Frank’s List
In a year filled with loss, it’s only fitting that my favorite album of the year was The Cure‘s Songs of a Lost World. After what felt like an eternity, the album we received is everything I needed from the band and more. Hearing the opening notes of “Alone” brought tears to my eyes, while songs such as “Warsong” and “Drone:NoDrone” feel as prescient as ever. However, the real meat of the album lies in tracks such as “I Can Never Say Goodbye” and closing track “Endsong,” both which stand as high benchmarks in the band’s catalogue – powerful, epic, and reflective in all the best ways.
Aside from The Cure, this year was chock full of eclectic, joyous, and beautiful releases, all of which captured my attention in full. The Wolfgang Press, one of 4AD’s most singular acts, also returned out of the blue, as did former label mates Modern English and Anja Huwe, and all three sound as vital as ever. Similarly, New Model Army and Ride‘s latest offerings, for my money, are as good as anything they’ve ever released, proving that the old guard still has lots to offer. Of course, a newer crop of musicians also brought the heat this year, from good pals and master musicians to new favorite treasures. In truth, there was so much great new music this year that I ran out of room on my main list, which doesn’t happen terribly often…
It’s also an honor to have released something new this year as well, even though it was the worst possible week for us to do so. For those who might have missed it, please check out The Harrow’s new EP, Cinderglow, which we hope to follow up next year.
All this said and done, my favorite moment of 2024 came just this past November, where we flew to southern France to catch the tail end of And Also the Trees‘ European tour, hot off the release of their breathtaking Mother-of-pearl Moon LP. It was a true bucket list, once-in-a-lifetime experience for me to see this forever favorite perform tracks both new and old and to bask in their energy for a few short hours.
Hope everyone enjoys the upcoming holiday season and finds solace in family, friends, and of course, music. See y’all in 2025!
1. The Cure – Songs of a Lost World
2. Xeno and Oaklander – Via Negativa (in the doorway light)
3. And Also the Trees – Mother-of-pearl Moon
4. Silent Em – Real Life
5. Coatie Pop – Unknown God
6. Siviyex – The Mirrax Sequence
7. Modern English – 1, 2, 3, 4
8. Mueran Humanos – Reemplazante
9. Anilore – Lia Fall
10. Mo Dotti – Opaque
11. Rosegarden Funeral Party – From the Ashes
12. Nina Belief – Theta
13. Houses of Heaven – Within / Without
14. Orannssi Pazuzu – Muuntautuja
15. Anja Huwe – Codes
16. Ghost Cop – Trouble
17. Desperate Journalist – No Hero
18. Belong – Realistic IX
19. New Model Army – Unbroken
20. Ride – Interplay
21. The Wolfgang Press – A 2nd Shape
22. The Prids – I Only Care About You and Me
23. Kontravoid – Detachment
24. Normal Bias – Kingdom Come
25. Blushing – Sugarcoat
EPs/12”s/7”s/Mini LPs/etc.
1. Sacred Hearts – Siren Songs
2. FertilizeHer – Bless This Womb
3. Ortrotasce – Recall (Crashed Tracks)
4. Red Lorry Yellow Lorry – Driving Black
5. The Chameleons – Where Are You?
Singles
1. Automelodi – “Cavallo”
2. Bootblacks – “When You Want”
3. Blacklist – “The Witching Hour”
4. Public Memory – “In the Chilly Darkness of Her Room”
5. Ozean – “Streets of Chrome”
Full track here.
6. Kælan Mikla – “Stjörnuljós”
7. Mannhunter – “Alle Psallite Cum Luya”
8. Geneva Jacuzzi – “Laps of Luxury”
9. Mahogany – “A Scaffold”
10. Alison’s Halo – “Happy”
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