We’re nearly halfway through 2024 & mid-year lists have already popping up from Stereogum, CoS, Paste & others. So that’s a good enough excuse to go ahead and share some of my favorites. It’s fun to make these lists, and it’s nice to take a moment to reflect on some of the great music that has come out this year.
Much like my 2023 year end list, I’ve written some short descriptions about the album and detailed which vinyl variant I purchased. And as always, if you like what you hear please consider supporting the artists by buying albums & going to shows if you have the means.
Let’s get into it!
Chromeo - Adult Contemporary 🎹
Chromeo’s sixth album is my favorite of theirs since 2010’s Business Casual. It’s full of hit after hit, but in another time I guess. It embodies the band's signature blend of funky grooves and playful, humorous lyrics, staying true to their roots while exploring the nuances of adult relationships. This was such a fun record that I desperately needed when it was released back in February. It succeeds in furthering Chromeo’s mission to keep the funk alive, proving that the genre never goes out of style. I am very much looking to catching them on tour later this year with The Midnight. I picked up this autographed classic black vinyl from Fingerprints Music in Long Beach, CA.
Favorite Moment:
When that tight chorus hits - “I was lost” followed by the background synth keys that follow at 01:06 on “Lost And Found”
Favorite Tracks:
Lost And Found
Replacements (Featuring La Roux)
(I Don’t Need A) New Girl
Jessica Pratt - Here In The Pitch 🌙
I was floored when I first heard Jessica Pratt’s nostalgic & haunting single “Life Is” earlier this year. There was something so fresh yet nostalgic about this song, and it might end up as my favorite track I’ve heard in 2024. You’ll easily get lost in it’s 60’s inspired wall of sound & the echoing drumbeats reminiscent of The Ronettes and Brian Wilson’s productions. Ultimately, Here in the Pitch is a masterful exploration of the duality of LA’s sunshine and noir, offering a refuge from all the world’s noise. I was lucky to get an autographed copy on panamint brown color vinyl from Amoeba Records in Los Angeles, CA.
Favorite Moment:
The moment Jessica begins singing at 00:27 on “Life Is” - or maybe the moment the song starts. All of it, really.
Favorite Tracks:
Life Is
By Hook or by Crook
Get Your Head Out
Jimmy Montague - Tomorrow’s Coffee ☕
I’m always looking forward to having Tomorrow’s Coffee because many times I pair it with the sounds of this excellent record by Jimmy Montague. This record delves into themes of self-reflection, relationship struggles, and the nuances of daily life, all set against a rich, 70s-inspired musical backdrop. It’s a delightful mix of upbeat tracks and melancholic ballads, featuring contributions from notable artists like Chris Farren. The sound is characterized by lush arrangements, including horns, saxophones, and dynamic guitar solos that evoke a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a modern edge. Honestly, if you told me it was released in 1978, I might believe you.
Don’t hesitate if you want that tasty vinyl - copies are limited & still available over on the Stormchasers store. Pressed on coffee w/ cream color vinyl & they’ll arrive with a bonus Casual Use LP.
Favorite Moment:
When the music spirals into one of the best instrumental passages you’ll hear all year at 01:46 on “The Smoke After The Kill”
Favorite Tracks:
The Smoke After The Kill
Tell You That You’re Right
Only One For Me
Liquid Mike - Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot 🌲
I was lucky to chat with Mike Maple from Marquette, Michigan’s power pop band Liquid Mike back in February when Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot dropped (listen below) and it was great to hear how the album came to be & the songs that influenced it.
This record showcases the band’s knack for crafting sharp hooks and catchy power-pop tunes, reminiscent of their previous work but with a more refined touch. While there are no drastic departures in style, the band’s precision and expertise have only sharpened, making this album a step closer to their vision of power-pop perfection. They truly keep getting better and I can’t wait to see what they cook up next. I bought a first pressing but couldn’t resist also picking up this on red vinyl from their shop when it dropped a few weeks ago.
Favorite Moment:
The catchy “I know you think about it (oh you think about it)” chorus at 00:47 on “Pacer”
Favorite Tracks:
Pacer
Town Ease
USPS
Lizzie No - Halfsies 🚗
After hearing a few singles late last year, I was eagerly anticipating this new Lizzie No record. It lived up to the hype, and Lizzie has quickly become one of my favorite songwriters. On Halfsies, she seamlessly blends folk, rock, bluegrass, and blues influences, and presents itself as a musical journey akin to a video game adventure. She has described the album this way, led by the character Miss Freedomland who is a reflection of Lizzie No and the listener. This concept sets the stage for a collection of songs that traverse the complexities of relationships, societal issues, and personal growth. It’s a must listen for 2024. This is the “Heartbreak Purple” color vinyl, exclusive to Rough Trade.
Favorite Moment:
When you hear the drum sticks count off into the massive chorus of “Getaway Car” at 00:34
Favorite Tracks:
Getaway Car
Lagunita
Shield and Sword
Lo Moon - I Wish You Way More Than Luck 🪟
Lo Moon is one of the best bands out there right now. Born out of singer Matt Lowell's introspective journey back to his hometown in Connecticut during the pandemic, Lo Moon have crafted a lush and expansive sonic landscape on this record. There are several songs here that give me Talk Talk, Peter Gabriel & Tears for Fears vibes, so if that’s your thing you are in for a real treat. I Wish You Way More Than Luck is a cohesive and immersive experience that showcases their continued excellence in crafting emotive and evocative music.
Also, the best deal in the biz right now is to sign up for the Raincoat Chronicles on their website. It’ll get you a VIP pass to their upcoming tour, a t-shirt and access to lots more exclusive content. Signed copies of their marble color vinyl like the one above are available on their website.
Favorite Moment:
”to fill the voiiiiid” at 02:26 on “Waiting A Lifetime”
Favorite Tracks:
Water
Day Old News
Waiting A Lifetime
St. Vincent - All Born Screaming 🔥
St. Vincent's seventh studio album features tracks that are infused with a raw energy and a modern romanticism that traverses heartbreak ballads, industrial dance anthems, and James Bond-esque drama. Drawing comparisons to the spirit of David Bowie and the Nine Inch Nails, the album juxtaposes art-pop sensibilities with industrial noise, creating a compelling landscape. It features contributions from prominent musicians like Dave Grohl, Josh Freese, and Cate Le Bon, to name a few. This vinyl is the Blood Records exclusive on red, yellow & black splatter vinyl - limited to 1,000 copies and hand-numbered.
Favorite Moment:
the intense final 45 seconds of “Broken Man”
Favorite Tracks:
Broken Man
Violent Times
Big Time Nothing
Teens in Trouble - What's Mine 🩷
I sometimes forget that this is the debut album from Teens In Trouble, as I’ve been a fan of Asheville-based artist Lizzie Killian for a few years now. Drawing influences from 90s rock sounds while infusing them with a contemporary edge, the album features collaborations with notable artists like PUP’s Stefan Babcock and Jeff Rosenstock’s guitarist Mike Huguenor. What's Mine stands as a testament to Killian's talent and a promising introduction to Teens In Trouble's potential. The vinyl was pressed on random colors & is limited to 600 copies. Purchase over on the Teens In Trouble Bandcamp page.
Favorite Moment:
the final minute of “In My Dreams” absolutely RIPS
Favorite Tracks:
In My Dreams
Playlist
You Don’t Want To Mess With Me
Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us 🚇
Vampire Weekend’s Only God Was Above Us represents the culmination of the band's evolving sound and artistic ambition, marking a high point in their discography. Maybe the highest point actually, because I’m not sure how they’ll top this one. It’s a groundbreaking collection of tracks that seamlessly blend complex instrumentation, pristine production, and daring arrangements. And if you’re already a fan, you can also hear a lot of their previous work throughout (Pravda - FOTB’s Flower Moon, for example). By addressing the turmoil of contemporary life and their journey as artists, Vampire Weekend have delivered a record that feels essential and timeless. I couldn’t resist getting this blue in black LP from Blood Records, limited to 3000 copies.
Favorite Moment:
The opening arpeggios on “Pravda” at 00:00
Favorite Tracks:
Pravda
Gen-X Cops
Capricorn
Waxahatchee - Tigers Blood 🐅🩸
This one is already named the #1 album of the year by Stereogum & CoS. It’s an alt-country record worthy of all the hype & praise. To me this record sounds like a perfect blend of her last two records, 2020’s Saint Cloud & 2017’s Out in the Storm - both incredible in their own right. The result is a record that feels both timeless and immediate, showcasing her evolving artistry. I picked up the Alabama crimson tide red vinyl from Seasick Records out of Katie’s hometown in Birmingham, AL. They surprised me by including an autographed print!
Favorite Moment:
When Katie & MJ harmonize on the chorus of “Right Back To It” at 01:11
Favorite Tracks:
Crowbar
Right Back To It (ft. MJ Lenderman)
Bored
2024: 50 Favorite Songs (so far)
And now it’s time to reveal my annual 50 favorite songs from 2024. This is the playlist where I’ll continue to add 10 songs each month until it hits 💯 at the end of the year. The first 10 to 15 songs in the playlist are my most played of the year, however in no specific order. Also, I’ve had requests to add my playlists to Apple Music and I finally did it! Please give me a follow over there.
If you made it this far, thank you for reading. I’d love to know your favorite songs from the year so far, or if there’s a song from the playlist that you hadn’t heard & enjoyed! Let me know in the comments below.
That’s all I got!
- Patrick
That Blood Recs Vamp Wknd sounds so good.. Lizze No is new to me, thanks as always.