Here are a few lists of my favorite music makers of 2017. If you have Spotify, you can also listen to an extended playlist linked here (or with the ebedded playlist at the bottom of this page):
Let me know what you think.
Keep rocking,
Dave
There's something magical about a good cover song. When done in a unique way, in this case with only voice and percussion, cover songs can remind us that truth need not be fixed, and that we are all different yet all the same. The song below seems to be an original, but seek out their reinterpretations of songs by Sylvan Esso, Electrelane, Little Dragon, Bjork and others.
Annakalmia Traver will reliably rock your socks off with untamed exuberance (and wicked sax playing) in Rubblebucket, then soothe your restless heart with her more intimate side project Kalbells.
At this point, Spotify Discover really knows what I like and has introduced me to half of my favorite dozen music makers this year. One reliable category: slightly odd yet passionate female singers with minimal arrangements and anthem-ready melodies. Cue Aldous Harding who can invite me to her party anytime.
Another Spotify discovery, Bedouine's music falls within a related category: smoky altos with minimal, nostalgia-tinged arrangements and summer-afternoon-hummable melodies (I'm pretty sure this is exactly how the algorithm is described).
Hot damn! Spoon has been rocking us for 20 freaking years and still comes up with deliciously potent music. They somehow manage to stick to a winning formula and yet remain fresh and relevant. Bravo to the oldest dudes on my list this year.
Talk about passion! Add a political conscience, a love for and understanding of the history of American folk music, and songs constructed like mini epics that vault her into new territory, and Alynda Segarra ends up making the best album of her career. Bronx, represent!
A little bit retro electronic, a little bit punk, a little bit pop with meaningful lyrics, Pixx came out of nowhere and had me dancing and pondering all year. A smart and talented lady, she's the next Grimes if she wants to be.
I'm only now discovering Jesca Hoop's previous body of work, thanks to Spotify Discover. But the songs on her new album have such a wide scope, all rooted in her confident passion, I'm still enjoy exploring its depths.
I've never been entirely immune to the charms of mainstream pop music. (Nelly's song "Forca" from 2003 was my jam that year.) If pop music is made with sincerity, passion and craft, I'm down. For whatever reason, this song, from Nelly's grossly underrated new album, was one of two this year that had me crying the first few weeks of listening to it.
The other song (and video) that had me crying for a few weeks this year was "Wreath" by Perfume Genius. I was initially disappointed with his new album as none of its many ballads really did it for me. (And this disappointment is partially why I'm highlighting favorite music makers instead of favorite albums this year.) But this music video below really captured me in a powerful way. His many passionate fans helped create a beautiful invitation to step out of the box, enjoy your body (whatever shape/size), and revel in the joy of being alive and free. Perfect.
Yet another amazing Spotify discovery, Joon Moon was on heavy rotation this year. But guys, why didn't you come to the concert I kept telling you about? Joon Moon came all the way from France, paying ridiculous work visa fees, and there were only about 10 people in the audience (me, my friends Carrie and Barbara, a publicist and a few others) for one of the best concerts of the year. Do you even care about good music? Do you even want to have a transcendent musical experience? Do you even want to support independent musicians? Guys, you gotta trust me next time. Spotify is great, but once in a while come out with me to see a live show. [Intensity of this rant is no where near the intensity of my love for this band. Super nice people too by the way.]
Aw, man, Camille. I've been such a fanboy for years. She usually sings in French, but even though my French is limited to about 300 words, I still feel her music deeply. Here she presents a striped down yet complex sound of percolating rhythms and lush counterpointed harmonies. This song was my favorite of year on an album full of delightful gems. And her concert at Le Poisson Rouge (her first time in NYC in years) was transcendent and incredibly fun.