See here for my disclaimer about any kind of “best of” list. I’m not qualified as a writer or a listener to tell you what the best albums of the year are. But I do want to talk about my favorite albums this year, because they’re damn good. Entering the 21st century in terms of listening habits meant that I had more opportunities to listen to whole albums in 2018, but I still sometimes get stuck and listened to the same record over and over for a week or more. There was also about a month this year where I only listened to Bob Seger. Anyway, I want to try first to round up the set, and then write about them individually or in groups. Here’s a preliminary list of 15 strong albums that I’ll be revising and breaking down. Records I got stuck on are bolded.
The Beths- Future Me Hates Me
Screaming Females- All Over The Place
Amanda Shires- To the Sunset
Fantastic Negrito- Please Don’t Be Dead
Parquet Courts- Wide Awake
Hopalong-Bark Your Head Off, Dog
Ron Gallo-Stardust Birthday Party
John Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions
Jasmin Kaset and Quichenight- Tuxedo
Elvis Costello and the Imposters- Look Now
Betty Lavette – Things Have Changed
Macy Gray -Ruby
Neneh Cherry-Broken Politics
Clutch-Book of Bad Decisions
Janelle Monae-Dirty Computer
Let me know what I’m missing!