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Harmony Woods’ Top 10 Records of 2021 (in no order)
Alien Boy - Don’t Know What I Am
This is the ultimate driving around super fast at night record. It needs to be played loud as hell, too. “Dear Nora” is one of my favorite songs of the year and one of my favorite love songs ever. I have to fight the urge to scribble “You adore me in the way I always wanted" every time I’m in a bathroom stall.
Carol - Soiled
The first time I heard this record, every fiber of my being softened and ached at the same time. The arrangements are beautiful and Carolyn’s voice is haunting in a magical way. Shout out to all the true believers out there.
Fresh - The Summer I Got Good at Guitar
This EP makes me wanna jump around and spit in the faces of every guy who's ever doubted me and my abilities, but in the most joyous way possible. I wish I could go back in time and play “Girl Clout” for my 16 year old self.
Home is Where - I Became Birds
This year, Home is Where helped me feel connected to the emo/DIY scene in a way that I haven’t felt since I was a teenager. This album is cathartic and trailblazing in such a rare way. They are more than just a band; they are an experience. Home is Where forever.
Japanese Breakfast - Jubilee
Michelle Zauner is the ultimate badass. Between this and Crying in H Mart, she’ll probably end up winning a Nobel Prize or visiting outer space one day or something.
Jimmy Montague - Casual Use
James is probably the most bonkers multi-instrumentalist and songwriter I know personally. “Yacht rock” this, “yacht rock” that, whatever, this record is fucking badass. Just listen to it, you’ll be stoked you did. Forreal.
Little Hag - Breakfast
Little Hag really is that bitch, and everyone needs to know it. She has a gift for crafting songs that are jagged and nearly unhinged, but also tender, vulnerable, and real. If anything, the song titles should draw you in more. Don’t be a coward.
Pinkshift - Saccharine
Pinkshift fucking shreds. I’m pretty sure this is their first release, and they’re already changing the whole game. I’d say keep your eyes on them, but I know you already are.
Taylor Swift - Fearless (Taylor’s Version) + Red (Taylor’s Version)
At the time I’m writing this it’s about 11 hours before Red (TV) drops, but I already know it belongs here. It’s been such a delight revisiting the songs that defined my childhood and hearing them updated in such a warm, exciting, yet nostalgic way. Fuck Scooter Braun.
TWIABP - Illusory Walls
I’m gonna be real: I wouldn’t be making music right now if it weren’t for TWIABP. They’ve been one of my favorite bands since I was 14 years old, I am now lucky enough to call them my friends, and I can say with absolute certainty that this is their best record yet. If you don’t have time to blast this while lying in the fetal position for an hour and ten minutes straight, then make time. If you’re afraid to die, then so am I.