From Kendrick Lamar and Chappell Roan to Waxahatchee and The Cure, our year-end picks for best releases and concerts of 2024 covers a lot of musical ground. Check out the selections, listen to the music.
Writers’ Picks: Cage the Elephant, Chappell Roan and Kendrick Lamar all rated high for 2024. (Photos/Chelsea Whitaker/Derek Ketchum/Album Cover)
SCROLL DOWN FOR READERS’ PICKS, TOO
Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene
It’s an annual tradition — not only for Local Spins, but for media outlets across the country: Writers and music critics choosing the best recordings of the year.
Of course, Local Spins does it one better by also asking its readers to select their favorite albums of the year, and asking both readers and writers for their most memorable concerts of the past 12 months.
Certainly, 2024 stood out for many reasons — from Taylor Swift’s record-setting pop superstar world tour to the economic struggles faced by music festivals across the country.
The flood of new music had a huge impact as well, and that includes releases by Michigan artists — ranging from another Grammy-nominated release by bluegrass powerhouse Billy Strings to ever-intriguing albums by rock, soul, hip hop, country, Americana, pop and jazz artists based in the Great Lakes State.
In my case, it was also a year of musical discovery — some of it coming late in 2024 — with head-turning releases from Father John Misty (the lush “Mahashmashana,” which must be his best album ever because it’s the first time I’ve really been entranced by his music), Jukebox the Ghost (how did I not know about this inventive power-pop band that’s like a genetic mutation of Ben Folds, Queen and The Hush Sound), Pixies (one of my favorite bands of all-time that can still crank it out impressively as evidenced by “The Night the Zombies Came”) and Kacey Musgraves (“Cardinal” from “Deeper Well” absolutely mesmerized me for months).
Editor John Sinkevics
Of course, longtime favorites Jack White (“No Name”), The Decemberists (“As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again”), the aforementioned Billy Strings (“Live Vol. 1” and “Highway Prayers”) and Grand Rapids indie-rock charmers In The Valley Below (“The Black Moon”) had my number, too.
And when it comes to old guys who still make riveting music, how about John Cale’s “POPtical Illusion” (ever-inventive Cale-isms) and Richard Thompson’s “Ship to Shore” (remarkable guitar work, clever songcraft)? (Click on the above links to listen to all of these picks.)
As for favorite concerts, it’s hard to beat My Morning Jacket’s entrancing rock show at Meijer Gardens in July, though I also thoroughly enjoyed the Billy Strings/Greensky Bluegrass affair at the same amphitheater and Stevie Wonder’s first-ever Grand Rapids appearance at Van Andel Arena, a truly uplifting night.
Enough from me: Without further adieu, here are Local Spins writers’ picks, followed by reader selections. And if you missed our shout-out for your picks, feel free to add them below or email info@localspins.com.
THE WRITERS’ PICKS: BEST MUSIC OF 2024
Tricia Boot
TRICIA WOOLFENDEN BOOT (Local Spins Writer)
Chappell Roan, “Good Luck Babe” (single) – She went from performing in April for a 1,500-person/capacity crowd at Grand Rapids’ Intersection, to shattering records in August for an estimated 110,000 fans at Lollapalooza. That meteoric rise was aided in no small part by this breakthrough, song of the year. “You’d have to stop the world just to stop the feeling,” indeed.
Listen:
Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us” (single) – A diss track so popular and effective that the target (Drake) took legal action against the record label in retaliation.
Listen: https://youtu.be/H58vbez_m4E?si=ElWLaKYucb53aHb3
Father John Misty, “She Cleans Up” (off “Mahashmashana”) – Be sure to watch the low-fi accompanying video (linked below) – parts of which were filmed during a tour stop in Grand Rapids! OK, yes, they didn’t select the most scenic locale in our fair city (one Reddit user referred to it as Father John Misty “vibing around in some rubble for a few minutes”), but the vibes are impeccable nonetheless.
Watch/Listen: https://youtu.be/pVzu0M0LWTM?si=pcUnWBo7KT5M9_3M
Waxahatchee, “Right Back to It (feat. MJ Lenderman)” (off “Tigers Blood”) – American singer-songwriter Kathryn Crutchfield returns, reliably securing a spot on nearly every music critic’s “best of” list of the year.
Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL3iHhERWJw
Vesperwynd, “Osmosis” (single) – My favorite track from a Michigan act comes by way of this enigmatic Grand Rapids’ crew of longtime creatives.
Listen: https://vesperwynd.bandcamp.com/track/osmosis
Honorable Mentions: Sabrina Carpenter, “Espresso” (off “Short n’ Sweet”); Billie Eilish, “Birds of a Feather” (single); Beyonce, “Bodyguard” (off “Cowboy Carter”); Black Pumas, “Rock and Roll” (off “Live from Brooklyn Paramount”); The Last Dinner Party, “Sinner” (off “Prelude to Ecstasy”); Orville Peck with Midland, “The Hurtin’ Kind” (off “Stampede”); Debbii Dawson, “Happy World” (single); Andrew Bird and Madison Cunningham, “Long Distance Winner” (off “Cunningham Bird”); Yannis & The Yaw, “Walk Through the Fire” (off “Lagos Paris London feat. Tony Allen”)
BEST CONCERT: My Morning Jacket at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, July 1 – This highly anticipated, psychedelic jam was one big eardrum-throttling, face-numbing holiday of lights, musicality and vibes. Honorable Mentions: Orville Peck at Meijer Gardens, June 5; Black Pumas at Meijer Gardens, June 23; Stevie Nicks at Van Andel Arena, Sept. 24; Stevie Wonder at Van Andel Arena, Oct. 30.
Troy Reimink
1. Wussy, “Cincinnati Ohio” – The Cincinnati indie-rock institution Wussy sounds like Built to Spill if they played 40 percent fewer guitar solos and were as sad as the Wrens. Or like a version of R.E.M. that drank as much as Guided by Voices and never signed to a major label or left their home state. Led by the duo of Chuck Cleaver (formerly of Ass Ponys) and Lisa Walker, Wussy returned from a long hiatus with a tight collection of melancholy heart-tuggers assembled with enough songwriting acumen to defrost a typical Michigander’s antipathy toward Ohio.
Listen: “The Great Divide”
2. Cindy Lee, “Diamond Jubilee” – Despite the attention it received, “Diamond Jubilee” never lost its mystique. For months, this sprawling double album was only accessible as a continuous Youtube stream and as a download on a Geocities website, which created the sense that it was some unearthed treasure. Lee, the artist otherwise known as Patrick Flegel (ex-frontperson of Women), reinforces that feeling across these 32 uncanny, eerily blissful tracks, which sound like an Americana record assembled by a hallucinating A.I. program that was trained only on ’60s girl-group pop, AM-radio yacht rock and soundtracks to David Lynch movies.
Listen: “Dracula” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE0tMuWqfZY
3. The Cure, “Songs Of a Lost World” – The only reason I don’t agree that it’s the best Cure album since “Disintegration” is that I still carry a lonely torch for “Bloodflowers.” But that still makes “Songs of a Lost World” the finest record in almost a quarter-century from Robert Smith and whomever he’s playing with these days, and one of the better late-career surprises from a legacy artist in just as long. “Lost World” is a majestic goth-pop cathedral whose disorienting, gloomy architecture keeps revealing new corridors with each listen.
Listen: “A Fragile Thing” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7sZlKuh8gA
4. Kendrick Lamar, “GNX” – What’s the bigger flex: keeping an album this big under wraps until its sudden release in November, or not mentioning Drake by name a single time? After scoring one of the most resounding rap-beef victories in the history of the form, Kendrick returned with focus and fury, delivering a howitzer of a record that offers a sweeping survey of West Coast hip-hop, and which appeared just in time to let us aging squares keep believing we understand what’s happening in rap.
Listen: “squabble up” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuV4yQWdn_4
5. MJ Lenderman, “Manning Fireworks” – Cynicism tends to be my knee-jerk response when an album arrives with this much of a built-in consensus, but the songs are just undeniable. After spending the last half-decade quietly amassing an airtight body of solo work (in addition to playing guitar for alt-rock heroes Wednesday), Lenderman swings big and delivers what might be his generation’s “Wildflowers.” Both intimate and expansive, challenging yet comforting, “Manning Fireworks” is the album I returned to most often in 2024, no matter what lies my Spotify Wrapped is telling.
Listen: “She’s Leaving You” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rFVVzavii0
Honorable Mentions (alphabetical by artist): Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, “Wild God”/Charli XCX, “Brat”/Charly Bliss, “Forever”/Kim Deal, “Nobody Loves You More”/DIIV, “Frog in Boiling Water”/Dummy, “Free Energy”/Father John Misty, “Mahashmashana”/Glass Beach, “Plastic Death”/Jamie xx, “In Waves”/Japandroids, “Fate & Alcohol”/Magdelena Bay, “Imaginal Disk”/Mannequin Pussy, “I Got Heaven”/Mk.gee, “Two Star and the Dream Police”/Kelly Lee Owens, “Dreamstate”/Jessica Pratt, “Here in the Pitch”/Schoolboy Q, “Blue Lips”/Vince Staples, “Dark Times”/This Is Lorelai, “Box For Buddy, Box For Star”/Tyler, the Creator, “CHROMAKOPIA”/Vampire Weekend, “Only God Was Above Us”/Waxahatchee, “Tigers Blood”/Wishy, “Triple Seven”/Nilufer Yanya, “My Method Actor”
Best Concert: Godspeed You! Black Emperor — Nov. 7 at Elevation -In the unlikely event no other contributor has listed Stevie Wonder’s Oct. 30 visit to Van Andel Arena as the year’s best concert, that’s my pick. But assuming his last-minute pre-election joy-bomb is well-represented, I’ll go with a show that best captures the immediate aftermath of that election: an evening of foreboding, lugubrious bombast from everyone’s favorite anticapitalist post-rock collective. Not much has changed about Montreal’s Godspeed You! Black Emperor over the years — notwithstanding its inscrutable lineup and the wavering placement of that exclamation point — but after 30 years, the world has at last caught up to its apocalyptic clamor. Lucky us.
John Serba
Pissed Jeans, “Half-Divorced” – These Pennsylvania punks forced me outta my junktime in 2024, trafficking in modern-regressive noise rock that’s the perfectly ugly-meets-ugly marriage of Rollins-era Black Flag and The Jesus Lizard (who made a nice little return of their own this year with new album “Rack”), maybe throw in something even uglier like Unsane or Janitor Joe. You got your snarky screeds (“Sixty-Two Thousand Dollars in Debt,” “Helicopter Parent,” “Seatbelt Alarm Silencer”), your angry ragers (“Alive with Hate,” “Anti-Sapio,” “Cling to a Poisoned Dream”) and your wiseass earworm anthems (“Moving On,” “Everywhere is Bad”), all buzzing with lead howler Matt Korvette’s disemboweling disaffected-suburban-dad lyrics – I feel seen and it hurts. But the one that moves the needle from hell yeah mate to I will never be the same again is dynamic peaks-and-valleys bruiser “Junktime,” a missive for our times that I read as a hopeless screed about our inability to put our goddamn phones down long enough to notice the metaphorical poison drifting into our neighborhoods. Guilty! And gutted.
Listen: “Junktime”
Departure Chandelier, “Satan Soldier of Fortune” – Black metal is all about atmosphere, and this Quebecois collective – the world’s exclusive purveyors of, in their own words, “Napoleonic war black metal” – layers spectral, harpsichordish keyboards among harsh-fuzz guitars that grind like a chainsaw with the perfect amount of rust on it. But these cloak-wearing antisocial readers-of-history-books also wrote the two, maybe three, best meathead riffs of the year in “Hard as a Coffin Nail,” an anthem that’s as scuzzy as it is ornate. It sticks to you like a hot-tar facial, or a bad dream you just can’t shake.
Listen: “Hard as a Coffin Nail”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NVM08PDzaM
Haunted Plasma, “I” – A Finnish super side project formed by members of Oranssi Pazuzu (whose 2024 full-length “Muuntautuja” is also brilliant) and (holy crap) Circle (yes, the legendary nutso collective), which incorporates the psychedelic excursions of the former with the hypnotic krautrock of the latter – or, possibly, vice versa, since these wonderful weirdo outfits are of the same eccentric metal-adjacent musical ideology. Synth-driven and almost dancey, Haunted Plasma loops electronics, whispery robotic vocals and arpeggiated guitars atop propulsive drums, and the whole thing melts into your mind and takes over the neurons and cells and you have no choice but to assimilate with its spacey atmosphere and Tangerine Dreamy grooves.
Listen: “Spectral Embrace”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acg1t2TtsoE
BEST CONCERT: 1349 with Spectral Wound, Antichrist Siege Machine and Spirit Possession, May 31, Pyramid Scheme – In a year where I saw finally saw PJ Harvey as a headliner, Boris perform “Amplifier Worship,” an extremely rare Primordial U.S. gig, an even more rare Archgoat U.S. gig, a surprisingly transporting Panopticon performance and a lovely King Diamond horrorshow, this was a tough choice. But a stacked black metal tour top-billed by corpsepainters 1349 stands out for a few reasons: The headliner’s brand of leather-and-spikes TNBM (that’s True Norwegian Black Metal, thank you very much) is a novelty in our little town, and they showed why they’re old pros at the theatrical-misanthropy thing. More revelatory was Spectral Wound, who seem poised to be huge, and the likely successor to Watain’s anthems-with-a-chalice-of-blood evil-riffs throne (their new record, “Songs of Blood and Mire,” is a rager). Even more revelatory than that was Spirit Possession, a two-piece that turned me into a lifer with their unhinged psychedelic thrashing strangeness, which is like Von and Celtic Frost tossed in the spin cycle with bits of Voivod and, I think, Iron Maiden? AMAZING band. Antichrist Siege Machine bored me with their sub-Blasphemy war metal blosh, but hey, at least they were loud.
Chelsea Whitaker
Bilmuri, “American Motor Sports” – This album blends and defies genre, with country twang, pop vocals, metal breakdowns and ripping saxophone. You don’t know whether to two-step or head bang, and I say “why not both?” Listening to this record, I just want to dance and feel good. But if you dig into the lyrics, it’s a pretty emotional record, and not in the happy sense. But I love how Johnny Franck’s writing can be transformed into such a happy experience. It feels like he’s taking his heartbreak and rewriting it. Creating a new narrative that allows him to process the pain while celebrating the new creations that it causes. I had the pleasure of photographing their sold-out, headlining show at St. Andrew’s Hall earlier this year, and I can tell you that the songs on this record sound just as good live, as in the recordings. I dare say the banter between songs makes them better live.
The Home Team, “The Crucible of Life” – I don’t know where to start. I’m dancing from the moment the music begins. Catchy riffs, basslines that groove, and poppy vocals make this an easy to love record. But if you listen closely, there are a lot of details in the composition and production, primarily thanks to Skyler and Ty Acord. The Acord brothers, formerly of Issues, produced and helped in co-writing The Crucible of LIfe and have been known for being granular in detail. There is not a single “skip” on this album, every song is a hit. My Spotify Wrapped would have to agree, as The Home Team made my top artist for 2024 and all of my top five songs were by them, three of which from this record. I had the joy of photographing this band twice this year, hearing the album live. Each time they brought the most incredible energy to the stage, and the crowds returned the favor. Check out shots from their GR stop with Neckdeep here.
Cage the Elephant, “Neon Pill” – I grew up listening to Cage the Elephant. The first time I saw them live was when they opened for The Black Keys at Van Andel Arena, around 2014 or 2015. This year I had the pleasure of photographing them, as they headlined Van Andel Arena, during their Neon Pill Tour. I have been rocking this record since it’s release, and I had the greatest time dancing to it in the photo pit. Frontman Matthew Schultz noticed, making eye contact with me and my camera. See that gallery here. I had been anticipating this album for quite some time, as it was originally slated to be released in 2023. But a series of events led to Matthew Shultz being arrested and then admitted to a rehabilitation facility, delaying the release. Shultz reflects on this experience, in multiple interviews, saying that his arrest saved his life. He had spent the past three years in psychosis, during which time he wrote a good portion of this record.
Billie Eilish, “Hit Me Hard And Soft” – Billie made this album for herself and it shows. Her talent and creativity are unmatched. The authenticity of her music comes through clearly, with experimentation and fun. Authenticity is what we’re all craving right now, and artists that aren’t showing their authentic selves, are being left behind. Billie is a force. She talks about how some of this album was created by just playing around with her friends, and that other songs are pieced together, in an interview with Zane Lowe. When Billie and Finneas went into the creation of this record, they didn’t want to make it for anyone else. Not anything that the record labels wanted to sell, or the fans wanted more of. But they just made what they wanted. And that is a beautiful thing. Not to mention the insane vocal skills Billie showcases, including the belt in “Birds of a Feather”. It’s a beautiful record.
Between You & Me, “Sh!t Yeah” – If you were at all concerned that pop punk music is a thing of the past, I’m here to reassure you that it’s not dead yet! Australian rockers, Between You & Me, dropped their EP, Sh!t Yeah this year. It’s full of angst and energy. Catchy lyrics and dancy riffs remind us that pop punk has not yet seen its day. I had the opportunity to hear them perform the top track from this record, “Kill My Vibe”, with their feature Knuckle Puck, at the Intersection last year. The stage presence this band brings to their show is remarkable and included multiple members jumping around the crowd and mosh pit.
Local favorite: Squatch “Cakewalk”
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order) – Nothing More “Carnal,” Halsey “The Great Impersonator,” The Bridge City Sinners “In the Age of Doubt,” Johnny Blue Skies “Passage Du Desir,” Eminem “The Death of Slim Shady (Coupe de Grâce),” Various Artists “Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense,” Dream State “Still Dreaming,” Kacey Musgraves “Deeper Well.”
Favorite Concert: In This Moment, GLC Live at 20 Monroe, Aug. 3 – This show was remarkable for so many reasons. I just began working for the venue (GLC Live at 20 Monroe) in production, and this was the first show that I worked as a stagehand for. On top of that, I worked an all day shift, meaning I was on site from about 9 AM for load in, until about 1:30 AM the next day for load out. I helped to build and set the stage, spent the day learning light direction, and enjoyed the show. This was also my first time seeing In This Moment live, not for lack of trying. And it was worth the wait. The level of theatrics and production that goes into such a heavy sound, is incredible. Massive video walls, platforms and a doorway, the show was spectacular. With the video walls, lighting, cryojets, and backup dancers, it was truly incredible. And of course Maria Brink and the rest of the band sound incredible.
Holly Holtzclaw
Waxahatchee, “Tigers Blood” — This album is one that grew on me more and more with each listen. With all of the heart and sincerity that was poured into its lyricism and with Katie Crutchfield’s raw, unique vocal style, it was hard not to fall in love with every song. What began as an acquired taste ended becoming an album I couldn’t get enough of. “Tigers Blood” embodies the alt-country genre in a way that few other projects do.
Listen: “Crowbar”
Hannah Wicklund, “The Prize” — Wicklund’s blues-rock style is characterized by powerful, raspy belts and mind-bending guitar solos— both of which I can confirm sound even better live than on the record. The contrast between Wicklund’s no-nonsense attitude and her softer, more sentimental side are shown over and over again on “The Prize,” sending a message that femininity contains multitudes of emotions and cannot be defined in one singular way.
Listen: https://youtu.be/yQLfBVjmDyg?si=CeKUUFxoCRRZbRUF
Sierra Ferrell, “Trail of Flowers” — Sierra Ferrell transports listeners to a different era of music with her timeless vocals as well as influences ranging from bluegrass and classic country to jazz and Latin music. On “Trail of Flowers,” Ferrell weaves folk tales and fantastical stories amongst her own personal life experiences, creating an intriguing listening experience from front to back.
Listen: https://youtu.be/V8e9nbsq-18?si=uTqW-Cnggj9ZNn6C
Billy Strings, “Highway Prayers” — One of the main reasons Billy Strings has captured as big of an audience as he has is his ability to venture outside the traditional realm of bluegrass. Tracks that lean into a more alternative sound like “Gild the Lily” and “Stratosphere Blues/I Believe In You” show what Billy Strings is capable of outside of the genre he’s already mastered.
Listen: https://youtu.be/5QS25EZtQxY?si=uiAu6DcLBDiC6NxS
Maggie Rogers, “Don’t Forget Me” — It’s clear that Maggie Rogers draws inspiration from anything and everything to design her own style. 70’s rock, 80’s pop, and Rogers’ early roots in folk music can all be picked out among the tracks on “Don’t Forget Me.” Rogers’ smooth, effortless vocals glide over the top of all of it, creating a seamless flow throughout the album.
Listen: https://youtu.be/w_FGbvwJqa0?si=xSGeWhMBwnlr2N0a
Local/Regional Pick: The Cosmoknights, “Monster & Machine” — Picking just one favorite Michigan release is always a struggle, but The Cosmoknights have stood out as one of my go-tos this year after discovering them at The Stray’s battle of the bands finals. The Cosmoknights have already nailed down and mastered their distinct blend of glam-rock, funk, and disco on “Monster & Machine.” Seeing them live in all of their theatrical, costumed, cosmic glory only adds to the joy and energy this album brings.
Listen: https://youtu.be/ehQa8hqujc8?si=n1GTGvN7QGZqO-vu
Favorite Concert: Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway at The Majestic Theatre in Detroit, May 11 — This year I was determined to see a full, proper headlining set from Molly Tuttle and her band Golden Highway. Jaw-dropping musical talent, unexpected covers (Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane to name just a couple), and the warmth that the bluegrass community brings about were some of the things that made this show truly special. Molly Tuttle has written some of my favorite songs of all time and hearing songs like “Crooked Tree” live brought tears to my eyes at times.
SEAN MILLER (Local Spins Writer)
Levitator, “The Realms Beyond” — I may be a little biased because I handle booking for these guys but this is their best work yet. Produced by Andy Fettig of Lipstick Jodi, the EP features 4 high-energy rock songs that need to be heard live. My favorite off the album is the opening track “Chimps.”
Listen: “Chimps”
Stephen Wilson Jr., “son of dad” — This was actually put out in late 2023 so I’m cheating a bit but I discovered this guy earlier this year. He has amazing songwriting chops and his lyrics just hit that nostalgia bone so perfectly. He’s a open book and, aside from the lyrics, his style and technique on the guitar is beautiful.
Goose, “Live at the Capitol Theater” — I’m a big Goose fan ever since some friends of mine took me to see them at the Salt Shed in Chicago. I love that they sometimes record live shows and put them out like this. They don’t do many studio recordings so it’s nice to have these. This particular one features a lot of my favorites.
Michigan Rattlers, “Waving From a Sea” — Again, I’m a little biased here as I went to high school with these guys but I absolutely love this record. It’s a real transition into what I think they’ve ben trying to achieve and it’s great to hear and see a full band on this record versus the duo and trio for their first few. From the production (thanks in hand to Dominic Davis) and the overall feel and tone of the record, everything is phenomenal. My favorite tracks are “Lilacs Bloom,” “Heaven” and “Gridlock” with the strange 7/4 time signature chorus.
Chappell Roan, “Good Luck Babe” — I love me some Chappell Roan but so does my 8-month-old daughter. This is why this gets my last pick. My daughter likes this one but her all time favorite is “Hot To Go.” It’s been a great tool to break up her screaming fits when she’s upset. She immediately smiles and starts dancing. It’s hilarious.
Favorite Concert: My favorite concert of the year is a funny one as I really only had time to attend one concert. I saw Wheeler Walker Jr. in Grand Rapids on the night we came home from the hospital with our newborn daughter. Yes, my wife wins wife of the year for that one. We had family in town and knew I’d only be gone for a few hours but it was a hilarious concert. Maybe not one I’d attend again but it was an experience I won’t forget as security kept people from fighting and the occasional bare-chested lady to put her shirt down.
Ross Boissoneau
BPM, “Seriously” – A refreshing, melodic recording by some of the most in-demand players on the jazz scene. These guys are the cream of the crop when it comes to contemporary jazz, boasting multiple awards and chart-topping albums among them. Brian Bromberg’s multiple bubbling basses, Paul Brown’s alternately laid-back and stinging guitar, and Michael Paulo’s soaring sax make a dynamic combination. Guests like Phillipe Saisse and Tom Schuman round things out, and It’s by turns sensuous, swinging, playful, and always enjoyable. Seriously.
Listen: “Seriously”
Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks, “True” – The once and forever voice of Yes joined by the Band Geeks, the podcast and YouTube cover band supreme. After touring playing Yes music, they decided the musical chemistry was such they wanted to record a new album together. It turned out to be a return to form, rivaling – make that topping – anything Anderson’s former band has done in years.
Reza Khan, “Mystical” – Another from the smooth jazz canon, guitarist Khan (no relation to fellow axe-slinger Steve Khan) and his sidekick, multi-instrumentalist and producer David Mann, have created a winner. Guests include keyboardists Jeff Lorber, Keiko Matsui and Bob James, who all bring their special touch to a project that belongs in every jazz fan’s collection.
Jazzrausch Bigband, “Bangers Only” – Germany’s techno-meets-big-band sensations deliver a baker’s dozen bangers – short and to-the-point songs, none topping 4:14. Electronics and trumpets and vocals, oh my. Hear it to believe it.
Alicia Witt, “Witness” – The gifted actress (David Lynch’s “Dune,” “Justified,” multiple Hallmark movies, etc.) first became known as a piano prodigy. Here she doesn’t focus on her piano chops, but instead her singing and songwriting. The title track is a power ballad, while “Loop” brings electronic beats into the mix, but it never descends into the hip hop auto-tune morass common today.
Honorable Mention: Yes, “Talk” and Emerson, Lake & Powell, “Emerson, Lake & Powell” – Newly packaged with remastering, remixes and additional cuts including live performances, these may be non-essential, but they are engaging reminders of lesser-remembered projects by two of progressive rock’s stalwarts. The latter is even more poignant given the fact all three have now passed on to that great gig in the sky.
Best Concert: Tower of Power at Meijer Gardens, June 12 – From the opening blast it was clear the mighty Tower of Power came to play, and the band roared from the get-go. The crowd lapped it up, those in the front bobbing and bopping the night away. By the finale, “Souled Out,” that energy had spread to the entire audience as the hillside was filled with those dancing to the band’s soulful funk. The power of TOP is wrapped up in its five-horn front line, but the vocals have always been top notch, and new vocalist Jordan John was in fine form throughout. Unfortunately, the mix by a substitute sound engineer left much to be desired, with Emilio Castillo’s background vocals often overpowering even the mighty horns.
Dutcher Snedeker (Photo/Anna Sink)
Daryl Johns, “Daryl Johns” – This album oozes throwback 80’s rock vibes a la The Police, but paired with 90’s fusion elements and pop sensibilities nestled into some truly period-appropriate production that surrounds the songwriting pulsing with stellar musicianship.
Listen: “I’m So Serious”
Meshell Ndegeocello, “No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin” – This album is filled to the brim with poignant commentary on social justice, environmental action, and human rights advocacy that is accented by the spiritual grounding music crafted in Black American music composition that spans multiple genres. Truly a powerful statement for a tumultuous year.
Listen: “Love”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdFqNtHO4nE
Sam Wilkes, “iiyo iiyo iiyo” – In the wake of frenetic modern bebop and Instagram chop flexing, Sam Wilkes creates a live experience around emotionally charged, deeply ambient music making that offers a calming listening experience with the maturity of passionate-yet-playful jazz artistry.
Listen: “Descending (Frue)”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9ToAf1R6ig
Louis Cole, “nothing” – A truly monumental effort from this multifaceted artist, as it combines his larger Big Band funk group with the Metropole Orkest from an experience that truly shines in his catalog. Not every song is a top 10 revisit, but the sheer task of orchestrating for such a large ensemble while creating some truly spectacular live moments is so powerful and reassuring to artists trying to evolve their own sense of self within artistic expression.
Listen: “A Pill in the Sea”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39vouYxa55M
Samora Pinderhuges, “Venus Smiles Not in the House of Tears” – Samora Pinderhuges has a wonderful, tender way of expressing the human condition within a vulnerable examination of masculinity, race, and raw artistry. The album has so many beautiful colors painted across storyboards centered around transparent narratives, and it even includes a beautiful cover of “Gatsby” from a previous album Meshell Ndegeocello’s catalog (“game recognizes game”).
Listen: “Forgive Yourself”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai68vy4z4yc
Local Pick of the Year: Candid Antics, “Sounds Like Music” – Even with my bias toward this group as a friend/collaborator/substitute keyboard player, this group is a motivating force for the West Michigan scene that radiates authenticity and highlights a stellar group of musicians in the area.
Favorite Concert: There are so many wonderful memories and concerts that I was grateful for this year, but I think the highlight for me was the last Earthwork Harvest Gathering music festival. Yes, I did see Stevie Wonder (which was amazing), but being able to play in multiple bands, see my friends shine on stage, and walk the festival grounds chatting with crew members, vendors, and patrons alike was something truly special and cemented reasons why I love passionately curated festival experiences like this one.
Honorable Mentions: ‘The Last Will and Testament” by Opeth, Sam Wilkes, Craig Weinrib, and Dylan Day (trio record),” Shades of Yesterday” by DJ Harrison, “Rong Weicknes” by Fievel Is Glauque, “Djesse Vol. 4” by Jacob Collier, “Love Heart Cheat Code” by Hiatus Kaiyote, “Catpack” by Catpack, “The Bird of A Thousand Voices” by Tigran Hamasyan, “Against the Fall of Night” by Sungazer
Terry DeBoer
Forrest Frank, “Good Day” – A rising newcomer to the national inspirational music scene, Frank exploded during 2024 with multiple Dove Awards and a Grammy nomination. He’s also a finalist for a Billboard trifecta: Christian music’s top artist, album (“Child of God”) and song (“Good Day”) (Winners announced Dec. 12). Turns out, the song is a modern pop gem, with catchy rhythms and positive outlook. And suddenly, the fresh-faced Frank is playing arenas, coming to Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids with Elevation Rhythm on March 31.
Listen: “Good Day”
Van Zant, “Always Look Up” – This one piqued my curiosity: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Johnny
Van Zant re-teaming with brother Donnie (founder of .38 special), for an overtly Christian music
album – the duo’s first release in two decades. If you’ve liked their past mix of classic rock and country, you’ll appreciate this one.
Listen: “There You Are”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4ti1J4-wns
BEST CONCERT: Dierks Bentley, Chase Rice & Ella Langley, Sept. 19 at VanAndel Arena – Country artist Bentley served up a genre-bending evening’s worth of tunes, including a Tom Petty rocker (“American Girl”) and the bluegrass “Up On The Ridge,” all stacked prominently on his own top country hits. Cowboy-hats-and-boots were present throughout the crowd, but a lot of other looks were there, too – all having a good time. The opening acts added strong
contributions to the fun.
BEST MUSIC OF 2024: THE READERS’ PICKS
Sheila Solomon Shotwell – Best Album of the Year: “Shout Sister Shout” by Ghalia Volt; Best Concert in Michigan: North Mississippi Allstars at Stix in Ludington; Best Concert Outside Michigan: Experience Hendrix at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville
Thomas Fish – The best album by far this year: “Clancy” by Twenty One Pilots. Can’t stop playing it. Such range and just plain happiness! The corresponding tour was amazing. We went to Chicago to see the Clancy tour. Two guys can put on a much larger and engaging show than a lot of full bands. They are terrific.
Michael Kopinski – Best Concerts: Skerryvore at Midtown in Grand Rapids (A shame that more people skipped it); Sierra Ferrell at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (Someone on a rising rocket)
Rene Naeimi – Best Concert: Greta Van Fleet in Grand Rapids. Absolutely amazing! Best Album: Lenny Kravitz, “Blue Electric Light.” Not a bad song on the album, and his best album ever, in my opinion.
Amanda D. – I would have to say Nicholas James & The Bandwagon’s “WiLD” is my favorite of the year. And my favorite concert was The Reverend Peyton’s Big Dam Band at The Stache (although the Stache is not on the top of my list of venues, only because I prefer more seating).
Annie Bacon – Best Album: Spencer LaJoye’s “Shadow Puppets.” Spencer’s a star.
Doug Jackson – Best Concert: Billy MF Strings in Lexington, Ky.
Copyright 2024, Spins on Music LLC
