1. Ezra Furman — Twelve Nudes
This is Ezra’s punk rock album. With a heart, that is. Direct, fast, beautiful, this is for me the best record of the year, and Ezra’s best. Favorite song: Transition from Nowhere to Nowhere
2. Jenny Lewis — On the Line
Great songs, with great hooks, and heart-felt lyrics about love and life, with vivid scenes and characters. Jenny is a great songwriter, and here she is at her best. Favorite song: Heads Gonna Roll
3. Orville Peck — Pony
Riding the line between candor and tackiness, Peck’s deep voice brings us old formulas with new themes. Unexpected but timely. Favorite song: Dead of Night
4. Shana Cleveland — Night of the Warm Moon
Lead singer and writer for La Luz, Shana has more to offer. And she delivers it in her first solo outing. Psychedelic and sweet. Favorite song: Don’t Let Me Sleep
5. Mark Mulcahy — The Gus
Mark is one of my favorites. His songs speak direct to us, with peculiar turn of phrases and mature lyrics about life and love. Each track reads like a tale. Favorite song: Wicked World
6. Weyes Blood — Titanic Rising
Grandiose and almost operatic, Weyes Blood does it again with Titanic Rising. This is how it feels to be living in our time and age. Favorite song: Everyday
7. Angel Olsen — All Mirrors
Romance, sincerity, and simply living among beautiful string arrangements, and unexpected turns and twists. Angel grows and surprises with each album. Favorite song: What it Is
8. Sharon Van Etten — Remind Me Tomorrow
Atmospheric and touching, Sharon’s songs are on point in her fifth album. Synths here and there, and a lot of emotions all around. Favorite song: Seventeen
9. Helado Negro — This is How You Smile
Intimate and bitter-sweet, this is Roberto Carlos’ sixth and best album as Helado Negro. A perfect soundtrack for soothing dreams. Favorite song: Please Won’t Please
10. Bill Callahan — Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest
Complex, beautiful, and haunting songs about a domestic life and the challenges of art within this framework. Personal and extremely relatable. Favorite song: The Ballad of the Hulk
