It hasn't been the most promising start to a year: with both David Bowie and Prince departing the Earth (presumably to take their music to the rest of the galaxy), making predictions about the rest of the year seems decidedly risky. That said, though, some of SPB's writers have gathered together to list their favorite records of the year so far, with the hope that by December, we'll still have some artists left to produce more great music. Here's the lists:
Spyros
1
Swans – The Glowing Man
The Glowing Man signifies the final chapter of a glorious era for the Swans. These pioneers of extreme music proved as imaginative as they ever were, rounding up their series of double full-lengths in the ultimate fashion.
2
Tim Hecker – Love Streams
With his 4AD debut, Tim Hecker causes a change to his style. The atmosphere becomes more hopeful and the imagery is more graphic this time around. Still as mind-bending as ever, but this time even more moving.
3
The Body – No One Deserves Happiness
The Body set out to create the most sinister, disgusting pop record in existence. It is quite a daunting task, but by retaining their extreme outlook, harsh and brutal approach and at the same time a core sensitivity, they get there without any problem in No One Deserves Happiness.
4
Baroness – Purple
A combination of their past and latest (from the Yellow & Green) self finds Baroness at a crossroads with Purple. Heavy rock and sludge, filled with hooks and emotion, this is arguably their finest moment yet.
5
Sumac – What One Becomes
Sumac produced one of the most stunning one-two punch. Following their debut album, The Deal, they return with an even more aggressive, free-form record in What One Becomes. Considering the members participating in the band that should cause no surprise.
Cheryl
1
2
3
Schammasch - Triangle
Monolithic Swiss avant-metal that eschews all trends and treads its own mystic path.
4
Woman is the Earth - Torch of Our Final Night
USBM that is ferocious, sorrowful and thrillingly expansive.
5
Wyrding - Wyrding
Gothic funeral doom that will transport you to another world.
Andy
1
The Casket Girls - The Night Machines
Graveface Records
2
DTCV - Confusion Moderne
La Souterraine
3
Manon Meurt - S/T
Label Obscura
4
5
Nathan
1
Anthrax - For All Kings LP (Megaforce / Nuclear Blast)
It's like Worship Music part 2 and I'll just go on pretending that the non-Belladonna era never existed.
2
Chroma - Cuerpos Dociles LP (Nada Nada Discos)
Cold as fuck punk rock done up right by a trio of women from Barcelona. It's so damn good my heart explodes every time I spin it.
3
Crazy Spirit - Third 7" (Toxic State)
Rhythmic, creeper, mutant punk. You can writhe around in your own vomit or you can just listen to this. Same thing.
4
G.L.O.S.S. - Trans Day of Revenge 7" (Total Negativity / Nervous Nelly)
Yep, it's as important as important gets and all that but also just plain great hardcore.
5
Gag - America's Greatest Hits LP (Iron Lung)
Go ahead and punch my dick right in its face why don't you.
6
Ill Bill - Septagram LP (Uncle Howie)
Bill is back with that grimy boom-bap shit that I could never be mad at. And he's got Non-Phixion compatriot Goretex on a few tracks. I could never be mad at that either.
7
NASA Space Universe - 70 AD 7" (Feel It)
Did you ever see that '80s movie Space Camp? Don't bother; it's horrible. Instead listen to NASA Space Universe; they're not horrible whatsoever.
8
Rixe - Les Nerfs A Vif 7" (La Vida Es En Mus Discos Punk)
I cannot get over how downright mean the guitar and bass tone is. And, yeah, it's official: I like Oi! again.
9
Una Bestia Incontrolable - 10-11-12 12" (La Vida Es Un Mus Discos Punk)
The first live recording of this Barcelonian punk band that's comprised of members of Destino Final and personal faves Glam. The atmospheric lead-in and airy quality of the recording makes it better than any of their studio material.
10
Warpath - Pure Butter LP / More Butter 7" (Daily Concept)
Those ill beats, rhymes, and cuts. Seems weird calling it throwback, since boom-bap never went anywhere but back underground. But if you're only rocking with what's on the radio you'd probably think this came out in '97.
