..and of course a number of other known and unknown artists who have issued new music before the end of 2024. ! And since Christmas is coming up, I have added at least one new Christmas album, and a couple of singles to assure your holiday mood. It is a good list to end the year with, if I may say so myself. And in a few days I’ll give you the 2024 Roundup and my own Top 10 list.
You might notice that there is no 50 Years Ago album this month. It shook me to the core to add Bay City Rollers last month, and when the no. 1 album (except Elton John’s compilation album) was by David Essex – and just so unbelievably horrible – I decided to leave it out. You’ll thank me later. Not every album released in 1974 was brilliant, far from it.
If you want to go straight to the list, follow the Short List below. If you miss tracks from previous blog posts, or just want to have access to the most incredible and never ending playlist, click on the The Long List. And if you want to listen to a specic reviewed album and suggested single, click on the title in the review.
The Short List: New Tracks
The Long List: Previous Tracks
New Albums
We’re hitting off with 70s funk and soul – and delicious vocals from debutante Lynda Dawn. It is so tastefully done, her voice reminds me of sadly deceased Minnie Ripperton. I was such a great fan of her.
We’re back to the samba and to the delicious music of Brazil. Rogê doesn’t stick with the obvious; he is covering the whole field of latin music and adds his own.
This is a mellow EP, with songs in minor for the most part. It is beautifully executed, though, emotional and with a sense of truth to all that is said and sung.
Joan Armatrating: How Did This Happen and What Does It Now Mean
She’s in her seventees and has released more that 20 albums, but she doesn’t relent. The songs are better and catchier than ever, and she has prodced the album herself. So much for retirement.
The second debut album this month, from singer songwriter Wallice from Los Angeles. With her playful lyrics and melodies this is a fun album to listen to in the pop/indie genre.
Father John Misty: Mahashmashana
A new epic album from one of the most talented artists living today, so confident and powerful as pop and rock music can be. Timeless in its expression. I have loved so much of what he has produced before, but this could easily be his best album. Yet.
Canadian folk singer Myriam Gendron is out with her third album, her most accessible till now. Her deep and rich voice gives us songs that seem to have been around forever, whilst still feeling fresh. The music is sad and beautiful and hopeful, including the instrumental tracks. Just lovely.
In France Luciani is a massive star and many of you may have seen her perform at the reopening of Notre Dame. Her new album offers soft pop in droves, but very catchy and at times even touching. The album was written during her pregnancy, which may have added a layer of sweetness.
Kim Deal: Nobody Loves You More
The title track of this complicated album by Kim Deal, is worth the whole listening experience, a slow, seductive track with Kim Deal’s voice (perhaps) feigning innocence. Many of you might enjoy the whole album, but too much experimentation for my taste. Still, a number of very strong tracks. These are of course in the playlist.
Nerina Pallot: A Psalm For Emily Salvi
Nerina Pallot has become a kind of female Elton John, with her well-crafted piano pop. The only real difference is the level of fame the two of them enjoy. Pallot has her devoted fanbase, incuding me (and hopefully many of you), and keeps releasing one brilliant album after another. Musicians line to perform on her albums, but that doesn’t bring fame. Not that she seeks it, in interviews she describes herself as perfectly happy in the shadows of the business.
Another artist who keeps churning out great multi-genre music is Ben Folds. His Christmas album is very different from most December releases, jazzy, with entertaining lyrics and without many standards. There is Christmas spirit in there if you just listen close enough, but it is a fun album nevertheless.
Michael Kiwanuka: Small Changes
Michael Kiwanuka has an impressive back catalogue, and here comes another accomplished album, with relaxed singer songwriter pop, and with songs that grow on you through every listen. Kiwanuka creates a certain atmosphere in my ears every time he starts performing.
St. Lenox: Ten Modern American Work Songs
Now to the strangest album of the month. St. Lenox wordy lyrics can be a bit much at times, but he forces you to listen to his ramblings on life in general and work life in particular. His style is highly original, there is a message at the core of each track, and everything, from arrangements and vocal performance, is built around that message.
This is the newest of all classic albums I have introduced you to. In fact, I discovered the album as part of the work for this blog, and I have kept listening to it for more than 10 years, also waiting for new music from the band. Just after the release of Tale to tell, Mark Horwood, a key member of the band, comitted suicide, a horrible tragedy for both the band and for listeners. Hopefully more music will come our way, but until then enjoy this fabulous album, particularly the silver voice of Raissa Khan-Panni and the exquisite brass band arrangements that is the band’s foremost trademark.
Keep reading, keep listening in 2025, and don’t miss the year-end roundup in a week’s time.
Music Hunter 