Weekend Music Roundup

The weekend is here, the last weekend before the holiday season begins in earnest. That also means the year is quickly coming to a close, so for this list, I decided to keep it limited to albums released in 2019, trying to expose some of the finds from another great year in music. There's a couple of artists who were new to me, and a few new releases from artists I've followed for some time. There's a nice range on here, and it also includes one of my favorite albums of the year. Enjoy.

Blood Warrior - Animal Hides: This is the third album from this project featuring Greg Jamie (of o'death). It's been five years since the last o'death album, but thankfully this project continues, as well as solo efforts, as we wait hopefully for a new album. Blood Warrior has always been on the softer side of o'death, lacking the more intense moments, but keeping the dark beauty of sad neo-folk. One of those perfect desolate albums from winter. Another masterpiece.

Ty Segall - First Taste: After releasing what felt like a million albums last year, this is the only solo album the San Fran lo-fi garage rocker has released this year. It's another beauty of a record. Quick and dirty, but possibly due to the pause, it feels a little more curated. "I Worship the Dog," "Lone Cowboys," "I Sing Them," and the title track are standouts. This is certainly one fans will want to add. 

Gliss - In Utopia: This is the sixth album from the L.A. band, currently in Denmark. I've followed this band since their fantastic 2006 debut and have enjoyed all the albums that came after. After four shoegaze / dream pop type albums, they've finally returned to their rock roots that were featured on their first record, easily making this my favorite album of theirs since then. "Into the Night," "Heaven's Gold," "Broke Me," "Jesus' Son," "Sister Moon," and the title track are personal favorites on this stellar album (available digitally from their Bandcamp site).

Giant Dwarf - Giant Dwarf: Released in the spring, this is the debut album from the Perth stoner rock band. While this album if firmly entrenched in the sound of the genre, they do a good job incorporating some psych elements that keep it from feeling too stale. This isn't anything groundbreaking, but is certainly worth a listen for fans of the genre, and definitely a band to keep an eye on. "Kepler," and "Golden Walrus" are standouts for me.  

Tyler, the Creator - Igor: The fifth solo album from L.A. hip-hop artist is my first introduction to his work, even though he has been quite influential over the past decade. Though this is certainly hip-hop, it's definitely a genre-bending album and it's great to hear a hip-hop artist expanding the genre. It's really not a surprise that it's currently the #1 rated album for the year on Rateyourmusic.com. That's because it's the kind of album that can appeal to fans of lots of different music.

Tom Keifer Band - Rise: This is the first album in 6 years from the former Cinderella frontman, following his solid 2013 debut solo album. This album sees him return more to his rock roots, whereas the debut held many americana influences. It's kind of a miracle that he's even producing albums after serious vocal troubles in the 90s and having to teach himself to sing again. He still sounds like himself, with that distinguished rock voice that has always been slightly underappreciated. I love the sleazy vibe that Cinderella did so well. "Touching the Divine," "The Death of Me," "Untitled," and "Life Was Here," are my favorites.