The rare band Carlo listened to in high school that he still spins on the regular; one of the best Filipino groups of the 21st century; gospel stylings filtered through an EDM kaleidoscope; and more.
I love making end-of-year lists. If I could, I’d make them all year.
Here are my favorite albums of 2019 in order:
1. American Football: American Football (LP3)
Genre: Rock
Description: A quietly mesmeric blend of intricate guitar picking, introspective lyrics, and odd time signatures. Guests include Paramore’s Hayley Williams and a children’s choir.
Note: This is one of the few bands I listened to in high school that I still cherish today. The AF story is a typical tale: Band releases first album and breaks up shortly after. Legend grows. Band gets back together and releases second album 15 years later without missing a beat. “Every Wave To Ever Rise” is aural enchantment, vibraphone and French verse included.
2. Maggie Rogers: Heard It In A Past Life
Genre: Pop, Indie
Description: Modern pop from Maryland with earthy, indie charm.
Note: Maggie Rogers’ big break arrived after playing hit “Alaska” for Pharrell Williams at a masterclass. Today, she’s nominated for Best New Artist at the 2020 Grammys. At times I get Florence + The Machine vibes; other times HAIM seems a reasonable comparison. “On + Off” is peak Maggie. Big city production + small-town drawl.
3. UDD (Up Dharma Down): U D D
Genre: R&B, Indie, Electronic, Funk, Pop, Rock, Soul
Description: Genre-blurring fun anchored by Armi Millare’s disarming vocals in English and Tagalog. The closest Western comparison I can make is Little Dragon, but even that falls short.
Note: I lament that I only discovered my favorite Filipino band about five years ago. This Manila-based group started in 2004 and has put out four albums. I think U D D is their best yet. Smooth “Sigurado” is sure evidence.
4. Hammock: Undercurrents
Genre: Ambient, Instrumental
Description: 12 long-form, wordless soundscapes to luxuriate in.
Note: Some artists make albums like fish tanks; meanwhile, Hammock curates the ocean. Here is a 4 hour work longer than some artists’ discographies. Unfortunately, none of these roughly 20 minute tracks is available on YouTube or Spotify (check them out on Bandcamp here). In lieu of an undercurrent, enjoy “Circular As Our Way” from Silencia, also released this year. So prolific.
5. Madeon: Good Faith
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Description: Buoyant electronic music with gospel stylings throughout. Daft Punk doodling on Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book is one reference point.
Note: French DJ Madeon is one of the rising stars of electronic music in recent years. This sunny second album is nothing groundbreaking, but neither is it cookie-cutter. “Dream Dream Dream” is an uplifting journey through cut-up gospel choir and soul singer vocals (recorded for the album, not sampled).
