That’s right, we’re talking books, albums, podcasts, and of course, concerts.
Books:
Where the Crawdads Sing – This was a whodunnit that had me shocked at the ending! The story had tough bits, but Kya is a complicated and deeply compelling lead.
The Lost Man – Jane Harper continues to impress in this murder mystery. All I know is that she really makes the Australian outback seem really unappealing.
The Maidens – Another book that had twists I could have never anticipated. Some of them are sick, but this is a quick and gripping read about a woman learning secrets about her recently deceased husband.
Music:
Don Broco – Amazing Things & Technology
I love, love, love these guys! I’m sure my posts have not made that a mystery this year. Their 2021 release Amazing Things is what brought me in, but their prior release Technology is what made me stay. These guys have a style that’s unlike anything I’ve heard before and I’m begging you to check them out!
Tracks: “Bruce Willis,” “Easter Sunday,” “Come Out to LA”
Foals – Life is Yours
I could not have been more giddy for new music from these guys. Especially since the promise was a North American tour! It certainly helps that the album is just as incredible as their past works.
Tracks: “2AM,” “Life is Yours”
Wet Leg – Wet Leg
The Youtube algorithm led me to this quirky two-piece, and the algorithm knew what was up! Every track on this debut album is catchy and unique, and I think they have a long and successful career ahead of themselves!
Tracks: “Wet Dream,” “Too Late Now”
Wallows – Tell Me That It’s Over
I’ve been a somewhat fair-weather fan of this band in the past, but for whatever reason, this new album really ticked all the boxes for me! I love that the vocals are almost an even split, and the style is something that’s both exciting and at times mellow.
Tracks: “At the End of the Day,” “Hurts Me”
Phoenix – Alpha Zulu
Another band that I have been waiting an eternity for new music. Finally! And it’s so, so great. Seeing them live, too, was quite the experience. Old fans, rejoice, and go listen!
Tracks: “All Eyes on Me,” “Season 2”
The Chats – Get Fucked
I’m impressed with how quickly these guys managed to turn around a new album. There are a ton of tracks, and not a single one of them are bad. I was also lucky enough to see these guys in a tiny, little venue this year, and the crowd was THERE FOR IT. (I was, too).
Tracks: “Ticket Inspector,” “Struck by Lightening”
Highly Suspect – The Midnight Demon Club
I was so bummed these guys never got to tour on MCID, but I’m never going to be sad about new music. Especially new music that rips as hard as this album!
Tracks: “Ice Cold,” “The Sound”
Djo – Twenty Twenty
Yes, Djo put out a new album back in September, but I just spent a lot of time with his debut album that came out during the pandemic. I was late to the party, so this is the best I can do. This indie, electronic gem is like candy for my ears!
Tracks: “Roddy,” “Flash Mountain”
Podcasts:
This Is Important – Kind of obvious since this is one of two podcasts that I listen to. But anyways, these guys hilariously talk about nothing, and I love that. It’s’ cool listening to these four old friends kick back and shoot the breeze. I imagine if I had a podcast with my friends, this is what it would sound like.
The Always Sunny Podcast – There’s a little more structure and production value in this podcast featuring the core of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, but it’s still just three goofy dudes talking about something they’ve been making together for a really long time. I enjoy hearing about each episode, they get fun guests from time to time, and this year they even did live podcast tapings!
Concerts:
I mean, they were all awesome (except for all those stupid storms at Welcome to Rockville), so it’s hard to narrow it down. But here’s what made the cut, and just know that the three fests, despite the storms at one of them, were all super awesome! Really, what set these apart were the fact that they were either first-time shows for me, or just nostalgic greatness.
First-Timers:
Arctic Monkeys
The Chats
Sleigh Bells
My Chemical Romance
Wet Leg
Nostalgic Greatness:
Underoath
AFI
Ghost
Foals
The Killers
Highly Suspect