As is often my habit, I listened to some music early this morning when I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I'd been meaning to check out Patricia Brennan's Breaking Stretch, so I decided to have a listen while trying to calm myself back into sleep mode. So much for getting back to sleep! It's one of the most original, compelling, and crazily beautiful recordings I've heard in a long time. The phrase that popped into my head was "delightfully demented." And what a band! Full of virtuosity but always in the service of the music and making the ensemble sound great overall. And then what do I see as number one on Nate's best of 2024 list but the very same album I was just reveling in. Great list! I will definitely have to give a hearing to the releases on the list that I haven't gotten to yet.
I was also happy to see Ben Monder's Planetarium as one of the "runner ups." Ben not only possesses a highly unique and captivating voice as a composer, but he has also quietly been redefining what's possible on a guitar since the 1990s.
Brilliant Nate! (I love end-of-year lists!) Have many of these already (great minds think alike!), but will purchase the remainder, in short order. Thanks!
Premo. I can’t explain why the Lloyd Record hit me so well. But it keeps demanding I play it. Will check out the ones I missed. Music is alive and extremely well in 2024.
Were you at that Tennessee Theater concert too, Todd? I thought it was sublime. Went in expecting to catch the first half and then dash off someplace else, but I couldn't tear myself away.
As is often my habit, I listened to some music early this morning when I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I'd been meaning to check out Patricia Brennan's Breaking Stretch, so I decided to have a listen while trying to calm myself back into sleep mode. So much for getting back to sleep! It's one of the most original, compelling, and crazily beautiful recordings I've heard in a long time. The phrase that popped into my head was "delightfully demented." And what a band! Full of virtuosity but always in the service of the music and making the ensemble sound great overall. And then what do I see as number one on Nate's best of 2024 list but the very same album I was just reveling in. Great list! I will definitely have to give a hearing to the releases on the list that I haven't gotten to yet.
I was also happy to see Ben Monder's Planetarium as one of the "runner ups." Ben not only possesses a highly unique and captivating voice as a composer, but he has also quietly been redefining what's possible on a guitar since the 1990s.
Tom, I can only imagine the jolt you got when you put that album on this morning. Better than caffeine! Thanks for the kind word, and your open ears.
What a fab list, Nate! Can't wait to check out the releases that haven't crossed my radar yet, and savor the ones that have again.
Brilliant Nate! (I love end-of-year lists!) Have many of these already (great minds think alike!), but will purchase the remainder, in short order. Thanks!
Premo. I can’t explain why the Lloyd Record hit me so well. But it keeps demanding I play it. Will check out the ones I missed. Music is alive and extremely well in 2024.
Were you at that Tennessee Theater concert too, Todd? I thought it was sublime. Went in expecting to catch the first half and then dash off someplace else, but I couldn't tear myself away.
I was in the front row and was equally as transfixed. Really memorable concert.
Also. Bandcamp has really been oxygen for independent artists.