20. Tweedy – Sukierae
For all of Jeff Tweedy’s solo escapades away from leading Wilco, a proper solo album has avoided the prolific songwriter. I suppose that is still true, as Tweedy teams up with his drummer son, Spencer, in this sparse and beautiful family affair. The 20 track album, Sukierae, named after a nickname for wife and mother Sue Tweedy, is full of eccentric, multi-layered vibes with Jeff’s trademark haunting, introspective lyrics. Susie had been diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and is currently recovering from treatment. One can imagine the inspiration and creativity pouring from a family full of artists during such times. The benefit for fans is it’s also quite good. Songs like “World Away” and “Diamond Light Pt. 1” are all atmosphere, riding on a shuffling drum beat and multiple layered instruments. The gorgeous “Flowering” and “Summer Noon” have those melodies that stick with you all day and can surely provide comfort during any trying time. When Tweedy sings “And when you fall asleep, Let me be what you’re dreaming for” with flourishes of a savory electric guitar riff on “New Moon“, I feel all the loving sentiment the artists intend.
Tweedy – Flowering
19. Trampled By Turtles – Wild Animals
After being introduced to Trampled By Turtles years ago as a progressive speed-bluegrass band, I’ve gradually grown to realize they are a considerably more complex animal than that. This time out we get a deeply emotional album with lavishly developed layers and recurring themes of isolation and searching for comfort that may never come. Opener and title track “Wild Animals” sets the tone with its haunting backing vocals, precise string plucks, and a billow of multi-instrument waves. The frenetic and uneasy vibe continues on “Repetition” with its spooky fiddle fills. “Are You Behind the Shining Star?” is much brighter in tone but continues themes of being “strung out and stranded every night”. The speed playing appears on “Come Back Home” but the real album centerpieces are the stunning tunes “Silver Light” and “Lucy“. On Wild Animals, TBT are as convincing crafting an album as their already celebrated musicianship.
Trampled By Turtles – Silver Light
18. Delta Spirit – Into the Wide
Delta Spirit have flirted with alternative folk and clamorous indie rock over the past several years, but the atmospheric becomes decidedly anthemic on Into the Wide. “From Now On” is the most straight forward rock tune of the collection but still contains expansive synth arrangements. The propulsive “Live On” contains driving beats and a massive arena-ready chorus, while “Take Shelter” prefers ambient electronic pop a la Arcade Fire. “Hold My End Up” successfully creates tension as it crescendos into an emphatic plea. At times, the prevalent use of electronics takes away from some of the musical space that would benefit the album. But, this is no doubt a unified album musically and thematically, and the kind of tunes that get in your head and rocks out there for extended periods of time.
Delta Spirit – Hold My End Up
17. Benjamin Booker – Benjamin Booker
Newcomer and youngster Benjamin Booker breaks into his style of ragged Blues Rock without delay on opening track “Violent Shiver“. From there he moves in and out of all the grey areas between blues, garage rock, R&B, and soul. There are obvious influences but he tends to lean towards the frayed edge of structure and only a loose sense of common ground. “Always Waiting” has a chaotic intro a la Jimi Hendrix and wails with delay effects on top of a serious groove. This solid debut also introduces us to the trippy chromatic side of Booker, evident on the menacing “Slow Coming” and dynamic soul of “Spoon Out My Eyeballs“. The vibrant “Have You Seen My Son?” is a blend of early 90’s alternative rock and 70’s classic jam-rock. Throughout this self-titled release, Booker demonstrates his skills as not only a guitarist but as a captivating songwriter and lyricist.
Benjamin Booker – Always Waiting
16. Field Report – Marigolden
Wisconsin’s Chris Porterfield has one extremely passionate voice that resonates with my inner hopes and fears. It’s difficult to explain exactly the way this sparse, hushed music makes an impact, but it draws you in slowly then takes you on a floating journey through increasingly louder layers as on “Cups and Cups“. The lyrics are deeply personal and with some examination, seem to tell a story we all know. Even on the very stripped “Ambrosia“, the piano and guttural vocals are mesmerizing. “Wings” adds textures and layers until “soaring close to God” is the only option. One of the absolute best songs of the year is the dazzling “Home (Leave the Lights On)“. This is a warm, unyielding album that becomes close comfort for many different occasions.
Field Report – Home (Leave the Lights On)