2024: Something Old, Something New
by Jason Warburg
It was a year of change and challenge, and one in which music, for me, took on many of the qualities of comfort food. You’ll see a lot of familiar faces on the list below—though at least one in the top section is new—along with a couple of folks who seem to be genuinely defying the march of time with late-in-life triumphs. The message is clear: don’t give up, not now, not ever.
With that, here are the albums that grabbed my attention this year and refused to let go.
Honorable Mention (alpha by artist)
Gary Clark Jr. – JPEG Raw
Raw is right, but when chameleonic guitar-slinger Clark hits the mark, there’s no one quite like him.
Dim Gray – Live in Europe 2023
The Norwegian trio-turned-quintet delivered an engaging set of cinematic progressive rock while growing from a studio band into a star of the stage.
Fastball – Sonic Ranch
The Austin, Texas trio returned once more with another collection of power-pop that makes you think even as it’s pulling you up out of your chair.
Delaney Hafener & Pete Mancini – The Quiet Part (EP)
This acoustic duo of gifted Long Island singer-songwriters casts a spell with beautifully intertwining voices on a short set that leaves you wanting more.
David Luning – Lessons
Americana singer-songwriter Luning’s third outing ranges between cinematic Southern rock and rambling country-folk, feeling like an album out of time.
Randy McStine – Mutual Hallucinations
Singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist McStine—last seen as second guitarist/harmony vocalist in the touring edition of Porcupine Tree—delivers a rangy set of adventurous, at times experimental progressive rock.
Mouths Of Babes – World Brand New
The complementary vibes of singer-songwriter couple Ty Greenstein (Girlyman) and Ingrid Elizabeth (Coyote Grace) give their music range even as their appealing songs give it depth.
Fernando Perdomo – Self
Session guitarist supreme Fernando Perdomo steps out solo with an album that dazzles with its range, craft, and playfulness.
Pemberton Roach – The New Kid
The ace bassist for Last Charge Of The Light Horse steps out solo for a singer-songwriter set that’s alternately earnest and witty.
Sadler Vaden – Dad Rock
The ace guitarist for Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit steps out solo for a blazing detour through ’70s rock that’s all riffage and no biffage.
Mike Zito – Life is Hard
The accomplished blues-rock singer-songwriter tackles his toughest assignment yet—making an album about losing his beloved wife to cancer—and nails it like the pro he is.
Looking Forward To:
Big Big Train – Bard (reissue)
The band’s long-hidden third album will return from the “discontinued” bin in March with a fresh mix and two bonus tracks, including a live 2024 performance of its strongest number, “The Last English King.”
Dim Gray – Shards
The young Norwegian proggers debuted the first single from their forthcoming 2025 album a few weeks back, and it might just be the best track they’ve released yet.
Lilly Hiatt – Forever
There’s nothing easy about walking in an accomplished parent’s footsteps, which makes Lilly Hiatt’s emergence as one of her generation’s finest singer-songwriters that much more impressive.