One of the things I love about reading your columns is that there’s so much of “you” in there. Not self indulgent at all. I’m here because I love to read about how the music you write about impacts YOU. So please just keep doing you!
I’ve been aware of Swamp Dogg over the years and he’s been a little hit and miss for me.
Thanks for the reminder on Lo Moon. I’d listened to it earlier this year but haven’t really given it enough time. Listening to it again earlier this week when I first read your post has put it back on my radar as an album to spend more time with.
Same with Arooj Aftab. I absolutely adored Vulture Prince and it came in at #11 on my AOTY list in 2021. Last year’s album didn’t do anything for me. I did save Night Reign to my 2024 Music playlist to dig into but not sure I’ve listened to the whole thing yet. Queuing it up now.
For 2024 music I’m really high on the new albums from the following:
I've never heard any of these artists before and I absolutely love Lo Moon and Arooj Aftab. I have to say that I really enjoyed Amigo the Devil, his storytelling and offbeat lyrics, as well and thought Cowboy Sadness would be great to meditate to.
I even started looking for the Lo Moon concert schedule. Would love to hear them in person.
Thanks, Ellen! Yes, so glad you loved Lo Moon and Arooj Aftab. They both work with textures and dynamics so well. I for sure meditate to Cowboy Sadness. I also do yoga to them.
I’m always amazed by all these “best of 2024” lists because I would struggle to find more than one or two. I know I mostly listen to old music, but still. Makes me wonder if there’s something wrong with me 🤣 I find I like new releases less and less each year.
That just means that you have a life…😝 But seriously, most of us when we get to a certain age, prefer the music we grew up with for the rest of our lives (for the most part). I tend to gravitate to new music that reminds me of bands from my formative years, though I do try and be open minded to new sounds too.
"It's much easier for me to talk about an album (or song) in relation to myself. Which is how Earworms and Song Loops came about. Self-indulgent? Perhaps, but that’s what (hopefully) you like about me!"
This is EXACTLY what I love about you!
I am in camp Cowboy Carter and listen to it almost daily as I write for work. Also a fan of Maggie Rogers' new album. Did Javelin from Sufjan come out it 2024?
Javelin was last year. “Shit Talk” was in my top 5 songs of last year. Heartbreaking tracks throughout. And so glad to hear my personal stories are what keep you coming back!🤓
The amount of songs, bands, and musicians is immense. I have a little secret - most of the stuff I read about on the MusicStacks I have never heard of, nor desire to. I'm an old dog, but then you find some pretty cool stuff and it reminds me to open my mind to new music.😃
I still think I’m in my 20s so I like to keep up with what the kids are listening to…I have slowed down on that front too and relish the chance to (metaphorically) yell out my window, “Get off my lawn!” 😜
I didn’t know Guster had a new album. Love those guys and their Hanukkah side project! Also a fan of the new Justice, and it almost made this list. Thanks for reading, Dan!
I won’t repeat picks from my write-up this week but I will also shout out Night Reign, which I had to leave off the list due to post-scheduling deadline reasons. It’ll make my year-end list for sure. Absolutely brilliant
Yes, yours was a fine list as well. A lot of yours I’ve not had the chance to listen to (at all or enough) to consider. It’s been a down year for me in terms of time to listen to new releases. I expect Night Reign to be there at year-end as well.
One of the things I love about reading your columns is that there’s so much of “you” in there. Not self indulgent at all. I’m here because I love to read about how the music you write about impacts YOU. So please just keep doing you!
I’ve been aware of Swamp Dogg over the years and he’s been a little hit and miss for me.
Thanks for the reminder on Lo Moon. I’d listened to it earlier this year but haven’t really given it enough time. Listening to it again earlier this week when I first read your post has put it back on my radar as an album to spend more time with.
Same with Arooj Aftab. I absolutely adored Vulture Prince and it came in at #11 on my AOTY list in 2021. Last year’s album didn’t do anything for me. I did save Night Reign to my 2024 Music playlist to dig into but not sure I’ve listened to the whole thing yet. Queuing it up now.
For 2024 music I’m really high on the new albums from the following:
- King Hannah
- Marika Hackman
- Molly Lewis
- Beth Gibbons
- Bonny Light Horseman
I've never heard any of these artists before and I absolutely love Lo Moon and Arooj Aftab. I have to say that I really enjoyed Amigo the Devil, his storytelling and offbeat lyrics, as well and thought Cowboy Sadness would be great to meditate to.
I even started looking for the Lo Moon concert schedule. Would love to hear them in person.
Thank you for sharing these!
Thanks, Ellen! Yes, so glad you loved Lo Moon and Arooj Aftab. They both work with textures and dynamics so well. I for sure meditate to Cowboy Sadness. I also do yoga to them.
I think Lo Moon was in the states not too long ago and I missed them. They have a great Tiny Desk concert that I highly recommend. https://youtu.be/BVnUddPsVRk?si=0EymmNiWxrH0G_BK
That Amigo and the Devil song 👌
The whole album is as good. Lots of songs about drug addiction and death. The feel good record of the summer!
I’m always amazed by all these “best of 2024” lists because I would struggle to find more than one or two. I know I mostly listen to old music, but still. Makes me wonder if there’s something wrong with me 🤣 I find I like new releases less and less each year.
That just means that you have a life…😝 But seriously, most of us when we get to a certain age, prefer the music we grew up with for the rest of our lives (for the most part). I tend to gravitate to new music that reminds me of bands from my formative years, though I do try and be open minded to new sounds too.
It's the being open minded to new sounds that I admire the most. I try, but I'm more stuck in my ways than I'd like to admit, I guess! 🤣
"It's much easier for me to talk about an album (or song) in relation to myself. Which is how Earworms and Song Loops came about. Self-indulgent? Perhaps, but that’s what (hopefully) you like about me!"
This is EXACTLY what I love about you!
I am in camp Cowboy Carter and listen to it almost daily as I write for work. Also a fan of Maggie Rogers' new album. Did Javelin from Sufjan come out it 2024?
Javelin was last year. “Shit Talk” was in my top 5 songs of last year. Heartbreaking tracks throughout. And so glad to hear my personal stories are what keep you coming back!🤓
The amount of songs, bands, and musicians is immense. I have a little secret - most of the stuff I read about on the MusicStacks I have never heard of, nor desire to. I'm an old dog, but then you find some pretty cool stuff and it reminds me to open my mind to new music.😃
I still think I’m in my 20s so I like to keep up with what the kids are listening to…I have slowed down on that front too and relish the chance to (metaphorically) yell out my window, “Get off my lawn!” 😜
I don't know any of these Steve! Some of the albums I've been somewhat into this year so far:
Blue Electric Light - Lenny Kravitz
Hyperdrama - Justice
Mountainhead - Everytrhing Everything
Ooh La La - Guster
We Are the Dream Eaters - The Dream Eaters
I've gotten into a lot more single tracks but I don't think I've found the one complete album that will top my list though.
I didn’t know Guster had a new album. Love those guys and their Hanukkah side project! Also a fan of the new Justice, and it almost made this list. Thanks for reading, Dan!
I won’t repeat picks from my write-up this week but I will also shout out Night Reign, which I had to leave off the list due to post-scheduling deadline reasons. It’ll make my year-end list for sure. Absolutely brilliant
Yes, yours was a fine list as well. A lot of yours I’ve not had the chance to listen to (at all or enough) to consider. It’s been a down year for me in terms of time to listen to new releases. I expect Night Reign to be there at year-end as well.
It's been a terrific run of quality for Arooj Aftab projects. "Love in Exile" was my choice for the best LP of 2023 -- absolutely exquisite stuff.
Lo Moon forever!! That and the Good Looks album have been on repeat for me as well the last month.
That's my first time listening to Amigo the Devil, that's a fun one, gives off some Tenacious D vibes.
Just listening to Good Looks right now and digging it! It hits that sweet, familiar feel-good. spot. It hits that feel-good-looks spot!
And ha - I never thought of Tenacious D but that makes sense. Like a less funny Jack Black....
exactly!