15. Jason Isbell – Something More Than Free
Jason Isbell – 24 Frames
14. Saintseneca – Such Things
Saintseneca – Such Things
A youthful urgency and towering arrangements permeates Such Things, sounding like a restrained soul that is free at last. The lead-off title track’s piano notes and acoustic guitar riffs are barely recognizable 12 seconds into the ensuing melodic chaos. Lead songwriter and vocalist Zac Little has one of those expressive cries that lends itself as another one of the instruments in the bustling production, as in “Are my days ancient offers? Or are my days ancient ochers?” in the indie pop of “Sleeper Hold” and “Who am I to ask the question? Who am I at all?” in the dreamy “Estuary”. The David Bowie-meets-Nick Cave brooding new wave of “Bad Ideas” is a stomping grind, and “River” is pounding rock with clever lyrical refrains. Other highlights are the jaunty “Rare Form” and avant-garde album closer “Maya 31”. Conceptually, the lyrical content is deep and the tunes are so grandly complex, that I feel I may never truly appreciate all that is offered. But that does not detract from this head-bobbing, dancing-about, easily engaging listen – with the ideal amount of involved detours.
13. The Yawpers – American Man
The Yawpers – Doing It Right
From Colorado, The Yawpers absolutely wail on this album full of everything fantastic in American Rock and Roll. They capture the primal beginnings of Rock, Blues, and Country in a revved-up anthemic fashion with an abundance of memorable hooks. The lyrics are Rock and Roll as well, serving up stories of struggle and conflict across the land, but are also a celebration of cynical commentary. The ferocious “Doing It Right”, “Deacon Brodie”, and “Kiss It” could pass for early heavy-metal if not for the shuffling beat and flourishes of twang. The title track and “Burdens” are all-together grimy and alluring Country-Blues. “Walter” plays like a folk tune on a 33 vinyl inadvertently sped-up to 45, and the call-and-response shouting chorus feels so authentic, they pull it off. I love vintage guitar tones, slide guitar, and a healthy soaking of reverb, thus I dig this debut album. Repeated listens reveal more variety and melody in this otherwise mostly fist-pumping trip. Spin it and dance around the room with all the crazy freedom your body and mind contains.
12. Courtney Barnett – Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit.
Courtney Barnett – Pedestrian At Best
From Australia, Courtney Barnett sounds like an exigent rock icon happy to be a coffee shop poet. She begins “Pedestrian At Best” with “I love you, I hate you, I’m on the fence, it all depends” and later opines “Under-worked and over-sexed, I must express my disinterest”. The lines are delivered deadpan over distorted guitar riffs and a turbulent rhythm. Yet, somehow it sounds triumphant and lovely. On “Small Poppies”, she sings “I don’t know quite who I am, oh but man I am trying”, but it’s also the awesome jarring electric guitar that brings common struggles to heart. Social commentary on the homes and neighborhoods we desire on “Depreston” is even kind of humorous to me, and it’s a gorgeous song. We are treated to several melodic rockers that are intelligent observations on every day life such as “Nobody Really Cares If You Don’t Go to the Party”. The epic and noisy “Kim’s Caravan” touches on environmental issues while absolutely roaring. It’s evident there are many references to local Australian issues but hits home wherever you are. There is an edgy angst lurking beneath this phenomenal piece of work but also appreciation for the joys in life. The combination of smart lyrics and original rock orchestration is quite stunning.
11. Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear
Father John Misty – The Ideal Husband
New Love. Old Love. Wayward Affections. Hateful Musings. Sex and Scandal. Redemption. Love. Some words to depict the tales presented throughout the tuneful chaos that is I Love You, Honeybear. Josh Tillman is part whimsical troubadour, part emotive crooner, and always a cynical alter-ego. His carefully crafted album includes multiple layers throughout including sweeping strings and scattered distorted effects. “Chateau Lobby 4 (in C for Two Virgins)” is atmospheric baroque pop invoking the spirit of John Lennon, while “True Affection” ramps up the electronics. “Strange Encounter” includes haunting background vocals and one of several anthemic lyrics with “The moment you came to, I swore I would change.” Stomping rock drives the debauchery confession of “The Ideal Husband” and “Bored In The USA” could be viewed as controversial if not for such humorous honesty and lovely vocals. The latter’s bold move of a laugh track is unnecessary – it’s probably too late if you haven’t gotten the joke yet. However, joke is not the right word – satire is just part of the never-ending creativity in this highly dynamic, lush, pop affair.