"It seemed to me the quality grew exponentially as the year progressed. The first quarter of the year was relatively barren, became more interesting around April and there has been a slew of excellent releases in the second half of 2022. I've purchased 34 albums this year, comparable to 2021 (36) and 2020 (35). However, I do have a number still on my hitlist. With the benefit of time and discovering more music, too, 2022 will comfortably outstrip those years.
Placebo's Never Let Me Go was my no.1 for most of the year. However, there were other albums I began to listen to more frequently. I also really felt like showcasing a new band rather than a seasoned outfit.
1. Wet Leg: Wet Leg (April)
I first heard/saw 'Chaise Longue' and 'Wet Dream' on YouTube in 2021 and dismissed Wet Leg as a novelty act, a pastiche. The album wasn't an instant hit either, it took a couple of listens for it to work its charm. As the year went by though, I realised what they have crafted is an album chock full of earworms. Hooks everywhere. Also, they have given me more laugh-out-loud moments than any other band this year. The knowing nods and interactions between Rhian and Hester in their live sets, particularly during 'Chaise Longue', are hilarious. Deserving of my no.1 album and the wider, Mercury-nominated acclaim it has received.
2. Horsegirl: Versions of Modern Performance (June)
Thanks to @Isitquiex for posting
Versions of Modern Performance on the albums thread; a band named Horsegirl would not otherwise have caught my eye. Lying somewhere between the dissonance of Sonic Youth and the radiance of Warpaint, this has grown into my most frequently played album across the past three months. I happened to see a 'What's in My Bag?' interview with the band on YouTube and was impressed with their selections, enthusiasm and their eloquence; Alice Coltrane, The Feelies, Charlie Megira and Young Mable Giants were some of the selections. A broad range of influences for a trio of 18-19 year olds. Ran Wet Leg very close, perhaps just lacking the standout songs to earn top spot.
3. Placebo: Never Let me Go (March)
A top 3 band in this household, a new Placebo album is always a highlight - and 9 years since
Loud Like Love, long overdue. I think it is a stronger album than their past two releases; if not quite a return to the halcyon days of
Black Market Music, Sleeping With Ghosts and
Meds, at least a strong contender to be next in line. Darker, more paranoid, still very Placebo. 'Chemtrails' is my favourite song this year.
4. Björk: Fossora (September)
Speaking of a return to form, that applies equally to Björk. This madcap 'fungal nightmare' sold me from the first breakbeat/sax notes of 'Atopos'. While Fossora is not commercial, it moves away from the recent ambient Björk efforts and back into a more earthy and daring realm. Harsh, grating, industrial beats line up equally with her usual gossamer-light songs. An artist who remains unique.
5. Danger Mouse and Black Thought: Cheat Codes (August)
A classy, conscious hip-hop album capable of throwing in the unexpected; the opening song begins on a Gwen McCrae sample with a reference to Harry Potter in the opening bar. Nary a trope in earshot and some sparkling production; the spacey sample of an obscure prog song (Biglietto Per L'Inferno - 'L'Amico Suicida') on 'Saltwater' the highlight.
6. Principe Valiente: Barricades (March)
This could well be my most-listened-to album of the year. Huge, shimmering 80s-style production, big songs that sound both ice-cold and distant, warm and familiar at the same time. It's rather excellent.
7. Just Mustard: Heart Under (May)
Discovered
Heart Under via the albums thread and glowing reviews in Resident's excellent mid-year review. It was nominated their
album of the year. Brooding industrial shoegaze is how it is described, and that sounds fair enough to me for the overall soundscape. Vocalist Katie Ball reminds me of Jan Johnston, who may be familiar to UK-based posters re: turn of the millennium trance scene. With a bit of Hope Sandoval chucked in for good measure.
8. Gwenno: Tresor (July)
The second Mercury-nominee on my list. Lovely album, a point of difference and mystique being that she sings in Cornish here. Folky, a little psychedelic, but with plenty of low-end in places to avoid being twee. 'Ardamm' is one of the highlights.
9. Padkarosda: Sötét Végek (October)
Bandcamp Friday barn find. Listened to two songs, instantly bought their entire back catalogue. Whether the correct term or not, it's what I'd label as darkwave. Why do I like this one? Vocals are in Hungarian and I have not a clue what they are singing about - it could be 10 odes to goulash for all I know. But it's tasty, punked-out goulash. It also sounds like it cost 1000 Forint to make and was recorded in a dank, stinking Budapest sewer. It's a Berurier Noir type of punky filth without the accoutrements. Unlikely to appear on any other list anywhere, but the aesthetic hits me just right!
10. Fontaines D.C: Skinty Fia (April)
Assured third album and worthy of my final spot. Enjoyed their Glastonbury set, solid."
