Top 10 Songs & Albums Of 2019 (So Far)

Now that we’re fully through the first half of the year, here are some songs and albums that I’ve kept in steady rotation.  Enjoy.

TOP 10 SONGS OF 2019 (so far and in no particular order)

Sleater-Kinney – The Future Is Here

Truth be told, I really love both of Sleater-Kinney’s new singles.  The commanding The Future Is Here edges out Hurry On Home by just a bit though.

Pup – Kids

If you ask me, this is the best song that Pup has ever put out.

Mannequin Pussy – Drunk II

Had I chosen to rank out the tracks on this list, I would have definitely put this one from Mannequin Pussy in the top spot.  Hell of an anthem here.

Yawners – La Escalera

This little slice of indie rock from Yawners is as infectious as be.

J Mascis – Don’t Do Me Like That (Tom Petty Cover)

By far the best cover I’m come across so far this year.  Thanks, J.

Soak – Knock Me Off My Feet

I appreciate all the defiance on display in this super catchy single from Soak.

Nilufer Yanya – In Your Head

My favorite track off what is one of the best albums of the year.  Check out Nilufer Yanya’s Miss Universe if you haven’t.

Bon Iver – Hey, Ma

And out of nowhere, it’s Bon Iver with a song so good that it 100% recharged my interest in the Justin Vernon-led act.

The National – Light Years

I dig this track so much that sometimes when I listen to The National’s I Am Easy To Find, I just skip right to the end and play it first.

Huntly – Low Grade Buzz

I listen to this calming, headphone-worthy number from Huntly just about every time I get an email that makes me want to toss my laptop off a cliff.

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2019 (so far and in no particular order)

Alex Lahey – The Best Of Luck Club

Alex Lahey continues to be one of my favorite songwriters.

Carly Rae Jepsen – Dedicated

The singles for CRJ’s Dedicated didn’t do much for me on their own, but boy I haven’t fallen hard for the album.  I pick a new favorite song off it every couple of days.

Karen O & Danger Mouse – Lux Prima

The production on Karen O & Danger Mouse’s Lux Prima is absolutely pristine.  I’ve started a lot of days with it.

Malibu Ken – Self Titled

Malibu Ken consists of Aesop Rock and Tobacco.  Their debut has unquestionably been my favorite hip hop album here in the first half of 2019.

Mannequin Pussy – Patience

What a massive home run from Mannequin Pussy.

The National – I Am Easy To Find

I don’t know if I’d call I Am Easy To Find a proper follow-up to Sleep Well Beast, as it feels more like a really collaborative, slightly experimental effort from The National, but I like it a lot.

Nilufer Yanya – Miss Universe

Since its release in March, I’ve listened to Miss Universe a lot.  Kudos to Nilufer Yanya for crafting such an indie rock/pop gem.

Orville Peck – Pony

Orville Peck is a country superstar.

Vampire Weekend – Father Of The Bride

I didn’t care for Vampire Weekend’s Father of The Bride at first, but it’s really grown on me. I think I wanted it to be bigger than Modern Vampires Of The City, but it’s more of an intimate and intricate affair.

Yawners – Just Calm Down

If you like 90s-tinged indie rock that’s super catchy, then Yawners‘ Just Calm Down is for you.

Here’s another 20 albums that I’ve been into, because why not.

Big Thief – U.F.O.F.
Bill Callahan – Sheppard In A Sheepskin Vest
Bruno Bavota – Re_Cordis
Brutus – Nest
Calliope Musicals – Color/Sweat
Cherry Glazerr – Stuffed & Ready
Crumb – Jinx
Faye Webster – Atlanta Millionaires Club
Gary Clark Jr. – This Land
Girlpool – What Chaos Is Imaginary
Harlem – Oh Boy
Jeanines – Self Titled
Mono – Nowhere Now Here
Pup – Morbid Stuff
Sir Babygirl – Crush On Me
Sharon Van Etten – Remind Me Tomorrow
The Appleseed Cast – The Fleeting Light Of Impermanence
The Coathangers – The Devil You Know
Weyes Blood – Titanic Rising
White Denim – Side Effects