We’re halfway through the year and sharing our favorite albums of 2024 thus far!
Below, John O tells us about some of his favs and what he’s looking forward to later this year.
MIDYEAR MEGA-FEST
I hate to be that old guy, but…WHERE DID THE TIME GO? Like the skyscraper next door, time is moving fast. And, as usual, the music comes at us at a rapid clip. Like many people at my age, I’m spending a lot of time listening and reassessing music that I heard a long time ago. You know it’s all still out there. I know, because we sell it. Every day. I’m heartened by the young people who roll through the store, snapping up John Denver, Jim Croce and Fleetwood Mac (Rumours) records as quickly as we put them out. They are genre-agnostic, which I can relate to. The atomization of culture is not all bad.
So, my favorites, circa 2024:
BOISE MUSIC
Local label Moon Ruins debuted with a compilation called Untold Stories, which I loved from beginning to end. One side is curated by Moon Ruins, the other by Mishap Records, run by Shadrach of Trauma Kit. It’s great, and the pressing is beautiful. They followed it up with the debut of Floating Witch’s Head, the psych/garagey/groovy Boise band. It’s a real headphone record, although that is not required. It’s truly inspiring. The upcoming Rodeo Screams cassette promises that Moon Ruins will be batting 1.000.
Sugar Pox released Bite, their first LP, but they have a long history in the Boise music scene. The album is priced about $10 less than it should be, so you should snap it up before they come to their senses.
There are a ton of great bands coming out right now, of all genres, and the scene here has never been healthier.
OUTSIDE BOISE
I’ve been an Emily Nenni fan from the moment I heard her, and her new record Drive and Cry continues her hot streak. A great voice, great songs and she kicks serious ass live.
Grace Cummings’ Ramona is an emotional ride, with a powerful voice leading the way. I usually don’t like things this theatrical, but great theater can be just as charged as great songwriting, and she does both.
Kaitlyn Butts’ Roadrunner has a twang to it that I find irresistible. She tells great stories, like my beloved Margo Price, Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves.
Dasha’s What Happens Now? is another ass-kicker. Think Morgan Wade. Serious attitude. Fantastic singer.
There are tons more. I just saw Britti in New Orleans recently, and was so knocked out I went right out and got her LP, Hello, I’m Britti. Produced by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, who showcases her phenomenal voice with some silky soulful grooves. I was also super impressed by Denitia, an up and coming country artist who manages to upend expectations and country cliches all at the same time. Her album, Sunset Drive, comes out September 6. Sierra Ferrell, just astounding. Her music has echoes of Emmylou with the Hot Band. Nominally folk, nominally bluegrass, very compelling and original. Every time she plays Boise, we sell out of her records. The Mavericks’ album Moon & Stars I ignored, until I heard “Overnight Success” on Elizabeth Cook’s Apron Strings show on Sirius, which is where I also heard Silverada. They are a BAND! “Americana is a myth/I told you.” I’m going to see them September 24 at the Olympic, even though it’s on a Tuesday night. I’m sold.
I could go on and on. And, do sometimes.
The last Shellac album, To All Trains, is a great and fitting, however unexpected finale from this band. #thankyoustevealbini. Bed Maker’s S/T LP on Dischord. The Messthetics with James Brandon Lewis. Messer Chups’ Dark Side of Paradise. It’s just a line list now!
BEFORE WE KNOW IT
Looking forward to listening to the new Osees album SORCS 80, Margo Price’s Strays II (out in November) and digging up the next 45 RPM 12” treasure, regardless of genre. Here’s to the forward motion. Here’s to the next great thing that I’m not aware of yet, but will blow me away. Keep sharing your gifts, everybody.