This modern world seems to have no use for “the Album,” as it’s been killed off when vinyl first died years ago and then revived during the compact disc era only to be wiped out again when CDs were phased out. Of course, vinyl has been reborn in recent years but “the Album” was again the victim of attempted murder as digital/streaming has let everyone make their own playlists or cherry pick a few songs from “the Album” and leave the rest to die unheard.
I say “attempted” murder because “the Album” has managed to live on. While streaming platforms put $10/month into the smartphone and data companies’ pockets (with SEVERAL pennies still going to artists!), it has inadvertently allowed everyone from the casual fan to the obsessive fanatic to hear complete albums they might not have ever considered buying. This new music business, for better or for worse, allows you to get hip to all the new releases that your music-obsessed album-aficionado friends are always telling you to check out.
So which 2019 albums are most worth your while? Well I’m still an album guy, and there’s something for everyone in the list below. Sorry, no paragraphs of clever descriptions and comparisons. ALL these albums are highly recommended, so if you’re curious what they sound like… just dial ‘em up:
Claypool Lennon Delirium – South of Reality
Ryan Bingham – American Love Song
Tool – Fear Inoculum
Gang Starr – One of the Best Yet
The Oh Sees – Face Stabber
Sturgill Simpson – Sound & Fury
Brittany Howard – Jaime
The Raconteurs – Help Us Stranger
Jackie & the Treehorns – It’s Never Too Late
Bruce Springsteen – Western Stars
Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride
Helado Negro – This Is How You Smile
William Tyler – Goes West
Beyonce – Homecoming
Josh Ritter – Fever Breaks
BUMS LOGIC 