The Best Albums for Old Heads of 2024, Pt. 1
An overview of how end of year lists work around here (sorry, ranked-list lovers!) and the first installment of excellent new releases.
My brain doesn’t work in numbered lists.
After the first handful, and definitely after the first ten, the distinctions seem laughable to me. How am I supposed to justify the hairline difference between #26 and #43 on a top 50, let alone between #43 and #44?
And if you don’t think it’s that deep… well, on the one hand you’re not wrong. On the other hand, I have personally witnessed (and myself made attempts at keeping) spreadsheets based on overwrought scoring systems with embarrassing amounts of decimal places. It’s very serious business.
I’m sick of it, to be honest with you.
Every week for the next four weeks, I’ll share a list of albums that I think are worth your time and attention.
Every year, the same indie mainstream (my favorite oxymoron!) darlings take all the accolades. There’s a tacit acceptance that the best albums are chosen from the 300 or so that everyone has heard. Virtually every single record that receives any kind of review at all receives a positive one1. These lists …
