Strand of Oaks- Eraserland
- In 2019, I spent more time with this album than any other ( Spotify, confirming this). I came across this record as if it were a targeted marketing ad doing its job perfectly. I had read that the session band playing and helping produce the record were members of My Morning Jacket (minus Jim James), a favorite band of mine. Also, reported was that Jason Isbell ( another favorite) contributed guitar to a track. Interest sufficiently piqued! Then, the listen: from the opening acoustic guitar chords of “Weird Ways”, the record had its hooks in me .. hard. This is a true album in every sense. The closing track of “Forever Chords” has a logical build from the opener. What struck me the most about the record was the superb engineering and production, and the earnest and clearly honest lyrics.
- My year with this brilliant album had a high water point when my wife and I were able to see Tim Showalter ( principal of Strand of Oaks) and his talented band play live. The show was a smaller venue. It was a Monday night. We were separated from the stage by only one human; very close. They were brilliant live, and the show so captivating that I only saw one person on their phone, that may have been there to film the whole thing. The show was intimate enough that I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Tim after the performance; going over the joys of growing up in small town Indiana, the perks and downsides of well water, and a quick but honest compliment on superior production technique. I am aware that this album won’t get the credit it deserves on year-end lists like these from the major music journalists, as they will pick those that make them seem aloof and cooler than they really are. It’s a shame, because this album deserves recognition from anyone that loves the songwriting craft. Congrats to Strand of Oaks for the brilliant piece of work, and Thank You for allowing me to spend ( and continue to spend) much of my time immersed.
Tool- Fear Inoculum
- We waited. For a long time. It was worth it.
Wilco- Ode to Joy
- Took me about a week to really appreciate this album. I’m highly partial to Wilco for many reasons, but this album didn’t grip me from day Uno. I think it was the pace. After listening to their last album, Schmilco, and hearing the solo albums of Jeff Tweedy, I was hoping for a return of a bit more aggression like some of their rockers on Star Wars or a Ghost is Born. Wilco, nor any other band, are responsible for creating to my expectations, and after a third or fourth listen to Ode to Joy, I’m happy they didn’t. Simple songs, with sneaky depth. Opener “Bright Leaves”, single “Love is Everywhere (Beware)”, and personal favorite off the record “Quiet Amplifier” stand out.
Gary Clark Jr. – This Land
- I’m not sure what else to say other than Gary Clark Jr. Is the best guitar player around right now. He writes songs that are socially relevant ( “This Land”), sweet and soulful ( “Pearl Cadillac”), and fast paced, punkish blasts ( “Got to Get Into Something”). The album features the most skilfully crafted guitar based melodies and solos you can access.
The Raconteurs- Help me Stranger
- Another album from a band that had been on the sidelines for a while ( 11 yrs). Brendan Benson and Jack White’s group put together a wide range of stories, pounders, screamers, and some softer tunes. There is truly not a weak song on this album; not one. The cover of Donavon’s ( Hey Gyp ( Dig the Slowness) has surprisingly stayed in my head for hours on end, as had the intro to “Bored and Razed” anytime I need a bit of adrenaline.
Brittany Howard -Jaime (Honarable Mention)
- Leader of Alabama Shakes makes a great record with just her name on it. Not much else to go over.
Andrew L Hamilton 