2017 The Year of Women
Women became mobilized in 2017. Millions of women marched in the streets in Washington DC and throughout the country. International Women’s Day brought women together around the world. Many women are choosing to run for political office. Women also spoke out against long held secrets of harassment.
Women also made some of this year’s best music. St. Vincent's electro pop sounds, and Lorde cool shimmery tunes broke through to the mainstream. New comers Alex Lahey, Phoebe Bridgers and Hurray for the Riff Raff made some of this year’s most interesting albums.
Tune in to Sound Waves on New Year’s Day 10am-2pm for our favorite Top 25 Albums of 2017.
• War On Drugs – A Deeper Understanding
Adam Granduciel epic riffs. Grammy nomination for best rock album.
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• Alvvays – Antisocialites
Canadian rockers second album of dreamy pop that packs a punch with smart songwriting.
• Hurray For The Riff Raff – The Navigator
Led by singer Aynda Segarra who tells stories of family, culture and politics.
• The National – Sleep Well Beast
Matt Berningar is an emotional wreck, but he still finds hope with the band.
• Jason Isbell And 400 Unit – The Nashville Sound
Jason writes songs about the difficulties achieving the American Dream while trying to make American great again.
• Big Thief – Capacity
Delightful, quirky indi pop at it’s best.
• Spoon – Hot Thoughts
Britt Daniels art rock nod to David Bowie
• Ryan Adams – Prisoner
Ryan is a prisoner in his own love. His 16 album was recorded while his marriage was ending. Tough love.
• Grizzly Bear – Painted Ruins
Becoming more of a band sound with gorgeous vocals and experimental touches.
• XX – I See You
Embracing their pop side. Singers Oliver Sim and Romy Croft’s partnership is producing some warm songs without their earlier coolness.
• St. Vincent – Masseduction
Annie Clark’s electro pop sheen provide by Jack Antonoff (Bleachers)
• JD McPerson – Undivided Heart & Soul
Root rocker blasts out the Bo Diddly riffs.
• Sharon Jones – Soul Of A Woman
Posthumous farewell with powerful songs.
• Mavis Staples – If All I Was Was Black
More timely civil rights songs from someone who has been singing about these issues since the 1960s. Sad.
• Slowdive – Slowdive
Neil Halstead & Rachel Goswell return with their first album in 22 years. More shoegazing art bathed in smoky haze.
• Fleet Foxes – Crack-Up
Robin Pecknold & Co. return with their third full album. This time it’s more complex, still with the gorgeous vocal harmonies
• Priest – Nothing Feels Natural
D.C punks carry on where Minor Threat and Bad Brains left off.
• Diet Cig – Swear I’m Good At This
Alex Luciano’s slightly awkward sounds and great punk spirit.
• This Is The Kit – Moonshine Freeze
Kate Stable works producers John Parish (PJ Harvey) and The National’s Aaron Dessner for a dreamy affair.
• Phoebe Bridgers – Stranger In The Alps
One of the best new comers this year. Intimate, heartfelt songs.
• LCD Soundsystem – American Dream
James Murphy returns after 7 year hiatus to sing about ageing, regrets, art and parties.
• Sheer Mag – Need To Feel Your Love
Brings 70s rock sounds like Cheap Trick with punky attitude.
• Father John Misty – Pure Comedy
Another epic at storytelling taking on just about everybody.
• U2 – Songs Of Experience
When times are tough, U2 rises up.
• Arcade Fire – Everything Now
Canadian band’s dance album with political overtones.
Honorable Mentions
Cigarettes After Sex - Cigarettes After Sex
Honey Miller – Amongst The Boxes (Local band!)
Hippo Campus – Landmark
Lukas Nelson And Promise Of The Real - Lukas Nelson And Promise Of The Real
