Favorite Single / 7”
The Fire, The Steel, The Tread / Up To Nothing by Hot Water Music
Yes, it sounds eerily more like Chuck’s solo stuff then HWM (especially the first track), but it’s a couple of great songs to add to the long list of greats by these stalwarts.
Favorite EP
Polymers Are Forever by Future of the Left
Andy Falkous is a mad welshman, and I love him.
Favorite Records
10. Major/Minor by Thrice
The first Thrice record in a long time that’s actually manage to keep my interest. It sounds very 90s to me, but in a good way.
9. Yuck by Yuck
Another record on my list that sounds uber 90s?!
8. Fell & Found by Small Brown Bike
It’s no Dead Reckoning, but it’s an excellent record nonetheless.
7. Relax by Das Racist
The only hip hop record on my list in a year filled with great hip hop records.
6. Rebuilding Year by Bridge and Tunnel
The list wouldn’t be complete with at least one record from No Idea, and this is their best of they year.
5. Several Shades of Why by J Mascis
A guitar god puts out his first proper solo record and it’s mostly acoustic and completely awesome.
4. Office of Future Plans by Office of Future Plans
I love everything J. Robbins has ever done. From Jawbox, to Burning Airlines, and even Channels. He adds a full time cellist in his newest outing.
3. Gloss Drop by Battles
And I thought they were done when Tyondai left. How wrong was I?
2. David Comes to Life by Fucked Up
Epic.
1. W H O K I L L by tUnE-yArDs
Endlessly creative, interesting, accessible and enjoyable. The first time in a long time that picking my absolute favorite record of the year was easy.
Merry Christmas!