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:

• 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.

• 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.

• The Orwells - Terrible Human Beings

  Just some crazy kids from Chicago (roughly) that want to play loud music.

• Depeche Mode - Spirit

  Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.

• 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.

• 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.

• The New Pornagraphers - Whiteout Conditions

  Hooray! Canadian rock banks!

• Cold War Kids - LA DIVINE

  They have their catchy songs and their not so catchy songs…

• 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…

• K.Flay - Every Where Is Some Where

  If you haven’t gotten into K.Flay, do it. Do it now.

• 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.

• Bleachers - Gone Now

  Don’t take the money.

• Marnie - Strange Words and Weird Wars

  You like Ladytron, rite? This is Helen Marnie from Ladytron.

• Portugal. The Man - Woodstock

  Maybe not as strong from start to finish as Evil Friends, but still great stuff.

• Lorde - Melodrama

  Other than the few tracks getting play, I haven’t really come back to this.

• Moby & The Void Pacific Choir - More Fast Songs About the Apocalypse

  In This Cold Place.

• Rancid - Trouble Maker

  Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.

• Public Enemy - Nothing Is Quick In The Desert

  Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.

• Nine Inch Nails - Add Violence

  Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.

• Various Artists - Atomic Blonde Soundtrack

  I heart the 80’s.

• Broken Social Scene - Hug of Thunder

  Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.

• Arcade Fire - Everything Now

  Strong tracks, but sometimes I think they’re coming up with excuses to wear suits with sequins.

• Passion Pit - Tremendous Sea of Love

  A pretty chill album, good for Sunday morning.

• KMFDM - HELL YEAH

  Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.

• Grizzly Bear - Painted Ruins

  Straight up ndie rock.

• Matt Pond PA - Still Summer

  I don’t really have a pity description, but it’s pleasant.

• LCD Soundsystem - american dream

  Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.

• RAC - EGO

  I have an electronic music problem.

• Ted Leo - The Hanged Man

  I saw Ted play on the JoCo 2017 Cruise. I helped fund this album.

• The National - Sleep Well Beast

  A little more mellow than I was hoping for.

• Grouplove - Big Mess

  Infectious alt-pop.

• Prophets of Rage - Prophets of Rage

  Chuck D, Cypress Hill, and Rage Against the Machine in a blender.

• 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.

• New Politics - Lost in Translation

  Maybe a euro-pop version of Blink-182?

• Dan Auerbach - Waiting on a Song

  Black Keys dude going solo.

• 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.

• Cut Copy - Haiku From Zero

  Down under electro-pop.

• Wolf Parade - Cry Cry Cry

  Hoorary for Canadian rock bands!

• Wolf Alice - Visions of a Life

  Kinda dark brit pop.

• Erasure - World Be Gone

  Wait, they’re still around? Yup. Still around.

• Sleigh Bells - Kid Kruschev

  I can’t stop listening to this.

• Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds - Who Built the Moon?

  Holy Mountain was on heavy repeat for a while.