2017 end of year lists

Mug.

Mine should be in at some point tomorrow. Probably gonna be a Top 40 but will only do a write-up for the Top 10.

Please Miss, can I have an extension for my homework?

It's done. My girlfriend now hates me. And so probably does my eye doctor.

Also, most of the comments are a load of shit. Apart from the top 6 or 7. And I haven't had time to read it over to see if any of it makes sense.




51 the national – sleep well beast
I've made the list to 51 as I refuse to believe that a National album won't grow on me at some point and therefore have to be included in my end of year list. But fuck me, it just won't click.


50 james mcallister/sufjan stevens/nico muhly/bryce dessner – planetarium
I don't know who James McAllister is, but it’s exactly what you'd expect with the other three involved. Neo-classical, intricate and pretty arrangements from Nico Muhly, Bryce Dessner's guitars+C31, and Sufjan's melodies, part falsetto, part hushed, part voiceboxed vocals. It's ambient, psych, classical and all over beautiful.


49 kikagaku moyo – stone garden
More japanese psych marvellousness


48 bastian keb – 22.02.85
I don't know how I heard about this but it seemed to come out of nowehere and quickly disappear back there, which is a shame, as I think it's a gem. He's a British multi instrumentalist and this is hip hop/rnb/jazz. Lots of interesting beats and some real stand out tracks. Cappo's verses on Fit Rare are one of my favourite things of the year.


47 alvvays – antisocialites
Not usually my kind of thing at all, but this seemed to have something extra. Really self-assured, fun, full of tunes.


46 the war on drugs – a deeper understanding
I know it's not a particularly popular opinion on here, but I rather liked this having been able to take or leave them in the past. Perhaps I'm getting old. Nothing on it stands out for me, but it feels like a complete record of well made mature rock songs. You can tell it's higher up the list as i'm struggling to find anything specific to say about records, some of which i'll have only listened to three or four times.BUT I'M TRYING DAMMIT.


45 daniele luppi and parquet courts (with guest spots from karen o) – MILANO
I read that this is an homage to Milan in the 80's, I guess when Luppi was growing up. I didn't make that connection when listening, but loved it because it's a parquet courts record and it sounds like a parquet courts record and it's got Karen O on it.


44 st.vincent – MASSEDUCATION
Wow, this is more bitter than Father John Misty brushing his teeth and gums with wire wool and then sucking a lemon. Where FJM's schtick is bitter, this is the real thing, She did not take that break up with Cara Delavigne well eh. Don't blame her. Really good pop record.


43 phoebe bridgers - stranger in ther alps
The first of many miserable female singer song writer records on this list. It seems to have been a bad year for good looking women with high pitched voices and a way with words considering how many great miserable records they've put out this year. This might have ended up higher given more time with it. Mates with Conor Oberst and I think he features somewhere.


42 destroyer – ken
I'm growing to love this band more and more. Kaputt was my introduction to them, as I guess it was with quite a few people. I love the late night feel of their albums- the sleazy 1980's soho or Berlin dive bar feel. I also love Dan Bejar's voice. I love their use of saxophone more than any other band I can think of and there's always good melodies to be found (and a fair bit of madness).




41 joanne Robertson & dean blunt – WAHALLA
I knew Dean Blunt from Black Metal (fucking brilliant album) but nothing about joanna robertson. She brings a folk aesthetic to his very avant-garde and experimental song writing and production. On the surface it seems a complete mess of a record but with repeated listens it's completely beautiful.



40 the clientele – music for the age of miracles
A revelelation to me. A new discovery late this year and they tick all the right boxes. The things that jump to the fore from the start are the warmth and the melodies. That always makes me go back for more, and once you discover the arrangements and lyrics too (all about suburban TCOTU) it has me hooked. Another that got listened to and then forgotten about a bit in the midst of gorging on new music from everyone's end of year lists, othwerwise would've probably been higher,



39 gurr – in my head
Prominent and esteemed forum member Kevin 'Vargas K, DD Coy, The Burge' Burgess introduced me to these ladies (on here was it?). Sexy chicks with guitars making unpretentious indie rock. Lovely.




38 gilroy mere – the green line
An acquantance of mine that puts music out under various guises (Oliver Cherer [His name], Dollboy, Rhododendron, Gilroy Mere) via various excellent small labels (Ghostbox, Wayside and Woodland Recordings, Second Language, Clay Pipe, Deep Distance…amongst others). This is a record written in homage to and as a journey on the now defunct Green Line bus route from TCOTU to the south coast in the 1950s. It's dreamy and evocative as you'd hope something like this would be. He's an uber talented chap by the way and I strongly recommend checking out his other stuff- particularly One by Rhododendron, if I had to choose one.



37 susanne sundfor – music for people in trouble
I loved this when I first heard it, but didn't go back to it for some reason hence it's lower position in the list. I remember it showcasing her amazing voice well and having a mixture of more straight forward pop-ish balladry and some more out there stuff. I will go back to it.



36 julien baker – turn out the lights
All about depression. Affecting and beautiful in a dark way.



35 aldous harding – party
I'm going to run out of words to describe affecting female singer song writer albums with great lyrics soon. I love the guitar picking on this one, but ultimately it's about her voice, her words and strength in fragility (does that even mean anything? It sounds suitably wanky).



34 the charlatans – different days
This was a nice surprise. A pop record that makes you smile a lot. It feels old fashioned and completely unfashionable, but doesn't have a weak track for me. The title track was one of my favourites of the year.



33 doug tuttle – peace potato
More timeless, stoned guitar rock with a terrible title but hazy, summery tunes.



32 skyway man – seen comin’ from a mighty eye
60s, 70s inspired folk rock. No drugs were hurt in the making of this record. Probably. Fuck knows what it's about, but it sounds amazing. Mates with Matthew E White apparently. From Nashville.



31 ty segall – ty segall
I don't think I've disliked anything he's made and this is more of the similar. I think Karl said this was his most diverse album; for me that's still Manipulator, bit I get what he's saying. I've not listened to this as much as his last four or five albums, probably due to overkill, but when I have, i've really enjoyed it.



30 princess nokia – 1992 deluxe
Terrible name that like Little Simz on this side of the pond hides a super talented artist. On name alone I would've avoided and missed out on sweet debut. A bit all over the place style and content wise but always engaging and full of character.



29 gorillaz – humanz
I'm surprised this ended up quite far down my list as I always love it when I put it on (but rarely feel like putting it on). It feels less cartoonish than previous records- nore serious. It feels very current and aimed at a young audience- the guests this time out highlight that. I like most tracks on here but only love a couple- Ascension feat. Vince Staples is one of my favourite things this year and live it was massive.


28 vince staples- big fish theory
Very different to Summertime 06, which was also very good. This felt more like something from the OFWGKTA stable, in so much as it was hard to pin down. So much more than a hip hop record- at times it felt like Burial was producing, at others some Detroit legend like Derrick May, but always with Vince Staples slightly acerbic personality. I really like this guy and think he has a great record in him, but he's not quite there yet.



27 grizzly bear – painted ruins
This was a weird one for me, as I love this band almost more than any other, and when I first heard the album I knew I was going to love it. But, I don't. Well, not yet anyway and not as much as their previous 3. But, along with Fleet Foxes and The National (which were my three most anticipated records of the year) i will spend more time with it and I expect grow to love it



26 fleet foxes – crack up
As above. Frustrating. I know people who have this is as their album of the year and I know at the moment I'm missing something and look forward to when it clicks.


25 aimee mann – mental illness
Lady singing about depressing stuff and making it sound vital, beautiful and affecting Pt 4.


24 broken social scene – hug of thunder
I'd never listened to them before this album but was obviously aware of them. I do love Feist's voice but never really liked her solo records, so this fits well. Big sound, big choruses and interesting details. I will check out the back catalogue.


23 marika hackman – I’m not your man
A big change of direction from her debut and a bit bonkers. She reminds me a bit of Heath Ledger's Joker in singer songwriter form.


22 kaitlyn Aurelia Smith – the kid
Loved her debut, 'Ears' and this expands on that alt-electro template and goes a bit further out there. At times it sounds like Animal Collective's best stuff.


21 alex Cameron – forced witness
On first listen and without paying too much attention you'd be forgiven for thinking this is just a naff 80s pastiche. But on closer inspection it's full of dry wit, solid production and really good songwriting. I loved the song Stranger's Kiss for a while before realising it was Angel Olsen duetting with his.


20 mount kimbie – love what survives
I don't know if it's symptomatic of the times we live in, the technology available to artists or what but so many records these days seem to defy being pigeon-holed by genre, and this is a great example. Another band that started out as one thing (loosely 'dubstep) and have now morphed into something altogether different. And impossible to pin down, I guess that's what good pop music on 2017 is about, It has hooks, it has darker/heavier and lighter moments and sounds awkward and little challening in places and then straight forward beautiful moments in others. Good guests too- Mica Levi, Archie Marshall and James Blake among others.


19 james holden & the animal sprits - the animal spirits
An album to properly lose yourself in. James Holden's techno meets worldy sounds made with proper instruments, Dense and beautiful and made for headphones (and drugs probably)


18 king gizzard & the lizard wizard- sketches of east brunswick
My favourite of their efforts this year. I was getting a bit bored of them, or perhaps couldn't keep up with them, and this seemed their biggest change of direction to me. It also caught me at the right time. My listening has been much more Sunday afternoon and less saturday night this year.


17 oh sees – orc
On the other hand, this is a beast of a record. Everyone knows what they do and this takes that loud, wild, psych template and makes it weirder and somehow more accessible at the same time.


16 granddaddy – last place
Yet another band that I came to fresh this year. Packed full of those soaring fantastic melodies, scuzzy guitars, slightly woozy vocals, angsty and cutting lyrics that so many great american bands from the late 80s right up to the present have. Tracks like 'That's What You Get for Gettin' Out of Bed' and 'Don't Wanna Live Here Any More' could have been on so many albums of the last 30 years, but still sound vital and brilliant and timeless because of it.


15 michael nau -some twist
Just straight up great timeless (that word again) songwriting with a lovely warm sound.



14 jesca hoop – memories are now
Lady singing about depressing stuff and making it sound vital, beautiful and affecting Pt 5. With added personality.


13 kelly lee owens - kelly lee owens
I'm not a big techno fan, and I believe that is how this is listed, but it feels more like great pop music to me. Hooks and depth galore. Hard to believe this is a debut.



12 a;t- j – relaxer
This surprised me. Caught me completely off guard. I remember them for being alright-ish british indie rock. I'm not sure anything on this could be described thus. It's all over the place and has no structure but is still pretty brilliant in my book. 'Pleader' is borderline classical and makes me very happy. 3WW (the lead single) defies description but is brilliant and they've made a unique and quite excellent (to these ears) cover of House of The Rising Sun.



11 courtney marie andrews – honest life
As is becoming inceasingly clear I'm having a lot of trouble pointing out things that make female singer songwriter albums released this year stand apart form one another. It's not that they don't, it's just I'm shit at putting into words what makes them distinct. This is a little easier - it's country music. There.



10 jane weaver – modern cosmology
A folk caterpillar who after spending a long time in her cocoon has come out the other side as a psychadelic butterly. Or something. Bastard brilliant.



9 lana del ray – lust for life
I used to hate her, now I love her. And I reckon this is her best album. In a strange way she's a kind of modern day cross between Nancy Sinatra and Dusty Springfield for me. Slightly enigmatic, gorgeous effortless soulful voice, singing great cinematic songs that I want to be in.



8 jen cloher - jen cloher
Shagging courtney barnett and on her record label. Straight up great guitar led indie rock.



7 lorde – melodrama
For the first few listens I didn't get the fuss at all, but kept reading outstanding reviews and seeing it on more and more end of year lists, so gave it some more quality time and blow me down it's excellent. Pop music at it's very finest. It should be hard for someone of my advancing years to identify so readily with the themes- which is essentially growing up as a young woman, but deep inside every middle aged man is a young woman trying to get out. And anyway, she makes it all sound so convining and REAL MAAAAN. And it's a big sounding party record with great production and hooks. And just all round well good.



6 laura marling – Sempa Femina
This was my number one album of the year for about ten months and it's only intensive listening to the following 5 albums that shunted it down the list. Her best by far for me so far. It helps that my two favourite gigs of the year were hers on consecutive nights at the roundhouse. I couldn't pick my favourite track on the album- Nothign Not Nearly, Wildfire, Soothing, Don't Pass Me By, Semper Femina- all equally brilliant, all completely different. I've said already this year that she should be considered a national treasure. A genuinely brilliant talent.



5 julie byrne – not even happiness
I can't believe this didn't end the year as my number one album. YET ANOTHER FEMALE SINGER SONGWRITER SINGING MELANCHOLICALLY. This really stands out from the others though - lyrically it's stunning- it takes lost love, restlessness and yearning and turns them into something powerful while being completely restrained. It also has the feel of a road movie or a long train journey through big American scenery. Her voice, delivery and guitar are all exquisite and remind me so much of someone from the past (perhaps late 80s) but i'll be fucked if I can place who it is.


4 big thief- capacity
I can't believe this didn't end the year as my number one album. It took a few listens and then boom. A female fronted indie-folk (very loosely described) band with super wry, confident and knowing lyrics, creeping melodies that once they get you, you can't get rid of (apart from 'Mary' and 'Haley' which are both immediate and both brilliant) and adult pop sensibilities. A brillianty, brilliant abum.


3 tyler, the creator – flower boy
I can't believe this didn't end the year as my number one album. Fuck me, what a turnaround. I always understood the attraction of Tyler, without ever liking his music, and whether it was always a deliberately confrontational approach or whether he believed what he wrote and has had an epiphany or what I don't know, but it's like in realising he's gay and not hating himself for it he's become super self-aware and not afraid to get it all down/out. This is not only a brilliant album it feels like it might be an importrant one. Musically and production wise it's brilliant and you can feel Frank Ocean's hand in it. I also wonder how much influence Frank Ocean had on it lyrically. not directly, but with his own coming out pre- Channel Orange. In terms of it's importance, it feels like a door's just been opened- where before this and Channel Orange it would have been impossible for a black youth on the LA hip hop scene to rap about kissing white guys. In it's own way it feels like a change of direction for hip hop in the same way that 3 Feet high and Rising did in the last 80s, and I don't think the flower and potholes references are accidental. I could write all day about the lyrics on this record and as mentioned earlier, it's complete self-awareness, in terms of his sexuality, his loneliness and boredom but still his love for the dollars and fast cars and maybe the former in spite of the latter. I think lyrically 'Garden Shed' sums the album up best. Anyway, I don't think a lot of people have grasped quite how good this album is and i cannot wait to see what he puts out next.


2 kendrick lamar = DAMN
I can't believe this didn't end the year as my number one album. Kendrick is Hip Hop. Another change of direction, another masterpiece. At times over the last three albums it feels like you're listening to a Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Louis Farrakhan or even Nina Simone for the 21st Century, at others his flow and lyricism is so good and natural it feels like you're listening to a new Rakim, or Nas or Biggie and at others it feels like you're listening to Prince FFS. He can do no wrong.


1 Moses Sumney- Aromanticism
I literally only heard this for the first time a week ago after seeing it feature highly on someone elses list. But after playing it perhaps seven times since it's blown my mind. It's essentially a soul album that pulls off the neat trick of sounding timeless but completely new at the same time. It's utterly beautiful. It couples extraordinary arrangements with god knows how many instruments with his falsetto voice to create something that takes your breath away, steals your soul and makes you go WOAH when certain bits drop. I have no idea what it's about as I haven't had time to listen to the lyrics yet as the music and production is so dense and involving but honestly stunning that it's hard to concentrate on the words too. I haven't heard anything as good musically as this since Joanna Newsom's Ys. And that's one of my top three records of all time. And i've barely scratched the surface with it. I've not listened to it through headphones yet- i can only imagine how good it sounds. I urge anyone that likes soul or jazz to give this some time. I need a sit down.

CBA doing the pics on here, the pics will show on the link on i'll post on my facebook (Daniel Crook btw if anyone wants to add me).

Fuck me i've given up my new years eve and spent about 4 hours typing this up (why does it take so long?!).

Quote from earlier tonight, "You go out to the night just with your mates honey i'm not feeling that well"

*spends 4 hours typing up a list to impress 6 people on the internet*

FFS

See you all next year ;-)

30. The Cribs- 24/7 Rock Star Shit

Nothing earth shattering here in terms of the songs but it's a really good sounding album, raw and really early cribsy. Holds together really well.

29. The Jesus and Mary Chain- Damage and Joy

A joyous album which sounds exactly like you'd want a JAMC comeback album to sound like. Really like the duets on this album too,  Jim's voice works so well when he's bouncing off a sweet as honey female singer.

28. The Horrors - V

Quite a surprise this album as whilst I quite liked their last one, I wasn't sure whether they'd be able to hit the same heights as Primary Colors or Skying. V doesn't hit it consistently by any stretch but Machine and the wonderful Something To Remember me by are right up there with their best songs. The latter is especially brilliant,  a gorgeous piece of synth pop.

27. Don Leisure - Shaboo

This sounds like a long lost J-Dilla album, brilliant cuts of instrumental hip hop sliced with lots a wierd samples from radio stations advertising washing machines. If I had the talent of MF Doom i'd be all over this largely unknown dude trying to create some kind of Madvillian 2.0 vibe with these fantastic beats.

26. Ride - Weather Diaries

Another comeback album, this one dips it's toe in the water of change a little more than the JAMC album though. They've added a few electronic touches on this album and they've obviously been listening to a fair bit of Diiv as the lead single Charm Assault sounds exactly like them.  Song of the album for me has to be the majestic vaguely psychedelic whir of Cali. 

25. Childhood - Universal High

Got a really classic feel to it this. Incredibly catchy soul and funk music with a very light summery feel to it. The singer switches wonderfully effectively between falsetto, soulful crooning and an almost britpop Tim Burgess-esque vocal swagger.

24. This is The Kit - Moonshine Freeze

Wasn't too keen on this at first as i'm not really a huge fan of folk but i've come back to it recently and really grown to like it. It's not even that folky per-se, a lot of the arrangements actually have quite a bit of rhythm to them, blasts of sax and what not.

23. Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - The French Press

A belting 6 track album / EP of indie pop bangers. The title track is a sensational blend of The Strokes & The Libertines with some great vocals.

22. Tyler The Creator - Flower Boy

A really surprisingly melodic and enjoyable album from an artist who seemed to basically be a bit of a childish troll. He seems to have really got his shit together here. His lyrics seem really open and honest and the music is actually thought out and enjoyable to listen to.

21. Lea Porcelain  - Hymns To The Night

Not sure how I came across these as there's not much stuff about them at all on the net. Kind of suits their vibe though as they do have a bit of a mysterious sound. They're vaguely shoegazey sounding, albeit massively more towards the synthier side. It's really dark and gloomy and almost sounds Mancunian. Not everything on the album is brilliant but when it hits its amazing. Their song Bones might be one of my faves of the year.

20. Wiley - Godfather

About as confident as you'd expect from a grime stalwart reveling in his status as one of the founding fathers of the genre. The energy he releases in this album is really something to behold, he sounds brand new, effortlessly slotting in with his younger contemporaries.

19. Fazerdaze - Morningside

Amazingly catchy and punchy little album from New Zealand. From what I've read she's basically wrote and recorded all the parts to this herself, even though it does sound like a complete 'band' album.  This is so goddamn listenable, especially clocking in as it does with a 30 min run time. It sort of sounds a bit like the raveonettes but without all the fuzz. Dreamy and delicious.

18.  Girl Ray - Earl Grey

This manages to sound crafted but shambling at the same time. Their songs actually have quite a decent groove to them which fires them along nicely, the posh girl vocals don't even grate either and sound positively charming when paired with those really chilled out everyday sort of lyrics. They have a real ear for a melody for sure.

17. Ariel Pink - Dedicated to Bobby Jameson

Not as good as his spectacular pom pom but still a damn fine album. His sound is so familiar but incredibly distinctive, it can only be him, it's an amazing knack. He can blur really poignant serious sounding moments with all sorts of weird sounds and it doesn't sound wrong. The song Another Weekend is all sorts of beautiful.

16. St Vincent - MASSEDUCTION

Almost felt guilty even downloading this as it's been so fucking hyped. I knew it was pretty poppy too and not normally in my wheelhouse but as much as i'd like to dismiss it on the above basis, it's an absolute classic. It's everything good pop music should be.

15. Run The Jewels - RTJ3

Technically this a 2016 release but it was released in like the last week of December so I think it should qualify. Bassy and full of politically charged intent this is an album of full intensity with a real old school hip hop vibe. None of the soundcloud drugged up wierdness, it's full throttle trading verses over pumping bass and rattling drums. Lovely stuff (in particular the song Kids with it's stunning rap from Danny Brown).

14. Bonobo - Migration

More of the same from Bonobo, atmospheric electronic tunes which go from downtempo stuff to more housey and 2-steppy stuff. The way he shoehorns all the different samples, keys and love instruments into his productions and still gives them space to breathe is really impressive. It's definately heading to more dancefloor sound on this one. He's sort of like four tet but moving at a slightly slower career progression.

13. Kelly Lee Owens - Self Titled

Didn't hear of this album until it was Piccadilly records album of the year, but as they announce this in like mid November I've had a bit of time listening to it and it's fucking great. Treading the line between ambient electronic, techno and a sort of shoegaze drone aesthetic with all the reverby vocals, it's right up my street.

12. Four Tet - New Energy

I make no bones about it, i'm a big four tet fan boy so i'm pretty sure i'd like anything he put out. This though is a proper album unlike last year's sonic experiments and is a thoroughly decent effort. I've cooled on it slightly since I first heard it but I still think it's some classic shit. He's long abandoned his old sample led folktronic ways and gone down the path of more pure edm (urgh hate that word) and he's all the better for it.

11. Cigarettes after Sex - Self Titled

The beautifully androgynous voice of singer Greg Gonzalez, the bare jangly guitar, lush synth laden atmospherics and the openness of the lyrical content make this album a really personal listen, it feels like you're listening to a private conversation between two lovers at times. The atmosphere in this album is stunning, it does sound a bit samey at times but so what, they might be one trick pony's but its a great trick.

10. Mac DeMarco - This Old Dog

I definitely feel that Mac's songwriting ability gets lost somewhere in the between  his energetic live performances, his magnetic and almost entirely joke based personality and his hipster vibes. Whilst his albums have never actually been as loud and energetic as his internet hype would have people believe, This Old Dog is not just more stripped back but it's more introspective lyrically too. I think the song Moonlight on the river is one of his most gorgeous songs he's ever written.

9. King Krule - The Ooz

Like a lot of the best music King Krule sounds somewhat extra-terrestrial. A depressed drawl, half rapping, half jazz crooner. This albums all over the place and it's pure genius. Perhaps a little quality control could have been brought in as it doesn't need to last an hour and 8 mins. he seems quite an abrassive character though so I dunno, perhaps he just wanted to splash it all out there. Anyway the results are remarkable and it's out there on it's own completely.

8.  Joe Goddard - Electric Lines

Warm and fucking relentlessly tuneful, this is a bobby-dazzler. Love the way the songs are all dance music but it's like a journey taking you through all different types of dance music, Disco, Deep House, 90's big beat, Electronic. Different vocalists and different vibes everywhere but all with similar production and the same warm tunefulness. Really excellent album.

7. Lil Peep - Come Over When You're Sober Pt.1

Yeah I know. Only listened to this to see 'what the dead guy sounds like'. Absolutely hooked now though, I don't think anyone has ever wished to hear what Emo and Trap sounded like together but it turns out it sounds fuckin great. His spaced out depressed as shit, fucked off his face on Xanax rapping just sounds amazing. His knack of making every single lyric sound like a big chorus is genius. GOTHBOICLIQUE 4EVA.

6. LCD Soundsystem - American Dream

Always thought LCD would be capable of just picking up where they left off and knocking it out the park. So it proved. It's just everything I love about them and more, they seem like such a timeless band who can do no wrong.  FABULOUS.

5. Vince Staples - Big Fish Theory

I love this guys raps and tunes, they sound so modern. It does sounds quite dancey at times, especially on the opener Crabs in a bucket with it's house music vocal stabs, eerie synths and propelling beat. It's got that dancey vibe but it's certainly not that 'throw your drinks in the air' mainstream crap, he's still rappin about hard shit and ridin de riddim.

4. Slowdive - Self Titled

Such a surprising and rewarding comeback this. These days comebacks are everywhere and 9 times out of 10 they seem to turn out well. Usually the benchmark for a successful comeback is not making an embarrassment of your previous work, which is usually achieved with an average album drawing heavily on old tricks. This however is a sensational album that's easily the best work they've ever produced. The production is especially knockout, perfectly showcasing this multi textured masterpiece.

3. Kenrick Lamar - Damn

I dunno how he does it. Knew this was good when I heard it but it took me a while to realise that it was another truly inspired Kendrick offering. He's up there now with the greatest rappers ever. It feels like a perfect step this album, down from the the sort of jazzy wierdness of his last album but not so far back to the more party hip hop of his debut. Even the appearance of U2 didn't fuck this album up LOL.

2. Mount Kimbie - Love What Survives

I'm a big fan of all 3 Mount Kimbie albums, the progression is amazing. Consequently this is their best album, unlike their first which relied strictly on a specific post dub-step sound which was very much electronic, they've evolved wonderfully and this one is the crowning glory (at least till the next one). They have a much more rounded sound now, no doubt led by the fact that there are clearly a lot more live instruments on their records. There's a really nice warm fuzzyness to this record too, it's definately the best produced record of theirs. The guest vocalists are awesome as well, King Krule absolutely owns Blue Train Lines and the woman (sorry CBA googling) on You Look Certain is great as well.

1. The XX - I See You

A real return to form this after their incredibly dull second album. Jamie's success as an artist in his own right has helped them a great deal too. He shines through on this as his choice of keys make some of the songs, especially on On Hold & A Violent Noise. As amazing as their debut was, they were in danger of being typecast but they've managed to pull out a superb album laden with great lyrics, hooky choruses, classic XX style quiet jangle guitar, Roving bass lines and a hell of lot more depth and variety in the songs. I honestly probably don't even enjoy this album as much as a few that are listed quite a bit higher but I can just recognise that it's a work of art.

I've just re-read everyone's lists. Such great work.

I need to listen to Protomartyr I think

Good work, both of you.

Have you tried Tennis, titch? They're not that miserable or folky, but quite enchanting nonetheless.

On the subject of Tennis, I loved their second album 'young and old', listened to the new one once and really didn't like it at all. Couldn't really hear any hooks in it.

Mine is imminent - tonight or tomorrow night. 

I felt like a fraud not writing at least a couple of lines for each album so I'm working on that in between jobs at work and at home once my kid is asleep.

Mine will be up TONIGHT

Stop the press! My entries are slightly later than planned, but our Valencian friend has no doubt been stuffing his mouth with grapes over the last 48 hours anyway. There are some good sounding records in others' lists which I'll definitely be checking out at some point.

20. Alvvays/Antisocialites

I listened to this a few times while I was on holiday and it was a decent summer pop record, if a little fey. Haven’t gone back to it that much since though.

19. Courtney Barnett & Kurt Vile/Lotta Sea Lice

Good but not quite the sum of its parts. I have to be in the mood for Kurt Vile’s voice but love Courtney Barnett (* not as much as AndrewBarryNZ does) and just hope this hasn’t delayed her next proper record by too long.

18. Neon Waltz/Strange Hymns

Columbia_rocks_man’s favourites from even further north than me. Not as good as I’d been led to believe, but still an enjoyable listen.

17. Laura Marling/Semper Femina

I’ve gone off quiet singer-songwriter stuff for a few years now but downloaded this based on a recommendation on here, and after seeing her support Neil Young last year. Her voice is incredible

16. Public Service Broadcasting/Every Valley

A slight disappointment after two excellent LPs, but most of this is still really enjoyable and it’s good to see them incorporating new things like live vocals rather than just the spoken word samples scattered through their earlier work. I was pretty sceptical about a couple of middle class TCOTUers doing a concept album on an industrial community in Wales, but they just about get away with it.

15. Howie Payne/Mountain

Howie’s weakest album to date, but he’s still a good enough songwriter to make my top 20. Was this a nostalgia vote? Fuck off.

14. Protomartyr/Relatives in Descent

Like Kev and Mahoney have said, the best thing about this album is the way it flows. Protomartyr were first recommended to me by popular former forum member KATE FLAVIN and I’ll be checking out more of their stuff.

13. QTY/QTY

Boy-girl harmony laden glam-pop from New York, produced by Bernard Butler. The ten songs last all of half an hour, a really accessible record.

12. Spoon/Hot Thoughts

A band I’ve only really got into this year. Not sure I rate it quite as highly as some of their earlier stuff but the single Do I Have to Talk You Into It is tremendous.

11. Liam Gallagher/As You Were

The first four songs on this are incredible, then it tails off a little. It’s still one of the best Gallagher-related records since SOTSOG and just misses out on the top ten.

10. The Black Angels/Death Song

This would have been huge on the Soapbox about five years ago! Lots of 13th Floor Elevator rip-offs and the kind of guitar sound you could punch your granny to. Surprised it didn’t more attention round these parts.

9. The Charlatans/Different Days

The Charlatans and especially Tim Burgess seem to have been rejuvenated these last few years. It starts slowly and has a couple of wobbly moments like the Ian Rankin cameo and the unforgivable The Same House, but it’s a worthy (if inferior) companion to 2015’s Modern Nature.

8. Ryan Adams/Prisoner

Ryan Adams puts out a load of War on Drugs-esque AOR power ballads and manages to sound better than them. The first album of his I’ve paid attention to in about 15 years, I thought it was DRA by numbers at first but there are some great hooks in there and it really grew on me. Unlike seemingly everyone else on here, I reckon it’s better than his self-titled album, which I went back to afterwards.

7. Catholic Action/In Memory Of

Perhaps not what it could have been if they’d gone for a slightly less polished sound, but the songs on here are some of my favourites in years. I’ll still be playing L.U.V at parties in ten years’ time.

6. Charlotte Gainsbourg/Rest

A relatively late addition to this year’s list. I’d expected this to be a bit pretentious and/or the kind of dull thing that Guardian critics love to big up, but it’s just a solid modern pop album which I'll be going back to a lot.

5. Ride/Weather Diaries

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this at first as Charm Assault is a pretty weak Ride song. I’ve always thought of them as more of a power pop band than shoegaze outfit, and I’m glad they avoided the temptation to put out a 3rd rate psych album. Cali might be my song of the year.

4. Real Estate/In Mind

I’d been played a couple of Real Estate LPs before and found them ok if a bit inoffensive. The sound is pretty constant throughout so this one took a couple of listens to properly grow on me and to get the nuances of each of song, but it’s a good summer album with lots of 12 string guitars and pop hooks. “Two Arrows” is a great She’s So Heavy pastiche.

3. LCD Soundsystem/American Dream

A lot of my friends in TCOTU are real LCD fanbois and have banged on about this as though it’s the best thing ever recorded. It’s not that good, but it is a solid album and up there with anything else they put out. How Do You Sleep? Is incredible, and I hear a lot of Talking Heads influences elsewhere on the record.

2. The Horrors/V

Up there with Skying as their best album, I reckon (although their finest moments might be on Primary Colours). When they’re good they’re one of my favourite bands around today, although they could do with being a bit more consistent. I’m not always a fan of Paul Epworth has a producer but I think he brought out the best in them here.

1. Slowdive/Slowdive

For the second year in a row, my favourite album isn’t the one I’ve listened to most often or that I go to if I had to put something on. Like I said about the Ride LP, there’s so much half-arsed shoegaze/psych stuff around at the moment. I’d never been a Slowdive fan before but I think this is a really special album which flows incredibly.

IT'S DONE.

Gigs of the year (no particular order)
- Kraftwerk @ the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow. (If you ever get the chance to see them do their own show, rather than a festival appearance, then take it. There is a world of difference)
- Stormzy @ Glasgow Academy (Like fucking Beatlemania. I think me and about six other blokes up the back were the only cunts there over the age of 21 )
- Giggs @ Glasgow ABC (Proof that grime/hip-hop shows can be every bit as good as guitar bands)
- The Wailers @ Birmingham Academy (So fucking good, even if they are a tribute act these days)
- Ride @ Barrowland (6Music gig - sensational value, Ride were the pick of the bunch)
- LG @ the Barrowland (he won't be playing a venue that small for a long time)
- Stone Roses @ Hampden (Looks like it'll be their last ever gig, which will rank as a small claim to fame on this forum)
- Radiohead @ TRNSMT (No one should play for three and a half hours, but this was seriously great)
- Parquet Courts @ the Art School (Simply great)
- RTJ @ Glasgow Academy (Massive)

LPz

I could have padded this list out by including such big-selling bores as LCD Soundsystem but who gives a fuck. Let's cut to the chase and chew down on a top 20. I always judge an end-of-year list on the number of debuts it includes, so 2017 has been a good one for me.

20) Kraftwerk - Kraftwerk 3D
This is a live album, not a studio or remix compilation, so it technically counts as a new work. Obvs the tracks included have been doing the rounds in one form or another for four decades in some cases, but there are some quite radical reworkings included. I've read some reviews hail this as the best album Kraftwerk have ever done and I agree completely. It has the feeling and overall sound quality of a studio production, despite being recorded across several shows. There is no audience noise, no on-stage chat. The versions of Autobhan, the Model, and Expo 2000, to name but three, are all improvements on the better-known studio works. I could go on and on about how great this album is, but I'll end by saying if you've never really *got* Kraftwerk, this is the perfect place to start.

19) Spinning Coin - Permo
It's a cast-iron law that the best Glasgow bands never get attention outside of the city, while the worst/most boring will make a national breakthrough. Spinning Coin definitely lean toward the former. I wouldn't be typing this if Stephen Pastel didn't love them and hadn't then secured them a decent record deal through a Domino subsidiary. Sean is the real talent in this band, and there are some decent moments in this LP, but it's not a patch on either his previous band the Yawns or his own solo work.

18)Blanck Mass - World Eater
He's quickly creating a genre in his own right. No one sounds quite like him. This is a great effort, but not quite as good as Dumb Flesh.

17) Perfume Genius - No Shape
A real talent but quite a bit away from becoming the finished article. Recon seeing him live would allow me to appreciate the songs more.

16) Giggs - Wamp 2 Dem
I've taken an interest in Giggs ever since stumbling across him at a festival years ago. I always thought he was too raw to make a proper chart crossover - not to mention the Met police's on-going harassment of every TCOTU show he plays - but then Drake came along and basically made him a star on both sides of the pond. In fairness he deserves it IMO - he's a fascinating character and his recorded output just gets better and better. Plus he's achieved it all without becoming a shit ballad merchant like Stormzy - more on that later.

15) Sleaford Mods - English Tapas
This was solid enough but I'm beginning to worry Jason is losing the slightly-unhinged edge that made them so vital in the first place.
It's a long way removed from Austerity Dogs, which remains their undoubted peak imo.

14) Action Bronson - Blue Chips 7000
A bit throwaway, but agree with Mahoney that this sounds like a return to form. If only he would stop making so many shit cooking shows for VICE and spend a bit of real time in the studio.

13) Ariel Pink - Dedicated to Bobby Jameson
An album that almost completely passed me by until the end of the year. Further proof that despite being a huge creep, he's a pop songwriter
of exceptional talent. Feels Like Heaven is classic AP.

12) The Jesus and Mary Chain - Damage and Joy
OK, so the best songs have been floating around in one form or another for several years. But this was still a great comeback record with some excellent moments. I think bringing Youth on board as producer was an inspired move - it would have been very easy for them to sound like a bad pub rock version of themselves.

11) Morrissey - Low in High School
If Morrissey had granted a few interviews to the English press and kept his mouth shut about fucking UKIP and Weinstein then this album would be getting the kind of plaudits it really deserves. I firmly believe any sensible adult should be able to separate the art from the artist - who listens to a band based on their poorly formed political opinions? - but Mozz has dished it out for so long now that he must surely have expected the kind of flack he received in kind. Anyway, this album is overly long and difficult in places, but the highlights - Jacky's Only Happy... My Love I'd Do... etc are the best songs he's released in a full decade and a significant improvement on his last two records. Despite being in his late 50s, he still has the ability to surprise and delight. And irritate everyone, obvs.

10) Tyler, the Creator - Flower Boy
I shrugged the first time I heard it but I keep coming back to it. It lacks a stand-out Yonkers moment, but he's moving in the right direction.

9) St Vincent - Masseducation
I can't really add anything that's not been said before by 12,000 vegan New York bloggers. She really is great, though.

8) Vince Staples - Big Fish Theory
I gave this album a go on a whim and found myself hooked from the off. I would like the chance to see him live, but much like his pal Frank Ocean, he seems like too much of an awkward fucker to ever tour properly.

7) Catholic Action - In Memory Of
I've followed them for the past three years and watched them develop into a really exciting guitar pop band. This debut album is great and contains some tunes Soapbox members will adore - check out L.U.V. or Breakfast - but I will admit the production is a bit polished for my liking, and doesn't reflect their quality as a live band.

6) Stormzy - Gang Signs & Prayer
Easily the most frustrating album of the year. While Stormzy, his manager, team of publicists, and bank manager must all think it couldn't be better, I rate it as something of a missed opportunity. He should have released 12 bangers like Bad Boys or First Things First and staked his claim as the biggest and best new MC around. Instead he seems determined to go down the daytime radio ballad route. He can sing, but why be a mediocre pop singer when you could be so much more?

5) The Horrors - V
I was surprised they produced something this good. I was fairly certain they would fade out to nothing after the last patchy album. It's great to see they still have the drive and determination to surprise you.

4) Liam Gallagher - As You Were
Like everyone else on here I did worry he might release an absolute turkey in an effort to make a fast buck. I'm happy to say he proved me wrong on that, and also on how much staying power this album has. I played it more and more as the year went on. Songs like Bold are among the best things he's ever done. I've really enjoyed the whole 2017 LG experience, and feel gratified that he's finally being held up in the media as the equal of his ageing and increasingly bitter older brother.

3) Run the Jewels - RTJ3
It's scary how consistent they are. I'd say RTJ2 still shades this, but it's still a landmark record for me.

2) Neon Waltz - Strange Hymns
Neon Waltz were the hill I chose to die on this year. I will continue to bang the drum for them. I genuinely believe this is a terrific album and an outstanding debut. I urge more people to give them a go. Songs like Dreamers, Heavy Heartless, Bare Wood Aisles etc deserve to be heard.

1) Wiley - Godfather
A bold pick, I'll admit. Wiley to me, until this time last year, was little more than an amusing figure who shouted his mouth off in the media. I followed the palaver about whether this LP would ever see the light of day and decided to try it when it finally dropped. It clicked straight away and I've never failed to enjoy it since. It's the sound of an exceptional veteran MC doing what he does best, but forced to take it up a level to stay relevant. The opening 40 seconds of Birds and Bars are absolutely huge, and then he follows it up with Bring Them All, which never fails to sound anything other than massive. He's finally playing Glasgow in February, given his usual live reviews I'm braced for it being bang average at best. But this LP really is five star.

Is anyone besides tucker planning on posting a list?

Has Baz posted his? He did one on facebook

He hasn't, no. If he doesn't login soon guess you can steal it?

I promise I'm almost done guys!

50. The Menzingers - After The Party
I'm a bit of sucker for American pop punk and these guys do it as well as anyone ever has IMO. I don't listen to this kind of stuff that much but when I've had the itch this year, this has really hit the spot.


49. Chelsea Wolf - Hiss Spun
Sinister, brooding and dark. It's almost Sabbath-y in places and not really what I expected but it was a very pleasant surprise
.

48. Pond - The Weather
Definitely not my favorite Pond album but they went for a fuller, lusher, more synth-driven sound and pulled it off pretty well IMO.


47. Psychedelic Porn Crumpets - High Visceral, Pt.2
Blisteringly fast & ferocious mostly and full of girthy, scuzzy riffs.


46. The Black Angels - Death Song
The best Black Angels album in recent memory, probably the best since their 2nd album.


45. Hanni El Khatib - Savage Times
Mostly just simple garage rock with a few tracks that don't fit the rest of the style of the album but are still good. Pretty straightforward stuff really but ticks all the boxes for me. It's maybe a little long


44. Manchester Orchestra - A Black Mile To The Surface
Arcade Fire meets Band of Horses is the way I'd describe this to a stranger. I love the earlier work of both bands and really like how this album is sequenced, it feels sweeping and epic.


43. The Regrettes - Feel Your Feelings Fool
Female pop/punk/rock with crunchy guitars and great hooks - what's not to like?


42. The Shins - Heartworms
I didn't bother with the album before this but enjoyed this one quite a bit. Nice production, very colourful and warm sounding with some real catchy numbers.


41. The Proper Ornaments - Foxhole
Guitar-driven psych pop with a nice chilled out vibe.  Very spacious and sparse sound in places.  Highly enjoyable.

40. Father John Misty - Pure Comedy
It's a bit overblown and up it's own arse in places but I can't deny it's got hooks and melodies throughout. Prefer his last album all in all, this is a pretty nice effort.


39. Seez Mics - With
Gets labelled as "abstract hip hop" though I'm not quite sure what is abstract about it tbh, but I like it. It's pretty loose and you can tell whoever this is (some bearded white fella) is having fun doing it.


38. alt-J - Relaxer
Always thought I hated Alt J but I like this quite a bit. Big fan of the production and how much room there is for some of the tracks to really breathe.


37. Girlpool - Powerplant
Female fronted indie rock that seems to flirt a bit with grunge in places? Sounds good to me. The band are tight despite sounding a bit like they might fall to bits, if that even makes sense?


36. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Murder Of The Universe
A little bit sci-fi, a little medievil, a whole lotta dark-sounding weirdness with some nice narration that I expected to wear thin and but off putting but it isn't


35. Happyness - Write In
Like these a lot. Quite a different sound to the first album, maybe more of a full and well rounded sound? This album reminds me a lot of Girls


34. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Flying Microtonal Banana
More weirdness from these fellas. I'm sure I read that they played instruments on this album that they made themselves and in some weird key? It's definitely a weird sounding record that sounds like it was inspired by Turkish or Middle Eastern music.


33. The National - Sleep Well Beast It still hasn't fully clicked with me this. It's undeniably a good album but I think it might be their worst album. Having said that, "Turtleneck" is one of my favourite tunes from the year.


32. Sisters of Your Sunshine Vapour - Lavendar Blood
Big fan of this band. They normally do really dirgey/scuzzy/droney psych rock but they've changed it up a bit here and took a slightly softer approach. I prefer their meatier sound but it's nice to hear bands try new things


31. Laura Marling - Semper Famina
I like Laura Marling well enough but shes never got me excited like some people get over here. This album is probably my favourite thing of hers - it sounds totally timeless and fresh at the same time