Our Top 10 Lists have been named in honor of late Blog Director and DJ Clarence Ewing, who pioneered and published this annual feature for nearly a decade.
Our final list is from Shawn Campbell. Please note, Shawn's list is unranked.
As usual, I waited until the last possible minute to assemble my list, which is in no particular order. Because it's the last day of the year, each album is only getting a few words, but I've enjoyed them all.
10. Is It Now by Automatic (Stones Throw)
We can dance if we want to.
Listen: Bandcamp
9. Raspberry Moon by Hotline TNT (Third Man)
Undeniable swirling pop goodness.
Listen: Bandcamp
8. Scarecrow II by The Telephone Numbers (Slumberland)
Jangle all the way.
Listen: Bandcamp
7. Animal Hospital by Ganser (felte)
Another step forward; well worth the wait.
Listen: Bandcamp
6. Neon Grey Midnight Green by Neko Case (Anti-)
Big and bold; a return to form.
Listen: Bandcamp
5. Phonetics On and On by Horsegirl (Matador)
Such a breadth of influences and interests, and they make it all their own.
Listen: Bandcamp
4. Getting Killed by Geese (Partisan)
I thought I hated this album, but then I realized I loved it.
Listen: Bandcamp
3. Twilight Override by Jeff Tweedy (dBpm)
I figured a triple album was going to be too much, but somehow it wasn't.
Listen: Bandcamp
2. Bright Nights by Allo Darlin' (Slumberland)
Such a great thing to get a new (and every bit as charming) album from one of my favorite bands of the 2010s.
Listen: Bandcamp
1. Balloon Balloon Balloon by Sharp Pins (K/Perennial)
Outside of time, like a dream of so many records I love.
Listen: Bandcamp
Honorable Mentions
Motor-Cycle by Lottie Golden (High Moon): My favorite reissue of the year, completely unknown to me previously.