On February 27th, 2018, 23 year-old Plato (Malachi Taylor) released his first major single “Warning” which carries the listener through lonesome lyrics and a laid-back beat. Recorded on Garageband with dear friend Jose Reyes, this track and its making is best described as a phoenix emerging from ashes and soaring through the cold reality that life throws at you. Malachi drops his honest words as the phoenix attempts to lift itself while maintaining a warm-hearted façade. Great debut song and I cannot wait to hear more of what Plato has to offer the world!

Just Beach House being Beach House 🙂 The Baltimore-based band has put out two new songs in preparation for their upcoming album 7. Their 7th album is set to be released on May 11th. The latest song to be released, Dive, is a transcendent reminder of how Beach House consistently provides a sense of synthesizing relief thanks to the band’s talent and Victoria Legrand’s soothing voice. Also check out Lemon Glow!

Jonny Pierce back at it after a very successful Abysmal Thoughts. Meet Me in Mexico sounds like an elegant extension of his last record. Very catchy, very Drums-y, and all proceeds go to a great cause aiding “Reconstruir México and Lago Tanganica 67 to support Mexican earthquake relief efforts” (Source: Bandcamp). Go Jonny!

https://wearethedrums.bandcamp.com/album/meet-me-in-mexico

MGMT has resurfaced and delivered the best album of the year…already. This record overly compensates for the last. Honestly, how did we deserve such an incredible piece of art? It has definitely been worth the wait. This album makes me feel like I am in a cave with other people who have wandered into it with the same approach of spreading love and wickedness. It is very 80s with elements of pop and goth. Along with awesome music videos, this album is near perfect. 9/10. Well done, MGMT.

10. Arcade Fire – Everything Now

Believe it or not, Arcade Fire did not come out with a completely terrible record this year. The biggest Canadian indie band came out with Everything Now after a long wait that may not even have been worth it. I am putting it my top ten though because despite their loss of traction, they continue to add different elements that create beautiful hits. Different outlets have mixed opinions about the new album however I see this album as a masterpiece that creeps up on you. Not their best work yet the intensity of the sounds remain.

 

9. King Krule – The OOZ

King Krule has taken a bit of an experimental approach but it paid off. His new album is one to experience. It may be tough to follow along his mopey-ness but this boy has talent. The OOZ is a magnificent piece that leaves behind that chemtrail on the album cover. Dive into the world of King Krule and you may start to fall in love with his unique voice and sounds.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cijxVWAVWRg

8. Lil B – Black Ken

Lil B is back! And I believe this is his strongest collection. The album starts off strong with several awesome tracks. Not everyone understands Bay Area hip-hop especially with a figure like Lil B. This album is very special. Black Ken does lose its flow halfway through the album. The hits make-up for it and there are plentiful. This is the anomaly of the list but it is certainly worth a listen if you need to be hyped up for that interview.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEKZpUgXsAI

7. Bjork – Utopia

There are not many people who I would recommend Bjork to. She definitely steals the spotlight and puts everything else on pause. She is a legend who if you end up liking, you will not be disappointed with any of her other works. Utopia is an album that does not let you forget who Bjork is. It may be a tough listen to some but it will be a delightful breeze to Bjork lovers.

6. Phoenix – Ti Amo

Phoenix is a band that will forever be one of my favorites. I think they have experienced a lot of the same aging as Arcade Fire has yet 2017 has been good to both of them. Entertainment may not have swept people off their feet but Ti Amo definitely put an Italian stamp into the hearts of their fans. The album is not the strongest of the year but it has such a loving tone that was intended to make it un-hateable.

5. Turnover – Good Nature

Turnover is a beautiful indie band which surprisingly fits very nicely in the pop-punk scene. Their latest, Good Nature, adds to an already smooth set of tracks. Turnover has been very consistent and a lot of their songs seem like they all come from the same album. This is something that can make a band great. Turnover is great. Good Nature is great. Such an easy listen if you are into softer rock with nice melodies.

4. Beach Fossils – Somersault

I am going to claim that this album is the best sad album of the year. Somersault is lovely in its entirety and digs a void into your soul. Next time you cry please put this album on and feel the effects that it does to you. A slow album but a strong masterpiece. I cannot wait to see where this band goes in the future. They have certainly caught my attention.

3. Beach House – B-Sides and Rarities

Beach House is so incredible that even their B-Sides collection has given their fans the love they did not even know they deserved. Beach House never disappoints and anyone who loves enchanting indie needs to give this album a chance. Maybe you were unaware of this piece. Maybe you have not listened to their other stuff. Please listen to Devotion and follow your heart and soul into the never failing comfort of Beach House.

2. The Drums – Abysmal Thoughts

Hard decision to make this album my #2 album of the year. It is definitely #1 in my heart. Jonny Pierce delivers his emotions beautifully in every record and Abysmal Thoughts is no different. The Drums has grown so much and I hope they continue to produce great works. After going to their concert in Santa Ana, I have realized that they have established a cult following that will mimic The Smiths because of their nature in attracting the saddest of people. The Drums is not for everyone, but if you give them a try you may find yourself falling in love with amazing tracks.

1. Chicano Batman – Freedom is Free

Chicano Batman has been consistent with their content because they have fun with what they do. Freedom is Free is a collection of art produced by talented individuals. This album is a great listen all around and that is why I have made it #1. I would like to add my belief that Chicano Batman will decide how much the American media values the work of Latinos. This band pulls people from different demographics to give them time-less jewels. If you have not listened to Chicano Batman, get on it!!!

My first exposure to music would be my mom playing 80s rock on the radio in the car. When I lived in San Francisco, I got to pick out CDs that my mom would order through a paper catalog (only 90s kids will remember?). From there I got CDs like Aqua’s Aquarium and Juanes’s Mi Sangre.

The first album I ever anticipated and bought at a store was Outkast’s Speakerboxxx/ The Love Below. Outkast has remained one of my favorites along with Arcade Fire and Coldplay (it is hard to just pick one). Some other notable first albums would be D12’s D12 World and Kanye West’s College Dropout.

Throughout my life I have accumulated a CD collection of a little over a hundred. They range from Kiss to Clap Your Hands Say Yeah to Daler Mendhi. Historically, I’ve discovered new music thanks to Youtube. I use Apple Music, Spotify, and more recently I am happy to have discovered Bandcamp. I get new music through several different outlets and I also love it when my friends recommend me music.