Ah. It’s that time of year again when tastemakers and pundits compile lists of the year’s best musical offerings. We at East of 8th decided to focus our efforts on highlighting albums that impacted us in 2017, whether they were recognized by the mainstream or not. Some of these artists hail from our own backyard, some do not, and the styles run the musical gamut. As different as they may be, they all made us feel something in a major way.
Without further ado (and in order of release date), Eo8 proudly presents our Top 8 of 2017:
Colony House – Only The Lonely
January 13, 2017
With an uber-rock n’ roll strike of a lone reverb-y and slightly dissonant electric chord, Colony House puts their best collective foot forward from the get-go. Their signature anthemic, fist-pumping style weaves its way into every tune, as the band showcases their genre-bending diversity by dipping into 60s-inspired swagger, frantic surf rock-esque energy, fuzzed-out bangers, and one breathtaking hymn-like contemplation. I’ll always have a soft-spot for this hometown group, who have their sights set on feel-good world domination. — Susan Hubbard, Editor
The Regrettes – Feel Your Feelings Fool!
January 13, 2017 Warner Brothers Records
Punk outfit The Regrettes offer their own 21st century challenge to the age-old theory of the feminine mystique in most of the songs on this, their debut album, but do something unique–the band makes feminism, wait for it…accessible to everyone. The appropriately-titled album holds nothing back, and leaves little room for guessing—and that is utterly refreshing. From 60s-inspired doo wap to high-energy bangers, The Regrettes snarl the truth and kick ass, even if they’re wearing skirts. Though I could spend hours opining on the lyrical honesty and substantive fabulousness of this dazzling debut, I would be remiss if I didn’t emphasize the fact that they can sing and they can SHRED. Believe it. — Susan Hubbard, Editor
February 24, 2017 Brainfeeder
One of the best albums this year, Drunk, came from Thundercat, who is by far one of the most well-rounded, talented musicians of our time. Don’t let the short songs fool you, there are some powerful lyrics backed up with head-bobbing beats. Drunk includes vocal tracks by current artists Wiz Khalifa and Pharrell–but don’t overlook the heavy hitting “Show You The Way,” where Thundercat is joined by legends Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins for some sweet-sounding yacht rock. — Rich Harley, Contributor
Father John Misty – Pure Comedy
April 7, 2017 Sub Pop Records
With the year we’ve had in this country, I put this record on probably more than any other record this year. It isn’t concise or perfect, but its rambling madness makes me feel like I’m not the only one trying to process the end of our civilization. It’s comforting in a strange way. — Bill Eberle, Contributor
May 5, 2017
What exactly is home? Nashville folk pop duo The Harmaleighs explore that question and more on their latest EP; a six-song stunner that packed quite a punch. Inspired by longs months on the road, the album confronts everything from love and loss to chauvinism. With smart and poignant lyrics, tongue-in-cheek flair, and razor-sharp words which bite even harder when delivered in their delicate and angelic voices, they reveal that “What is home?” may be a question that has no real answer; however, in the wondering and the wandering, The Harmaleighs show us that while feeling unsettled is a challenge, it can inspire, and beauty can be the result. — Susan Hubbard, Editor
July 7, 2017 Small Press Records
Pickwick has been a surprise pick for me for the year, as it pleasantly reaches a little out of my standard music comfort zone. Its influences also reach back in time to the 70’s, with that groovy rhythm and a swagger that would make anyone move. Galen Disston’s voice is hypnotizing, and LoveJoys adds a sonorous and trippy jump out of the mainstream to your playlist. — Sharon Zehender, Contributor
September 22, 2017 Jagjaguwar
This dude’s voice is unreal, and these songs are so comfortable in their own uncertainty. Some of them have just one lyric that repeats, or structures that are deconstructed. I love this album as an example of “show, don’t tell”–it is what it is, and you can share in the space and feel it. — Bill Eberle, Contributor
October 3, 2017 AYA Records/Tone Tree Music
My favorite album of the year is definitely Daniella Mason‘s debut self-titled album! I adore her unique style and beautifully blended harmonies that make every single song on this album fun to jam to! Mason’s music reflects her bright spirit- with intricately expressed emotions that illustrate the simultaneous wonders and woes of real-life and invoke joy in the hearts of everyone who listens. Her authenticity and honesty are the reason I look to her as an inspiration; not only as an artist, but as a person. — Maggie Kimbro, Contributor
YES THE REGRETTES I LOVE THEM SO MUCH !
Aren’t they fantastic?!