Best of 2024
As heard on Twin Shrieks Radio, and some words from ya boi.
Alright here it is. Laughably, while I was recording my “best of” radio show, it occurred to me halfway through that I never really fully solidified my list. I completely forgot to add Wild Pink’s excellent new album Dulling the Horns. I even saw Wild Pink perform live twice in Brooklyn this year with a very special someone, AND Wild Pink even covered a deep cut Modest Mouse track! Anyway, here’s the radio form on Spotify if you’re into that, or press play somewhere on here. Stream of consciousness reviews, because why waste time? Just enjoy the jams and words my dudes. No particular order but I think we should start here… oh wait you can click the thing below that’s where that is going:
Manning Fireworks - MJ Lenderman
Simply, dudes rock. There’s something about the “chill guy” that took over a lot of 2024, but it’s the self-aware dirtbag type of chill guy that MJ Lendo has perfectly crafted.
Prude - Drug Church
The cognitive dissonance of man, rather bleak but always kind of interesting. Many characters formed in this record by my favorite band Drug Church: man calls mom and pretends to be held hostage so he can get money to spend on drugs, man is haunted by a bulletin board of missing children in a Walmart, man watches videos of dogs working and feels envious of their sense of purpose, man gets shot trying to rob a liquor store, man scoffs at the freaks surrounding him at a bus station.
Cool World - Chat Pile
Soundtrack to the end of the world, which I really think is going to happen any day now. From drones over Jersey to the absolute desolation across middle America before we see the west coast fully engulfed in flames, we have Chat Pile to rejoice with. This is the end, and these are perfected doomy noises to decay to.
Guided Tour - High Vis
Leading the torch of UK hardcore meets catchy alternative, High Vis continues to rise.
I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
Wild that this band has been around for almost a decade, and I think this is their best work yet. Catchy, raw, angry and feral.
Deep Sage - Gouge Away
They are so back.
Up On Gravity Hill - Metz
They are so done, and this is the best way to go out. Light your way home, my dudes.
Frog In Boiling Water - DIIV
Still not sure how to pronounce the band name, but from Fred Durst cameo’d press releases to my favorite single of the year in Brown Paper Bag, these are the current shoegaze pioneers.
Scream From New York, NY - Been Stellar
One of my favorite album art covers, really is something you’d just pull out of the BestBuy CD bin in 1996, and the sounds are a refreshing take on those dang 90s. This band rocks.
Death of a Momma’s Boy - Growing Stone
One of the most underrated songwriters, and people are finally starting to rockignize. Skylar Sarkis just does it right
90s era bands that put out new shiz
Lust for Gold - Starflyer 59
How did I overlook this band till now? Perfect starting point before binging their 90s catalog. Deep baritone voice reminds me of Mark Lanegan, excellent record.
Aghori Mhori Mei - The Smashing Pumpkins
Opening track Edin is early 90s era Pumpkins, glad to see Billy and co back to their truest form.
Dark Matter - Pearl Jam
Finally saw Pearl Jam live in 2024, thank you Kerry. One of the best live shows and hey, the new album is just fine from these prolific grunge legends.
Half Album - NOFX
Fake-A-Wish-Foundation is seriously such a great comical little track. Very cool to see NOFX three times on their farewell tour, thanks Riot Fest Chicago.
To All Trains - Shellac
Albini forever.