Year of the Neil: Episode #12

In the final episode of “Year of the Neil”, we take a look at Young’s political activism and his technological innovations. We also take a tour through the plethora of material released by the tenacious songwriter over the past 20 years (subscribe!): CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!

BDWPS Podcast: Episode 68

In the latest BDWPS Podcast, we check out some of the best music to come out in 2018 so far, including new tracks from No Age, Alela Diane, Superchunk, Jeff Rosenstock, Hookworms, and Sufjan Stevens.

Check it out HERE, or better yet, subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher (search: BDWPS).

Tracklist:

No Age “Send Me”

Ty Segall “My Lady’s On Fire”

Alela Diane “Ether & Wood”

Superchunk “What a Time To Be Alive”

Jeff Rosenstock “USA”

Hookworms “Static Resistance”

Sufjan Stevens “Tonya Harding”

Bob Dylan “All I Really Want To Do”

Top 20 Songs of 2017

In last month’s BDWPS Podcast, I went through my favorite 20 songs of 2017. Check it out HERE, or better yet, subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher (search: BDWPS).

Top 40 Albums of 2017 (20-1)

The most alarming development in the world of music in 2017 (beside the lack of protest music in a time of uncertainty) is the rise of the playlist. In the past few months, publications like The Ringer, LongReads.com, Pitchfork, and The Guardian have posted articles that explored the popularity of pre-made playlists by streaming services and the impact they may have on indie artists and the album as an art form. Sadly, many listeners today would rather go to the one stop shop of a vanilla playlist that rarely strays outside the lines, and as a result, many may never experience the fulfilling experience of hearing a well-crafted album from start to finish.

Fortunately, there are artists still striving to release great albums that require focus and reflection to truly appreciate. On this year’s list you will find many albums that were overlooked by major music websites, and you will also see many of the most prominent names absent. If you’re looking for a list that ignores hype and focuses solely on innovation and art within the form of an album, then this compilation of the best that 2017 had to offer might be just what you’re looking for.

Top 40 Albums of 2017 (40-21)

 

Honorable Mention:

Converge, The Dusk in Us

Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Luciferian Towers

Greet Death, Dixieland

Shannon Lay, Living Water

Oddisee, The Iceberg

Pile, A Hairshirt of Purpose

St. Vincent, Masseduction

Kamasi Washington, Harmony in Difference EP

Why, Moh Lhean

Chelsea Wolfe, Hiss Spun

Worst Album Covers of 2017

In a year of an endless stream of shocking and frustrating news, its nice to take a moment to appreciate the simpler things in life – like horrible album covers! Take your mind off the horror show in Washington D.C. and look over this year’s list of the worst album covers of 2017.

Year of the Neil: Episode #9

In the latest episode of “Year of the Neil”, we see Neil Young step away from his music to take care of his disabled, newborn son. We also explore his music experimentations in the early 80s. Listen HERE, or better yet, subscribe on iTunes, GooglePlay, or Stitcher.