Devil Town”, “Banana Bread”, "Hazel” & “Meteor Shower”
25. bury me at makeout creek - mitski
RD: November 11, 2014
Mastering Engineer: Unknown
Genre: Rock / Indie / Pop
Fav Track: “Drunk Walk Home”
24. there goes my baby - d4vd
The single released by astoundingly talented d4vd helps provide closure to those who maybe never got it in the first place. The wonder around why a relationship so dear and close, ended. The pain of seeing them move on, it’s unlike any other. The replication of it is damn near impossible but he did it. Beautifully & soulfully. P.e.r.f.e.c.t.i.o.n.
RD: July 12, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Dave Kutch
Genre: R&B / Pop / Indie
23. i love you. - the neighbourhood
A rock record that has me by the throat. A record that pulled feelings out of me I forgot about and slapped a big ol’ label on them. One that helped me find myself, goals & needs since I already knew my wants. The record orchestrates the chemistry between the band members in such a way that leaves smoke in my lungs and keeps me in a state of mind in which I needed to be to learn from this record, and use it to better myself.
RD: April 23, 2013
Mastering Engineer: Tony Mantz
Genre: Pop / Indie Rock / Rock
Fav Tracks: “How?”, “W.D.Y.W.F.M?”, “Leaving Tonight”, “Sweater Weather” & “Everybody’s Watching Me (Uh Oh)”
22. my house is not a home - d4vd
D4vd has made an impact with how honest he is with his lyrical content and his production quality. When he picks a backing track, he picks THE backing track. This single song describes his burning building of a home he shares with another person. A toxic relationship that does nothing but suck out his soul, he found that and poured it into a 4 minute track. A permanent spot in my heart, this song is golden.
RD: March 8, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Unknown
Genre: Dark Indie Pop / Rock
21. the record - boygenius
This record came at the perfect time in my life. One where I started adventuring out in my music taste. An alt-pop record between Bridgers, Dacus & Baker proved to be nothing short of magical. A collaboration that needed to happen that illustrates love in both a lyrical & instrumental sense. Diverse chords, diverse lyrics & coherent vocal harmony, boygenius is truly, genius.
RD: March 31, 2023
Mastering Engineer: Pat Sullivan
Genre: Alternative / Pop / Rock / Indie
Fav Tracks: “Letter To An Old Poet”, “True Blue”, “$20” & “Not Strong Enough”
20. comfort - leon guallart diaz
If you want any sign to go diving into music without listening to it prior, look no further. The second project from Leon Guallart is only available on vinyl with few tracks from the project on streaming services. Once you buy the album from his shop, the packaging is one unlike I have ever seen before. The vinyl isn’t UHQR but it isn’t flimsy or bad neither. You get a handwritten note with an actual wax seal that was hand done by Leon. With it you also get a unique strip of 16mm film and a booklet featuring photos that Leon took himself. It’s a very atmospheric album that I can’t put a word on, you will just have to listen yourself!
RD: November 10, 2023
Mastering Engineer: Unknown
Genre: Alternative/Atmospheric
Fav Tracks: “int. night”, “april 13, 1968”, “orange tree” & “blue moon”
19. When we were friends - the backseat lovers
The debut LP from The Backseat Lovers shows the team’s chemistry and ability to have fun with their music. “This song’s called Dugout. [Pool House] Pool House! This-this song’s called pool house!” The band even took such a catchy song like “Kilby Girl” and had fun with that one too! You can jam along with them as soon as the band silences and lets the guitar rip its chords, you know damn well they are jamming in the studio having a blast. A raw, emotional album with a young, youthful and playful twist. Infectious.
RD: January 27, 2019
Mastering Engineer: Joe LaPorta
Genre: Indie Pop / Rock / Garage Pop
Fav Tracks: “Pool House”, “Sinking Ship”, “Olivia”, “Dugout”, “Kilby Girl” & “Davy Crochet”
18. brat - charli xcx
Never have I ever though I’d dive into Charli’s discography till this record. Most albums post 2020 don’t have that creative feeling or that certain urmph but she. did. not. miss! Club bangers, head bangers, car jamming god I can’t get enough. “brat” is just that.
RD: June 7, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Idania Valencia
Genre: Pop / Electronica / Dance / Club
Fav Tracks: “Sympathy is a knife”, “GIrl, so confusing”, “360”, “Everything is romantic”, “I might say something stupid” & “Van dutch”
17. brat and it’s completely different but also still brat - charli xcx
The ONLY thing, that is better than brat, is the remix deluxe. And numbers 16 and on but hey, you get the point.
RD: October 11, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Idania Valencia
Genre: Pop / Club / Electronica / Dance
Fav Tracks: “Guess featuring billie eilish”, “Girl, so confusing featuring lorde”, “Talk talk featuring troye sivan”, “365 featuring shygirl” & “I think about it all the time featuring bon iver”
16. where’d it go wrong? - d4vd
Returning to the closet where he made “Romantic Homicide”, d4vd is back with a single off of his upcoming album (i think, don’t quote me), “Where’d It Go Wrong?” came out so recently and has impressed and floored every expectation I set for him. MHINAH was a record I thought would be my all-time favorite. Psych! The raw emotion, vulgarity, poetic delivery and production mixed with “I’ve never been cut by a bandaid before”, ugh!! This track has me on the edge of my seat for records to come.
RD: December 19, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Dave Kutch
Genre: Dark Pop / Rock / Indie Pop / Emo / Alternative
15. what was i made for? - billie eilish
Top 15, here we go. Gems among diamonds. No words for this one
RD: July 13, 2023
Mastering Engineer: Randy Merrill
Genre: Alternative / Indie Pop
14. divinely uninspired to a hellish extend (extended) - lewis capaldi
The debut album from Mr. Capaldi floored me the minute I heard it. Not too many club bangers or rock in your car tracks but a lot, and I mean a lot of emotion, honesty, self-accountability and talent. Capaldi takes his honesty at the expense of his dignity and his talent at the expense of pop hits. And in return, a no. 1 single and an hour of hellish bliss.
RD: May 17, 2019
Mastering Engineer: Edward Holloway
Genre: Alternative / Singer / Songwriter / Pop
Fav Tracks: “Hold Me While You Wait”, “Hollywood”, “Before You Go”, “Don’t Get Me Wrong”, “One” & “Forever”
13. is nothing sacred? - jeremy zucker
Short, simple, sweet and beautiful. I need this record in my life.
RD: June 9, 2023
Mastering Engineers: Dale Becker, Nate Mingo, Katie Harvey & Noah McCorkle
Genre: Pop / Electronica
Fav Tracks: “i need you (in my life)” & “OK”
12. ballads 1 - joji
I can’t with this man’s smile hahaha! I love this record but this man is hilarious, I can’t form words while looking at him smile like that. Just trust me on this. Heads up: Heavy distortion in your way
RD: October 26, 2018
Mastering Engineer: Chris Athens
Genre: Dark Pop / Alternative
Fav Track: “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK”
11. glimpse of us - joji
Joji has made a wave with his off putting delivery in his vocal & production talent. His voice eerily stays in my ears and haunts the words that follow it but in this track, it feels gentle. Almost why I love the cover art so much, the eye of a vicious creature feels gentle. Feels hurt, feels raw. I feel through the layers of it’s scaly and sharp skin and I see what it’s feeling, in the same way I see what Joji wants me to see.
RD: June 10, 2022
Mastering Engineers: Dale Becker & Noah McCorkle
Genre: Alternative Pop
10. sunday at the village vanguard - bill evans trio
Rest in peace Scott LaFaro
RD: October 1961
Mastering Engineer: Kevin Gray (UHQR)
Genre: Jazz
Fav Tracks: “Alice In Wonderland” & “Gloria’s Step”
9. love is not dying - jeremy zucker
There’s few albums that have such a deep and complex story so consistently thorough from start to finish but this record truly embodies what it means to make a concept album. The story of falling into love from start to finish. The fear of it, the deciding to do it regardless, the admiration, the fear of falling out, falling out, cutting them out, grieving, moving on, reminiscing, then self-preservation. The delivery and execution with the production of this LP only furthers my admiration and appreciation of Zucker. A must listen to.
RD: August 21, 2020
Mastering Engineer: Dale Becker
Genre: Pop / Electronica / Indie / Rock
Fav Tracks: “julia”, “hell or flying”, “lakehouse”, “not ur friend”, “full stop”, “somebody loves you” & “orchid”
8. sleepyhead - cavetown
The 2020 Sire Records debut record isn’t anything besides an indie pop, romantic masterpiece. One that reflects on one’s desire for someone, one’s hatred for one’s self, and one’s relationship & outlook of the idea of emotion altogether. God this record is beautiful.
RD: March 27, 2020
Mastering Engineer: Robin Skinner
Genre: Indie Pop / Rock
Fav Tracks: “Sweet Tooth”, “Trying”, “I Miss My Mum”, “Empty Bed”, “Things That Make It Warm” & “Wishing Well”
7. aja - steely dan
The jazz fusion, pop/rock band “Steely Dan” has been, in my opinion, the best band I have ever been introduced to. I ordered the UHQR out on a limb because I saw Chad Kassem reissue the entire Steely Dan discography on UHQR vinyl and I had to know there was something special about the band itself to make a man like that reissue everything they created. I was so pleasantly surprised. The catchy melodies, the saxophone harmonizing with the bass and guitar, the people singing along with Fagen. Beautiful representation of an album, astounding recording, beyond astronomical mastering & mixing. This is perfection.
RD: September 23, 1977
Mastering Engineer: Bernie Grundman (UHQR)
Genre: Pop / Rock / Jazz
Fav Tracks: “Deacon Blues”, “Peg”, “Aja” & “Home At Last”
6. elephant - the white stripes
My introduction to a new sub-genre of rock, JW-Rock. The combination of Meg’s drumming along to Jack’s guitar chords pair together like peanut butter does with grape jelly. A 40 somethin minute LP that dives into several topics surrounding passion, love & life (Live Laugh Love). The gritty-ness of these instruments mixed with the heavy hitting vocals BOTH Whites deliver shows the pair’s chemistry and how irreplaceable their records are. I am so honored to own this record on UHQR vinyl (thanks blake). Ugh so glad I listened to this.
RD: April 1, 2003
Mastering Engineer: Liam Watson / Ryan Smith (UHQR)
Genre: Rock / Indie Rock / Garage Rock
Fav Tracks: “Ball & Biscuit”, “Little Acorns”, “Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine”, “Black Math”, “In The Cold, Cold Night”, “There’s No Home For You Here” & “Seven Nation Army”
5. kind of blue - miles davis
Nothing I could possibly say besides thank you Chad Kassem for your reissues of this fantastic album. Thank you Davis, Adderley, Chambers, Cobb, Coltrane, Evans & Kelly. You’re work is greatly appreciated.
RD: August 17, 1959
Mastering Engineer: Bernie Grundman
Genre: Jazz
Fav Track: “So What”
4. john coltrane & johnny hartman
First, thank you again Dean. Second, This is an LP that is, in essence, a collection of ballads and serenades from the wonderous voice of Johnny Hartman backed by Coltrane. The sweet lyrics Hartman belts mixed with the tender execution of the notes and chords, it is unlike any collection of songs I have ever heard. My dearest album. My favorite.
RD: July 1, 1963
Mastering Engineer: Ryan Smith (AS Reissue)
Genre: Jazz / Vocal Jazz
Fav Tracks: “Dedicated To You”, “Lush Life” & “They Say It’s Wonderful”
3. no name - jack white
you must tell 7 friends.
RD: August 2, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Bernie Grundman
Genre: Rock / Garage Rock / Indie Rock
Fav Tracks: “Archbishop Harold Holmes”, “Bombing Out”, “Tonight (Was A Long Time Ago)”, “Old Scratch Blues”, “Bless Yourself”, “It’s Rough On Rats (If You’re Asking)” & “Underground”
2. hit me hard and soft - billie eilish
So, after nearly 3 years since her sophomore album, Eilish was pretty quiet about her upcoming project, and I am so very glad she was. Not one single from it was released, not one. Just a release date and tiny snippets of what’s to come and the result was a 40 something minute LP exploring catchy bass lines, sampling melodies and out-takes, and even recycling old songs and making them new. God her creativity and her mind is one that I can’t fathom. But one I love to witness. Much love Billie. Much love FINNEAS. Never change.
RD: May 17, 2024
Mastering Engineer: Dale Becker, Katie Harvey & Noah McCorkle
Genre: Pop / Dark Pop / Indie Pop
Fav Tracks: “THE GREATEST”, “L’AMOUR DE MA VIE”, “LUNCH”, “BLUE”, “SKINNY”, “CHIHIRO” & “BIRDS OF A FEATHER”
drumroll pleeassseeeeeeeeeee.
waltz for debby - bill evans trio
The one jazz album, that holds me by the throat and speaks to me in every corner and every wire in my brain. Broken heart? This is the bandage. Pissed off? This is the herbal tea. Anxious? This is the xanax. This record, is me. The performance between Evans, LaFaro & Motian is one that cannot, has not and will never be replicated or duplicated. Motian knows exactly what kind of drumming pairs with Evans’ piano playing and LaFaro knows exactly how to play with those two and yet somehow, grab your attention and focus your ears on him as well. And. It’s. Live. Oh my god this record is like fine wine (coming from someone who doesn’t drink so I assuming its delicious). I can’t express the love for every track here.
RD: March 1, 1962
Mastering Engineer: Kevin Gray
Genre: Jazz
Fav Tracks: “My Foolish Heart”, “Some Other TIme”, “Detour Ahead”, “Waltz For Debby”, “My Romance” & “Milestones”
