BEN WALSH'S FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2021 (in no particular order)
Golden Apples - Shadowland
Really incredible group of songs that captures the isolation of the past 2 years so well. Small stories of small town people take on this larger significance and beauty. It feels like escapism and surrealism but through the context of very relatable imagery. Feels like being stuck at home daydreaming.
Manchester Orchestra - The Million Masks of God
Another masterpiece from the best band. They somehow convey the same energy and impact into both the biggest full band moments and the gentlest acoustic ones. The vocal melodies and drum grooves keep me coming back to this one.
Hayley Williams - FLOWERS for VASES / descansos
Beautiful and vulnerable collection of songs. It is always inspiring to see an established artist try something new and from the jump it feels seamless and fully realized.
Spirit of the Beehive - Entertainment, Death
Beautiful and chaotic. "THE SERVER IS IMMERSED" is my most played song this year.
Foxing - Draw Down the Moon
Love watching these boys continue to push the envelope and stick to their vision without compromise. This record covers so much ground sonically and it’s all good.
Matt Sweeney and Bonnie “Prince” Billy - Superwolves
Superwolf has been one of my favorite records for a long time. So glad they made another record together. It feels and sounds timeless.
Quicksand - Distant Populations
This record hits such a sweet spot of melody and heaviness, blending the best parts of Rival Schools and old Quicksand. Love the production and guitar tones so much.
Turnstile - Glow On
Super inspiring to watch Turnstile take over the world. They somehow keep upping the ante on making heavy music that has such a wide appeal while still feeling authentic and genuine.
Kississippi - Mood Ring
Great melodies, great production, such a cool and confident step in the evolution of this band.
Porches - All Day Gentle Hold !
A short and sweet collection of super catchy songs that don’t take themselves too seriously. Porches always has such memorable lyrical phrases and melodies.
Honorable Mentions
Webbed Wing - What’s So Fucking Funny?
Andy Shauf - Wilds
Fiddlehead - Between the Richness
James Barrett - A Series of … Mostly Nothing
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