© 2024 KOSU
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Jon Mooneyham's 10 Favorite Albums of 2019

Orville Peck

Jon Mooneyham, host of Everything All At Once Forever, shares his 10 favorite albums of 2019.

The Comet is Coming - Trust in the Lifeforce of the Deep Mystery

Shabaka Hutchings’ apocalyptic cosmic jazz trio fuses the sonic Afrofuturist scenarios of Sun Ra and John Coltrane’s late-period space explorations with the serene spiritual jazz of Alice Coltrane, synthesizing something new in that crucible. Emphasizing mile-wide grooves and dubby distortions, TCIC set the controls for the heart of dystopia — and having Kate Tempest along for the ride on one track is a big big bonus. PS: They also released another short LP late this year, Afterlife — a more uplifting flipside to the album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G55GspnNkBo

Kim Gordon - No Home Record

So far my favorite of the post-SY members’ solo song-based albums. Whereas Lee has tended to explore more traditional songwriting styles, and Thurston is still, uh, Thurston, Kim lights out for new territory. Her distinctive burred vocals and lyrics continue her observant yet oblique interest in contemporary social and cultural concerns. And while I’m not ape about the production, it’s grown on me: it finds the right space for Gordon’s vocals amidst the drum machines, guitar scratches, and other electronic elements. Handily the most aggressive recording on this short list.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJl_9a6dp4g

International Teachers of Pop - s/t

Another project from the pair of analog synth nerds behind The Eccentronic Research Council and The Moonlandingz: electro disco pop of the first order, with Leonore Wheatley (also of The Soundcarriers) positioned as chanteuse. Much-needed escapism for troubling times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GseIEUiBbs

Lizzo - Cuz I Love You

I’ve been dipping my ancient wrinkled tootsies into the mainstream a lot this year and, holy crap, this is the most FUN album I’ve heard in awhile. Lizzo downplays the rap that earned her initial notices for a full-on pop album, and she’s the whole package and then some: tight songs catchier than the flu, fantastic pipes, an ebullient sense of humor, her well-documented body-positive attitude, chops on the flute, and a guest spot from no less than Missy Elliot. The album’s dripping with a Prince-soaked aesthetic that bounces effortlessly through genres (including a surprising blues underpinning), which pushes some plus buttons over here. My only gripe is its brevity: at about thirty minutes, I’m left wanting more... but I’m guessing that’s intentional.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaCrQL_8eMY

Orville Peck - Pony

Coming straight outta nowhere (okay, Canada), Peck’s got the dramatic voice to make his country-adjacent tunes work, shored up by superbly twangy arrangements. That his lyrics have a markedly gay emphasis went unnoticed by me on initial listen, but resulted in a deeper fascination for me. But I wonder how long it’ll take for him to drop the Orion-homage masks. RIYL: Chris Isaak, Roy Orbison, high lonesome drama

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR-4l5M_MQ8

Lee Scratch Perry - Rainford

Given his age, I doubted prime reggae eccentric (and dub pioneer) Perry had another great album left in him. But I’m happy to admit I was wrong; Rainford is a blast, with Adrian Sherwood once again working his magic at the mixing desk and plenty of Perry’s peculiar personality slathered everywhere. And the dub companion album, Heavy Rain, just came out in early December, which in some ways is even better (said the dub enthusiast)…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPGEzIXLFXA

Vanishing Twin - The Age of Immunology

Vanishing Twin are in the lineage of experimental pop bands I adore like Stereolab and Broadcast. To that approach, they add a healthy dose of skillful improvisation, resulting in some unpredictable twists and turns to the songs. My top of the heap for 2019.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=384GsV2RCR0

Billie Eilish - When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?

Duh! While I’m nowhere in the vicinity of her target audience, I consider myself a fan. A terrific debut that consolidates Eilish’s strengths: the smart songs she and her brother write, the minimalist arrangements, her penchant for layering gothy morbid elements into otherwise straightforward pop… all from a girl that can’t even vote yet. Which brings up another aspect I appreciate: Eilish generally shies away from exploiting her body in her videos, preferring baggy hiphop-type track suits — which gives me (as an aging geezer) welcome relief from accusations of straight-up creeperism.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PZsSWwc9xA

Yola - Walk Through Fire

An early favorite this year, Walk Through Fire occupies the corner where country and soul meet. Dan Auerbach’s production updates countrypolitan flourishes in the best ways, but it’s Yola’s incredibly moving voice that keeps your attention; when she lets in that rough edge and vibrato — whew. And having songwriting input from Dan Penn doesn’t hurt, either.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWTwuQ3LeH4

Sault - 5

Mysterious social media-shy outfit’s debut mixes and matches ‘70s funk and soul vibes, ‘80s postpunk grooves (think ESG), ‘90s r&b tropes and sampledelica, and more. Given that, what could be a big steamin’ pile is instead a glorious hybrid groove monster, glued together by slightly dirty and reverb-soaked production. If you like your feet tickled (metaphorically, anyway) and your rugs properly cut, this record’s for you — and they kicked out a second terrific album, 7, just last month.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1F0qO7QIR4

Jon Mooneyham has been involved in the OKC/Norman music scene since 1979 as a radio host, club DJ, video show host/producer, writer, performer, show booker, and record collector.
KOSU is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.
Related Content