15. Björk- Fossora
Björk’s latest is nothing overly new for the long standing experimental artist, but it does offer some of her best songs in quite a while. Certainly an album that requires a certain mood (the album has been described as ‘fungal’, so take that as you will), as with most Björk albums, the rewards are plentiful if you put time and patience into re-listens. Great stuff as usual!
14. Broken Bells- Into the Blue
Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) and James Mercer (The Shins) have returned with another Broken Bells collab, and once again there’s so much joy to be found with this album. Punchy, joyful, romantic music that really will touch the hearts of any fans who have longed for a new record since 2014. Highlights include the snappy “Saturdays” or the lengthy, gorgeous single “Love on the Run”. Heavy rotation for this one for me this year!
13. Otoboke Beaver- Super Champon
Another fantastic blast of a release from the Japanese punk queens. Blazing through 18 tracks in a mere 21 minutes, Otoboke Beaver’s quick fire songwriting still absolutely enthralls, the control of speed still mind-blowing. Vocals are again one of the big highlights here (at times utterly cathartic), and the drum work absolutely bonkers. Another reason to love this band. Get on it if you haven’t heard it yet!
12. Angel Olsen- Big Time
Angel Olsen has always hinted toward country twang in her albums, so it was kind of a homecoming when she released her heaviest country-inspired record to date this year. Soulful, longing and layered, this album is best enjoyed in the quieter moments of life. Both contemplative about her past and hopeful about her future, Angel Olsen again delivers an album that will melt fan’s hearts. It got a lot of heavy re-listens from me this year and it has grown on me immensely since it dropped.
11. Jun Togawa and Yamaguchi Shinichi- Togawa Jun no Doyou Shouka
Jun Togawa and Yamaguschi Shinichi (Yapoos) have a YouTube show called “Jun Togawa’s life advice”, which often has a short song (mostly covers of children’s tracks) and this album collects all of them up to the stage of its release. It’s really a wonderful selection, showcasing the loving working relationship between the pair and Togawa’s unique ability to make anything compelling. It’s definitely not going to be something seen as a Togawa entry album for newcomers, but for those passionate about her body of work, it’s really a treat. I found myself lost in these tracks for a long time, and still find it a ‘no skip’ album each time I put it on. Jun Togawa still releasing gold this far into her career is a testament to her longevity.
deadgrandmablog 