Top Films and Music of 2019

Top Films of 2019

1. Avengers: Endgame
2. JoJo Rabbit
3. Knives Out
4. Rocketman
5. Last Black Man in San Francisco
6. Dark Waters
7. Parasite
8. Honey Boy
9. Joker
10. Uncut Gems

Top Albums of 2019 - Playlist available here


1. Bedouin Soundclash – Mass

The hype for this album began building for me with the release of the excellent “Salt-Water” in 2018. It sounded like nothing the Canadian duo had released before, and nothing like anything else out there. With each subsequent single released, I grew more exciting for what was sounding like an amazing comeback for the band, who hadn’t released a full album in eight years. And then suddenly…all the songs disappeared. It wasn’t until some months later the group announced they had signed to a new label and the album would now be released in October of 2019. This was in February 2019 – the waiting would kill me! But it didn’t – and the album lived up to all my hopes. On top of the incredible tracks previously released, every new song previously unheard took interesting risks and musical gambles that paid off in spades. From the jazzy moment of “Full Bloom” to the feel-good afropop of “Better Days”, the group accomplished the herculean task of exceeding expectations. Welcome back Bedouin Soundclash.

2. Sam Fender – Hypersonic Missiles

The debut full-length album from this young British rocker was aptly titled, as Fender seemed to shoot out of nowhere and lighting speed and left an explosive mark on everyone who heard his music. After building buzz playing events like SXSW, and gaining fans in his home country (including Elton John), Fender played the Troubadour in LA and showed he could translate his incredible songs to a live venue with ease. The album itself brings notes of Jeff Buckley and The Killers, while lyrically Fender showed himself unafraid to tackle serious subject matter (see the searing “White Privilege” and devastating “Dead Boys”), but also had no trouble kicking up a heartfelt romantic ruckus (“Will We Talk?”). This is one of those albums that make you excited to see what comes next from them. If Billie Eilish is the current queen of the new alternative movement, Fender should be in deep consideration to be its king.

3. The Glorious Sons – A War on Everything

The second group of Canadians on this list, but bringing to the table a much more traditional brand of rock ‘n roll. But they REALLY brought it. Infusing healthy doses of southern rock and punk rock into their sound, the band capitalized on the stateside success of their single “S.O.S.” by delivering an album packed full of barn-burning rockers (the glorious “The Ongoing Speculation Into the Death of Rock and Roll”), foot stompers (“Panic Attack”) and even some fine-tuned balladry (“Pink Motel”). Every song on the album came packed with hooks aplenty, as well as lyrics that laid bare a surprising amount of vulnerability under the muscular riffs. I would speculate that rock is far from dead as long as these guys stick around.

4. The Menzingers – Hello Exile

Philadelphia’s The Menzingers have always excelled at spikey melodic hooks behind meaningful messaging, but on this year’s Hello Exile, their songwriting advanced to the next level, with songs drawing from the deeply personal to the literary, all packed into incredibly memorable punk rock melodies. Tracks like “Anna” and “Strangers Forever” hit an equally powerful emotional nerve and showed off a maturity in outlook and maturity. It’s pop punk for adults who grew up with the band’s music.

5. Dave Hause – Kick

Similar to The Menzingers, Hause also comes from the punk scene, though has taken his solo work further towards a singer-songwriter/Americana direction. Following his great album Bury Me in Philly, Hause came back with a collection of songs even more fine-tuned and anthemic songs for Kick. “The Ditch” bled with a delicate balance of desperation and acceptance, and “Saboteurs” should be co-opted as a modern rally cry. And some songs were just plain catchy as hell, like the fast-paced “Weathervane” or “Eye Aye I”. Hause has classed himself in with the rising group of solo rock songwriters like Brian Fallon and Craig Finn, who merge the songwriting of classic rock with a rebellious punk spirit, with timeless results.

6. Alex Lahey – The Best of Luck Club

Thank god for Australia’s Alex Lahey, if only for keeping the saxophone alive and well in modern rock. And for playing the blistering sax solo on lead single “Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself” herself! Lahey is a multi-talent, continuing to gain fans in the states. This year, she was included in one of Taylor Swift’s personalized playlists, and made headlines with her spot-on cover of My Chemical Romance‘s “Welcome to the Black Parade”. And all of this praise is duly deserved. Her second album’s songs are consistent earworms, from the outcast anthem “I Don’t Get Invited to Parties Anymore” to the friendship ode “Isabella”. She’s a force to be reckoned with.

7. blink-182 – Nine

I will be the first to say that these pop-punk legends’ last album, California, underwhelmed me. The lyrics felt basic, and they seemed to still be figuring out how best to utilize Matt Skiba, as his voice didn’t provide the same dynamics against Mark Hoppus’ as departed member Tom Delonge’s. Nine has completely renewed my faith in them. First single “Blame it on My Youth” still felt a bit pandering to younger audiences, but it still continued to get caught in my head. The kinetic “Darkside” also grew and grew on me, helped by its mesmerizing video. When the full album finally hit, songs like “Heaven”, “No Heart to Speak Of” and “Hungover You” affected me like few other blink songs have in the past. These were certainly darker songs, but felt like an organic growth from the band’s previous work. With an EP containing some interesting collaborations due next year, my enthusiasm for the band has been reborn, and I await future work with high anticipation.

8. The Raconteurs – Help Us Stranger

Not only was it a surprise to hear Jack White and Brendan Benson’s The Raconteurs were returning this year, but it turned out to be one of the most welcome surprises, as Help Us Stranger is hands down their best album. The tracks flow with a loose spirit that remains lively throughout. If someone had told me this album was released in the seventies, I would believe them. All the best trappings of classic rock are there (album stand-out “Somedays (I Don’t Feel Like Trying)” sounds like a lost Lynyrd Skynyrd track as it opens), and White and Benson sound like they’re having a great time on every song. From the propulsive “Born and Razed” to the moseying “Now That You’re Gone”, the band sounds like they were ready to come back and make us appreciate them more than ever. Mission accomplished.

9. Reese McHenry – No Dados

The first moment I heard Reese McHenry‘s song “Detroit”, I was an instant fan. Sounding like Janis Joplin fronting The Stooges, the song was pure rock ‘n roll soul and hit like a freight train. Then I learned Reese’s story – the stroke and illness that had her on bed rest for two years and almost took her life, and her fight to recover and return to making music. That someone who nearly died came back with an album as strong as this made the music all the more powerful. And No Dados is powerful. The songs here are packed with mean riffs, haymaker drumming and McHenry singing like a blues siren. Dare I say, it’s life affirming.

10. Strand of Oaks – Eraserland

Timothy Showalter’s Strand of Oaks excels at taking alt. country and Americana formulas the dosing them with psychedelic influences and classic rock power to create sweeping and swirling songs that grow more infectious the more they seep into your being. On the excellent Eraserland, Showalter takes his sound even further with beautiful results. Opening single “Weird Ways” opens as an elegant, longing elegy and expands into a soaring anthem. “Hyperspace Blues” has hints of mod and classic punk in its propulsive beat, while the vocal melodies twist from powerfully emotive to spacey and distorted. “Moon Landing” struts with an 80’s Clash pomp, and “Ruby” is simply a perfect love song. Eraserland is adventurous, gorgeous and fantastically weird. Can’t wait to see what he does next.

Honorable Mentions:

11. Los Coast – Samsara

Great blend of rock, soul and psychedelia out of Austin, TX. “Battles” is a rager, and “The Morning Weight” is a classic soul gem that Sam Cooke would have been envious of.

12. Karen O & Danger Mouse – Lux Prima

Moody, haunting tunes from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ punk siren and the famed DJ/Producer.

13. Anderson .Paak – Ventura

Funk-infused rap that pushes boundaries while not leaving the party behind.

14. Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride

Indie rock heroes make a trippy R&B Grateful Dead album and it works for the majority of this double-LP. “Harmony Hall” is the song of the year.

15. The National – I Am Easy to Find

Joined by an array of female co-vocalists, the normally brooding band finds some gorgeous lighter touches on their best album in years.

16. Catfish and the Bottlemen – The Balance

British indie rockers write songs that open up and leave their mark the more you listen to them.

17. G Flip – About Us

Australian drummer’s debut album is filled of simple, sad confessional bedroom pop songs that will take anyone back to their most vulnerable days in life.

18. Maggie Rogers – Heard it in a Past Life

Pharrell Williams-annoited viral star’s debut album shows off the excellent songwriting that impressed the rap/R&B tastemaker. “Light On” is the AAA answer to Robyn‘s “Dancing On My Own” and a hit in any decade.

19. Kishi Bashi – Omoiyari

Stunningly orchestrated, lush classical pop.

20. Better Oblivion Community Center – Better Oblivion Community Center

Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers team up and write a whole slew of super-smart, clever folk rock songs that was tailor made to soundtrack hipster parties for years to come.

EP OF THE YEAR:

Darlingside – Look Up & Fly Away

Runner Up: Scott Ruth – Telephone

Top Songs of 2019: - Playlist available here

1. Vampire Weekend – Harmony Hall

The first track released from the indie rock stars’ double album Father of the Bride, and man was it harmonious perfection. Mellow acoustic guitars and saloon piano, perfect production and some of the most memorable lyrics of the band’s career (“Anger wants a voice, voices want to sing. Singers harmonize, until you can’t hear anything”). When the chorus comes in, with the gospelish harmonies and swirling melodies, you know you’re listening to something special. It’s a song that makes you feel good about the world on first listen. It sounded like nothing else Vampire Weekend had done before, but continues to make me excited for what they will do next.

2. Alex Lahey – Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself

There’s so much to love about this song. The track’s narrative, a plea to a friend who overburdens themselves to be take it easy, was one I had never heard in a song before, and was clearly personal, but also hit a universal note any workaholic could relate to. Next, the track was incredibly catchy, with a bouncy hook that is pure sing-along goodness. And then there’s that SAX SOLO. It blares and buzzes and booms and makes a great song into one of the best songs of the year.

3. Dave Hause – The Ditch

The synthesis of heartland rock and punk isn’t something new, but it’s something Dave Hause has been mastering with each new album, and on Kick‘s “The Ditch”, he shows he’s perfected it. Singing a tale of trying to overcome struggle, or simply learning to live with it, it’s the perfect anthem for the underdog, and in a year when most Americans probably feel like an underdog, it’s the song we all need right now.

4. Ryan Bingham – Wolves

“Wolves” is a coming-of-age story given life through moving Americana. Bingham’s dusty, sorrowful vocals spin a tale of learning to stand up to the bullies in our lives, creating a musical paean for finding inner-strength. The acoustic guitars ring out crystal clear thanks to pristine production, creating an indelible atmosphere the brings the song to visual life in your mind. It’s a credit to Bingham’s songwriting that he can evoke such strong imagery through his craft, and leave an emotional mark that doesn’t fade.

5. Reese McHenry – Detroit

The term “barn-burner” was coined for songs like this. McHenry’s rails against a lover trying to get away from her in Detroit, and upon one listen you know she’s serious. An old-school garage rocker that bulldozes anything trying to get in it’s way, the track explodes with soul, with the band laying down a tight rhythm that helps propel McHenry’s wailing into the stratosphere.

6. Bad Religion – My Sanity

Despite being nearly forty years into their existence as a band, Bad Religion are still making punk rock that sounds as urgent and necessary as ever, and with “My Sanity”, they proved they can still churn out hard-hitting yet radio friendly rock ‘n roll as well as ever. It’s not hard to see where the song is coming from in these crazy times, but “My Sanity” is as much an ode to the music that keeps Bad Religion going as it is a commentary on the current state of our world.

7. Darlingside – Rodeo

There’s an otherworldly quality to Darlingside‘s music, with it’s exquisite, ethereal harmonizing. “Rodeo” uses these harmonizing moments to bring a nostalgic warmth to this movie folk ballad. The power of this song is its ability to reach in and pull out memories from the far corners of your brain as the lyrics roll out the kind of details that we leave behind in our youth. The track’s sadness is countered by a breathtaking hopefulness as our protagonist “pushes out the door to the front gate”, preparing to leave move forward in life.

8. The Rembrandts – How Far Would You Go

The band best known for the Friends theme song have not lost their ability to write power pop that brims with hooks and harmonies. “How Far Would You Go” is the kind of shamelessly romantic nugget that should be playing at the end of every romcom, as the hero races to make-up for whatever stupid mistake they made and try to win back their lover. It’s all heart, and if you don’t smile while listening to it, then you may not have one.

9. Strand of Oaks – Weird Ways

“Weird Ways” goes in so many strange directions that it’s hard to fully grasp it all on first listen. At times delicate and pining, at others a spacious and sprawling rocker, what grounds it is Timothy Showalter’s virtuoso ability to turn subtle melodic changes into gripping moments of thoughtful drama. As he sings “It’s a weird way to say goodbye” over and over in the chorus, he rings out heartbreak and longing from every note, while never turning the song saccharine. The psychedelic guitar solos also let the track revel in its weirdness.

10. The Glorious Sons – The Ongoing Speculation Into the Death of Rock and Roll

There is of course some irony in a band writing a kick-ass rock and roll song about…the death of rock and roll. And while I’m sure The Glorious Sons are aware of the irony, they simply sound like they are having a blast with this rollicking jam. A stadium-ready ode to the genre they love, and how it’s been commoditized to the point of being “a poster now, and nothing more”. At the end, we are all responsible for it’s death, but bands like The Glorious Sons are some of our best hopes for bringing it back to life.

11. The Killers – Land of the Free

The Vegas rockers release their most political and uplifting track to date.

12. Yungblud – 11 Minutes (feat. Halsey and Travis Barker)

A cinematic, melancholy slice of punk-styled musical drama.

13. Sam Fender – Hypersonic Missiles

A kinetic blast of high energy, with a chorus that explodes

14. J. Cole – Middle Child

The best rap song of the year. Cole’s thoughtful lyrics and sick flow show why he’s one of the greatest out there.

15. AJR – 100 Bad Days

AJR have proven themselves masters of the smart pop song with depth, and this one comes with a thoughtful outlook to boot.

16. Thoughts – No Heart

Part pop rock, part classic R&B, and all together a great piece of music.

17. The Comet is Coming – Summon the Fire

I dare anyone to listen to this jam and not dance uncontrollably.

18. The Raconteurs – Somedays (I Don’t Feel Like Trying)

Starting off like a lost Lynyrd Skynyrd track, the song evolves into a head-banging ode to life that we all can use.

19. Kaiser Chiefs – People Know hot To Love One Another

The UK rockers find their inner Jackie Wilson with this anthemic paean to loving your fellow man.

20. The Menzingers – Strangers Forever

Inspired by Anna Karina, a poignant pop punk song for anyone left heartbroken and searching for a way to move forward.

21. Fang Fang – Hey Church

Catchy pub rock from this up-and-coming Philly band.

22. Spanish Love Songs – Losers

SLS have gotten the formula for sardonic, self-flagellating punk rock down perfectly.

23. The Strumbellas – Salvation

An instant, feel-good anthem from the Canadian folk rock troupe.

24. Bedouin Soundclash – Better Days

A song we should all be singing to ourselves to get through these dark times.

25. Lana Del Rey – Looking for America

Even after releasing her critically acclaimed album this year, Lana still found time to record this one-off, anti-gun single with Jack Antoff. And it’s a stunner.

26. Kishi Bashi – Summer of ’42

Epic orchestral pop from this accomplished violinist.

27. Avril Lavigne – Souvenir

Love her or hate her, there’s no denying Lavigne’s ability to write an Uber-catchy pop rock gem.

28. Steve Gunn – Vagabond

Gunn’s fantastic guitar playing elevates this drifting folk rock track into elegant stratospheres.

29. Mike Posner – Wide Open

Moving, open-hearted ballad with electronic touches.

30. Fitness – Yellowjackets

Clever indie rock that will have you singing out loud “I’ve been young since the day I was born”.

31. Blink-182 – Heaven

The pop-punk kings take a heavier turn in this tribute to the victims of the Thousand Oaks shooting.

32. Machine Gun Kelly – I Think I’m OKAY (feat. Yungblud and Travis Barker)

Yungblud proved himself a master collaborator this year, joining rapper Machine Gun Kelly for this bouncy pop-punk anthem.

33. DJ Shadow – Rocket Fuel (feat. De La Soul)

Shadow creates the best old-school rap jam in ages with help from some of the best in the game.

34. Bob Mould – Sunshine Rock

It’s all in the title – a shining blast of energetic guitars and soaring vocals.

35. Los Coast – The Morning Weight

Brooding and moving soul rock from this talented Austin band.

36. Matthew Ryan – On Our Death Day

Ryan’s lyrics are at another level here on this beautiful, spacious folk song.

37. Angels & Airwaves – Rebel Girl

Tom Delonge brought back his AvA band this year with one of the catchiest tracks he’s written in years.

38. Sara Bareilles – Fire

A song that blazes and burns with heartache and passion.

39. Broken Bells – Shelter

Quirky alt. pop that floats along like an elegiac dream.

40. Third Eye Blind – The Kids Are Coming (To Take You Down)

A power-house, pile driving rocker dedicated to Greta Thunberg and all the kids like her doing what it takes to save our world.

41. Rob Thomas – One Less Day (Dying Young)

Thomas manages to age gracefully and write a great song about appreciating growing old.

42. Tim Barry – Big Ships

This track is an emotional gut-punch through and through.

43. The Growlers – Who Loves the Scum?

Apocalyptic lyrics set to a cheery sing along

44. Illenium – Good Things Fall Apart (feat. Jon Bellion)

Captures the experience of an ending relationship with a delicate balance of acoustic guitars and dance beats.

45. Anderson .Paak – King James

A soul funk banger, straight up.

46. Jackie – New at Drugs

A cautionary tale of what happens when youth are sheltered too much, without the caution.

47. Davila 666 – Huesos Viejos

Puerto Rican punk that has the edge of Iggy and the verve of the Ramones.

48. Dessa – Grade School Games

Dessa’s songwriting is always on-point, melding rap and pop melodies to create perfect songs.

49. John Mayer – I Guess I Just Feel Like

Mayer gets thoughtful on this easy-going acoustic track.

50. Landfill Crew – Worldwide Warfare

If dance-hall punk wasn’t a thing before, this track from Tim Armstrong’s animated band makes it one.

Top Films and Music of 2018

Below is my roundup of my favorite films and music of 2018. In all honesty, I missed a lot of films, but this is the best of what I managed to see.

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2018

1. Sorry to Bother You
2. Avengers: Infinity War
3. Bodied
4. Isle of Dogs
5. Destroyer
6. RBG
7. Blindspotting
8. Beirut
9. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse
10. Three Identical Strangers


HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Annihilation
Vice

TOP ALBUMS OF 2018:

Listen to all the below albums on my Best Albums of 2018 Playlist.

Janelle Monáe - Dirty Computer

In a world without Prince, we can all be thankful we have Janelle Monáe. Like the Purple One, Monáe seamlessly melds rap, R&B, pop, and rock with a masterfulness that is unseen in the current music industry, and her skills shine through on Dirty Computer. From the opening track, backed with Beach Boys-styled harmonies (courtesy of Brian Wilson himself), it's clear that the album is going to be something fresh. Wilson's group famously wrote about songs about pure teen Americana, girls, cars, and parties, and on "Crazy, Classic Life", Monáe revitalizes this formula with a perfectly modern sheen that reflects on our current times. Monae tackles being a black, pansexual woman in America throughout this opus, but always keeps the lyrics and musical totally accessible. Whether it's the lascivious bubblegum of "Screwed" or the sharp topical rap on "Django Jane", every song has character, a message, and stands on its own merits while never feeling out of place on the album. It's monument to modern music, and is one that will hold up for generations to come.

2. U2 - Songs of Experience

U2 have not had the best last decade. Bono suffered a serious run-in with death, receive less radio play, and their albums have met with disregard (No Line on the Horizon) or outright scorn (Songs of Innocence) - though the latter was more due to the method of distribution more than the actual music. And that may be at the heart of the issue - people have spent more time paying attention to the band as a brand or a representation of Bono's oversized personality than actually listening to their music. With Songs of Experience, the Irish rockers flip the script and have returned the focus to what they are - amazing musicians and songwriters. Throughout this collection, it feels like U2 have got their groove back, whether it be hard rockers ("American Soul", "The Blackout"), danceable new wave ("Red Flag Day", "The Showman") or the big anthemic ballads they do better than anyone else ("You're the Best Thing About Me", "Landlady"). The songs both hearken to the band's classic songs while sound completely part of 2018. The lyrics at times touch on the political climate, but with the right amount of attitude to wash over any preachiness. It's simply the best U2 album since All That You Can't Leave Behind. If you're one of the people who wrote off U2 after that album, now is the time to revisit them.

3. Ben Howard - Noonday Dream

With his third full length album, Ben Howard has continued his evolution from an adept pop rock songwriter to a composer of complex, moody and atmospheric musical tapestries that flow and breathe. While this all sounds very elitist and artsy, it needs be said that Howard does all of this without abandoning gorgeous melodies that ruminate in your head for weeks to follow. The melancholy highlight "Nica Libres at Dusk" emotes longing through a dreamy haze, "Towing the Line" drifts elegiacally like an indie folk sea ballad...I could go on touting the majesty of each track. This album is truly mean to be a headphone journey, to be listened to closely in a quiet room while you lay back and let each song breach your defenses and take you away into Howard's world.

4. Dessa - Chime

Dessa is a true multi hyphenate - a rapper, singer, composer...the list goes on. On Chime, she has all of these talents on display, and creates an album that leaves you wanting more. Chime is possibly her most diverse album to date as well, with laments on loss ( the moving "Good Grief"), bangers ("Fire Drills", "5 Out of 6"), and even a straight-up pop ("Half of You") - and it's excellent throughout. While she's yet to reach the full mainstream, the mainstream knows she's where it's at - Lin Manuel Miranda chose her for the Hamilton Mixtape and also included her on his Puerto Rico benefit song, and you certainly can't argue with that man's taste!

5. Darlingside - Extralife

One of the best discoveries of this year, Darlingside craft songs enriched by perfect folk harmonies that imbue everything they touch with an extra warmth and depth. Drawing influences from The Byrds to the Beach Boys, the group boast pitch-perfect harmonies that shine even on the simplest tracks. Unlike similar groups, the songs on Extralife won't put you to sleep. The soul and advanced musicianship on tracks like "Singularity" feel like the soundtrack to a hero's journey, while "Indian Orchard Road" invokes the nostalgia and warmth of an east coast autumn day. "Futures" vibes like Simon & Garfunkel, while "Eschaton" mixes electronic touches in with the folk for a sound that is entirely Darlingside's. This is a group to watch.

6. Brian Fallon - Sleepwalkers

Brian Fallon has spent most of his music career escaping comparisons to his influences, and on his second solo album, he successfully comes into his own, making music that sounds wholly his own. Fallon's songwriting remains ever strong, writing upbeat rockers about death ("Forget Me Not") and mournful love songs ("Watson") that grow stronger on repeated listens. He also branches out musically, incorporating 80's influences and ska riffs ("Come Wander With Me"), all the while continuing to elevate his storytelling lyricism ("Yes, and you always believed there was some kind of diamond in me/Oh but if you still burn every night in the hurt/I know a place where the pain doesn't reach"). Fallon isn't quite at the level of his musical heroes like Springsteen, Knopfler or Strummer yet, but with albums like Sleepwalkers, he's certainly on his way.

7. The Coup - Sorry to Bother You

An incredibly original and provocative movie like Sorry to Bother You deserves an equally incredible soundtrack, and the director Boots Riley's rap group The Coup delivered, with a little help from Tune-Yards, Janelle Monáe, Killer Mike and others. Riley's lyrics are sharp, smart and clever throughout, rewarding multiple listens, and like the film, the album's tone runs the gamut without feeling like a mixtape. Whether it's hard riff-rap on opener "OYAHYTT", the addictive party anthem "Hey Saturday Night", or the unsettling trance rap of "Monsoon", each track feels like it naturally fits onto the album as well as it fits into the wildly unique film.

8. Dirty Projectors - Lamp Lit Prose

I never responded to strongly to the Dirty Projectors until listening to 2018's Lamp Lit Prose. Finding a balance between their quirkier indie tendencies and sticky, afropop melodies and pop hooks, the album twists and bends in crafty ways that keep it fascinating throughout. The warbling electronic noises on "Break-Thru" create an almost-danceable groove, while lead single "It's a Lifestyle" embraces a wistfulness that you will feel though may not understand. The group's lyrics are certainly still esoteric, but like a masterful art film, the meaning and emotion imbued within it still connect

9.Tony Molina - Kill the Lights

Tony Molina began his career in the hardcore scene, where he showed an incredible knack for writing 2 minute punk ragers that never overstayed their welcome. While the length of Molina's songs hasn't changed, Kill the Lights show an incredible growth and evolution as a songwriter. Molina has traded in his Black Flag influence for The Byrds, The Beatles and The Beach Boys. The songs here shimmer with jangling guitars and lilting indie rock vocals, weaving melancholy and hopefulness through every lovely song.  Each track leaves you wanting more, making repeat listens a must as you try to absorb the nuanced musical touches and thoughtful lyrical prose.

10. The English Beat - Here We Go Love

No one gets to say ska is dead as long as albums like Here We Go Love keep getting made. The English Beat, featuring Dave Wakeling, sail through the songs on their latest album like Elvis Costello on a sugar buzz. The music pops, the vocals are silky smooth, and through all of the fun, skank-ready rhythms, the lyrics aren't afraid to touch upon weightier topics (see the excellent "If Killing Worked"). That's not to say some of the songs on here aren't meant for pure fun; the title track is all about the party, and with the rest of the album, is one you'll want to throw on when you need a glorious pick-me-up from our rough world.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Albert Hammond Jr. - Francis Trouble

American Aquarium - Things Change

Family of the Year - Goodbye Sunshine, Hello Nighttime

Fat Tony - 10,000 Hours

Femi Kuti - One People One World

George Ezra - Staying at Tamara's

Imarhan - Temet

Miguel - War & Leisure

Nathan Gray - Feral Hymns

Peter Bjorn & John - Darker Days

Shannon and The Clams - Onion

The Struts - Young&Dangerous



Top Fifty Songs of 2018:

Of the thousands of songs I heard in 2018, about one hundred and fifty managed to shine brightly enough to be worth considering. From these, I once again went through the difficult process of pairing that list down to the fifty best of the best.

Like all lists of its kind, it's purely subjective and there are likely hundreds of other songs I missed that I look forward to discovering as similar lists hit the internet. For now, below are my favorite songs of 2018 (and a few that came out LATE 2017 so are included here). Listen to all of these songs on my Top 50 of 2018 Playlist:

1. Dan Mangan - Fool for Waiting



Released towards the beginning of 2018 as the first single from Dan Mangan's album More or Less, "Fool for Waiting" is at once gorgeous and heart-wrenching. Though stripped down to little more than piano, guitar, and Mangan's deeply resonant vocals, this song struck a chord on multiple levels after just one listen. It's a love song for anyone who's a bit crazy, while also endearingly showing the craziness of love. As Mangan pleads "If you try to be with me, I will try to get by. Some say I'm a fool for waiting, they don't know this fool doesn't mind" it's impossible to not relate (I certainly can in very specific ways). While it's been a while since a ballad like this took top honors, there simply has not been another song this year that was as moving and pure.

2. Dessa - 5 Out of 6



Dessa is a true multi-talent; a singer, rapper, composer, and songwriter able to balance aggressive rhymes with engaging melodies. "5 Out of 6" captures everything that Dessa does well as an artist. The verses have bite, while the melodic chorus is dark and empowering. As she sings "I'm the phoenix and the ash", you'll feel prickles down your spine as you raise your hands in the air, entranced by the waves of rhythm Dessa's hypnotic delivery. The song is more proof that Dessa is one of the most underrated artists  working today.

3. Editors - Magazine



When they first started, Editors received numerous comparisons to goth rock groups like Interpol, but never fairly. The British band traversed similar dark roads in its music, but with incredible amounts of emotion and soul, able to break a heart or send your spirits to heaven through bombastic, U2-style melodies. This soul runs through the veins of "Magazines". The track disarms with its pedantically paced lines, teasing nefarious breadcrumbs like "I got a little secret for you, it's in a magazine", before turning into a booming political rally cry, "Now talk the loudest, with a clenched fist". Digging at the pompous, fascist-leaning leaders in power, the track manages to not let the pointed lyrics overpower the club-ready rhythm, finding a perfect balance that is one of the group's best songs in years.

4. Brian Fallon - Watson



Best known as the lead singer of The Gaslight Anthem, Brian Fallon is continuing to solidify himself as an incredible solo artist. With his second album, Sleepwalker, Fallon filters his romantic trials and fears of death and loneliness through poetic lyrics and elevated metaphors, no better than on "Watson". The romantic ballad finds Fallon longing for a woman he meets in London, unsure of how a relationship will work, but struggling with the fear of not taking the chance on her. Comparing his fears of losing her to England's famous detective duo trying to track down "the one that got away", the song builds to a cathartic denouement, filled with mournful slide guitars that would make Tom Petty weep. Is pure heart-on-your-sleeve Jersey songwriting in the best possible way.

5. The Vaccines - I Can't Quit



British rockers The Vaccines came back in a big way this year with their best album in years, and an irresistible lead single that was made for shouting along while jumping on a club floor. It's the kind of rock song that could have been a huge hit in any of the last three decades, filled with timeless, pogoing melodies and the perfect "fuck all" delivery that UK rockers do so well.

6. U2 - Red Flag Day



Coming back with their best album since All That You Can't Leave Behind, the veteran Irish rockers managed to sound reinvigorated and relevant throughout Songs of Experience, but nowhere more than on "Red Flag Day". Reminiscent of classics like "New Years Day", the song finds the Edge shaking and swerving with angular guitar spikes that play off Adam Clayton's funky bass lines, until Bono swoons out with subtly melancholy chorus that smartly reigns in some of U2's normal pomp to make the track a dangerously sharp, solid modern rocker.

7. Bedouin Soundclash - Salt-Water



After a long hiatus, Canadian trio Bedouin Soundclash made a triumphant return this year, releasing six singles over the course of the year, all of which were incredibly eclectic, original and memorable, but the strongest had to be the Preservation Hall Jazz Band-assisted first single "Salt-Water". Melding various influences, from New Orleans brass to island calypso, the group created a song that manages to be warm and haunting, bubbly and poignant. I'm all the more excited for 2019 knowing that there are more songs to come from the group.

8. The Interrupters - She's Kerosene



The Interrupters did what many thought was impossible - they brought ska back! Aimee and the Bivonas took North America by storm with their positive and unifying brand of ska punk, and earned a very well-deserved radio hit with the infectious first single. While it was difficult to decide between this track and the incredible "Gave You Everything", the sharp and clever lyrics ("I'm a match, and she's kerosene. You know she's gonna burn down everything") helped "She's Kerosene" edge out its placement on the list.

9. The Coup - Hey Saturday Night (feat. Tune-Yards)



For the soundtrack to Boots Riley's first feature film, Sorry to Bother You, Boots and his group The Coup teamed up with the ever-eclectic Tune-Yards to create a soundtrack that is as crazy, quirky and awesome as the film itself. Of all the great tunes on the album, the highlight has to be the handclap-happy "Hey Saturday Night". An excitably upbeat, good-time party song from the generally socially and politically minded rap group, the song still manages to be as smart as it is catchy, with Boots spitting rhymes like "Entice us with the future, say our destiny's a shopping mall, but we gon' be the looters".

10. Janelle Monáe - Django Jane



While her incredible album Dirty Computer shows off Janelle Monáe as the true heir to Prince, the second single from the diverse album, "Django Jane" stays true to Monáe's hip hop roots without forgetting the black female empowerment message she exalts on the album. "And we gonna start a motherfuckin' pussy riot, or we gon have to put 'em on a pussy diet" may have been a more effective campaign slogan for Hillary than the one she used to rally more women to her cause. Monáe remains an incredible writer and trailblazer, both in her music and her voice.

11. Dashboard Confessional - We Fight

Emo favorite refinds his inner stadium-rocker with this uplifting anthem.

12. Vance Joy - Saturday Sun

A perfect piece of summer acoustic pop from the Australian hit maker.

13. The Fratellis - Starcrossed Losers

The Scottish rockers' very catchy ode to Shakespearian lovers

14. Jukebox the Ghost - Jumpstarted

Queen couldn't have done this multi-part stadium rock composition any better.

15. Alan Silvestri - Even for You

A powerful and moving piece from the excellent Avengers: Infinity War score.

16. Frank Turner - Blackout

Turner turns in his most full-realized rock song yet that perfectly hits both political and personal notes.

17. A Perfect Circle - So Long, And Thanks For All The Fish

A surprisingly touching farewell to some of the famous lights lost.

18. Better Than Ezra - Grateful

An unabashedly feel-good slice of pop rock from the 90's hitmakers.

19. The Parrots - Soy Peor (Bad Bunny cover)

A garage rock cover of the Latin trap song that is so much better than the original it became the only cover to make this list.

20. Nathan Gray - As the Waves Crash Down

Passionate acoustic punk from the lead singer of BoySetsFire.

21. Skizzy Mars - American Dream

Mars turns a screed about the economic disadvantages facing young black men in America into an insightful banger.

22. Gin Blossoms - Break

The classic 90's rockers returned with a new single that slowly dug it's way into my consciousness with a simple but extremely effective hook.

23. Ben Howard - Nica Libres at Dusk

A sparse but hauntingly beautiful track from Howard's excellent new album.

24. 88rising - Midsummer Madness

The embodiment of a summer jam, the Asian rapper collective kill it on this hazy addictive opus.

25. Dirty Projectors - That's a Lifestyle

Quirky afropop-influenced indie rock with an undeniably memorable chorus.

26. Lord Huron - Ancient Names (Part 1)

Folk rockers return with a hints of psychedelia added to their sound.

27. Tony Molina - Jasper's Theme

A short and sweet Byrds-esque tune.

28. Amy Shark - The Idiot

Recalls classic Alanis Morissette in her perfect cadence and delivery. Gets stuck in your head too easily.

29. Passengers - Survivors

Hummable and evocative  with true emotional desperation.

30. Gorillaz - Humility (feat. George Benson)

One of the most breezy and summer tunes to ever come from this animated band.

31. Plan B - Guess Again

A British rap/dancehall banger, pure and simple.

32. Marshmello X Bastille - Happier

One of the year's biggest songs, and deservedly so. Melancholy, heart-felt lyrics meld with  club-ready production for an anthem to all those who care more for those they love than themselves.

33. Kokoroko - Abusey Junction

Jazz meets afrobeat for a moody, beautiful instrumental.

34. Muse - Something Human

A surprisingly warm acoustic song about longing to return home from the road that hits the right emotional notes.

35. Family of the Year - Let Her Go

Family of the Year manage to infuse pristine melancholy into their Laurel Canyon folk rock.

36. P.O.S. - Catch a Vibe (feat. Zamora)

A chill summer rap gem from an up-and-comer (note: this is a different rapper than the one on the Doomtree label)

37. Spanish Love Songs - Aloha to No One

Angsty punk band writes a perfect, self-effacing acoustic song about wanting to be better even if you'll never be your best self.

38. Imarhan - Tumast

This Algerian desert rock group bring insane guitar riffage that would make Muse jealous.

39. Eminem - Like Home (feat. Alicia Keys)

Eminem eviscerates Trump while lauding what makes our country great.

40. Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness - Ohio

McMahon takes us on a nostalgic journey that is both sad but hopeful as a family leaves Ohio in hopes of finding a fresh start.

41. Peter Bjorn and John - Gut Feeling

The Swedish trio comes back with their catchiest single since "Young Folks", and don't even need a whistle solo to sell it.

42. Alice Merton - Hit the Ground Running

New artist Merton writes an empowering song that will be on running playlists for decades to come.

43. The English Beat - If Killing Worked

Political indictments of war and brutality have never sounded so sugary sweet as this soulful ska song.

44. Ball Park Music - The Perfect Life Does Not Exist

Australian band Ball Park Music help keep us grounded with this ode to accepting the world we have.

45. Tar & Flowers - This Machine

A thoughtful folk song that summons the living spirit of Bob Dylan in its eloquence and elevated writing.

46. Elohim - Fuck Your Money

One of the year's best dirty pop songs with an eternally relevant message.

47. Interpol - The Rover

Interpol return with a straight-up post-apocalyptic rocker that make guitars sound necessary again.

48. Barbarossa - Don't Enter Fear

Gorgeous harmonies give an ethereal quality to this somber piece of indie pop.

49. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Wonderful Day for the Race

Boston ska heroes return with a horn-filled, uplifting ode to the best of humanity.

50. Rare Americans - Cats, Dogs & Rats

A rabble-rousing, scuzzy punk singalong with an irresistible chorus.

BEST OF THE REST (in alphabetical order):

Adam Sandler - Farley

Albert Hammond Jr. - Far Away Truths

American Aquarium - Tough Folks

Anamon - Iron Bill

Bear Hands - Back Seat Driver (Spirit Guide)

Big Red Machine - Gratitude

Bob Schneider - Blood and Bones

Big Mother Gig - Alvarado

Blue October - How to Dance in Time

Boygenius - Me & My Dog

Chance the Rapper - Work Out

Charlie Fink - My Heartbeat Lost Its Rhythm

Childish Gambino - Feels Like Summer

Chris Cornell - When Bad Does Good

Cloud Nothings - Offer an End

Cornershop - Double Denim

CHVRCHES - Get Out

Damien Jurado - Over Rainbows and Rainier

Dan Romer - Annie and Owen

Dave Matthews Band - Idea of You

Deer Tick - Hey! Yeah!

Descendents - Who We Are

Dude York - What Would You Do If You Had Some Money Now?

ELEL - Tequila

Fall Out Boy - Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)

Fat Tony - Got it Out the Mud

Femi Kuti - Na Their Way Be That

Four Fists - 6666

The Get Up Kids - I'm Sorry

Goodbye Blue Monday - Misery-Punk Ruined My Life

The Go! Team - Chico's Radical Decade

Great Lake Swimmers - Side Effects

Hinds - Tester

The Hold Steady - Eureka

Hop Along - Prior Things

Jack White - Over and Over and Over

Jade Bird - Uh Huh

James Bay - Pink Lemonade

Jay Rock - Win

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - London is Burning

John Doe - Comequando

John Nolan - Half a Block to Go

Kacey Musgraves - Space Cowboy

Kamasi Washington - Fists of Fury

Keegan DeWitt - Hearts Beat Loud (feat. Kiersey Clemons)

Keenan - Mahattan (feat. Marc E. Bassy & Skizzy Mars)

King Tuff - Psycho Star

The Knocks - Shades

The Kooks - All the Time

Lagartija Nick - Strummer/Lorca

Laura Jane Grace & The Devouring Mothers - Apocalypse Now (& Later)

Lauren Ruth Ward - Well, Hell

Lauv - Chasing Fire

The Living End - Otherside

The Love-Birds - Hit My Head

LSD - Thunderclouds

Lucero - Bottom of the Sea

Lucius - Tempest

Macy Gray - Cold World

Matt Costa - Sharon

MGMT - When You Die

Milo Greene - Worth the Wait

More Giraffes - Dinosaur

Moscow Apartment - Orange

The Motorleague - Everyone is Digital

Mt. Joy - Jenny Jenkins

Murs - Powerful (feat. Propaganda)

New Found Glory - 20 Years from Now

The Night Game - Summerland

Novo Amor - Birth Place

Open Mike Eagle - Relatable (peak OME)

Ozomatli - Coming War

Panic! at the Disco - Dying in LA

Paul McCartney - I Don't Know

Paul Weller - Aspects

Quinn Devlin & The Bridge Street Kings - Answer Me

Rainbow Kitten Surprise - Matchbox

Rat Boy - Internationally Unknown

Razorlight - Japanrock

Rivers Cuomo - Medicine for Melancholy

Rod Stewart - Didn't I (feat. Bridget Cady)

Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - Talking Straight

Ruston Kelly - Asshole (demo)

Salt Cathedral - Rude Boy

Shannon and the Clams - The Boy

Sloan - Right to Roam

Sparta - Cat Scream

Sting & Shaggy - 44/876

Strung Out - Town of Corazon

The Struts - In Love With a Camera

The Tallest Man on Earth - Forever is a Very Long Time

Tash Sultana - Blackbird

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra - Chienowa (feat. Kazunobu Mineta)

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Keep a Little Soul

Trampled by Turtles - Thank You, John Steinbeck

The War and Treaty - Healing Tide

Waxahatchee - Slow You Down