There has been a lot of great music this year and for this entry of the Notebook we’ve put together our favorites from 2024.
Abbey A – Marketing Manager
Novo Amor – Collapse List: I’ve been extremely into Novo Amor lately and this was easily my favorite album of the year (maybe even the last 3 years). I don’t always sit down and listen to an album all the way through / I’ll usually bop around but this is a must-listen from start to finish. I’ve had a year filled with change and uncertainty in both good and bad ways and this album was the perfect comfort through it all. I truly cannot recommend this artist & music enough!
The Last Dinner Party – Prelude to Ecstasy: I think this was the most fun album I’ve listened to all year. This UK art-rock group is a blast and they are rolling out the pop hits on this album. Their songs feel larger than life and are perfect for dancing around the house or easy listening on a long road trip (which I did do this year and HIGHLY recommend). If you want to have some fun, then this is a MUST listen.
Vampire Weekend – Only God Was Above Us: I’ve always been a huge fan of Vampire Weekend / Ezra Koening’s voice in general but this album felt much different than albums they’ve put out in the past. This album felt a little more raw & emotional than the catchier tunes they’ve become so well known for. This album tells kind of a crazy story where I wasn’t really sure what to expect at each turn but overall I really enjoyed the journey.
Daniel O – Content and Design Coordinator
Farrel Ewanena – “Tonight”: There is just something about this song and I’m honestly not sure what it is. Yeah, it’s production leaves a lot to be desired, but there is a great song in there. A really great song. It’s strange, this song stands out amongst my top 3 as a song that has potential. I want more people to hear it. I want it to be re-recorded with some better production. I can hear it so perfectly. I’ve listened to it so many times. Farrel has a song here, something special.
Hope of the States – Long Waits in the A&E: One of my favorite bands of all time returned in November, just when I needed them most. “Long Waits” song is emotionally heavy, noisy, and chaotic song in three acts. Clocking in at 11:32, it’s a trip. Fingers crossed this is the start of a new era for the band.
The Killers – “Bright Lights”: Just in time for the 20 year anniversary of the amazing Hut Fuss, The Killers release “Bright Lights.” Full of energy and soul and just good vibes, “Bright Lights” is a nice reminder of why The Killers are one of the biggest bands in the world. And after the rather solemn Pressure Machine it’s nice to see these guys still got it.
Jim O – The Jazz Station
Riley Mulherkar – Riley: Definitely one of the major jazz releases in 2024. Trumpeter Riley Mulherkar is an outstanding musician, with a full, rich sound and ideas that make total sense. That, and the unique production/sound design, had me hooked from my first listen. Easily one of the best albums that I’ve heard in several years.
Darcy James Argue Secret Society – Maximum Dynamic Tension: Argue’s most recent release is easily his best one yet, a 21st century take on the big band tradition that honors the influence of Duke Ellington, Thad Jones and Bob Brookmeyer and at the same time shows how Argue has synthesized those sounds into his own voice. Excellent compositions, beautifully played by some of the best musicians in New York City.
Jamie Baum – What Times Are These: Flutist Jamie Baum’s latest CD, What Times Are These, is another listening highlight for 2024. It’s very much music of its time, combining spoken word poetry, songs, and rap with stellar writing by Baum and excellent solos from the entire group. This is smart, thoughtful and compelling jazz that deserves a much wider audience.
Eryn H – Marketing Coordinator
Ayra Starr – The Year I Turned 21: Lagos sensation Ayra Starr had me on board from the moment I saw the video of her live version of “Commas.” Infectious Afrobeats meet sensational vocals and Ayra’s X-factor on The Year I Turned 21. With standout tracks like “Commas,” “Bad Vibes,” and “Santa,” the sophomore studio album has been an irresistible supplement to sunny summer days and the darkest nights of winter alike.
Billy Strings – Live Vol. 1: Strings’ first live album did not disappoint in any direction. Live Vol. 1 was the soundtrack to so many hikes and outdoor adventures this summer that listening even now takes me right back to hot mornings under shady trees. I’ve logged a ton of hours with this album in 2024 and don’t have a single regret about it.
Rubii – Change and Remain: Rubii’s ultra chill and totally sultry sound serves as a choice backdrop for so many of my favorite things – a night drive, a really good cup of tea, or dinner with friends, just to name a few. Change & Remain is the culminating EP release of Rubii’s heaviest-hitting singles plus my new top track “Chameleon,” so while the EP didn’t drop until mid-summer, I’ve been along for the ride since the first single release in January.
Evan G – Marketing Coordinator
Remi Wolf – Big Ideas: It seems like every time I give Big Ideas a listen, I discover something new to love about it. It’s an album that is jam-packed with creativity and energy. When I first heard Big Ideas I knew it was a great pop album, but in the time since, it has easily become one of my favorite albums of all time.
Topeka Clementine – Topeka Clementine too: Topeka Clementine too feels like the perfect soundtrack to the rainy days we’ve had recently. The album is a lovely balance of quiet, cozy charm and beautifully inventive lyrics and instrumentation, that feels just right on a cold winter day.
Mk. Gee – Two Star & The Dream Police: Since the first time I stumbled on Two Star & The Dream Police, I haven’t been able to stop listening to it. Combining a dynamic and expressive songwriting style with a weird and wild guitar tone that feels both nostalgic for the past and like it’s visiting from the future, Mk. Gee has crafted some of the coolest new music coming out these days.
