This new Magdalena Bay album, I feel, is not getting as much praise as it should. If you’re at all open to synth pop sensibilities, this is a must listen. The production is immaculate and it pulls in so many sounds, both new and old, that with every listen, you find something new and fun and it just continues to grow on you.
I’ve been an MJ Lenderman fan for a long time, and I think Manning Fireworks is his best work yet. It’s concise, with not a bad song on the record, all of them showcasing his unique lyricism and guitar style.
The Cindy Lee & Diamond Juliblee story is the most fun, break-out indie music story I’ve heard in a long time. Not a fan of the spotlight or music industry, Patrick Flegel (Cindy Lee) released this album only on YouTube and via an online download. Yet, it absolutely blew up within the indie community. The 2-hour, double LP sounds like its from a point in time long gone, and Patrick’s sneakily intricate guitar playing keeps you coming back for more. Highlight of my year was getting to see this performed live at Hi-Dive shortly before Patrick cancelled the rest of the tour, likely due to the unexpected level of notoriety and press they were getting.
| Artist | Album | Label | |
| 1 | Magdalena Bay | Imaginal Disk | Mom+Pop |
| 2 | MJ Lenderman | Manning Fireworks | Anti |
| 3 | Cindy Lee | Diamond Jubilee | Self Released |
| 4 | Young Jesus | The Fool | Saddle Creek |
| 5 | Ugly (UK) | Twice Around the Sun | Self Released |
| 6 | Friko | Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here | ATO Records |
| 7 | This Is Lorelei | Box for Buddy, Box for Star |
Double Double Whammy
|
| 8 | Good Looks | Lived Here for a While | Keeled Scales |
| 9 | Fontaines D.C | Romance |
32 County Love Train Ltd
|
| 10 | Father John Misty | Mahashmashana | Sub Pop Records |
