Here is my jwz inspired list of music. He’s not a stickler for the year it was released, but so much of what ended up in my collection this year was not from 2017, I decided to be the stickler. With few exceptions, music has been coming into my library through Apple Music. Yes, I know that I don’t own anything on this list and that it could all be taken away from me with the flip of a switch. I’m 44 now and I don’t have time for your discussion of ownership and copyright law. I’m quite content being wrong.
With that out of the way, here’s 2017:
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The xx - I See You
Maybe it’s just me, but I’m having a tough time telling one The xx album from another. Still good though.
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Japandroids - Near to the Wild Heart of Life
Just pure rock ‘n’ roll. Anthemic, if you will. I guess they broke up and then got back together. Either way there’s some great tracks on this album.
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The Orwells - Terrible Human Beings
Just some crazy kids from Chicago (roughly) that want to play loud music.
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Depeche Mode - Spirit
Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.
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Goldfrapp - Silver Eye
iTunes lists this as “alternative”, which…you know, sure. Synth heavy tunes with sultry vocals. You already know if you like it or not.
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Future Islands - The Far Field
This was their breakout year, with tons of press, but they’ve been around for a while and I’m glad to see them getting the attention. I kind of envision them as Joe Cocker doing New Order covers, which I hope you find quite awesome.
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The New Pornagraphers - Whiteout Conditions
Hooray! Canadian rock banks!
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Cold War Kids - LA DIVINE
They have their catchy songs and their not so catchy songs…
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Gorillaz - Humanz
I honestly haven’t listened to this since it came out. This is basically a collection of Gorillaz instrumentals with other people doing the vocals. I think…
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K.Flay - Every Where Is Some Where
If you haven’t gotten into K.Flay, do it. Do it now.
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Kasabian - For Crying Out Loud
This is probably my favorite album of 2017. I continually come back to it. It’s got tons of strongs tracks (and hilarious videos). You’re In Love With A Psycho is probably my top track.
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Bleachers - Gone Now
Don’t take the money.
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Marnie - Strange Words and Weird Wars
You like Ladytron, rite? This is Helen Marnie from Ladytron.
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Portugal. The Man - Woodstock
Maybe not as strong from start to finish as Evil Friends, but still great stuff.
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Lorde - Melodrama
Other than the few tracks getting play, I haven’t really come back to this.
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Moby & The Void Pacific Choir - More Fast Songs About the Apocalypse
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Rancid - Trouble Maker
Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.
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Public Enemy - Nothing Is Quick In The Desert
Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.
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Nine Inch Nails - Add Violence
Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.
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Various Artists - Atomic Blonde Soundtrack
I heart the 80’s.
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Broken Social Scene - Hug of Thunder
Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.
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Arcade Fire - Everything Now
Strong tracks, but sometimes I think they’re coming up with excuses to wear suits with sequins.
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Passion Pit - Tremendous Sea of Love
A pretty chill album, good for Sunday morning.
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KMFDM - HELL YEAH
Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.
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Grizzly Bear - Painted Ruins
Straight up ndie rock.
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Matt Pond PA - Still Summer
I don’t really have a pity description, but it’s pleasant.
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LCD Soundsystem - american dream
Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.
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RAC - EGO
I have an electronic music problem.
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Ted Leo - The Hanged Man
I saw Ted play on the JoCo 2017 Cruise. I helped fund this album.
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The National - Sleep Well Beast
A little more mellow than I was hoping for.
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Grouplove - Big Mess
Infectious alt-pop.
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Prophets of Rage - Prophets of Rage
Chuck D, Cypress Hill, and Rage Against the Machine in a blender.
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The Regrettes Feel Your Feelings Fool!
I first saw them do a covery of Fox on the Run for The AV Club and was hooked.
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New Politics - Lost in Translation
Maybe a euro-pop version of Blink-182?
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Dan Auerbach - Waiting on a Song
Black Keys dude going solo.
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The Killers - Wonderful Wonderful
I’m so torn. I really wanted to like this, and after they released Run For Cover I thought this was going to be what I’ve been waiting for since the release of Sam’s Town. Well, at least Run For Cover is awesome.
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Cut Copy - Haiku From Zero
Down under electro-pop.
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Wolf Parade - Cry Cry Cry
Hoorary for Canadian rock bands!
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Wolf Alice - Visions of a Life
Kinda dark brit pop.
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Erasure - World Be Gone
Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.
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Sleigh Bells - Kid Kruschev
I can’t stop listening to this.
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Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds - Who Built the Moon?
Holy Mountain was on heavy repeat for a while.