Ants Albums of the Year: 2017 RESULTS!!!

[chadizzy1]

^ how did AFTW do in 2012? I see BWGGK made the top 5 in 09.

[coldengrey12]

Originally Posted by chadizzy1

^ how did AFTW do in 2012? I see BWGGK made the top 5 in 09.

It was No. 12. With zero No. 1 votes.

[coldengrey12]

Originally Posted by Route_2

You're not alone.


https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/..._33_study_says

I make a very conscious effort to listen to new music, but not everyone has the time or inclination.

Same here. And I feel it sometimes.

When my friend and I went to that Julien Baker show, my friend asked, "Can she even legally drink? That's how much younger than us she is."

[OK_Ant]

I feel like the only artist I've discovered from this decade is Sturgill Simpson. I seem to gravitate toward the music I discovered in my teens and twenties.

No Roger Waters on this list is criminal. The guy puts out the best work he's done since the late 70s...

[WidespreadMule3]

Pretty funny seeing BWGK in the top 5 for 2009.

[junior94]

holy shit am I out of touch with music. I've heard of exactly ONE of the bands in the top 10. and I've never even heard their music, I've just heard the name before (Fleet Foxes)

[AlpineValley804]

Originally Posted by junior94

holy shit am I out of touch with music. I've heard of exactly ONE of the bands in the top 10. and I've never even heard their music, I've just heard the name before (Fleet Foxes)

You should definitely peep out Fleet Foxes Kevin, especially their self titled debut from 2008. Absolutely incredible album.

[Route_2]

For people that haven't heard of many of these bands, do you just not listen to music much in general, or do you just listen to the same music you already know and like repeatedly?

[AlexK79]

Originally Posted by Route_2

For people that haven't heard of many of these bands, do you just not listen to music much in general, or do you just listen to the same music you already know and like repeatedly?

I've heard of most of these bands, but the vast majority just aren't my cup of tea. I listen to a lot of new/newer music but the bands I like tend to veer pretty far from what most people in the AOTD thread listen to. Of that entire Top 50, only 3 of those albums I either own or spent a decent amount of time listening to (Jason Isbell, Ryan Adams, and The War On Drugs.)

I thought Isbell's album was decent with a few gems, but really Isbell-by-numbers for me, I was hoping for more. Ryan Adams record I really like a lot, and War on Drugs I enjoy and grew on me a bit, but I am definitely not head over heels for them the way some are.

[Route_2]

Originally Posted by AlexK79

I've heard of most of these bands, but the vast majority just aren't my cup of tea. I listen to a lot of new/newer music but the bands I like tend to veer pretty far from what most people in the AOTD thread listen to. Of that entire Top 50, only 3 of those albums I either own or spent a decent amount of time listening to (Jason Isbell, Ryan Adams, and The War On Drugs.)

I thought Isbell's album was decent with a few gems, but really Isbell-by-numbers for me, I was hoping for more. Ryan Adams record I really like a lot, and War on Drugs I enjoy and grew on me a bit, but I am definitely not head over heels for them the way some are.

Yeah, sorry, didn't mean to imply that one needs to listen to these bands in particular. Was more just curious about people's listening habits in general as it relates to new music.

Thanks for replying.

[justinandimcool]

Baker is good but Phoebe Bridgers is just as talented her album is just as cohesive but she has 1/10 of the hype kinda lame tbh

[AlexK79]

Originally Posted by Route_2

Yeah, sorry, didn't mean to imply that one needs to listen to these bands in particular. Was more just curious about people's listening habits in general as it relates to new music.

Thanks for replying.

Oh no, I didn't take it that way at all. I think there's definitely a lot of folks who tune out to new music at a certain point too. I definitely have zero finger on the pulse of what's big in 'pop' right now outside of being aware of the existence of people like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. My niece was shocked that I had no idea what 'Despacito' (sp?) was.

I also think too maybe people who have different tastes might not vote in the poll - I used to submit a list each year back around 2010-2012 or so but I stopped just because the vast majority of what I submitted would never make an appearance on the list, so it kinda just felt like a waste of time.

[justinandimcool]

The problem isn't that people are out of touch, the problem is that most established bands aren't putting out as many great records nowadays because making great records consistently is hard, and a lot of the great records that come out every year just happened to be in new names that fewer people of heard hence these lists feel more foreign every year

[jmc419]

I'll have to check these out.

Most are new to me as well.

[justinandimcool]

Speaking of out of touch I am surprised about the reactions to The National and Kendrick, I thought everyone on this site loved them I am out of touch with Ants

[justinandimcool]

Originally Posted by justinandimcool

Speaking of out of touch I am surprised about the reactions to The National and Kendrick, I thought everyone on this site loved them I am out of touch with Ants

Originally Posted by fromchicago252

The top 10 are acts that are on just about every major festival list this last year. Most of those performers have at least 4 albums each.

LCD Soundsystem is fantastic live - Check out their "final performance" live album titled "The Long Goodbye"

War on Drugs is fantastic! Their last two albums are masterpieces, I'd recommend both of them. If I had voted, their album would have been #1 of the year for me by a long shot.

The XX is a trio with a minimalistic dark-ish pop/rock sound. Simplistic, well produced tracks. Their first 2 albums were fantastic and the 3rd adds a bit more energy and confidence to their sound.

The National is great if you're in a dark mood. The lead singer has a very deep voice and the songwriting is darker, but still very well produced. I'd recommend starting with their most recent record first cause it is very approachable IMO.

Fleet Foxes are a mix of Crosby, Stills, and Nash with sprinkles of Avette Brothers, Neil Young, and My Morning Jacket. Highly recommend all their albums, but start with their debut album first.

Kendrick is possibly the biggest rap star out there right now. He headlined Coachella last year, was nominated for tons of grammy's, and he is surrounded by hype. From what I've heard from people, you either love him or hate him, there is no middle ground. I'm on the "Love it" side, but I'm definitely not obsessed with him the way some people are. Damn. was a solid album to say the least and sounds fantastic on vinyl.

Mac Demarco is a young singer/songwriter with a goofy guitar sound...but he's fantastic and what he does. Saw him live and really dug his vibe. He's fun to get into, but may not be everyones cup of tea.

Underrated post please listen to all these artists if you haven't heard of em

[coldengrey12]

I'm surprised there are people who haven't heard of Kendrick.

That's like not knowing Drake or Kanye, imo.

[thebridge15]

my list:

1. (Sandy) Alex G - Rocket
2. Slowdive - Slowdive
3. Sza - Ctrl
4. Fleet Foxes - Crack-Up
5. The War on Drugs - A Deeper Understanding
6. Japandroids - Near to the Wild Heart of Life
7. Priests - Nothing Feels Natural
8. Zola Jesus - Okovi
9. Big Thief - Capacity
10. Broken Social Scene - Hug of Thunder

11. Lorde - Melodrama
12. Kendrick Lamar - Damn
13. Alvvays - Antisocialites
14. The National - Sleep Well Beast
15. Greet Death - Dixieland
16. Frankie Rose - Cage Tropical
17. Visible Cloaks - Reassemblage
18. Jens Lekman - Life Will See You Now
19. White Reaper - The World's Best American Band
20. LCD Soundsystem - American Dream
21. Beach Fossils - Somersault
22. The xx - I See You
23. Perfume Genius - No Shape
24. Grizzly Bear - Painted Ruins
25. Hoops - Routines
26. Sorority Noise - You're Not as ___ As You Think
27. Destroyer - Ken
28. St. Vincent - Masseduction
29. Sampha - Process
30. Jay Som - Everybody Works
31. Dirty Projectors - Dirty Projectors
32. Los Campesinos - Sick Scenes
33. Oso Oso - The Yunahon Mixtape
34. Power Trip - Nightmare Logic
35. Spoon - Hot Thoughts
36. Mac Demarco - This Old Dog
37. Phoenix - Ti Amo
38. Slaughter Beach, Dog - Birdie
39. Cloud Nothings - Life Without Sound
40. Why - Moh Lhean

Click the "Show Spoiler" Button to reveal hidden text.

not surprised at 1-3, kinda surprised the national got that high

[scrock25]

Mac Miller at 36, nice!!

[Route_2]

Originally Posted by justinandimcool

The problem isn't that people are out of touch, the problem is that most established bands aren't putting out as many great records nowadays because making great records consistently is hard, and a lot of the great records that come out every year just happened to be in new names that fewer people of heard hence these lists feel more foreign every year

Good point. Even bands that might not necessarily be "mainstream" had an off year. Just look at some of the bands (off the top of my head) that put out albums this year that were sub-par relative to their demonstrated ability that didn't crack our top 50. These are all groups that have made Ants' lists in the past that didn't live up to their potential this year and freed up space for some other artists to get recognized.

Arcade Fire
Alt-J
Feist
Grizzly Bear
Passion Pit
Real Estate
Phoenix
Father John Misty
Destroyer
Beck

[coldengrey12]

If you could've told me a year ago that Tyler and War on Drugs would make my year-end list, but not Arcade Fire or Father John Misty, I would've definitely looked at you strange.

[junior94]

Originally Posted by coldengrey12

I'm surprised there are people who haven't heard of Kendrick.

That's like not knowing Drake or Kanye, imo.

okay, I read that title backwards, I can say I've at least heard of Kendrick Lamar. again, don't know ANY of the music (or if I heard any didn't know who it was), but I have heard his name. But so yea, that leaves 8 from the top 10 I've never even heard the name.

[BTCS_JTR]

Man, I really loved Father John Misty's newest album.

[TwoStep2888]

my top ten
1. The War on Drugs - A Deeper Understanding
2. ‎Julien Baker - Turn Out the Lights
3. ‎Ryan Adams - Prisoner
4. ‎Run the Jewels - RTJ3
5. ‎Kendrick Lamar - DAMN.
6. ‎Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit - the Nashville Sound
7. ‎St. Vincent - Masseduction
8. ‎The xx - I See You
9. ‎Courtney Barnett & Kurt Vile - Lotta Sea Lice
10. ‎Josh Ritter - Gathering

[Route_2]

Ooh, I never got to Gathering. Need to give that a spin tomorrow.

[justinandimcool]

Originally Posted by Route_2

Good point. Even bands that might not necessarily be "mainstream" had an off year. Just look at some of the bands (off the top of my head) that put out albums this year that were sub-par relative to their demonstrated ability that didn't crack our top 50. These are all groups that have made Ants' lists in the past that didn't live up to their potential this year and freed up space for some other artists to get recognized.

Arcade Fire
Alt-J
Feist
Grizzly Bear
Passion Pit
Real Estate
Phoenix
Father John Misty
Destroyer
Beck

Great post. Those artists and a huge chunk more did not deliver this year which just goes to show how hard consistency is

[justinandimcool]

Originally Posted by BTCS_JTR

Man, I really loved Father John Misty's newest album.

me too tbh but i definitely took >10 listens and hearing them live, far more than most people would've given it...i can definitely see why it didn't hit people as hard as his last 2 records

[grace2]

Originally Posted by OK_Ant

I feel like the only artist I've discovered from this decade is Sturgill Simpson. I seem to gravitate toward the music I discovered in my teens and twenties.

No Roger Waters on this list is criminal. The guy puts out the best work he's done since the late 70s...

He was on my list! If you would've submitted a list he'd be on there

arcade fire got ZERO votes this year. not a one. father john misty got one vote i believe. i only listed albums that had more than one vote on our aoty list.

[Roose13]

Originally Posted by Route_2

You're not alone.


https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/..._33_study_says

I make a very conscious effort to listen to new music, but not everyone has the time or inclination.

I'm getting close to this. Only new artists I've really picked up going back to 2016 are Chris Stapleton, The Revivalists, and if they count, the Chris Robinson Brotherhood.

[dmbetc]

Originally Posted by chadizzy1

St. Vincent is the only artist in the top 10 I've ever heard of. I must be pretty disconnected from what's popular these days.

I was the same, but I made it my goal this year to listen to more music. The Album of the Day thread helped introduce me to different stuff, then I would just start choosing new albums each week to listen to off Apple Music.

You should do it for 2018! I discovered a lot of great music.