Best Overlooked Albums of 2017
For proof that much of the best and freshest music being made these days is on the fringes, by acts on indie labels, look no further than this list of 2017 albums that didn’t get the attention they deserved. Here are some really good albums you probably didn’t hear this year. 1 Curtis Harding: “Face Your Fear” Harding has been making waves for several years with collaborations with CeeLo Green, Cole Alexander of the Black Lips and, more recently, with his debut solo album, “Soul Power.” Now comes “Face Your Fear,” confirmation of what all the fuss is about. Harding knows his classic soul. Just check out Curtis Mayfield-ish “As I Am” or the Motownwith-more-muscle “Need Your Love.” But mixed in with the soul is some psychedelic rock (“Wednesday Morning Atonement”) and some sleek balladry (“Ghost Of You”). Clearly, Harding is doing just fine on his own.
2 White Reaper: “The World’s Best American Band” This album nearly delivers on the braggadocio implied in its facetious title. Retaining the garage rock roots of first album “White Reaper Does It Again,” the group has sharpened their songwriting chops and made an album of rough, ready and very tuneful rockers that should please fans of bands like the Hives, Undertones or T. Rex.
3 Jason Heath and the Greedy Souls: “But There’s Nowhere To Go” This L.A. band’s website bills its sound as “Acoustelectric AGITpop Arena Folkountry Rock.” Works for me. The music here ranges from brisk and hooky roots rock (“Fair Fight”) to the ballad “Asphalt, Gasoline, Chrome, Flesh, Blood and Bone.” To these ears, this talented band is very much going places.
4 Alvvays: “Antisocialites” This Toronto band follows up its self-titled debut with an effort that’s just as strong, if a bit different sonically. The songs are dressed in more of a psychedelic haze, but the pop melodies are bright and sweet enough to cut through the production, allowing “Antisocialites” to shine as one of the year’s best guitar pop albums.
5 Dude York: “Sincerely” Dude York sounds more anthemic, particularly on the intense “Paralyzed,” and “Black Jack,” but not overblown. “Life Worth Living” and “The Way I Feel” are more punk and economical. This is the sound of a promising band coming into its own.
6 Rips: “Rips” This Brooklyn-based band cites the Feelies and Television as influences, and that’s apparent in songs like “Break” and “Losing II.” With a cool sound and consistently catchy songs, you’ll give a rip about this band.
7 Sheer Mag: “Need to Feel Your Love” On this debut album, these Philadelphia-based newcomers bring together some bratty and brash ‘70s punk (“Rank and File” and “Meet Me in the Street”), some glam-meets AC/DC metal (“Turn It Up”) and some pure pop (“Milk and Honey” and the title track). The glue to it all is Tina Halladay, whose taut, high-pitched vocals add to the urgency of songs and make Sheer Mag’s sound immediately distinctive.
8 Japandroids: “Near to the Wild Heart of Life” On this Canadian duo’s third album, their classic rock and punk influences remain, but their blend has grown seamless and sophisticated. With songs that rock hard (the title track) and others that filter in some folk, “Near to the Wild Heart of Life” showcases a band whose music is gaining breadth, depth and focus.
9 Wolf Alice: “Visions of a Life” Touching on everything from goth to punk/alternative rock to progressive metal, some songs on “Visions of a Life” can be a bit challenging, with melodies that are less than immediate, elements of dissonance and dense textures. But the more layers you peel away with repeated listens, what emerges is an album with considerable depth and individuality.
10 Hiss Golden Messenger: “Hallelujah Anyhow” M.C. Taylor fashions a rich cross section of folk, soul, Band-ish roots rock and pop that will have Americana fans singing Taylor’s praises.