2024 SONGS OF THE YEAR
It all begins with an idea.
TSR present their individual Top 10 Songs of 2024
ROZ - TOP 10 SONGS
10. Charli xcx - Sympathy Is A Knife
The entire brat saga completely localized into one hit song. If you want a starting point to dig into the movement, look no further than here.
9. JPEGMAFIA - SIN MIEDO
Peggy continues to push the boundaries of hip-hop with his innovative production style and unique flow techniques. As punk rock as it gets when it comes to the genre; bask in it’s (controlled) chaos.
8. Waxahatchee ft. MJ Lenderman - Right Back To It
The song that made me see the error of my ways when it came to Waxahatchee. A must-listen tag team effort by Kathryn Crutchfield and rising star MJ Lenderman.
7. Jamie xx ft. The Avalanches - All You Children
Jamie xx is quality over quantity when it comes to his releases and, as you listen to the infectious dance rhythms and hooks throughout this song, you’ll see why it’s always worth the wait.
6. The Smile - Wall of Eyes
This titular track encapsulates the pure talent and skill that oozes out of the spiritual successor of legendary band Radiohead.
5. MJ Lenderman - She’s Leaving You
MJ Lenderman is a talent that refuses to be denied - though you’d never guess it by the way he presents himself. Sit back, relax and enjoy the serenades of this slacker rock-er.
4. Being Dead - Van Goes
One of the quirkiest bands I’ve had the pleasure of digging into. Do yourself a favour, and give their entire discography a listen once you’re done with this fantastic piece of work.
3. Vampire Weekend - Prep School Gangsters
Unique soundscapes, delicious hooks, impressive vocal performances and mostly importantly that hard to explain, deeply subconscious sensation that causes a person to yearn for another hit of that sweet serotonin release that only music can give.
2. Adrianne Lenker - No Machine
A song so good it made me shed real tears. Lenker’s beautiful poetry is on full display throughout this stripped back acoustic ballad.
1. Fontaines D.C. - Starburster
How is it that a rock song can feel so fresh and so new in the year 2024? Grian Chatten’s innate ability to put you in the drivers seat to experience his personal pain and anxiety is equal parts terrifying and mesmerizing.
REID- TOP 10 SONGS
10. Jack White - That’s How I’m Feeling
As rock continues its ascension back to the top of mainstream, this icon returns to form with one of the anthems of the year. Infectious bass, rowdy rock and his signature voice make this a can’t miss.
9. St. Vincent - Hell Is Near
The hypnotic vocal accentuates a captivating bass climax. She brings it home with an invigorating soundscape.
8. Jamie xx ft. The Avalanches - All You Children
These two acts in their prime team up for sample and bassline of the year. Add this one to your dance playlist and get the party goin.
7. Ben Bohmer - Hiding
Bohmer continues his penchant for euphoria with this melodic house track. It starts at a high and never comes down.
6. IDLES - Gift Horse
Gritty and unique. This Grammy nominated love song packs a punch. See you in the mosh pit.
5. The Smile - Teleharmonic
Tom and Jonny continue to find new ways to make your jaw drop. Put on your headphones, crank the volume and drift off into their dreamworld.
4. MJ Lenderman - Wristwatch
A deep message on the minimal impact of material objects on your greatest emotions juxtaposed by MJ’s laid back delivery.
3. Adrianne Lenker - No Machine
Lenker proves quality doesn’t always need complexity. Her songwriting is exquisite. This one will give you chills.
2. Kendrick Lamar - Not Like Us
Sometimes you gotta pop out and show. The nail in the coffin for the biggest beef of the 21st century. Kendrick continues his calculated and diabolical ways, this time with a beat for the ages from DJ Mustard.
1. Vampire Weekend - Mary Boone
Ezra’s pristine vocal harmonized by a choir and amplified by a band with a bottomless toolkit. The best song on the album of the year.
LUNDI - TOP 10 SONGS
10. Friko - Crashing Through
Massive, collective like sound from the Chicago duo. A wave of intense sound showing promise for the future of indie rock.
9. Waxahatchee ft. MJ Lenderman - Evil Spawn
A beautifully written and delivered tale of the good old days from a truly amazing songwriter. The harmony of the dueling vocals is exactly what Crutchfield needed to take the next step.
8. Magdalena Bay - Image
Takes the entire concept of Imaginal Disk and presents the idea in a singular track. The building sonics mimicking the anticipation of meeting your ideal self is wonderfully woven art.
7. The Smile - Teleharmonic
The Radiohead cannon is massive, but this standout from their sophomore album stacks up with any of Thom and Johnny’s iconic songs.
6. Los Campesinos! - Feast of Tongues
An apocalyptic victory for those that survive the demise of society as current governments grow in power and the rich gain more. You can feel the weight of the topic and musical influence of all 7 band members.
5. MJ Lenderman - Wristwatch
Materialistic items cannot replace the human requirement for emotional experiences, a familiar trope told in a tongue in cheek way through the perspective of a smart watch by the next iconic guitarist.
4. The Cure - Endsong
Appropriately titled end (maybe?) to an iconic career. Robert Smith sounds as good as ever. Beautifully executed call back to the band’s best years.
3. English Teacher - Albert Road
Juxtaposition of growing up as a minority with the emotional weight of the experiences perfectly matched by a world building sonic arrangement utilizing the entire musical bag of tricks.
2. Vampire Weekend - Mary Boone
Never expected the trio to come close to replicating their career highlight Hannah Hunt but this standout track from Only God Was Above Us, 2024’s best album, might just top it.
1. Fontaines D.C. - Starburster
An inflection point in rock music signaling there is still room for exploration and growth in the well aged genre. Need an entire album of this yesterday.
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2024 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR
It all begins with an idea.
TSR presents their individual Top 10 albums of 2024.
LUNDI - TOP 10 ALBUMS
10. Jamie XX - In Waves
Vibrant, club curated electronic music by one of the greatest sampling technicians of all time. Crafted for a good time and delivers endless euphoria front to back.
9. The Smile - Wall of Eyes
If Radiohead never return, Wall of Eyes gives peace of mind that Thom and Johnny can produce technically beautiful music to scratch the itch that’s much more than a simple side project.
8. Charli XCX - brat
brat summer, brat autumn, brat winter. You don’t need a blurb from me to tell you this was the most culturally impactful album of the year. As a long time fan of Charli, it’s gratifying to see her finally get her day.
7. Mannequin Pussy - I Got Heaven
Leaning into the live energy of a live show but polished with studio shine, I Got Heaven is a horny punk rock experience of a band on the rise.
6. The Cure - Songs of a Lost World
An upper echelon all time band tell their tale of aging and grief through a proper send off. This is no fan service, Songs of a Lost World may just end up near the top of their already deep discography. How does Robert Smith sound this good at 65?
5. MJ Lenderman - Manning Fireworks
Believe the hype, MJ Lenderman is becoming the next great singer songwriter right before our very eyes. Impeccable guitar feel twinned with superb lyricism, Manning Fireworks is the vision of a musical mastermind.
4. Waxahatchee - Tiger’s Blood
Crutchfield has always been one of the great lyricists that never quite grabbed me but with the injection of MJ Lenderman and a higher intensity americana sound, she’s changed my entire outlook. Swoon.
3. Fontaines D.C. - Romance
An ode to music with its expansive array of rock sub genres. A rare modern band where you feel the presence and idea generation of all members. It’s emotional and grounded in pop culture, firmly putting the Irish lads on the map.
2. English Teacher - This Could Be Texas
The debut album that keeps giving. Each song is formed to develop its own world both lyrically and sonically, yet the album is arranged to find perfect cohesion. Absolutely deserving of the Mercury Prize and the band I am most excited for what is next.
1. Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us
Only God Was Above Us is as close as possible to perfection you can get on album release. Its parts shouldn’t work in theory, but as a sum the album is chaotic bliss. Zero doubt this will age like a fine wine and be considered one of the greatest modern albums.
REID - TOP 10 ALBUMS
10. IDLES - TANGK
Your creative outlet can change with the circumstances in your life and that holds true for frontman Joe Talbot and the unique British band. They dial back their celebrated punk style on TANGK with a more melodic and reflective effort while still delivering enough raucous rock to rile up the mosh pit.
9. Jack White - No Name
What year is it? The rock n roll icon rolls back the clock delivering a collection of songs rivalling those that sprung him to stardom with The White Stripes. His signature bluesy, catchy riffs and ripping solos are back and his voice sounds as good as ever.
8. Kendrick Lamar - GNX
GNX is hot off the press and Kendrick Lamar’s scorching hot 2024 will feed off its momentum and roll right into his 2025 Super Bowl halftime performance and world tour. His wordplay variety paired with west coast beats, fresh and throwback samples and melodic R&B hooks combine to add another high quality record to his already elite discography.
7. MJ Lenderman - Manning Fireworks
We’re witnessing a star on the rise. At 25-years young, MJ Lenderman is making a significant mark on the music world and Manning Fireworks is his best solo work yet. He has experience beyond his years on the guitar and his penchant for writing loser rock anthems is second to none.
6. English Teacher - This Could Be Texas
The accolades This Could Be Texas is receiving would be celebrated by veterans. To accomplish it on your debut album is wildly impressive. Frontwoman Lily Fontaine’s unique lyrical style meshes so well with their unorthodox style.
5. Mannequin Pussy - I Got Heaven
Screamo punk or angelic melodies? Marisa Dabice does it all. A crisp, no-skip ten songs over thirty minutes skyrockets Mannequin Pussy into relevancy.
4. Adrianne Lenker - Bright Future
One of the best songwriters in the world strips it down and bares all with a deeply emotional solo record. Her authenticity shines through on Bright Future and her poetry has you clinging to her every word.
3. Magdalena Bay - Imaginal Disk
A concept album on getting being the best version of yourself coincidentally brought the highest quality record out of the synth pop duo of Magdalena Bay.
2. The Smile - Wall of Eyes
Masters of their trade continue to reinvent themselves further solidifying their legacy amongst the greatest musicians of all time. Immerse yourself in the experience that is Wall of Eyes.
1. Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us
Vampire Weekend elevate an already acclaimed discography with their best work yet. The collection of sounds on Only God Was Above Us is mesmerizing indie rock and Ezra Koenig’s flawless vocal brings it all together perfectly.
ROZ - TOP 10 ALBUMS
10. Jamie XX - In Waves
Jamie finds a way to truly combine everything he’s done up to this point in his life. Even better, he somehow does this while also forming it into a collection of infectious, dance floor hits – a remarkable task in its own right.
9. English Teacher - This Could Be Texas
Class is in session. This UK indie rock outfits debut studio album perfectly encapsulates a rural upbringing in the form of puzzling poetry from deep in the mind of a doughy eyed twenty-something.
8. Floating Points - Cascade
You won’t find something so technical and pristine in the digital space while also having the innate ability to make you move. An electronic music marvel.
7. The Smile - Wall of Eyes
Decades of untouched talent fully realized on the second effort by Radiohead alumni Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood. Objectively brilliant.
6. MJ Lenderman - Manning Fireworks
This album proves that small-town heart and real-world authenticity is still alive and well on the rock music scene. MJ is destined for greatness and this album is the absolute proof.
5. Being Dead - EELS
A meshing of styles unlike anything I’ve heard before. Beach Boys on acid. Drown in it’s beautiful harmonies and surf rock sensibilities, you’ll thank me later.
4. Fontaines D.C. - Romance
The album packs a punch that reverberates more and more after every new listen. Rock music wins me over this year and one of the leading forces in that is Fontaines D.C.
3. Magdalena Bay - Imaginal Disk
The slowest burn of my TSR career. This album showcases Magdalena Bay’s unique sound and will undoubtedly serve as the precursor to their eventual meteoric rise.
2. Charli XCX - brat
This isn’t just an album, it’s a movement. Not only did it completely change my mind on Charli as an artist, it also flipped the pop music world upside down.
1. Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us
Never so effortlessly and so perfectly does an album stitch together such beautiful elements and soundscapes together. Is it the bands innate chemistry? Is it Ezra Koenig himself? It’s everything, all of it - it is the best album of 2024.
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2023 SONGS OF THE YEAR
It all begins with an idea.
TSR present their individual Top 10 Songs of 2023
REID - TOP 10 SONGS
10. The Front Bottoms - Outlook
Turning your back on a loved one is not an easy choice. When it goes wrong it’s hard to ever go back. A simple, catchy rock track with a meaningful message.
9. Skrillex, Fred again…, Flowdan - Rumble
Next level creators who are driving new sounds into the EDM landscape. Unmatched creativity from an unexpected duo.
8. Spiritual Cramp - Clashing at the Party
Mosh pit inducing vigor with a show stealing frontman vocal. You can smell the sweat.
7. Bombay Bicycle Club - Meditate
Groovy rock tune driven by tidy guitar and bass instrumentation. The final one and a half of the five plus minutes is capped off with heavy hitting drums, tasteful synth and an addition of horns.
6. Queens of the Stone Age - Paper Machete
Typical in-your-face Queens stoner rock with added emotional fuel of Josh Homme’s divorce.
5. Foo Fighters - Under You
Call back to early day Foo Fighters with a relatable and devastating message.
4. The Voidz - Flexorcist
A collection of varying song styles mashed into one. Numerous song ideas seamlessly integrated.
3. Jungle - Back on 74
More than just TikTok fame, the duo offer up groovy disco dance vibes that are impossible not to move to.
2. Albert Hammond Jr. - Old Man
Textbook indie rock jam penning a tale of a relationship between father and son.
1. Blondshell - Joiner
Powerful, relatable lyricism from a budding songwriter. Avoiding the dark path despite attraction is never an easy task.
ROZ - TOP 10 SONGS
10. Wednesday - Bath County
Raw rock sound with the perfect mixture of energy, darkness and fun.
9. bdrmm - It’s Just A Bit Of Blood
Instrumentation that separates bdrmm from its shoegaze counterparts. Vocally astounding and musically ear pleasing.
8. Jungle - Holding On
High energy, immaculately produced disco-EDM infusion. If this doesn’t get you dancing, nothing will.
7. Mitski - Bug Like An Angel
Gutting lyricism over dreamy acoustics backed by a perfectly timed orchestra and full choir.
6. The Chemical Brothers - Goodbye
Other-worldly soundscapes that seem near-impossible to conceive, by a duo who push the boundaries of electronic music even after 30 years.
5. Feeble Little Horse - Slide
Contrasted bursts of energy and laid back indie sonics by an up and coming do-it-all band.
4. Caroline Polachek - Welcome To My Island
Sets the table for the album of the year. What else needs to be said.
3. JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown - Steppa Pig
Throwing every hip hop trope out the window to produce the most unique take on the genre in quite some time. Manic and chaotic, yet cohesive.
2. Jessie Ware - That! Feels Good!
Perfect disco earworm that encapsulates an album of the year contender.
1. Skrillex, fred again, Flowdan - Rumble
The catalyst for bringing the underground dance music scene to the limelight in 2023 - Time Square, Coachella and beyond. Skrillex lit the torch and now fred again.. is carrying it. Expect even bigger things from this crew in the coming years.
LUNDI - TOP 10 SONGS
10. 100 gecs - The Most Wanted Person in the United States
Ridiculous mock rap sampling the legendary Cypress Hill. Flawlessly executed, hilariously fun.
9. Depeche Mode - Ghosts Again
The masters of synth flex their musical muscle on a welcomed return. Dave Gahan sounds as good as ever, fleeting with raw emotion. Depeche Mode show why they are one of the greatest bands of all time.
8. Wednesday - Quarry
Burn it down to feel the heat. Wednesday rip through a collection of Karly Hartzman youthful tidbits depicting small town America.
7. Blondshell - Salad
A harrowing true story of a close friend who experienced relationship abuse. No matter how much you see it on tv or in movies, the weight of direct exposure cannot be understood.
6. Sampha - Spirit 2.0
R&B beats formulated by a live band. Infectious and groovy. Sampha’s angelic voice makes it that much more soothing.
5. Blur - Barbaric
Tidy rock music that calls back to Blur’s heyday. Quintessential Damon Albarn vocal that sees the band look forward more than ever, a hidden goodbye to one of the best bands to ever grace the stage.
4. boygenius - Not Strong Enough
The rare collective songwriting effort from boygenius where they sound much more like a band than three best friends piecing together individual stories.
3. Caroline Polachek - Sunset
Technically mesmerizing and fun. A rare duo in the music world. Polachek is a budding pop star but she doesn’t sacrifice her vision to meet the tropes of the radio friendly world.
2. Mitski - Bug Like An Angel
An album opener that sucks you into a world of despair flickering with hope. Mitski’s ability to deliver the emotional gut punch is unmatched.
1. Big Thief - Vampire Empire
A live show fan favourite finally makes it way to the recording studio. Adrian Lenker continues as the greatest modern day song writer backed by an incredibly in tune and skilled band.
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2023 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR
It all begins with an idea.
TSR present their individual Top 5 albums of 2023
LUNDI - TOP 5 ALBUMS
5. 100 gecs - 10,000 gecs
So absolutely ridiculous it works. The duo build on their hyperpop genre creation and deliver non-stop unapologetic fun. It’s nothing you could ever expect and that’s what makes it shine.
4. boygenius -
the record
It’s not the most technically advanced or innovative album but boygenius’ supreme display of songwriting has had a mainstream cultural impact unlike any other in 2023. Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus & Julien Baker combine to make a strong case for artist of the year with their beautiful harmonies and brilliantly intertwined lyrical stories.
3. Mitski - The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We
Never for the faint of heart, Mitski lands emotional gut punch after gut punch while teamed with an orchestra and backing choir. Stunning lyricism deeply ingrained with imagery and metaphorical language. The end product is art and it’s absolutely beautiful.
2. Caroline Polachek - Desire, I Want To Turn Into You
The most technically sound album of 2023 that delivers fresh takes on numerous pop genres rooted in indie stylings. Polachek is a budding star well on her way from indie darling to headliner level pop star.
1. Wednesday - Rat Saw God
Karly Hartzman pens tales of her youth through lyricism akin to Quentin Tarantino movie dialogue. Backed by an MJ Lenderman led rock quartet, Wednesday break out and deliver the years best.
ROZ - TOP 5 ALBUMS
5. The Chemical Brothers - For That Beautiful Feeling
The Chemical Brothers generate music unlike anything anywhere. The masters of the craft produce more electronic dance magic that leaves you feeling a mixture of admiration and awe.
4. Mitski - The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We
Mitski is at her finest, showing that regardless of her love-hate relationship with the music industry, she is still at the top of it. She leaves every single bit of herself out there, and the music world is all the better for it.
3. Jessie Ware - That! Feels Good!
A perfect homage to the disco era. Ware pulls from the greats of the 70’s and stamps each track with her own personal influences. She is immaculate, the production is pristine and the album as a whole encapsulates everything great about this particular era of music.
2. Feeble Little Horse - Girl With Fish
Fresh, raw, and injecting a much needed energy to the music industry. Feeble Little Horse built themselves from the ground up through the DIY scene and the hard work pays off with their debut studio album. This certainly won’t be the last time they appear on year end best of lists.
1. Caroline Polachek - Desire, I Want To Turn Into You
High level art pop in every way from its extremely diverse assortment of styles, unique arrangements, techniques, and elements combined with top quality production and engineering.
REID - TOP 5 ALBUMS
5. The Chemical Brothers - For That Beautiful Feeling
Creativity off the charts that disposes of the notion that certain sounds don’t belong together. A start to finish trip that’s unique and fresh, despite this being year 30 of their career.
4. Spiritual Cramp - Spiritual Cramp
Oozing with swagger and showmanship, this fast paced punk rock ride calls back the legends of the 70’s and delivers a sweaty, mosh pit inducing debut album. Short and too friggin sweet.
3. Jeff Rosenstock - Hellmode
Heart and soul lyrical performance from a musicians favourite musician. The mutli-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter tracks a throwback punk rock album filled with a variety of relatable themes and messages.
2. Bombay Bicycle Club - My Big Day
A dorky yet groovy alt-rock compilation that pulls on guest features to give the album a punchy added layer. It’s laid back sound is an enjoyable, easy listen from start to finish.
1. Jungle - Volcano
Intoxicating soundscapes that shows off the creativity of the duo. Like being shot out of a cannon, the album grabs you from note one and never lets go. Explosive fun and as feel good as music can be.