Best Albums for 2022
Dan Wilmer, Jersey City, NJ
This List Goes to Eleven
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1. Wet Leg – Wet Leg
Wow. What a debut. Song after song of sassy, vibrant indie rock.
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2. Spoon – Lucifer on the Sofa
I played “The Hardest Cut” more than any other song this year. Another great record from one of my all-time favorite bands.
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3. Spiritualized – Everything Was Beautiful
The companion record to 2018’s Nothing Hurt offers seven more perfect space-rock elegies. Their COVID-canceled local show was one of the year’s disappointments.
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4. Sierra Ferrell – Long Time Coming
Someone described this as “Jazz-inflected Bluegrass.” Whatever you call it, she is a super-talented singer, guitarist, and songwriter.
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5. Panda Bear, Sonic Boom – Reset
A sonic adventure with soaring harmonies. Brian Wilson’s Smile meets Spaceman 3.
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6. Afghan Whigs – How Do You Burn?
This stunner of an album holds its own aside both of their classics: 1993’s Gentleman and 1996’s Black Love. Amazing.
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7. Arcade Fire – WE
Another band that’s recaptured some of their best songwriting and performances in years.
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8. UV-TV – Always Something
The Go-Go’s meets The Jesus and Mary Chain. Great new band, now based in Queens, NY.
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9. Better Oblivion Community Center – Better Oblivion Community Center
I only discovered this Conor Oberst / Phoebe Bridgers side project this past year and cannot get enough of it.
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10. Elvis Costello – A Boy Named If
Best Elvis Costello album in two decades. Maybe three?
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11. Wilco – Cruel Country
Jeff’s usual impeccable songwriting with the band’s usual top-notch chops. A sprawling double album of 21 countrified songs. Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival in North Adams was a real highlight of our year.
More to Explore
Americana
· Molly Tuttle – Golden Highway.
Alternative / Indie / Rock
· Alvvays – Blue Rev.
· Band of Horses – Things Are Great
· Beach House – Once Twice Melody
· The Beths – Experts in a Dying Field
· Death Cab For Cutie – Asphalt Meadows
· Florence & the Machine – Dance Fever
· The Reds, Pinks, and Purples – Summer at Land’s End
· The Smile – A Light For Attracting Attention
· Sharon Van Etten – We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong
· Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Cool it Down
· Pete Yorn – Hawaii
Blues
· Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder – Get on Board
Electronic / Dance
· Havana Swim Club – Havana Swim Club