2022 Albums ----------- Again, I feel like this project has had a significant impact on my listening for the year. In this case, I wasn't seeking out new music as much as I focused on assembling my favorites into as comprehensive of a vinyl collection as possible. This was the year where I crossed the threshold of owning 80% of the records captured here (82.3% and 848/1030 as I write this on 1 January 2023). That total includes each of the nine records I enjoy from the year in question. I had a really tough time picking a top favorite this year, and probably four of the albums below are in a virtual tie. .. image:: images/2022.jpg :width: 900 :alt: My favorite albums from 2022 .. raw:: html - *Blue Rev* by **Alvvays** - So much of the best indie that is coming out today sounds like it is from ten years ago. It is too soon for this kind of thing to be nostalgia, so I assume that this kind of shoegazy, quasi-electronic indie is a genre unto itself now. They have done a great job with it here. [*Memory*: This year I did something I haven't done for the last few years, when I checked what the various music blogs and review sites were picking as the best albums of the year. I tried out a few things that sounded interesting, and this was the only thing that stuck.] - *WE* by **The Arcade Fire** - Now this is more like it! I'm not sure what was going on during their prior record, but this is a massive improvement. Yes, there is some truth to the favorite joke that this sounds like the band trying to pay homage to their younger selves, but they are doing a great job! Best case scenario continues to be this band slowly morphing into Bruce Springsteen in the decades to come. [*Memory*: The first time I streamed the "Lightning I" single it was an exciting moment. Not quite like hearing "Sprawl II" for the first time, but the kind of joy only these guys can bring up.] - *The Car* by **Arctic Monkeys** - [**2022 FAVORITE**] - The progression into more subtle, artier music has continued. So has my growing appreciation for their work. I had to spend some time with it, but I think this might be my favorite of theirs so far. A fascinating collection of lounge/soul inspired tracks, with several of their very best, especially the stunning "Body Paint". I can't wait to see where they go next. [*Memory*: I was more excited about the release of this record than any other in 2022. I really liked the last one, even if it went over most folks heads. With this album it looks like their maturing sound is starting to catch on.] - *Once Twice Melody* by **Beach House** - It has become clear that all their records will be great, but some are greater than others. This is one of the top tier releases. More dreamy dream pop than we have seen since *Teen Dream* but with the crisp, first rate song-craft of a veteran who have mastered their art. [*Memory*: This was released in four 4-5 song increments, I ordered the deluxe vinyl box after the first play of the first batch.] - *Ants From Up There* by **Black Country, New Road** - I'm always a little suspicious when something is so universally loved. Everyone from Amazon to RateYourMusic seems to think this is the consensus album of the year. When I listened to it, I was shocked that something like this was getting such wide acclaim. It reminds me of **Black Midi**, **Frightened Rabbit**, and **Thee Silver Mt Zion** (?!). I guess this is what the kids like now. [*Memory*: I really connected with this album for the first time on a walk around the Park Avenue neighborhood, particularly the song "Snow Globes".] - *Imperium* by **Ghost** - They have changed the sound a bit again, but still a great record. Not as long lasting as their last two releases, but I still had a great time with this. "Darkness at the Heart of My Love" is a particularly interesting new direction for these guys. [*Memory*: I ordered a vinyl copy of this record before I heard a single song off of it. That is the faith I have at this point.] - *Magnificent Bird* by **Gabriel Kahane** - The stellar folk song-craft we have seen in the prior records, with some interesting new elements and instruments. "Linda & Stuart" reminds me of Owen Pallett in a very favorable way. The title track feels like Gabe's take on the Sufjan formula, and it really works out. [*Memory*: I heard this record for the first time on vinyl, and I listened to it three times in a row.] - *Ghost Song* by **Cecile McLorin Salvant** - I generally don't like vocal jazz, but I really like this. A great record of originals with a striking cover of **Kate Bush**'s "Wuthering Heights". [*Memory*: In 2022 I resubscribed to SiriusXM for the first time in about 15 years. Early on in the pandemic they offered free streaming, and it eventually made me join back up again. I heard the title track from this album on their jazz station and was really struck by it. ] - *Laurel Hell* by **Mitski** - I had enjoyed several of her prior records, particularly *Puberty 2* but they were never consistent enough to make my list of favorites. I seem to like this one more than most folks. There is something about the use of piano and the dense arrangements that really speak to me. This is still a bit front loaded, but that first side is amazing. [*Memory*: This was another discovery on the satellite radio. The Indie channel was playing "Stay Soft" about every half hour and I was glad to hear it.] - *And In the Darkness, Hearts Aglow* by **Weyes Blood** - Her albums keep getting brighter and more upbeat, though this one almost feels like it is doing it an a very tongue in cheek way. Really solid modern folk, with some really interesting indie electronic touches. One of the best artists active today. [*Memory*: This didn't do it for me the first time I listened, but it really, really grew on me. I didn't even include it in my original list of the best albums of the year. Now I'm questioning if it is my favorite from the year.]