Favorite Albums of 2019

30. Patience - 'Dizzy Spells'
There were more than a few vying for this last spot, and I had it whittled down to Wilco (been a while, Jeff!), Yola and an excellent sampler from Emotional Response Records before choosing this Roxanne Clifford vehicle. I was sorely disappointed when Patience sounded nothing like her old band, Veronica Falls. 'Dizzy Spells' should be too dance oriented for my taste. Upon repeated listens, however, she won me over. There is one song in particular I can't get out of my head and will rank high on my list.

29. Mammoth Penguins - 'There's No Fight We Can't Both Win'
This trio got my attention with "Propped Up" in 2015 (No. 13 on my list of top songs that year). Since then they have become louder, tighter and much more in your face. Let's just say Emma Kupa tackles topics head on, and that will be grating to some but works for me.

28. The New Pornographers - 'In the Morse Code of Brake Lights'
I used to be a huge fan, but I must admit I started to lose interest after 'Challengers' and stopped buying after 'Brill Bruisers.' Heck, I didn't even know Dan Bejar was no longer around (although that always felt like a matter of time). This album may not pop like the early days, but A.C. Newman can still write a great song, and Neko Case certainly hasn't lost the pipes. Now I'm even considering going back to get 'Whiteout Conditions.'

27. Flying Fish Cove - At Moonset'
Here's the first of two bands from my hometown of Seattle. Check out this description on their Bandcamp age: "A band that invokes the spirits of Heavenly, Teenage Fanclub, and The Pastels." I would gasp at the audacity if it weren't spot on.

26. Bob Mould - 'Sunshine Rock'
I feel like this release fell through the cracks a bit which is a real pity because this is a happy Mould that sounds a lot like Sugar during the days of 'File Under: Easy Listening.' I wish I had this guy's energy.

25. TC&I - 'Naked Flames: Live at Swindon Arts Centre'
Terry Chambers and Colin Moulding take on your favorites from their days in XTC along with a few from their 2017 album 'Great Aspirations.' Slower numbers like "Wonderland" and "Grass" are especially beautiful and seem made for this setting.

24. Champion of Youth - 'Champion of Youth'
You don't have to miss Manchester band Amida any longer. They are more or less back with a new moniker. If you miss Pavement as well, this seven-song mini album is going to warm your cockles.

23. Mighty Mighty - 'Misheard Love Songs'
'C86' vets return after 30 years (this is a trend, as this list illustrates), and I couldn't be happier. The lads are contenders for my track of the year too. Thanks to Uwe at Firestation Records for getting this one out there.

22. Rat Fancy - 'Stay Cool'
I have been a loyal listener of Diana Barraza since her days in Sweater Girls. She isn't about to get rid of me now. This album is the kind of pop that's impossible to play without doing some dancing and singing along of your own.

21. The Stroppies - 'Whoosh!'
This won't be the last Melbourne act to appear on this list. Must be the lager. Influences from the Clean to Stephen Malkmus can be heard on this, their first proper album. I wonder how many times I listened to "Cellophane Car" this year? Sounds like a cover from some Flying Nun band.

20. The Groove Farm - 'Groovy Pharmacy'
Thirty years after their last long player, the garage-rock aficionados (and Subway Organization vets) bring the noise like no time has passed at all. Yep, they still live by the formula of 20% Shop Assistants and 80% the Seeds. This was the most pleasant surprise of 2019.

19. Lloyd Cole - 'Guesswork'
He does keep us guessing, doesn't he? This album is pure electropop, and I tossed it aside after one listen thinking it would collect dust. A month later I gave it another go. Slowly, I came to realize this is actually classic Cole with a slightly different veneer. With more time this one would have likely moved up the list.

18. The Lilac Time - 'Return to Us'
I almost took a pass on this one. Thanks to reader Friend of Rachel Worth for nudging me in the right direction. My tastes lean toward the Fonatana albums of the late '80s and early '90s, and the songs I had heard before buying this one didn't seem to fill that bill. Turns out great songwriting prevails.

17. Cate Le Bon - 'Reward'
She's a true original whose sound in the past has been far enough from the mainstream to keep her from being a thing. 'Reward' is easily her most accessible work. If you have been scared off in the past, this is the time to climb aboard. It won't be long before you realize those earlier albums are amazing. For Cate at her best, check out this perfromance at KEXP from earlier this year.

16. Joy Cleaner - 'You're So Jaded'
Their sound has edged towards Matthew Sweet power-pop territory... so what's not to like?

15. Zebra Hunt - 'Trade Desire'
Without a doubt, this is my favorite band here in Seattle. Their last album, 'In Phrases,' made my top 10 in 2017. This one is even better, but the competition is a little steeper this year. Expect more sounds of the Feelies and Flying Nun, but they go to new places too.

14. House Deposit - 'Reward for Effort'
These Aussies said they were influenced by the Chills and the Feelies. Seems to be a reoccurring theme here, eh? That was enough for me to give them a go. This is my plea to indie labels everywhere: Pick up this quartet up and release this on a physical format other than cassette.

13. The Catenary Wires - 'Til the Morning'
Amelia and Rob continue to turn it down out in the Kent countryside with moving results. They really are indie-pop's Serge and Brigitte.

12. The Monochrome Set - 'Fabula Mendax'
That lengthy 17-year hiatus is so long ago now it's difficult to even remember. This is the sixth album since returning to us in 2012 and the fourth in five years, and I'm always among the first in line to hear Bid's acerbic lyrics and catchy melodies. I haven't been disappointed yet. If I did a list of best shows I saw in 2019, they would take the top spot too.

11. Business of Dreams - 'Ripe for Anarchy'
Corey Cunningham is not one to rest on his laurels. You might know him from Terry Malts or Smokescreens, whose album 'Used to Yesterday' was No. 10 on this list last year. There is the jangle you would expect but against the backdrop of beautiful '80s-era synths. These songs get in your head and stay there.

10. The Ocean Blue - 'Kings and Queens / Knaves and Thieves'
I lost track of this band after the Sire albums many years ago but rediscovered them with the excellent 'Ultramarine' in 2013. This might not be one you see on everyone's list, but the "it" boys of '89 still got it.

9. Robert Forster - 'Inferno'
The former Go-Between seems downright happy on his seventh solo album, and he should be because this one rivals 'the Evangelist,' my personal favorite.

8. The Claim - 'The New Industrial Ballads'
The Kent band makes a triumphant return after more than a quarter century, and they weren't aiming to just jump on the nostalgia circuit. There was much to say, and they use much more than jangle to get their point across.

7. Seablite - 'Grass Stains and Novocaine'
Jangle and fuzz is a lovely combination, isn't it? Members of this San Fran quartet must have had parents with great record collections. If this was 30 years ago, Martin Whitehead would have invited them to join the Subway Organization.

6. Comet Gain - 'Fireraisers Forever!'
They're back, and they're angry. Can you blame them? This followup to the sublime 'Paperback Ghosts' is closer to the old stuff than, say, Belle and Sebastian.

5. Tullycraft - 'The Railway Prince Hotel'
Twee is not a bad word. This is pure pop for now people! he Seattle band makes their best album in a flawless nearly 25-year-career. Please don't wait so long between albums.

4. Jeanines - 'Jeanines'
Anyone band that covers the Siddeleys will get my attention. Alicia Jeanine and Jed Smith wear their '80s indie-pop influences on their sleeves through 16 songs that rarely exceed two minutes.

3. Mick Trouble - 'Here's the Mick Trouble LP'
Hmm, how do I explain this one? Jed Smith of My Teenage Stride and Jeanines has this alter ego named Mick Trouble who would have been really been something about 40 years ago if only he hadn't screwed up and missed his Peel Session. Seems ridiculous until you listen to the album. It sounds like something you would have heard on Stiff in the very early days. Some have compared this to Television Personalities too. This lark will be too big a leap for some... but not for me. I seriously considered this for the top spot.

2. The Hit Parade - 'The Golden Age of Pop'
Julian and the lads aren't No. 1 for one simple reason. I waited five years for a new album only to have six of the 12 songs come from singles spread out over the past three years. I worked pretty damn hard to track down those Record Store Day 45s from shops halfway around the world too. I'll get over it. Being a quality LP helps.

1. Le SuperHomard - 'Meadow Lane Park'
The French band's debut album made my top 10 in 2016, and this one somehow betters it by miles. The hype sticker on the plastic sleeve describes them as follows: "A mix of Stereolab, Broadcast, St. Etienne, Air, the High Llamas, the Gentle People, Komeda..." High praise, indeed.