2019 saw the decade of the 2010's conclude with a number of standout releases that, while incredibly diverse, share a similar quality of evoking a greater sense of simplicity and connectivity, which are two qualities many folks are yearning for these days. While I'm a little late to the party in terms of the "end-of-the-year" list, this belated version has allowed some of the music from the past year to sink in a bit more. So, as the old adage goes, better late than never... and with that, I give you my belated version of Pipes's Picks for 2019:
You can check out all of these artists and standout tracks on my 2019 Pipes's Picks Playlist on Spotify.
The tag team of Phoebe Bridges and Connor Oberst delivered a stellar record that features both prolific songwriters in top form, creating an effortless, intimate sound that stands apart from their solo work. What makes this collaboration especially special is the fact that Bridges, at age 25, is very much in the same boat Oberst was in earlier in his career when he was invited to collaborate with notable, older songsmiths (Monsters of Folk comes to mind). The beautiful harmonies between the two songwriters and vulnerable lyric-driven songs resonate on a variety of levels and provide the listener something new each time.
Standout tracks: "Dylan Thomas," "Didn't Know What I Was In For," "Sleepwalking"
Produced by Dave Simonett of Trampled by Turtles, Die Happy finds the Eau Claire Americana act at their best with a record that takes listeners on an emotional journey, fuelled with introspective, honest songwriting by Soren Staff. The vocal harmonies stand out on this record as Die Happy delivers an infectiously catchy record from start to finish. Also to note, the band's live show is top-notch and the new tracks translate fantastically on stage.
Standout tracks: "Hand of God (parts 2 and 3)," "Evangelina," "5'6'' Monument"
Ghosts of the Forest is a project Trey Anastasio created as a tribute to his longtime friend, Chris Cottrell who passed away from cancer. This is a record that hits particularly close to home for me, as my wife continues her battle with lung cancer. The principal Phish songwriter and guitarist's project is incredibly personal and multi-layered. Many of the tracks from the record were performed by Phish on their recent summer tour, but Ghosts of the Forest is a unique project different in sonic quality from anything Anastasio has done with Phish or Trey Anastasio Band. There are records that come around and just help you put one foot in front of the other at different points in your life, and for the latter half of 2019, this was that record for me.
Standout tracks: "Ghosts of the Forest," "About to Run," "Ruby Waves"
2019 was a tremendous year for the indie rock quartet from Brooklyn. Releasing two stand-out records, U.F.O.F. and Two Hands, the band received tons of well-deserved critical acclaim. Adrianne Lenker's ethereal vocals drive Big Thief's sound, but it is the unique, clever, and catchy instrumentation of the quartet that really helps the songs take shape.
Standout tracks: "U.F.O.F.," "Forgotten Eyes," "Cattails"
The Austin-based duo of singer/guitarist Eric Burton and guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada have become quite the buzz-band as the calendar flipped from 2019 into 2020. The band has sold out shows across the country and deservedly so. Their album blends the best of soul, funk, and indie rock, and is guided by exceptional guitar-work and Burton's fantastic vocal range.
Standout tracks: "Colors," "Black Moon Rising," "Fire"
Hiss Golden Messenger's M.C. Taylor has become one of the most prolific songwriters in recent years, delivering a string of five top-quality albums over the past four years. Backed with multi-instrumentalist Phil Cook supporting him, Taylor and company are a band that embodies soulful Americana. Terms of Surrender is heartfelt and reflective through and through and engages listeners from start to finish.
Stand out tracks: "I Need A Teacher," "Old Enough to Wonder Why," "Terms of Surrender"
Eraserland is a hopeful record that finds Timothy Showalter at the top of his game. Backed by My Morning Jacket, Showalter is noticeably more comfortable in his own skin as an artist, and the result is a superb record that blends Showalter's robustly introspective vocals with a genuine jammy rock sound.
Stand out tracks: "Weird Ways," "Ruby," "Forever Chords"
Gunn has emerged as one of the best guitarists on the scene in recent years, blending together bluesy, Americana, and psychedelic stylings. With soundscapes that tell a story in and of themselves, The Unseen Inbetween finds Gunn at perhaps his most accessible. The companion release, The Acoustic Unseen is also worth checking out and further showcases Gunn's prowess on the axe.
Stand out tracks: "Vagabond," "New Moon," "New Familiar"
The veteran psychedelic, folk, punk, alt-country rocker delivers perhaps his most ambitious record to date with Tip of the Sphere. The longer-form compositions stand out and blend singer-songwriter sensibility and lyrical depth with some serious deep jams.
Stand out tracks: "I Followed The River South to What," "Rounder," "Sleeping Volcanoes"
Moctar is a Tuareg songwriter and musician based in Agadez, Niger who dropped one of the trippiest and most unique guitar-based records of the year. IIana (The Creator) showcases Moctar's unique style of play and jams hard to create vast, lush soundscapes. Moctar is an artist who cannot be defined by genre labels and pushes his unique sound in so many different directions on this album.
Stand out tracks: "Kamane Tarhanin," "Anna," "Tarhatazed:"
The enigmatic Canadian country crooner's debut LP, Pony combines traditional country musings with a modern touch to create a freshly unique and interesting sound. Peck has an unbelievably rich voice that carries his music. While we don't know tons about the masked performer, it's safe to say that we look forward to forthcoming music from him in years to come.
Stand out tracks: "Dead of Night," "Turn to Hate," "Queen of the Rodeo"
It's hard to believe that Vampire Weekend has been around for the past fifteen years. I still recall seeing them at Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee shortly after their first record was released! Vampire Weekend has evolved into one of the top indie rock bands of the 2010's. The group continues to progress and hone their unique sound with each release. Father of the Bride is contagiously infectious with pop songs that will noodle into your brain and stay there for a long time.
Stand out tracks: "Harmony Hall," "This Life," "Sunflower"
Justin Vernon and company's fourth proper LP, i,i was dubbed the "autumn" record by the group. As with his previous releases, Vernon continues to experiment, explore and expand his sound as a performer. i,i creates a nice sonic balance, integrating more of Vernon's folk sensibilities with his deeper electronic arrangements to create a solid record from start to finish.
Stand out tracks: "Hey, Ma," "Faith," "Naeem"
Local Love:
Midwestern bluegrass juggernaut Chicken Wire Empire came into their own in 2019 as a top-notch contemporary jam-grass outfit, delighting fans at a plethora of local, regional and national festivals as well as touring Europe. Releasing What Moves Mountains on New Year's Day was a fun and unique move for the quintet, and helped set the stage for a tremendous year.
Standout tracks: "Wildflowers," "Summer and Me," "Maker"
The sincerity and earnestness of Joseph Huber's songwriting continues to evolve with his most current release, Moondog. Huber's soulful lyrics shine on this record that spans over 70 minutes and showcases some of the singer-songwriter's best storytelling to date. Huber's songs allow his listeners to transport themselves into the narratives of his songs on this simultaneously intimate and sprawling release.
Standout tracks: "Northwoods Waltz," "Moondog," "Pale Lonesome Rider"
