22 for 2022

Another year of inspiring songs, compelling lyrics, memorable melodies. When I hear people complain about the lack of quality new music I feel like I’m listening to someone from another planet. What a time to be alive… as a music lover. As a creators and artists, maybe not so much… it’s an exceedingly difficult world out there in which to stand out… this is the real only “why” I make these lists. Trying to do my part to support those music makers who have supported me emotionally and pushed me forward creatively in the most recent twelve months.

Please check out the other music these fellow human beings have made, I’ve done my best to provide links to each below along with some thoughts on each selection.

Happy new year!

Marcus Mumford f. Monica Martin - “Go In Light”

Two years in a row with my friend Monica Martin at the top spot in this list. I don’t believe “best of” lists or award shows are generally a good and healthy idea for the world of subjective art, but there is no voice alive who moves me quite like Monica. Absolutely breathtaking singer and artist in her own right, her she is with one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. I like the song, I don’t have any Mumford & Sons hate or envy, but Monica’s presence here puts this song way up top of my favorite musical moments from 2022.

The Smile - “The Smoke”

Mind-bending structure and groove, I love this iteration of the Radiohead family of talent.

Spoon - “The Hardest Cut”

A group of not-youngens who are still here and still showing everyone how to make a kickass record after years and years. Much respect. Also, more ridiculous mixing work from Tchad Blake. Dude makes the rest of us look like fools. Incredible.

Tears For Fears - “My Demons”

Another group of not-youngens putting out great music after decades in the game. More killer grooves that aren’t as simple as 4/4 pop (think their biggest hit “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”).

Erik Walters - “Future’s Gone”

Heard of this project by the drummer, Sean Lane, with whom I’ve worked on a bunch of records since moving to Seattle nearly three years ago (??!!). Sean and Erik play together with Pedro The Lion. His whole record is worth your time. Cue the next song.

Pedro The Lion - “Teenage Sequencer”

Have loved David Bazan’s writing since the moment I heard him and his words and melodies became the musical scaffolding during the emotional upending of my life in the best way possible. Here he is describing perfectly the uneasiness of growing up and the awkwardness of young love. Marriage of production and concept are so good, more quality work from Seattle’s own Andy Park.

James and the Shame - “Believe Me”

I think I first heard this song on KEXP, though I have forgotten in the months since and I’ve had it on my favorites playlist. Classic vibes and songcraft, haunting and beautiful.

Ryan Necci and The Buffalo Gospel - “Bloodlines”

My friend Ryan makes me cry and I love it. His lyric and vocal delivery here are phenomenal... that final build to the chorus? My god. Goosebumps every damn time. He’s got everything one might need to explode like Chris Stapleton, and I do not hand out glowing superlatives like that as a rule. I adore his songwriting and am super proud of him for his dedication to the craft and his growth over the past few years since moving to Nashville from our shared home state of Wisconsin. I love you, my dude. This song made my list last year but I thought it came out this year and whatever this is my list my rules so it’s here again, deal with it. READER: LISTEN TO THIS SONG. GRAB TISSUES.

Levee done broke again
River don't give a damn
Cut veins, floodplains
Drown in the old shame
Fly 'til you fall
It's there on the wall
The water flows one way
Your last name, you can't change
The bloodlines

Twen - “HaHaHome”

I have no idea who to thank for putting this record into my life, have completely forgotten who turned me onto it. I’m sorry! But thanks?

Ginger Root - “Over The Hill”

Cameron Lew and his insanely inspired retro-tinged funkiness, came my way via the Vulfpeck and Jack Conte tree. Aggressive elevator soul. Love this whole vibe, incredible production and energy. Fun.

Yard Act - “Payday”

I get some Talking Heads vibes here, and I’m into it. What do you feel after listening to this song if not the whole record? I’m curious.

Wet Leg - “Angelica”

This year’s indie darlings took over radio and fans with undeniable hooks and an indifferent air. I wanted to hate them. Too cool for school and all that. Turns out I absolutely love this whole record. Super fun.

Everything Everything - “I Want A Love Like This”

Finally got to see this band live a couple of months ago at Neumos here in Seattle. Have loved them since their debut, turning friends onto their records (including superfan Owen Sartori who included me in his birthday celebration trip here to see this show).

Harry Styles - “As It Was”

When this song came out I hit repeat about 5 times on one drive to the studio. Instant vibes, great melody, hard to deny. This dude has made a few songs now that absolutely resonate with me and my earholes, add this to the list.

Lizzy McAlpine and Ben Kessler - “reckless driving”

Another repeat artist on my year end lists, this tune was produced by my friend (and License Lab composer) Ehren Ebbage and Philip Etherington. The way this song rises to its climax is a masterclass in sonic surprises that match the lyric and vibe of a song. SO GOOD. I dig the whole record, it’s absolutely worth your time.

Duncan Sheik - “Maybe”

I’ve been a bigtime fan of Duncan Sheik for decades, I adore his wordplay and melodies. I was geeked that he followed me on twitter and we’ve had an exchange or two there, and could not be happier that he’s still making memorable and meaningful pop even after his success with composing musicals.

So much life around us
Something lost has found us
Maybe love surrounds us all

Death Cab For Cutie - “Here to Forever”

DCFC’s drummer Jason McGerr is a bandmate of two friends of mine (Audrey Assad and Marshall Altman) in another project called The Overstory, as well as being a creative contributor to some License Lab albums since I moved to Seattle… so it was great fun to learn of this new album from his fantastic band, and when it hit it did not disappoint. This song is a good example of Jason adding more than simple beat to a song, giving it something else, something more than mere timekeeping. A bounce and energy that pushes the right things and pulls some other things. Love it.

Sophie Faith - “Pinky Blues”

Soulful vocals and throwback production, I’m such a sucker for that combo. I think this was another KEXP find.

Beth Orton - “Forever Young”

Is it because I am also into my 50s now that I find compelling, inspiring, respected releases from non-youngens somehow extra special? Like The War On Drugs and Low and Spoon and so many others of late, it seems the new shape of the music industry has room for everyone. That makes me so happy. If you like Cocteau Twins and Massive Attack and Portishead and the like, you will love this new work from Beth Orton.

Rival Consoles - “Visions of Self”

Each year there’s at least one (mostly) instrumental project that catches my interest and attention and gets played and replayed throughout the year, often added to my “Thinky Worky” playlist. This is that kind of thing… textural and flowing, with the right kind of roundness for an electronic work. This has inspired much of the work I am putting out in 2023, if I’m honest. Enjoy the rolling filters and delays and let your ears soak it in.

Audrey Assad - “Sound of Silence”

My friend Audrey and I share some life experiences, mainly that of excavating the faith and stories of our youth and forging a new spirituality borne of asking questions rather than waiting on answers. That may be why this cover of this classic song hits me at some deep levels that I have a hard time articulating, but I hope it resonates with you, as well. It’s a lovely and disjointed take on a song everyone knows, breathing new life and thoughtfulness into this timeless lyric and melody with her sterling voice that is one of the purest things you will ever put in your ears and heart… just absolutely lovely work. Kudos, Audrey!

Gia Margaret - “body”

A bit of a meditation and spiritual postlude to round out this playlist, this album from Gia was recommended to me by a new friend and collaborator here in Seattle, Abby Gundersen. It is the kind of record that takes chances and exists seemingly for the benefit of the creator and those lucky enough to happen across it… I hope you all go give it a listen and consider supporting Gia’s work. I find it supremely compelling and have listened to it again and it again in the months since Abby posted about it. Just lovely stuff, and a nicer way to remember 2022 than most all of the things that happened this past year.