Mid-Year Music: Best of 2017 Thus Far by DJ Casserole
Though 2017 has had its ups and downs, the music this wild year has brought us is some of the best.
Yours Conditionally – Tennis
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Tennis is comprised of a husband-and-wife duo that takes to the sea for months to write their music. Each time, they emerge with something comfortable and warm. This album makes me want to live by the sea and fall in love with a fisher.
DAMN. – Kendrick Lamar
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Arguably one of the most talented artists of our generation, Kendrick Lamar weaves together complex, poignant storytelling with powerful anthems.
Gone Now – Bleachers
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“Gone Now” was produced in Jack Antonoff’s bedroom in New Jersey, which is exactly where I feel like I am when I listen to this album. His sophomore album is more experimental and vulnerable, yet still keeps its pop charm.
Melodrama – Lorde
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Lorde’s first heartbreak is the backbone of this album, revealing a sadness that a person of any age can relate to. Since the release of her first album, “Pure Heroine”, she has matured as an artist and a person, but still does not lose the sense of adventure PH possessed.
Burgeoning – RGB
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Between the French cooing of vocalist Laura Vetil and RGB’s smart and gentle samples, this album feels like wading through the shallow waters of your life.
Rocket – (Sandy) Alex G
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Under his new name, (Sandy) Alex G draws inspiration from twangy, classic country… until the track, “Brick”, in which I have the sudden urge to set buildings aflame.
No Shape – Perfume Genius
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Perfume Genius is one of my favorite LGBT artists, and with this album, he opens up about the strange and unprecedented world of post-recovery and contentment, “I’m here, how weird”.
I Used to Spend So Much Time Alone – Chastity Belt
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Chastity Belt’s most cynical album is a stark contrast from hit tracks like “Cool Slut” and “Seattle Party”. Rather, this album focuses on the dark reaches of depression, a headspace that was only hinted at in previous works.
A Hairshirt of Purpose – Pile
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I wear my Pile t-shirt so much it has collected quite a few stains, but for good reason. The band never disappoints, especially when creating the perfect balance of singer-songwriter and post-hardcore.
Apocalipstick – Cherry Glazerr
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This album simply demands to be listened to, covering topics every young person is concerned about, from everyday life to the doom of the planet, all wrapped up with powerful guitar and vocals.
Locket – Crumb
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This is a four song EP I wished I had more of. Soft and smooth, “Locket” feels like hugging my best friend.
Thelma – Thelma
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Ever since seeing Thelma perform live, I became obsessed. The band is named after the late grandmother of lead singer and guitarist Natasha Jacobs, who she lovingly describes on the track with the same name. Jacobs’ voice literally sounds like a dream.
Powerplant – Girlpool
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The duo adds percussion to their latest album, but it is still recognizable and as uniquely Girlpool. Yearning vocals and punctual guitar and bass intertwine.