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.

Nov 18, 2024

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 aren’t a talent competition — they’re little more than a popularity contest.

I just want to know what’s worth listening to, don’t you?

Share New Bands for Old Heads

The Anti-List List

Here’s my compromise:

Every week for the next four weeks, I’ll share a list of albums that I think are worth your time and attention.

These won’t be ranked, but each week’s list will feature albums that I’m progressively more excited about, culminating in a set of new releases that I could see vying for a #1 slot on a traditional end of year list.

If you need this spelled out more formally…

The End-of-Year Schedule

Week of November 17th: Noteworthy Releases
Week of November 24th: Albums Worthy of a Top 50 List
Week of December 1st: Albums Worthy of a Top 10 List
Week of December 8th: Albums Worthy of a #1 Slot

Suggestions for More Honest Album of the Year List Titles

Gabbie

November 5, 2024

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I know this might be a bit of a letdown, but think of it this way —

You’re soon going to be inundated with ranked lists from every publication and critic under the sun. You won’t be hurting for numbered lists, I promise you.

Let’s dig in.

The Best Albums for Old Heads of 2024, Part One - Noteworthy Releases

Look at this as the run-up to the best of the best that will be coming your way in the next few weeks. Don’t get me wrong, though; every one of these records is fantastic and worth every moment. There’s truly just such a surfeit of excellent music being released every year, that I am spilling over with it.

I’ll give the barest of keywords to help you sort of what’s right for you.

Reminder, these are numbered for your reference and convenience only. The numbers are utterly meaningless to me!