Anita Papsmear's Best Music of 2018

 By Anita Papsmear

I typically provide a proper Top 20 list each year of my favorite aural pleasures, but, this time around, I thought I would change it up and share my favorite releases and songs in a more casual way. Suffice to say, each selection has been vetted within the coveted Papsmear Ratings System, which is as follows:

5 Smears = the best, most perfect offering a band/artist can do—it’s downright malignant

4 Smears = almost perfect, pretty sure it’s malignant

3 Smears = middle of the road—not bad, not awesome—it’s a biopsy moment

2 Smears = you best change your diet and exercise right quick

1 Smear = benign—no good

Everything here has received a rating of 5 smears and is listed in no particular order.

First off, here are my absolute favorite songs from this past year:

Karen O. featuring Michael Kiwanuka, “Yo! My Saint.”

I am a huge Yeah Yeah Yeahs fan, and it seems everything that Karen O. touches is gold. Mr. Kiwanuka is as gifted as they come and his gorgeous vocals pair sweetly with hers. This is such a catchy song you will sing it for days after hearing it. The lyrics are great as well. Karen wrote this song for a short film, directed by her long-time friend, Ana Lily Amirpour, which was inspired by fashion house, Kenzo. The short combines film, music, and fashion.

I used to rule the streets
I was young enough to know that
There was something to believe in
I'm tired of the lies they tell
I'm trying to disguise myself
The perfect crime that I'll commit
Is loving you despite all of it.

Mellah, “Cigarette Lighter.”

This song is brilliant. It is so well written—not many can capture the craziness of U.S. politics. This comes close. This is an artist to watch!

Echo chamber, narrow sight, indignation, equal right
Hate inciter, fascist fighter, tinderbox, cigarette lighter
Left says bigot, right says dreamer, but at the core, neither is either
So by all means, preach your righteous way, shine your light, and I'll watch the shadow play

I'll keep walking
Cause I can't help that I feel something
That rises above all the talking
The swaying of trees, the smell of fire picking up on the breeze.

Pearl Jam, “You Can’t Deny Me.”

Written in the wake of the Parkland High School shooting in Florida but also during the time of the Republican “reform” on DACA. This is a powerful song with multiple meanings.

Your lies are sick
They're sick and they're vile
You can't deny me

Try and talk down to me
My mind it ain't so simple
Where's your vocabulary
Your ignorance is sinful

You plant your lying seeds
Watch as the roots take hold
The country you are now poisoning
Condition critical.

John Grant, “Metamorphosis.”

This songs is off beat and lyrically mind blowing. I can’t hear this one enough.

A new shooting
Fresh for breakfast
This one’s in Florida, not in Texas
Manchurian Candidate
To subconscious trigger
Have you seen the remake?
I have to watch my figure
Lemon Bismarck doughnut
That won't hurt now won't it
Tiki bar, rat souffle
You agree on Marvin Gaye.

Night Club, “Your Addiction.”

FINALLY, here is a replacement for Kavinsky & Lovefoxx’s “Nightcall.” This song is so fucking catchy. I want to hear this every time I am on the dance floor…and even when I am not. It is synthwave at it’s finest. It’s got dancey goodness and naughty girl vocals. Come on, what else do you need. See below for a review of the cd.

Hey come in
And let me get under your skin, your skin
You started something you can't win, can't win
I am your church these are your sins, your sins
Now don't you wish you could take em back cause

You've been bitten
And now you made me your addiction.

Bert Dockx, “Shadowplay.”

Just wanted to give props to this beautiful, acoustic version of the Joy Division classic. It is worth looking it up, as it gives the song new breath.

My favorite EPs from 2018:

NIN, Bad Witch

I heart you Trent Reznor…and all the things that you do!

Ron Gallo, Stardust Birthday Party.

The songs “Prison Décor” and “Om” should be on every playlist!

Charlatans, Totally Eclipsing.

I was lucky enough to see them this year. They still have the youthful exuberance of years ago. Plus, lead singer Tim Burgess put out a solo disc this year, As I Was Now. It’s great too—see below for the review.

Barry Adamson, Love Sick Dick.

Aside from the greatest title ever, Barry never disappoints. This EP is a bit sunnier than usual however. The song, “They Walk Among Us,” has a darkness that I crave in a “sick dick” release.

Mazzy Star, Still.

This record is lush and beautiful, everything you would want or could expect from this seminal band.

Live, Local 717.

This talented bunch of artisans sound better than ever. Check out, “Love Lounge” and “Brother.”

Favorite Indie Rock Records from 2018:

Blue Stones, Black Holes.

These guys are one (out of two) of my “bands to watch” nominees. They have really catchy rock grooves. They have that certain “je ne sais quoi.” The songs “The Drop,” “Black Holes,” and “The Hard Part” really stand out.

Metric, Art of Doubt.

This is a great record. The band has really proven with this CD that they are destined for greatness. Check out the title track, as well as “Love You Back” and “Die Happy.”

Beechwood, Inside the Flesh Hotel.

This is my second nominee for “a band to watch.” Inside the Flesh Hotel  is effortlessly catchy while maintaining the ability to maneuver from dark to light. Beechwood has been touring Europe, but I am hoping they wind their dark little hearts into the states in 2019. Check out “Bigot In My Bedroom,” “I Found You Out,” and “Over On Everyone.”

Parquet Courts, Wide Awake!

Check out “Total Football,” “Mardi Gras Beads,” “Freebird II,” and “Violence.”

The Temperance Movement, A Deeper Cut.

“Built-in Forgetter” and “Caught In the Middle” are standouts.

Gaz Coombes, World’s Strongest Man.

Former Supergrass singer is putting out some great solo stuff. Check out “Walk the Walk” and “Wounded Egos.”

Beach Skulls, Las Dunas.

“Come Undone,” “Sacred Citrus,” and “That’s Not Me” are great places to start.

Johnny Marr, Call the Comet.

I mean, just how talented can one individual be? I guess the answer is very.

Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Hope Downs.

This is a great band on the Sub Pop label. It is indie rock at its finest, featuring great tunes like, “Talking Straight,” “Sister’s Jeans,” and “An Air-conditioned Man.”

King Tuff, The Other.

Saw this band live this year and, wow, they were great! It was really refreshing to see Tuffy play alongside some talented female guitar players and the mix makes for an outstanding sound and live show. Check out “Circuits In the Sand,” “Raindrop Blue,” and “Psycho Star.”

Clutch, Book of Bad Decisions.

Every single record Clutch puts out is great. This one is no different. There are some really great political songs on here. This is simply an important release. Listen to “How To Shake Hands” and “In Walks Barbarella.”

Death Valley Girls, Darkness Reigns.

I want to be BFFs with these ladies. They are strong, smart, rockin’ queenz from the darkness—and they reign. Rock out to “Abre Camino,” “Wear Black,” and “Disaster (Is What We’re After).”

Breeders, All Nerve.

It’s awesome! “Nervous Mary,” “Wait In the Car,” “Metagoth,” and “Archangel’s Thunderbird” are great. This is such a fun ride.

Phono Pony, Monkey Paw.

They are on my list due to songs like “Freak Out,” Losing the Spark,” and “Take It From Me.”

Albert Hammond Jr., Francis Trouble.

This is a cool record—check out “Faraway Truths,” “Stop and Go,” and “Set To Attack.”

Jon Spencer, Spencer Sings the Hits.

I still don’t understand how a musician of Jon’s caliber isn’t more known outside cool circles—he is absolutely phenomenal. Check out “Do the Trash Can” (which had to be inspired by all-time greats The Cramps), “Time 2 Be Bad,” and “Cape.”

Pete International Airport, Safer With Wolves.

This band is the creation of Dandy Warhols’s drummer Peter Holmstrom and features a myriad of musical guests like Alex Maas (Black Angels), Robert Levon Been (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club), and more. Listen to “Flowers of Evil,” “Western Shouting,” and “Dance Around the Broken.”

Cruel Intentions, No Sign of Relief.

Here you get hard rock tunes with flair. Check out “Genie’s Got A Problem,” “Jawbreaker,” and “Borderline Crazy.”

Kristin Hersh, Possible Dust Clouds.

This is a great release from former Throwing Muse, Kristin Hersh. Listen to “LAX” and “Breathe In.”

Barns Courtney, The Attraction of Youth.

I was late to the party, as this CD came out in 2017, but I felt it important to mention as it is a great disc.

Django Django, Marble Skies and Winter’s Beach.

Django Django is a busy band. They put out 2 releases in 2018. Marble Skies  is a divine CD with great songs like “Champagne,” “Tic Tac Toe,” and “Beam Me Up.” Winter’s Beach  is a 6-song disc featuring cool tunes like “Blue Hazy Highs” and “Sand Dunes.”

Jim James, Uniform Distortion.

Jim James is a master song crafter. Uniform Distortion  is another amazing release from this talented man (My Morning Jacket). Go listen to “Just A Fool,” “Throwback,” “No Secrets,” and “No Use Waiting.”

Elle King, Shake the Spirit.

Elle King is such a talent. Like me, she can be polarizing. But I really don’t get that. She has mass appeal and cuts through most musical genres. Her latest CD has a good variety—something to please everyone. Her songwriting is aces. There is also lots of cussing, which I can get behind. “Shame” is an amazing and undeniable single. I like “Man’s Man” and “Baby Outlaw” among others. 

Fantastic Negrito, Please Don’t Be Dead.

This is simple a great CD. Check out “Bad Guy Necessity” and Plastic Hamburgers.”

Tim Burgess, As I Was Now.

Tim is the Charlatans’s front man, and As I Was Now  is his latest solo record. I have long loved the Charlatans and anything Tim touches. He has really hit his stride on this one. My favorite track is “Another Version of the Truth.”

Father John Misty, God’s Favorite Customer.

Father John has made another fabulous record. It is a great CD for a Sunday morning digestive, or any other day. There are so many great songs here.

Laura Carbone, Empty Sea.

This is a gorgeously crafted CD worth picking up. My favorite tunes are “Grace,” “Cellophane Skin,” and “Tangerine Tree.”

Faces On TV, Night Funeral.

Great CD. Listen to “Dancing After All.”

Glen Campbell, Sings For the King.

Glen covers Elvis songs, and, gladly, not the popular tunes. It is real good. The tracks are taken from his time as a studio musician. On this release, Glen transcends Glen. Must listen to “Any Old Time,” “Spinout,” and “I Got Love.”

Favorite Chillwave Records in 2018:

To Destroy A City, Go Mirage.

This records is from 2017, but I just discovered this band. Fantastic tracks incude “Final Kiss,” “Never To Return,” and “Wavelength.”

Cults, Motels.

This CD is their ode to The Motels. It will make you want to push repeat over and over. It is great for Sunday morning. I dare you not to pull out your old Motels collection after listening.

Still Corners, Slow Air.

Still Corners are the masters of chillwave. This new release is lovely. “In the Middle of the Night”, “The Message,” and “Black Lagoon” really stand out.

Joan As Police Woman, Damned Devotion.

I love this woman. Every release is strong and becomes a “go-to.” I hope to see her live soon. “Tell Me” and “Steed (featuring Jean Genet)” should be on your chillax playlist.

Gunship, Dark All Day.

Their albums are art pieces. This record is an epic journey into all things synthy and sax-y. Sometimes there is too much “1980s sexy sax” for me (aka the title track), but otherwise, I’m up for the trip.

Emika, Falling In Love With Sadness.

This is one of my top CDs of the year. Emika’s cool. She has a subtle vibe. She is a good songwriter. Heck, she is a classicly trained musician after all. My motto is, “More Emika—all the Time.” I love “Could This Be,” “Close,” and “Eternity.”

Cat Power, Wanderer.

You know…it’s Cat Power.

Lala Lala, The Lamb.

Okay, first of all, the name…ah. But the music! Every tune on this precious gem is great. It is definitely a “must pick up.” Check out “The Flu,” “Scary Movie,” and “Dropout.”

Under Cover Dream Lovers, In Real Time.

This is a six song EP, which gives promise for a wonderful full length soon. The tunes move with a warm and subtle grace, which are catchy too. Listen to “I Don’t Know Your Name” for a taste.

Favorite Psychedelic Records in 2018:

Tvam, Psychic Data.

This is the best psychedelic rock release this year. I still don’t know how to pronounce their name, but listen to these tracks to get an idea of why they are great: “Narcissus,” “Bitplain,” “These Are Not Your Memories,” and “Porsche Majeure.”

Mien, Mien.

A super group if you will: Alex Maas (Black Angels), Tom Furse (Horrors…purrrrr), Rishi Dhir (Elephant Stone), and John Mark Lapham (Earlies). This CD is so cool! Different styles come together to form a more inclusive universe of sound that I want to hear more of. Check out “Black Habit,” “Earth Moon,” and “Odessey.”

Vibravoid, Mushroom Mantras.

Although this release is from 2017, I just found this band this year. I want everyone to know about them—as they have a sitar. They deliver hard rock and mantras all in one! “Om Gang Ganpataye Namah” will stick in your head for days. I also love “Echoes of Time” and “Purple Pepper.”

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Wrong Creatures.

This CD is damn near perfect. I have loved this band for a long time and was chuffed—I think it’s their best album yet! “King of Bones,” “Echo,” “Circus Bazooko,” and “Question of Faith” are great.

Favorite Synthwave/Dance/Industrial Records in 2018:

Night Club, Scary World.

Night Club are responsible for one of my favorite songs of the year (see above). I had to check out the rest of the CD. It’s a synth-dance-classic. Plus, I love a lady in a school girl uniform so…. Aside from my favorite “Your Addiction,” listen to the title track, “Scary World,” “Candy Coated Suicide,” “Imaginary Friend,” and “Therapy (Get High).”

Soldout, Forever.

This record is from 2017. It’s a synthwave masterpiece. I can hardly wait for the next disc. Check out “Do It Again (featuring Goose),” “Fake,” “Because of You,” and “Opression.”

Bob Moses, Battle Lines.

When an artist gets a lot of hype, I find myself steering clear of it. I don’t know why…it could be some old “alterna-too-cool” thing. Big mistake though. Bob Moses has put out a great CD in Battle Lines. The songs are subtle yet catchy. The beats move the tunes along and before you know it, you are in deep.

Moby, Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt.

I love him. Every CD is worth it.

The Soft Moon, Criminal.

“Choke,” “The Pain,” and “It Kills” are standout song…among many others.

OhGr, Tricks.

This is such a great CD with outstanding tracks including the title song, “Toxick,” “Blowby,” and “Due They Know.”

Lead Into Gold, The Sun Behind the Sun.

Paul Barker (Ministry) returns to his side project. It’s Lead Into Gold’s first full-length studio album in 28 years! It’s a goody! Please don’t take so long for the next one.

Nightmares on Wax, Shape the Future.

This is such a cool disc. Every CD by Nightmares on Wax is infused with a cool, more ethereal hip-hop vibe. Put in on and follow your muse.

Leaether Strip, World Molaester and AEppreciation II.

Leaether Strip released two records in 2018. Well, AEppreciation II was released previously on import, but it was only made available in the states this year. Leaether Strip does some great covers. They also play killer new industrial. From World Molaester, check out: “Erbeermund” and “Crack So Deep.”

Juliana Hatfield, Juliana Hatfield Sings Olivia Newton-John.

It’s perfect.

Nothing, Dance On the Black Top.

With songs like “Zero Day” and “Blue Line Baby,” you need this CD in your collection. That is all.

I wish you all the best in 2019! I am really looking forward to the new solo release from Ian Brown on 2.1.2019. The first single, “First World Problems” is great. Also, I am looking forward to the new Dido release. “Hurricanes” is the first single and it sounds lush and lovely. Cigarettes After Sex has put out a couple singles in 2018, so let’s hope there is a full release coming in 2019.

P.S. I hope America stops being an asshole in the new year.

Big love to all,

Anita