Wow – in the 25 years I have been participating in the POOP, this might be the least interesting list of releases. Truth be told, I spent the majority of the year moving back and forth from jazz to classical. More interested in background music than foreground, I guess. Nonetheless, the draw to put down my opinions on paper are too strong to quit now. With that, let’s see what I can eke out from what I’ve heard this year.

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1. Brittany Howard – Jaime A real eclectic collection and a departure from her day job, this record will stand the test of time. With each listen there is something new to discover.

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2. (Sandy) Alex G – House Of Sugar I still love lo-fi pop records that make you work, and this one fits nicely into that category. There is even a glimmer of optimism, which I won’t hold against him.

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3. Bon Iver – i, i More a collection of soundscapes than structured songs, it also works well as background music, where every so often you lift your head and nod along.

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4. Sufjan Stevens – Love Yourself / With My Whole Heart EP Ok, only an EP, but so what. It was strong enough to stick with me and make the list.

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5. Jay Som – Anak Ko Way more polished and catchier than previous records, I have a feeling she will be around for some time.

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6. Wilco – Ode To Joy In a stronger year, I’m not sure this record evens appears on my list. Definitely starts strong, but ends with a whisper, and not in a fond way.

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7. Vampire Weekend – Father Of The Bride Sure, why not. I’ve heard enough of this
record to keep me coming back. Reminds me of summertime, and that alone is worth
repeated listens.

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8. Bob Mould – Sunshine Rock I’m pretty sure he could record The Bible, and I would still listen. He will always have a soft spot in my heart, and this record is solid enough to fit snuggly in his catalog.

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9. Hiss Golden Messenger – Terms Of Surrender Very much overlooked, he’s really grown into himself as a songwriter and singer. Strong hooks and confident vocals, this is a keeper.

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10. Bruce Springsteen – Western Stars Sure, another why not release. He’s Brucccce for Christ’s sake! Actually, timing was right for this record. Have you heard “The Wayfarer”? It is timeless.

11. Lana Del Rey – Norman Fucking Rockwell! Sultry, hushed, moody… just about sums up all of Lana’s records.
12. The National – I Am Easy To Find And I am thankful you are easy to find. A bit more straight-forward rock then previous records, but still quite enjoyable.
13. Andrew Bird – My Finest Work Was never a huge fan, but it’s very strong both musically and lyrically. Maybe I need to dive deeper into the catalog.
14. Jenny Lewis – On The Line A very mature rock record. Strong vocals and songwriting, it feels very polished… in a good way.
15. Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go I don’t know much about her music, but I heard an interview with her and I dig it. That’s good enough.
16. Angel Olsen – All Mirrors Lots of women dominated records this year that all come from the same soulful place. And nothing wrong with that.
17. Maggie Rogers – Heard It in a Past Life Dreamy pop, good for a late night listen or an early hungover morning.
18. Bill Callahan – Shepherd In A Sheepskin Vest Wow, music is really making me work this year. After multiple listens, I finally connected with this record.
19. Gary Clark Jr. – This Land This is new school blues at it’s finest. The man definitely knows how to play guitar.
20. Josh Rouse – The Holiday Sounds Of Josh Rouse He continues to churn out solid record after record. Not your usual holiday album.

Reissues
1. Grateful Dead – Aoxomoxoa (50 th Anniversary) The live disc alone is worth the price.
2. Neil Young – Tuscaloosa Stark and powerful, this represents such a great era.
3. Rolling Stones – The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus Full circus on display.
4. Bob Dylan – The Rolling Thunder Revue: The 1975 Live Recording Favorite era, hands down.
5. Sonic Youth – Battery Park, July 4 th , 2008 So powerful. I remember choosing not to go. Ugh.
6. The Beatles – Abbey Road How amazing is it we can hear the Beatles in a new light in 2019?
7. The Replacements – Dead Man’s Pop Wow, so glad we now have this reimagined gem.
8. Gene Clark – No Other A true masterpiece completely overlooked when originally released.
9. Miles Davis – The Complete Birth Of The Cool Definitely complete and worth a full listen.
10. Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On Live More interesting historically speaking than musically.

And there you go. Another year gone. Optimism is in full bloom for the future. I know, crazy,
right? Speak soon!

Eric Fine NYC