Best Music of 2019

Back by popular demand (or at least by what I expect my three followers probably desire about this time of year)! The top ten albums of 2019, a decidedly poor year for guitar rock but filled with all kinds of surprising productions that will surely stand the test of time. Enjoy!

10. Schlagenheim by black midi. Jazz-punk post-rock fusion from the London lads.
9. I Love You. It's a Fever Dream by The Tallest Man on Earth. Kristian Mattson writes singer-songwriter ballads with a trippy psychedelic ethos.
8. Closer to Grey by Chromatics. Atmospheric post-punk new wave rock that pairs well with David Lynch movies and quiet winter nights in Iowa.
7. KIWANUKA by Michael Kiwanuka. The UK artist of Ugandan descent makes spectacular R&B-inspired art rock.
6. Constants by Message to Bears. Jerome Alexander's project brilliantly blends folk and electronica.
5. Colorado by Neil Young and Crazy Horse. Neil Young is old and Crazy Horse has lived hard for decades, but they are still capable of producing messy guitar rock with a social conscience.
4. My Finest Work Yet by Andrew Bird. The singer-songwriter-fiddler-whistler returns with his...best work yet.
3. Ode to Joy by Wilco. "Love is Everywhere (Beware)" is a great song on a great record. Jeff Tweedy and Co.'s best since Sky Blue Sky.
2. Buoys by Panda Bear. The Animal Collective artist produced a stunning, spare, and meditative album that carried me through the spring. Exceptional in every way.
1. Jesus is King by Kanye West. Ye production values and creativity, but repurposed for a purpose. This is a bold, courageous album from the newly transformed rap artist. Amazing.

Honorable Mention: Boat by Pip Blom; Help Us Stranger by The Raconteurs; Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared by Deerhunter; Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost, Part 2 by Foals; III by The Lumineers; Two Hands/U.F.O.F. by Big Thief; Infinite Jest by The Siberian Traps; The Brian Jonestown Massacre by The Brian Jonestown Massacre; Face Stabber by Thee Oh Sees; Conference of Birds EP by Avey Tare; Psychedelic Country Soul by The Long Ryders; Jimmy Lee by Raphael Saadiq; The Undivided Five by A Winged Victory for the Sullen.