Our favourite 50 albums of 2018 30-21
30. Let's Eat Grandma - I’m All Ears
An album about insecurities with not a sign of them in the delivery of the songs. I guess that's the point - insecurities are overcome and strength follows. This kept on climbing and climbing up this list.
29. Sleep - The Sciences
Lean and elegant riffs. Of the Metal we listened (admittedly a small number this year) this album really stood out.
28. Hen Ogledd - Mogic
I missed out on their gig in Chapter, which made me sad. An extraordinary range of instruments feature in poly-rhythmic, idiosyncratic tunes. 'Sky Burial' is one of my favourite tracks of the year.
27. Hayley Heynderickx - I Need To Start A Garden
An album of delicate compositions, snapshots of life and songs of a loner. Inward looking, doubtful and questioning, but resolute.
26. Gang Gang Dance - Kazuashita
Super-chill EDM and the first Gang Gang Dance record I've ever really gotten into. Got me through some though days at work.
25. Frank Ocean - Endless
A visual album, apparently a teaser for his next album, but it's so good here it is on the list of our fav albums. Frank Ocean is a poet of a musician, able to conjure entirely relatable, yet individual images in a couple of words.
24. Grouper - Grid of Points
Grid of Points is defined as much by what isn't there as what is. These are sparse songs, piano and vocal, slow and careful. They are evocative of an empty room, left unfurnished and dusty.
23. The Cradle - Bag of Holding
Wood-wind heavy folk that featherlight describing sensitive and tender moments.
22. Snail Mail - Lush
Moody confessions from suburban life. Indie rock is turning to sincerity and Snail Mail is at the forefront of a new generation of songwriters.
21. Lonnie Holley - MITH
Loops of melody and phrases, motifs build meaning - "I'm a suspect in America" he sings again and again, a feeling that's been a reality again and again Holley in all his 68 years in the U.S. This record is restless and jazzy and free in its creativity.