This was a strange year, in the sense that without even planning it I ended up listening to more new releases than any past year. I think it was a subconscious thing, being in the middle of a "oh yeah I'll just build my own house and it will go perfectly with no hiccups whatsoever" type of situation. I was looking for something new and perfect to replace the new home which has yet to arrive. Luckily all this listening paid off as there were some really excellent albums this year. It started off slowly, only for some of the best output to come out towards the end. Killer climax, man.
This year I have not put together a playlist, but instead included a song or video for each review as a taste for the rest. And even though these are numbered as you can see, they are not in any order whatsoever. Except for #1 - that one truly rises above all else this year.
ALBUMS OF THE YEAR
2019
9
Night Moods
FLAVIO LA BARRE & KATTCH
I'm always on the hunt for a good synth album, though they are few and far between in my search at least, even in this day & age where the synth revival is raging on currently. If the bubble bursts soon it will be OK as this year two albums hit my radar that have blown me away in their level of quality and detail. I think my point of reference is Harold Faltermeyer's brilliant synth score for the 1984 film 'Beverly Hills Cop.' Not in sound, but again, vibe, and mood. To me, this nails it. Perhaps it's not as pop, not as upbeat in the manner that Axel F was at the top of the charts back in the mid-80s, but the vibe and quality is there, and this - technically an EP - is well worth your time. Turn it up, nice and loud.
Tracklist
Ready
Change Of Perspective
Recalling
Tele-Future
Can't Even Handle It
Choice
Tempo
Above The Space
Label
Stratford Ct.
Released
26 April 2019
Running time
32:55