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.

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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.

 

Best Album Covers of 2017

 

With the year coming to a close, it’s that time again to take a look back at some of the best that the music world had to offer in 2017. First up on the “Best of” docket is my annual “Best Album Covers” list. Throughout the year, I kept a list of album covers that I found strange, beautiful, and provocative. This list is a compilation of my favorites from this yearlong collection. Anyone who loves the album as an art form knows the importance of a powerful LP image, and the following 20 covers elevate their corresponding albums.

BDWPS Podcast

With year-end lists just weeks away, the latest BDWPS Podcast is a housecleaning affair, with a slew of great new music including Greet Death, Daniele Luppi, St. Vincent, Zola Jesus, Kamasi Washington, Converge, Shannon Lay, and Kelela. Check it out below, or better yet, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or GooglePlay!

https://www.podomatic.com/…/episo…/2017-12-05T20_05_49-08_00

Favorite Albums from the Past Couple Months

As I did last month, I’m playing a little catch-up here on BDWPS and wanted to share some of my favorite albums of the past few months. With the year end lists coming, it also helps me to have some of these write-ups in the tank, so here’s an early glimpse at some of the albums that may make the cut on my year end, top 40 albums list.

Also, be on the lookout for the best album covers of the year list next week!