Best Albums of 2017

I found a lot of musical treasures in 2017. Here are my favorites:

PHOEBE BRIDGERS: Stranger In The Alps

I've played this song "Motion Sickness" more than any other in 2017. The vibe, lyrics, melody, production, arrangement, vocal performance, and even the video... a masterpiece.

PARAMORE: After Laughter

As an album-wide statement, nothing has delighted me more in 2017 than this.

JULIANA HATFIELD: Pussycat

I needed this concept album in 2017. Cathartic, harrowing, and therapeutic in Trump's America.

STYX: The Mission

Wow. One of the greatest Styx albums, almost 50 years into their career. So fun to listen to this album with my 13 year old son!

CHUCK PROPHET: Bobby Fuller Died For Your Sins

Song after song after song after excellent song. And all interesting and memorable!

AIMEE MANN: Mental Illness

Her album this year is an acoustic triumph.

BRUCE COCKBURN: Bone On Bone

He's as vital as ever at age 72. One of my primary heroes.

BECK: Colors

Pro-tools computer rock produced by the great Greg Kurstin.

LAU NAU: Poseidon

Dreamy and cinematic art-folk from Finland.

RYAN ADAMS: Prisoner

Unabashed '80s-inspired rock recorded to analog tape.

FILTHY FRIENDS: Invitation

Gen-X supergroup from a garage in Portland.