Favourite Albums of 2021
2021 was a year of a little less isolation but maybe even less normality. All that wierdness sent me looking for more music in new and different places, so this is the most diverse list I've come up with for an end of year round-up. Different genres, languages, and points of view to feel my way through this year.
Here, in no particular order, are my 11 favourite albums of 2021:
Madlib – Sound Ancestors
Kieran Hebden (Four Tet) goes digging through Madlib's tracks and produces an album. Excellent tunes.
L'Rain – Fatigue
I thought this was album of the year material since my first listen. First ever post on culture.sale and I still feel good about that starting point.
The War on Drugs – I Don't Live Here Anymore
Sounds like classic FM radio goodness.
Big Red Machine – How Long Do You Think It's Gonna Last
Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon and friends. The final track is a beauty.
Taylor Swift – evermore
Released December 14, 2020, missed most best-of 2020 lists and (hot-take) maybe is better than folklore?!
Yves Tumor – The Asymptotical World EP
Love the heavy classic rock from a goth future vibes of Jackie.
Mdou Moctar – Afrique Victime
I don't understand the lyrics, but this guitar / melody / album is unreal.
Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra – Promises
It's electronic, it's jazz, it's contemporary. It is excellent.
Tyler, the Creator – CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST
"WILSHIRE" an 8 minute long confessional about a love-triangle is a highlight.
Maxo Kream – WEIGHT OF THE WORLD
Really great storytelling, a lot of pain. A very real album.
Bomba Estéreo – Deja
Dance through the weirdness of 2021.
I hope you find something new to listen to in here. What are your favourites? ~SP
