STACK #183 Jan 2020

MUSIC FEATURE

visit stack.com.au

STACK’ S

BEST ALBUMS OF 2019

BRYGET CHRISFIELD

DENISE HYLANDS

JEFF JENKINS

JAKE CLELAND

Our esteemed music reviewers have sifted through their STACK submissions and chosen their tippy-top two records of 2019, from the pool of titles they've reviewed for us over the course of the last 12 months.

CHARLEY CROCKETT Lil G.L.'s Blue Bonanza “Charley Crockett (aka Lil G.L.) is one of those artists that is so genuinely steeped in the origins of American roots music you’d believe he’s from another era... Crockett is special; his old soul southern drawl and phrasing will trap you, and you won’t be disappointed.”

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN Western Stars “Springsteen’s epic tales

NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS Ghosteen “While Cave navigates grief – often testing the uppermost pinnacle of his vocal range and sounding broken-yet-hopeful – The Bad Seeds take supporting roles, with Warren Ellis’s ever-present, atmospheric synth drone complemented by spectral vocal harmonies, ominous bass and occasional

CARLY RAE JEPSEN Dedicated

“'Dedicated' describes her listeners as much as her thematic turn: here, she’s newly in love with love, [and] self-assured... sugary toplines give way to a groovier, slinkier sound that’s more deep in the body than at the top of your lungs. At such a bleak moment, Dedicated is pure hope for the future.” Honourable mention Charly Bliss, Young Enough

haven’t sounded this intimate since Nebraska . His characters remain restless and uncertain, captive 'to that voice that keeps me awake at night'... Springsteen has crafted a record that’s all his own. He remains rock’s greatest storyteller.”

mystery percussion.” Honourable mention

Honourable mention Eilen Jewell, Gypsy

Honourable mention Angie McMahon, Salt

The Saboteurs, Help Us Stranger

Billy Pinnell

Holly Pereira

SIMON LUKIC

Simon Winkler

THE LACHY DOLEY GROUP Make Or Break “Lachy Doley is like no other Hammond Organ player I have ever heard... Listening is believing; while the sounds are unique, this remains an outstanding album of original blues rock convincingly sung by Doley who leads one of Australia's most original bands.” Honourable mention The McNaMarr Project, Holla And Moan

DEATH ANGEL Humanicide

SUI ZHEN Losing, Linda

GIRLPOOL What Chaos Is Imaginary “[These songs] are immediate and arresting, with both Tividad and Tucker offering two sides to the band through their shared vocals... [The album] marks an exciting new chapter of sonic exploration for Girlpool, who impress not only with their versatility but also their humanity." Honourable mention Jade Imagine, Basic Love

“ Losing, Linda is an album, but... it’s also a guide for crossing the data streams and information clouds where we leave traces of ourselves behind... Bossa nova rhythms, melancholic dance beats, and synth-led melodies echo memories of earlier decades just as they map new pathways through pop.” Honourable mentionS Sampa The Great, The Return Julia Jacklin, Crushing

“What strikes me the most is the energy. Here is a veteran act, playing with an urgency and intensity that younger bands could only dream of, writing material that their peers only wished they could match. If you are a fan of thrash metal, do not ignore Humanicide .” Honourable mention Queensrÿche, The Verdict

44

JANUARY 2020

jbhifi.com.au