Happy New Year everyone! 🎆
While we’ve been held hostage by Spotify’s Wrapped since 2015, we somehow collectively have decided that early December is the time to share our annual “Best Of” lists. This is my attempt to normalize posting yearly recaps when the year is actually over. So below, you’ll find my Favorite albums, favorite songs, and favorite Vinyl purchases this year. Enjoy!
2024, for me, proved to be the year of amazing debut albums, so it’s no surprise that 4 out of 5 albums mentioned here are debuts. Has the “albums are dead” discourse finally become quiet in the music industry? I sure hope so.
Francis of Delirium - Lighthouse
Released in March 2024, I only discovered Francis of Delirium, aka Jana Bahrich, just a couple months ago. Her debut album Lighthouse needs to be listened to on headphones when you’re alone. It needs to be discovered, savored, loved, because every single song is perfect in itself. I know I will be coming back to this album in years to come with timeless songs that feel like being wrapped in a cozy blanket. She has released “soft versions” of a few songs on streaming services, and I can’t recommend her music enough.
Streaming | Bandcamp | Instagram | Website
The Joy Hotel - Ceremony
You might already know The Joy Hotel if you’ve been following my Substack. The singles quickly built up excitement, and their debut album proved to be nothing but extraordinary. The Joy Hotel was my #1 band this year, answering the question, “What music are you listening to right now?” I just couldn’t stop talking about how much I love their music. They should be on everyone’s “Artists to Watch” list.
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Instagram | Website
Nemahsis - Verbathim
At only a short 30min long, Verbathim is still a perfect album. Nemahsis was one of my favorite discoveries in 2023. It’s no surprise that I would fall in love with her debut album immediately. She invites us into her world and gives us songs like “i borrow happiness for tomorrow” and “coloured concrete,” which co-exist on this album that I would call an exceptional piece of art.
Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Instagram | Website
The Last Dinner Party - Prelude to Ecstasy
This album was my first huge hyperfixation of the year, so much, that The Last Dinner Party ended up being my #1 played artist of the year–and catapulting me into their top 0.5% listeners on Spotify). So, when I say hyperfixation, I mean it. Prelude to Ecstasy, The Last Dinner Party’s debut, is a masterclass in theatrical rock that completely CONSUMED my 2024. “I am a dark red liver stretched out on the rocks” …
Streaming | YouTube | Instagram | Website
Father John Misty - Mahashmashana
No surprise for people who know me. The earth shifted when I was introduced to Father John Misty back in 2012, and Fear Fun is still one of my favorite albums of all time. He is one of the few constants in my life, and unlike other men, he never disappoints. I must admit I didn’t pay too much attention to his new singles before the album release, and oh … was I in for a surprise later. Listening to this album back to back has been my main occupation all through December. Josh Tillman, I thank you for this album and for giving me “Screamland.” Love you forever.
Bandcamp | Streaming | YouTube | Instagram | Website
For my favorite songs of 2024, I kept a “best of” playlist on Spotify. The first song I added was Marlon Williams’ “After The Revolution” on Jan 17, and the last song was Charlotte Day Wilson’s “I Don’t Love You.” I have created a new playlist every year since 2014, and my favorite thing to do is go back and listen to each year’s soundtrack, dwelling in memories, good and bad.
To conclude my 2024 Favorites list, here are five favorite album/EP finds/purchases from last year:
Aaron Embry - Tiny Prayers (2012) (Embry was a YouTube discovery of mine in the early 2010s. This is his first and only album, and I’ve always loved it. I was happily surprised to see him play in Cat Power’s live band on her Sings Dylan tour. Can’t believe I found this album on a random day at Amoeba Records here in LA.)
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Sex & Food (2018)
Lee Moses - How Much Longer Must I Wait? (2019)
Rilo Kiley - Rilo Kiley (1999) (Ask me how much I love Rilo Kiley, I could talk forever.)
Abigail Rose - Surprise Valley EP (2024) (I have worked with Abigail on the rollout of her EP and upcoming debut album. I’m so proud of what she has achieved and that I’m here to play a small part in her journey)