- PREMIERE: Eloah Jones – “Under the Bridge” - November 18, 2021
- PREMIERE: Highbeams – “Campfires” - November 10, 2021
- Tali Azerad Shines on New Album - November 5, 2021
October was a sneaky good music month. It’s my favorite new-music month since April. Big names like The Neighbourhood, Joshua Ritter, Avicii, Rod Stewart, and Beach House all released new albums. It turned out to be a really deep month of new releases, with many good albums not making our list. Without further ado, here is our best of the best…the top 5 albums of October (along with what we’re looking forward to in November).
- Marianas Trench – Astoria
No one gives “pop” a better name. What a voice. Massive hooks and 80’s pop nostalgia. Definition of a “shout-a-long” album. The creativity and detail they put into their opening and closing tracks is always a treat.
- Saintseneca – Such Things
I put on the first song from this album and thought “This sounds like Tokyo Police Club with the harmonies of Good Old War.” I was instantly hooked. This band is so multifaceted it’s crazy. The album is chock full of different tempos and arrangements and each one delivers. I started out with those comparisons, then I got Death Cab, then Grouplove, then a host of others. Somewhere along the way, I stopped comparing and simply started enjoying the creativity and originality of Saintseneca. One of the gems of October and the year. If you dig the aforementioned Good Old War or a band like The Decemberists, this is your new jam.
- Raury – All We Need
What exactly is this? It’s hip hop with acoustic guitars and indie rock, with tribal beats and African drums. No idea what to call this, but it doesn’t matter. Raury is so special. What he makes is fun to listen to and what he says is important. I can’t say that about 80% of what I enjoy listening to, but with Raury I’m proud to show his music off. Listen, read, grow, & make an impact. It’s important.
2. Allison Weiss – New Love
New Love is a full 20 minutes shorter than my #5 album from Marianas Trench. It’s not how much time you take though, it’s what you do with that time. The new album is song after song of “holy shit” moments. If I started in on track-by-track critiques I’d gush on into a full blown album review. I’ll avoid the long route and just say that New Love is fantastic and should be on your radar immediately. At the end of the day, this album is too damn good to be #2 to anything. So for the first time, we have a tie for album of the month.
- Sam Russo – Greyhound Dreams
I guess this is what it’s like turning 30. I listen to Sam Russo and Allison Weiss rather than Rise Against and AFI. An interesting evolution for sure, but as for Sam’s album…It’s like the raw storytelling power of Frank Turner combined with the folksy Americana vibe of Ryan Adams. Yep, it’s that good. Remember last month when I loved Craig Finn’s album and its “Midwestern Charm” narrative? I must have a soft spot for it. Russo draws you in with stories of driving from Virginia to Carolina, standing outside of Western Union in the rain, and a sleepy Wyoming diner. He has me hanging on every word – he is the epitome of a captivating storyteller. Not only that, he didn’t “front-load” the album with his standout tracks. If anything, this record continues to build and strengthen as it flows along – with the first five songs setting the stage for the final five’s brilliance.
Sam Russo was a name I hadn’t really heard before October and a name I’ll never forget after. You’ve heard a lot of bands and musicians that sound like Sam Russo, but you haven’t heard anything better. In almost every way, Greyhound Dreams is simply better.
Other October Gems:
Small Black – Best Blues
Enter: Indie band from Brooklyn. “Ok, I get 12 of those a year.” This one is different though. Small Black can create a mood and deliver on hooking you in. Best Blues should absolutely come across everyone’s radar this year. Great great album.
Pentimento – I, No Longer
Some killer tracks and overall a perfect album to rock out to. This album is being fawned over by most critics, and while I think it’s really good, it hasn’t gripped me in the same way. Definitely need to give this a few more listens.
Joshua Hyslop – In Deepest Blue
If you dig earnest singer/songwriters, Joshua is a name to put on your radar. In Deepest Blue is beautiful.
NYM – Convex
Captivating electronic offering from NYM. Completely mesmerizing. Needs a few more focused spins from me, but this could be one of those albums that ends up climbing into my End of Year Top 10.
Matt Nathanson – Show Me Your Fangs
The man has always known how to write an endearing song with a big hook. The man has always had a fantastic and instantly recognizable voice. The man still does, and showcases it all once again on Show Me Your Fangs. Highly recommended.
Looking forward to in November:
Kate Boy – One
MUTEMATH – Vitals
Adele – 25
Controller – No Future (EP)
