Its been another great year for music, both reconnecting with the classic songs I grew up with, older songs I love, and discovering new music.  I really feel that one way to stay young is to seek out all the great new artists and music that’s being continually made.  So here are some of my favorites from 2018 in no particular order (but I will save my favorite for last).  These are the songs and in a couple cases whole albums that connected with me this past year.  I’ll do this in 2 posts, here’s post 1.

Skinny Lister – Thing Like That

I first got into this self described “shanty punk” band when they opened for Frank Turner a few years back and saw them live earlier this year.  This song is their statement about all the craziness that has been happening in their own country re: Brexit and in the US with the election of Trump.

 

Amy Shark – I Said Hi

Great pop song from an artist getting a lot of attention down under in her native Australia. She’s been quoted saying this song is “It’s an anthem for anyone who is waking up everyday fighting for what they believe in and challenging the universe!”  And its catchy too!

 

Miya Folick – Thingamajig

Off her debut album Premonitions, this hauntingly beautiful song is all about saying your sorry and truly meaning it.

 

The West Coast Feed – You Belong to Me

I first heard about this 9 piece self described “swagger rock/soul” band off a fellow music blogger’s site (but I am forgetting who!).  I love the video where they completely upend the laid back cocktail party.  If this doesn’t get your toes tapping, there is no hope!

 

Liz Brasher – Body of Mine

This quote from this Memphis based artist says it all: “I don’t like rules, and I don’t like to be put into a box.  I make music that’s garage rock meets the Delta blues meets gospel meets soul. It’s southern music — my version of southern music.” This sultry song sums it up perfectly.

 

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

My partner in crime Mike turned me onto this Denver based band.  I love the old school soul/R&B vibe of this song off their album Tearing at the Seams

 

Post 2 coming soon….