49. Say Sue Me: Where We Were Together

-An infectious record from Southern Korean rock quartet that ushers adolescent nostalgia with woozy guitar noise and grandiose Korea-America rock fusion.

48. OVLOV-TRU

-OVLOV’S fuzz rock distortion is the first one, at least in a long time, that has been able to effectively reach a group of folks that find themselves confused at a concert. These tender songs with raw emotion give the feeling of biting your tongue on a bike ride overlooking the Tetons. So elegant, but only with an ounce of rage.

47. Olden Yolk-Olden YolkObtuse and quirky, Olden Yolk adds yet more unorthodox flare to the already eclectic catalog for Trouble In Mind Records. The splats of folk rock and psych relays a funny artistic message center stage (much like this picture).

46. Pusha- T: DAYTONA

 It was only a couple days ago when I realized what the context of this picture was. Much like the aftermath of a failed Whitney Houston drug experiment, the Virginia MC uses turbulent production and monstrous storytelling to put himself as one of the most vicious rappers of all time

45. Jean Michel Blais- Dans Ma Main

-The first time I listened to this record, I saved it for the plane ride as I was crossing over into a foreign land. The calming and settling aroma that this neo-classical masterpiece gives off is therapeutic and a breath of fresh air.

44. MIKE-Renaissance Man

I have been excited about this kid for some time now. Earl Sweatshirt did wonders sharing his music online, exposing his sheer knack for lyrical combat as well as storytelling. MIKE, by far, is one of my favorite new hip-hop artists that have come out this year. He also released two projects this year, while shorter, pack a bigger punch than most MCs can their entire career.

43. Hot Snakes-Jericho Sirens

-We haven’t heard from Hot Snakes for what seems like a decade. Oh wait, it has. 12 years since their last album Thunder Down Under, this San-Diego garage rock/post-hardcore group shows that they still kick ass. Perfect for any extreme expedition where there is potential to accidentally harm yourself.

42. Richard Swift- The Hex

-The end of Swift’s career and life came at a cringe-worthy rate with a parking lot of spiked speed bumps. However, the long-time producer for such bands like The Shins, lifts his soul on a podium to give a final gander as to what he represented. These songs of traumatic nature possess radiant instrumentation, which are just as beautiful as they are haunting.

41. Adrienne Lenker- abysskiss

-Front woman for Big Thief has always had this innocent qualm in her voice which indicates that she has seen so much pain already. Her journey through life is told here through a series of songs that seem more like poetry rather than just music.

40. Travis Scott- ASTROWORLD

This record just bumps. It is evident Travis spent a LOT of time and money with producers, features, and hooks to make sure this was the banger of the year. Look at his ticket sales…

39. Kadhja Bonet- Childqueen

-This is an epic neo-soul album that caught the ears of many people at the right time. Always yearning for something delicate, Childqueen, brings in elements of traditional soul with sprinkles of Billie Holliday jazz. She has also been featured in Anderson.Paak’s new album Malibu. 

38. Daniel Avery- Song For Alpha

A true techno masterpiece that has as much energy as it does technique. Avery has been awfully busy this year, but while the smoke settles, this has proven to be his best project this year.

37. Buttertones- Midnight in a Moonless Dream

Much like an American version of the Horrors, the Buttertones’s latest album is chilling with Lynch like psychology written by Hunter F. Thompson. I think if the Cramps listened to this album, they would approve.

36. Current Joys- A Different Age 

This album really hits home for me because “Fox,” “My Nights are More Beautiful Than Your Days”s and “Fox” were the songs I listened to when I was losing my Mom. Each tune is so incredibly fragile with Rattigan’s voice shaking in the distance. Every track is filled with despair as a gloomy rain cloud approaches. This project of Rattigan’s reminds me of everything that Jason Molina was trying to accomplish in Songs: Ohia.

35. TV Girl- Death of Party Girl

Truly independent, TV Girl has released each of their records on their own merit. A wash of color (much like the album art) crashes through with warm psychedelic treasure.

34. Dream Wife- Dream Wife

If you like Karen O and the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, you love this. This decision for this record to be up here makes me regret not putting it further up on my list.

33. Mount Eerie- Now Only

Mr. Phil Elverium has had quite the year. Just in 2017, he lost his wife to cancer and proceeded to write the most gut-wrenching record, A Crow Looks at Me. Now Only is scattered with songs of tribute and remembrance for his wife, as well as a continuation to the new journey he hopes to start.

32. Hop Along- Bark Your Head Off, Dog

Francis Quinlan and her gang known as Hop Along have exploded to the top to be contenders for the prestigious “indie sweetheart” award. Quinlan’s shrill vocals and balanced songwriting, once again, put them at the front end of this year’s list.

31. Parquet Courts- Wide Awake

One can only imagine that this album is sporadic and full of color. Parquet Courts find a pep in every step as each track progresses to be more playful than the last.

30. Arctic Monkeys- Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino

Many thought that since the release of AM, all hope was lost for the Arctic Monkeys. Their latest record proves that their innovation and creativity, as well as their conceptual nature has not been lost. Most tunes on here are more reflective than radio hits, but honestly, it is great to see Arctic Monkeys taking advantage at their pure grip for songwriting.

29. Sleep- The Sciences

A stoner metal album that was released as a surprise on 4/20. You get the picture?

28. Spiritualized- And Nothing Hurt

-The original pioneer who landed on the moon, released his first album in over six years to prove that he will still make you “space out.” By no means is this like his masterpiece Ladies and Gentlemen: We are Floating in Space, but the tenderness was well executed across the board, start to finish.

27. Booji Boys- Weekend Rocker LP

-This album was technically released on Christmas of last year, but it was SO GOOD that I had to put in for this year. One of the most wild punk acts I have heard since Black Flag. Wow.

26. MISS WORLD- Keeping Up With Miss World

Unafraid to explore her scandalous side through a collection of garage rock/pop songs, this record was one of the most fearless ones I listened to. A must listen to people who like Best Coast’s first record Crazy For You. 

25. Nothing- Dancing on the Blacktop 

Philly’s own Nothing, have a unique medley of distorted metal and shoegaze integrated in every song. The ambiance shoulders around a heavy heart with a hollow body that can float above what it sees.

24. DRINKS- Hippo Lite

This year, Drag City Records finally released all of their records digitally, including the sophomore effort from experimental duo, DRINKS. At first, I didn’t really dig this record, but after a few listens, I realized on how good experimentation can really be. My favorite song is Ducks (quack).

23. Minami Deustch: With Dim Light

Incredibly multifacted, this group integrates Krautrock and Psych all in one to make for a must listen. Look at that artwork too.

22. U.S. Girls- In A Poem Unlimited

Politically charged Meg Remy blesses us with dance-able psych pop hits that will get anyone off their feet.

Amen Dunes- Freedom

I revisted this record the other day and I was taken away again, even though it was my millionth time listening to it. The soul behind Amen Dunes is found in a smokey French bar retelling stories of love and despair. It pairs well with a nice wine and tipsy slow-dancing.

20. The Good, The Bad, The Queen- Merrie Land

I’ve been talking about this album ever since it came out and I still haven’t stopped listening to “Poison Tree.” This record from the superstar that formed Blur, as well as other notable British pioneers, says farewell to the England they once knew before the Brexit fiasco. Each track is a reflection of chilling, English beach-side towns waving goodbye to an old friend.

19. Hookworms- Microshift & Earl Sweatshirt- Some Rap Songs

-Ok, give me a break. Earl came out two weeks ago and I already made my list. I had to put it somewhere… Check out Hookworms for sure though.

18. Milo- budding ornithologists are weary of tired analogies 

Milo, much like MIKE, is an unbelievable tounge-twister rapper. His integration of jazz hooks and dictionary language, give this album a boost to the top 20. Anyone who integrates old boom-bap into modern day gets an A + in my book.

17. Skee Mask- Compro

-Discovered while I was in Europe, I immeaditly listened to this record once it came out. An intellectual mixture of breakbeat, ambient, and house electronica give this an easy top 20 vote.

16. Mitski- Be The Cowboy

Am I going to be burned at the stake if I didn’t make this my number one album? Probably by Pitchfork enthusiasts or “indieheads” who don’t go outside their own realm of a couple albums, but, nonetheless, this album is absolutely incredible. I wouldn’t say I am surprised, because Mitski has always been obviously talented.

15. Rolling Coastal Blackouts Fever- Hope Downs

Sub Pop’s newest sensation all the way from down under. This record is harmonious, hopelessly positive, and has enough jangle to get anyone to groove. This was one of my most listened to records this year, if that tells you anything.

14. Kamasi Washington- Heaven and Earth 

Over a two hour long project off the Young Turks label, Kamasi released his first full length LP and boy was it spiritual. Everything that every jazz fan could have ever asked for is right here in this record. So much global spirit you would think that 2 hours would be enough? Wrong. We want more Kamasi.

13. Fucked Up- Dose Your Dreams

Would it be wrong of me to say this is more art-metal than art-rock? I saw these guys live in Nashville and it was easily the most energized show for a small crowd. Fucked Up has been around since the early 2000’s and sometimes it is hard to believe their albums get better each time.

12. Hailu Mergia- Lala Belu

Hailu’s first full release off of Awesome Tapes from Africa label and wished continually that it was an hour longer. His accordion play mixed with his Ethiopian flare should be recognized by everyone. This man still drives a cab on the side, give Hailu a million dollar deal!

11. No Age- Snares Like a Haircut

Continuing on the Drag City conversation, No Age released their best work to date with their signature noise rock/garage punk charisma that gets better with time. I still have this CD in my car and will always start with the first track “Cruise Control” for a good pick-me-up.

HERE WE ARE NO. 10

10. Playboi Carti- Die Lit

Playboi Carti is the only trap rapper that I have ever REALLY got into. Each song from start to finish is an undeniable ruckus that will get anyone lit. Features are ludicrious, production by Pierre is outstanding, and the attitude…well…I will let you decide that at your next pregame.

9. IDLES- Joy as an Act of Resistance

The post-punk band of the year has taken place after their previous album of the year Brutalism debuted last year. Their newest project punches you in the mouth in the middle of a mosh pit just to keep whirpooling its way to the bar. Songs of personal tribulations, political upheaval, and British culture, make this album full form. An absolute treasure.

8. Preoccupations- New Material 

-A squimish blend of experimental, post-punk, and math, the previously named Viet Cong warriors make an album much like their last, but with an edgier tone.

7. Iceage- Beyondless

When are they not making a good album? The true definition on modern-day post-punk. I know, I love that genre. Sue me.

6. Shopping- The  Official Body

-Newest acts of FatCat Records are restless to say the least. Dance-punk LCD Soundsystem meets DEVO meets Sex Pistols are a politically cognitive band that have a rich product. There is a lot in store for these Brits.

5. Khrangubin- Con Todo El Mundo

-Neo-psych outfit hailing from Katy, Texas are by far this year’s most interesting band. I haven’t met one person that hasn’t listened to this album and nearly bought a ticket to Burning Man. I feel like that last comment was an insult, however, their vibe is unlike anything I have heard before. You have to listen to it to understand.

4. Beach House- 7

This was almost my number 1, but I have big plans for you all. I can’t name a Beach House record that hasn’t left me starstruck, including their B-Sides that they released last year. Please, just go listen to “Black Car” and “Drunk in LA.” I’m doing you a favor.

3. Mick Jenkins-Pieces of Man

Unbelievably mellow with silky production. Mick Jenkins is the leader of the pack for conscious hip hop artists by a mile. It is nearly impossible to repeat his style, swagger, and lyricism now matter how hard you try.

2. Shame: Songs of Praise

Remember when I said post-punk band of the year? Yeah, I meant these guys. Dead Oceans hopped on the plane to England as soon as these guys started releasing material. It is weird how most of my favorite albums are always released in the beginning of the year. This one, was three weeks into the new year and I didn’t think anyone was going to be able to beat them. I turned out to still be right, and somehow, I am still not surprised. So much energy, so much hard work, so well executed. Turn your speakers up loud.

1. Against All Logic: 2012- 2017

Did I throw you all for a curveball? I am sure I did. Not many people, knowing me, would ever expect a house record to be my number one album of the year. Here is why it is: Every song has building hooks combined with old soul samples from the hay day. Nicholas Jarr has always been a crate digger, but the measurement and refined ear to put these samples in this music, still blows me away to this day. This was a hard decision between Shame and Jarr, but ultimately, I had to go with A.A.L. Lock it in, Jack Kiser’s official number one record of the year. Congrats Mr. Jarr as well as the rest of you who made the list. There are a few that didn’t make it that I wanted to. Here are some:

1. Kacey Musgraves-Golden Hour
2. Low-Double Negative
3. Ex: Re- Ex: Re
4. Olafur Arnalds: Re:member
5. PAINT-PAINT
6. Flasher-Constant Image
7. Johnny Marr- Call the Comet
8. The Love-Birds: In The Lover’s Corner
9. White Denim-Performance