Again, with so much new music being released, I cannot really face the minutiae of a numbered list this year. I plan to conclude what will be a multi-part feature covering over 300 new releases by selecting an album of the year, and I will also mark out any release I think is particularly significant with additional asterisks for those scrolling through quickly. Please view this as a personal overview of the year's most interesting music rather than a definitive 'best of' list. It's also designed more to guide people to interesting music than to highlight my writing. I've also included EPs where appropriate this year.
AAL (Against All Logic) - 2012-2017 (Other People)
Nicolas Jaar's latest project offered some playful and nuanced refractions of funk and soul samples. Often fun, this set is also tinged with a lingering sense of melancholy.
Adrianne Lenker - abyskiss (Saddle Creek)
Stark and raw solo work from the Big Thief singer. Unkempt, uncompromising and proudly vulnerable.
Aidan O'Rourke with Kit Downes - 365 vol. 1 (Reveal)
Merely the beginning of a very substantial project (with which this blog feels some obvious empathy), Lau's Aidan O'Rourke set out to write a piece of music a day in response to James Robertson's collection of stories, one for each day of the year. These duo pieces (with Kit Downes sometimes playing piano and sometimes harmonium) are beautiful, lyrical miniatures.
Aisha Burns - Argonauta (Western Vinyl)
A deeply personal and carefully drawn song cycle navigating the contrasts between experiencing grief and a burgeoning relationship. The songs are evocative, textured and compelling.
Aisha Devi - DNA Feelings (Houndstooth)
Challenging and imaginative sound collage, manipulating vocals to disorientating and absorbing effect.
AKA Moon - Now (Outhere)
Exuberant and thrilling cutting edge contemporary jazz from Belgium, highlighting brilliant rhythmic interplay and clever motivic writing and improvising.
Alasdair Roberts/Amble Skuse/David McGuinness - What News? (Drag City)
A new set of traditional ballads from the great Alasdair Roberts, this time recorded in collaboration with pianist David McGuinness and with Amble Skuse's electronics adding a discreet contemporary edge. It's particularly pleasing to finally have a recording of The Fair Flower of Northumberland.
Alela Diane - Cusp (All Points)
I can't help but feel this album has been somewhat overlooked this year - it's such a mature, engaging set of songs, with Diane writing about motherhood and transformation in a rich, poetic and vibrant language, composing suitably lavish melodies to match. Piano plays a greater role in the arrangements here. Yet the delivery, as ever with Diane, is so pure and understated.
Alex Zhang Hungtai - Divine Weight (NON)
The former Dirty Beaches composer and producer digitally disguises saxophones to generate new textures and sensations. Haunting and sometimes abrasive.
Alexander Tucker - Don't Look Away (Thrill Jockey)
Tucker views this as the slightly belated third part of a trilogy following Dorwytch (2011) and Third Mouth (2012). Together, their juxtaposing of traditional song craft with creative arrangements and synaesthetic sound worlds certainly represent a consistently maintained high standard. Drum programming is effectively integrated here too.
Alexis Taylor - Beautiful Thing (Domino)
Certainly the closest Alexis has come to resembling the Hot Chip sound in his solo work, Beautiful Thing was recorded with Tim Goldsworthy of DFA Recordings. It neatly integrates Taylor's love of classic pop harmony, melody and form (particularly Paul McCartney here) with a sort of post-club romantic haze. I particularly like the fractured dub of Roll On Blank Tapes.
Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Yonge - The Midnight Hour (Linear Labs)
An expansive, cinematic and richly imagined work combining Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest), Adrian Younge, an excellent rhythm section and an orchestra. It puts me in mind of David Axelrod or Harry Whitaker's Black Renaissance at times.
Alva Noto - Unieqav (NOTON)
I'm really only just beginning to explore the music of Alva Noto, something I should have explored more fully much earlier. This is the third part of a trilogy of works beginning with the 'UNI' prefix and is more open to rhythm and beats than the collaboration with Sakamoto.
Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto - Glass (NOTON)
A thoroughly designed long form performance recorded at Philip Johnson's Glass House in Connecticut. An ingenious examination of the relationship between sound and space, the piece is pervaded by a haunting eeriness.
Ambrose Akinmusire - Origami Harvest (Blue Note)
An immensely ambitious and brilliantly realised work, with the trumpeter, bandleader and composer collaborating with both the Mivos String Quartet and the rapper Kool AD to integrate vivid, technically impressive writing with fervent, urgent contemporary hip hop and the interaction of great improvisers.
Amen Dunes - Freedom (Sacred Bones)
I haven't paid much attention to Amen Dunes before now, but this elaborate, precisely crafted record utilises the production skills of Chris Coady of Beach House to create something that somehow sounds both lived in and dreamlike. I particularly admire the way it looks back to formative electronic influences but also makes such great use of Parker Kindred's very naturalistic acoustic drum sound.
AMOR - Sinking Into A Miracle (Night School)
Patiently unfolding, flexible dance music from the Glasgow quartet - an impressive debut.
Andrew Cyrille, Wadada Leo Smith, Bill Frisell - Lebroba (ECM)
ECM had an impressive slate this year (more to come later in this overview), and this was one of the label's finest releases. It's a wonderfully airy and magical concoction, brimming with sensitive execution of some beautiful ideas. It's incredible to hear these three superb musicians together (the title is a contraction of Leland, Brooklyn and Baltimore, the three musicians' respective birthplaces). A particular highlight is Wadada Leo Smith's exquisite, thoughtful dedication to Alice Coltrane.
Andy Jenkins - Sweet Bunch (Spacebomb)
Another excellent combination of songcraft and deep grooves from the Spacebomb collective (with help from Phil Cook) - sometimes reminiscent of the late Tony Joe White.
Anenon - Tongue (Friend Of Friends)
Lovely pastoral sounds mixing saxophones, synths, electronics and field recordings, recorded in the spectacular environment of Tuscany.
Angelique Kidjo - Remain In Light (Kravenworks)
This excellent album makes a strong case for a complete cover of an existing album to become more of an accepted art form (and why shouldn't it be - compositions get re-performed and reworked constantly). It's fascinating to hear David Byrne's great take on West African rhythms being embraced by the great Beninese singer, and her enthusiasm and commitment to the project is obvious in her delivery. The great Tony Allen plays drums and Kidjo also draws from an intriguing pool of contemporary rock talent as well. The result is a less intellectual sounding, more immediately powerful interpretation.
Anna and Elizabeth - The Invisible Comes To Us (Smithsonian Folkways)
Outstanding re-interpretations of traditional folk ballads, meticulously arranged and thoroughly transporting.
Anna St Louis - If Only There Was A Mirror (Woodsist/Mare)
Working with Kyle Thomas and Kevin Morby as producers, Anna St Louis has crafted a wonderfully spacious and enriching set of songs. Sometimes gentle, sometimes soulful, the whole set is always rich in tone and beautifully communicated.
Anteloper - Kudu (International Anthem)
Entrancing duo project from trumpeter Jaimie Branch (also of Fly Or Die) and drummer Jason Nazary. The use of synthesisers helps create varied and unpredictable textures.
Anthony Joseph - People Of The Sun
Continuing to collaborate with saxophonist and producer Jason Yarde and bassist Andrew John but also assembling a great team of local musicians in the Trinidad capital, the poet and vocalist has crafted an insightful, passionate paen to Trinidadian music and culture.
**Anton Hunter - Article XI (Efpi)**
Premiered at the 2014 Manchester Jazz Festival but only getting its recorded release earlier in 2018, this suite of music from guitarist and composer Anton Hunter is a caustic and thrilling work celebrating Article XI of the UN Declaration on Human Rights. This continues to be a prescient theme in light of the Conservative government's repeated (so far largely failed) attempts to reform human rights in the UK. Featuring some of the most enterprising and dynamic improvisers currently working in the UK (including Cath Roberts on baritone, Nick Walters on trumpet and Johnny Hunter on drums). This is one of those works dealing in effects, textures, gestures and high impact transitions - it's often hard to determine what precisely is improvised and what is written.
Aphex Twin - Collapse EP (Warp)
Where Aphex Twin's music was once skittering and radical, it now feels oddly familiar and comforting - but perhaps this is an inevitable progression.
Aqueduct Ensemble - Improvisations On An Apricot (Last Resort)
ECM-inspired improvisations recorded over two summers. Drifts languidly and gently searches for new vistas.
Arctic Monkeys - Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino (Domino)
This one seemed to polarise social media, but I admired its bold change of approach, resulting in more cinematic and atmospheric arrangements, and a less rockist mentality. It's a dense and curious work, with Alex Turner revelling in the moods and spaces provided for his cascade of words. In many ways, it's their most interesting album. Don't @ me!
Armand Hammer - Paraffin (Backwoodz Studios)
I always feel hip hop has become quite conspicuous by its absence from my lists (I tried a bit with the Pusha T record but couldn't quite get on with it). This, however, with its twisted soundscapes and force of delivery, is very much my thing (and reminds me a little of Cannibal Ox's brutalist classic The Cold Vein).
Arp - Zebra (Kemado)
There are hints of Jon Hassell in this intelligently arranged, contemplative music that makes brilliant use of unusual instrument combinations.
Arve Henriksen - The Height Of The Reeds (Rune Grammofon)
If Arve Henriksen might initially seem like a curious choice for a commissioned piece celebrating the history of Hull, the fact that this piece commemorates the longstanding seafaring relationship between Hull and Scandinavia makes things clearer. Originally designed as an accompaniment for a 'sound walk' across the Humber bridge, the music is both meditative and inspiring, achieving a blissful serenity in subtle sonic details.
Baloji - 137 Avenue Kaniama (Bella Union)
Triumphant, lengthy, and consistently thrilling fusion of modernised Afrobeat and hip hop from the Congolese musician.
Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness (BCUC) - Emakhosini (Buda Musique)
One of the best African albums of the year, the South African group not only stretch out brilliantly over long pieces, but also draw on a range of traditions to create something potent and unique.
Beast - Ens (Thrill Jockey)
Brilliantly minimal and hypnotic work from Koen Holtkamp (also one half of Mountains). 'Ens' involved the creation of a 'virtual ensemble' and was recorded and written within the context of the birth of Holtkamp's first child. Despite mostly being recorded at odd hours of the night, the music feels luminous.
Bell's Roar - We Carry Us (Sean Desiree)
This is an album that really deserved wider attention this year - an impressive, well produced, lush sounding solo debut from non binary, queer identifying artist Sean Desiree that aimed to support the QTPOC artist community.
Belly - Dove (Belly Touring)
Bizarrely, the initial excitement over Belly's reunion seemed to have somewhat dissipated when it came to them actually releasing new music (why has this album been completely absent from end of year lists?) - but Dove is a timely reminder not just of Tanya Donnelly's songwriting gifts (never in doubt of course) but of the powerful, focused sound that this trio creates.
**Ben LaMar Gay - Downtown Castles Can Never Block The Sun (International Anthem)**
One of the year's most breathtakingly madcap and esoteric works, this collects tracks from seven different albums now being released by International Anthem and offers an effective, intelligently sequenced introduction to the wide ranging, restless and innovative work of the Chicago composer.
Ben Vince - Assimilation (Where To Now?)
Known for his solo saxophone work, Ben Vince here embraces collaboration with other musicians, brilliantly exploring dissonance and attack. The work with vocalists is particularly effective.
Ben Walker - The Fox On The Downs (Folkroom)
Concise EP of nimble, agile folk from Brighton based guitarist.
Ben Wendel - The Seasons (Motema)
Suite of substantial music inspired by the seasons and by Tchaikovsky from the adventurous saxophonist and composer. The Seasons also features an all star ensemble including pianist Aaron Parks and drummer Eric Harland.
Big Red Machine - Big Red Machine
Given that I've had my reservations about more recent Bon Iver and I have never really been able to connect with The National, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this assured, melodic and intriguing collaboration between Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner. In some ways it continues some of the sonic preoccupations of '22, A Million', but the manipulated vocals and electronic elements seem more deftly woven into a coherent musical fabric.
Bill Frisell - Music IS (Okeh)
Resonant, beautiful solo interpretations of previously released compositions from the great guitarist, still able to deftly tie together strands from jazz and other American folk music.
Binker and Moses - Alive In The East? (Gearbox)
Fiery, blistering recording from London's Total Refreshment Centre that captures the dexterous, liberated duo at their bravest and augmented by guests Yussef Dayes, Tori Handsley, Evan Parker and Byron Wallen.
Bixiga 70 - Quebra-Cabeca (Glitterbeat)
Fourth album of righteous groove and horn-driven music from the Brazilian ten piece group.
Bjorn Torske - Byen (Smalltown Supersound)
Aquatic, dubby house music meets reflective, ambient soundscapes on the first solo album in eight years from the Norwegian producer.
Blake Mills - Look (Verve)
A somewhat unexpected left turn into ambient atmospherics from the singer-songwriter and producer.
Blawan - Wet Will Always Dry (Ternesc)
A debut full length on which the revered techno producer shares a notably softer, less atavistic side of his musical personality.
Boygenius (Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus) (Matador)
Resplendent collaboration between three excellent singer-songwriters.
Brad Mehldau Trio - Seymour Reads The Constitution! (Nonesuch)
Astonishingly, Brad Mehldau has now released 35 albums. This latest recording with his longstanding trio combines three spiky originals with interpretations ranging from Brian Wilson to Sam Rivers.
**Brigid Mae Power - The Two World (Tompkins Square)**
At once stately and defiant, this is one of the most significant recordings from a singer-songwriter in 2018.
Bruce Springsteen - Springsteen On Broadway (Columbia)
Audio document to complement Thom Zimny's excellent film version of the long running show for Netflix, in which Springsteen expounds on his life with a blend of unabashed emotion and self aware humour. The performance is a bold new experiment, emphasising Springsteen's longstanding qualities as a storyteller. If at times it does border on the hokey, this is probably forgivable.
Buddy - Harlan and Alondra (Cool Lil/RCA)
Excellent, super relaxed but multi-faceted hip hop tour of LA.
Calexico - The Thread That Keeps Us (City Slang)
Calexico are one of those bands who have worked for so long and so consistently now that it's easy to take them for granted, but The Thread That Keeps Us is another rewarding set, sometimes emphasising their more insistent, rockier side. With the bonus tracks, it's also very long.
Candi Staton - Unstoppable (Beracah)
Impressive Mark Nevers-produced set that foregrounds Staton's grittier side, blending personal and political defiance. Includes a great interpretation of Patti Smith's People Have The Power.
Cat Power - Wanderer (Domino)
The presence of Lana Del Rey as a guest here emphasises the extent to which Chan Marshall's influence has now infiltrated the mainstream. These are elegant, nuanced and subtle torch songs, sometimes reminiscent of kd lang's Ingenue.
**Cath and Phil Tyler - The Ox and the Ax (Thread Recordings)**
First album in eight years from the tremendous transatlantic folk duo, highly focused and compellingly realising harsh and unforgiving stories and reimagining musical traditions.
**Cave - Allways (Drag City)**
Loosely groovy, initially insidious, ultimately irresistible set from the great jam band.
Cavern Of Anti-Matter - Hormone Lemonade (Duophonic)
Richly imagined, sonically impressive third album from Tim Gane's no longer post-Stereolab project, demonstrating a genuine love for great analogue synths and old school drum machines.
Charalambides - Charalambides: Tom and Christina Carter (Drawing Room)
Two sessions, no overdubs, thoroughly haunting and beautiful music.
Charles Bradley - Black Velvet (Daptone)
Fourth and sadly final album of invigorating classic soul from the great vocalist.
Charles Lloyd and The Marvels - Vanished Gardens (Blue Note)
Includes intriguing and effective song interpretations in collaboration with a stirring Lucinda Williams, both new versions of her own songs and those of others.
Chris Corsano and Bill Orcutt - Brace Up!
Drummer Chris Corsano and guitarist Bill Orcutt have been improvising together for a number of years now but this is their first studio recording. It delivers on turbulence and interaction in abundance.
Christina Vantzou - No. 4 (Kranky)
Eerie and unsettling ambient soundscapes.
**Christine and the Queens - Chris (Because)**
Artful pop music of real distinction - high concept, irresistible top lines and intricate productions and arrangements. Chris brings style and substance in equal measure.
Colin Stetson - Hereditary OST (Milan)
Colin Stetson - The First OST (Record Collection)
Stetson's buzzing, swirling and whirring soundtrack for Hereditary ended up being far more unsettling than the actual film, also making brilliant use of silence and space. A highlight in what has been an excellent year for original film scores.
Stetson also provided a crystalline soundtrack for the series The First, full of awe and wonder.
Container - LP (Spectrum Spools)
This has been my introduction to Ren Schofield's LP series for Spectrum Spools, neatly balancing abrasive, rapid fire techno with softer, more melodic elements.
**Cory Smythe - Circulate Susanna** (Pyroclastic)
One of the year's most impressive compositional works, a collection of songs inspired by Stephen Foster and George Washington Dixon but refracted through a decidedly contemporary and innovative lens. A modern day Escalator On The Hill.
Courtney Barnett - Tell Me How You Really Feel (Marathon Artists)
Barnett's crunchiest and clearest work to date.
**Courtney Marie Andrews - May Your Kindness Remain (Loose)**
One of my favourite discoveries of the year - a superb, imposing, lingering, vocal presence. Brilliantly executed soulful country rock unafraid of sudden dynamic shifts. Lovely reverb-laden guitar sounds throughout too.
Cowboy Junkies - All That Reckoning (Latent Recordings)
A most welcome return - slow building storms demonstrating that the personal is political and vice versa.
Cypress Hill - Elephants On Acid (BMG)
It always feels lazy to use the term 'return to form', but then Muggs is back and here we are.
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