On that note, I'll say what I basically say every New Year's Eve: What a year this has been for new music written and recorded by humans! This yearly post has evolved from me listing my top ten albums of the year to a top thirty. And even at thirty, I find myself regretting not mentioning quite a few albums. And that brings me to another big reason why F & L is still around after all these years: this is a thriving time for power pop, punk rock, and rock 'n' roll in general. The frequency with which I post is largely dependent on how inspired I am by the music that's coming out. If this music did not exist, this blog would not exist. I acknowledge that the releases mentioned below represent only a small fraction of the great music that came out this year. If you haven't done so yet, please check out yesterday's reader top tens for 2024. And now let's get on with it. Here's my best of 2024!
Top 30 Albums of 2024
30. Wasted Pretty - self titled
Ginger and Joey, the teenage twins behind the pandemic classic single "Sucks Being Underage," are all grown up now and rocking the old school punk in impressive fashion.
Ginger and Joey, the teenage twins behind the pandemic classic single "Sucks Being Underage," are all grown up now and rocking the old school punk in impressive fashion.
29. Bambies - Snotty Angels
15 tracks of uber-energetic snot-rocket punk-pop that will get any party started.
15 tracks of uber-energetic snot-rocket punk-pop that will get any party started.
28. Pack Rat - Life's A Trap
Patrick McEachnie's pandemic solo project has turned into a full-fledged band that's a must-hear for any regular reader of this blog. "Like if a Canadian Johnny Rotten fronted Vancouver's very own Buzzcocks. If the Briefs and the Hives had a love child that looked just a little like Jay Reatard."
Patrick McEachnie's pandemic solo project has turned into a full-fledged band that's a must-hear for any regular reader of this blog. "Like if a Canadian Johnny Rotten fronted Vancouver's very own Buzzcocks. If the Briefs and the Hives had a love child that looked just a little like Jay Reatard."
27. Vicious Dreams - Turn off My Brain
The second full-length from this Florida-based powerpop/punk trio, in the band's own words, "explores the daily struggles of dealing with ADHD and anxiety while trying to keep your head on straight in a world filled with people that often feels majorly bizarre." Truly an album for these times.
The second full-length from this Florida-based powerpop/punk trio, in the band's own words, "explores the daily struggles of dealing with ADHD and anxiety while trying to keep your head on straight in a world filled with people that often feels majorly bizarre." Truly an album for these times.
26. Night Court - $hit Machine
Already the fourth album from this Canadian trio, $hit Machine is the best release yet from one of the most exciting and original bands in today's punk rock scene.
Already the fourth album from this Canadian trio, $hit Machine is the best release yet from one of the most exciting and original bands in today's punk rock scene.
25. Amyl and the Sniffers - Cartoon Darkness
I will never hold popularity against a band. Another smashing long player from the mighty Sniffers!
I will never hold popularity against a band. Another smashing long player from the mighty Sniffers!
24. Log Flume - Splash Hit
Super-charming debut album from this Philadelphia-based power pop/indie rock band.
Super-charming debut album from this Philadelphia-based power pop/indie rock band.
23. Extra Arms - Radar
Another great album from everyone's favorite old school alternative rock power pop band.
Another great album from everyone's favorite old school alternative rock power pop band.
22. TA-80 - Turn It Up
Awesome anthemic pop-punk rock 'n' roll from Arizona.
Awesome anthemic pop-punk rock 'n' roll from Arizona.
21. The Cynz - Little Miss Lost
On its first album for JEM Records, this New Jersey–based rock 'n' roll powerhouse delivers a stunning release that manages to sound '80s-influenced yet fully modern. Great hooky rock with charisma for days.
On its first album for JEM Records, this New Jersey–based rock 'n' roll powerhouse delivers a stunning release that manages to sound '80s-influenced yet fully modern. Great hooky rock with charisma for days.
20. Alvilda - C'est Deja L'heure
Nina, Mel, Eva, Sandra are back with ten perfect tracks of '60s girl group influenced power pop punk.
Nina, Mel, Eva, Sandra are back with ten perfect tracks of '60s girl group influenced power pop punk.
19. The Battlebeats - Meet Your Maker
A smashing, bashing, crashing monster of a garage punk record from everyone's favorite Indonesian one-man budget rock wrecking crew.
A smashing, bashing, crashing monster of a garage punk record from everyone's favorite Indonesian one-man budget rock wrecking crew.
18. The Dictators - self titled
Is this the same old Dictators you remember from 1975 or even 2001? Of course not. Is this band still totally great? Hell yeah!
Is this the same old Dictators you remember from 1975 or even 2001? Of course not. Is this band still totally great? Hell yeah!
17. Unicorn Dogs - Age Typical Junk Behavior
With their new band, Jon and Lucas from Charlie Brown Gets a Valentine have gone out and set the new standard for what pop-punk for grown-ups ought to be.
With their new band, Jon and Lucas from Charlie Brown Gets a Valentine have gone out and set the new standard for what pop-punk for grown-ups ought to be.
16. Itchy and the Nits - Worst Of
I'm kind of cheating here since the majority of these songs were already on last year's top EPs list. But I couldn't leave this one off. A spirited and infectious throwback to the 1990s heyday of lo-fi garage trash greatness. The Brentwoods meet Thee Headcoatees in modern-day Australia.
I'm kind of cheating here since the majority of these songs were already on last year's top EPs list. But I couldn't leave this one off. A spirited and infectious throwback to the 1990s heyday of lo-fi garage trash greatness. The Brentwoods meet Thee Headcoatees in modern-day Australia.
15. The Cavemen - Ca$h 4 Scrap
The first new Cavemen album in four years was exactly what you expected it to be: a tour de force of blistering and ferocious garage punk rock 'n' roll with sneakily tuneful songwriting. Their best album yet!
The first new Cavemen album in four years was exactly what you expected it to be: a tour de force of blistering and ferocious garage punk rock 'n' roll with sneakily tuneful songwriting. Their best album yet!
14. Mala Vista - Fun Time
A lot of people slept on this one, and I don't know why. Killer '77-style catchy punk rock 'n' roll from New York City.
13. Zatopeks - Loitering and Sauntering
Brilliant old school poppy punk with smart & passionate lyrics that will make you want to go out stick it to the powers that be.
Brilliant old school poppy punk with smart & passionate lyrics that will make you want to go out stick it to the powers that be.
12. Nick Piunti and the Complicated Men - Up and Out of It
The surest things in life are death, taxes, and guitar pop perfection from Nick Piunti and the Complicated Men.
The surest things in life are death, taxes, and guitar pop perfection from Nick Piunti and the Complicated Men.
11. Fastbacks - For WHAT Reason!
If you had told me thirty years ago that the Fastbacks would still be around in 2024 and putting out one of their very best records, I would have been in awe of the future.
If you had told me thirty years ago that the Fastbacks would still be around in 2024 and putting out one of their very best records, I would have been in awe of the future.
10. Split System - Vol. 2
Real deal Aussie punk rock that will set your hair on fire and kick you in the teeth for good measure.
Real deal Aussie punk rock that will set your hair on fire and kick you in the teeth for good measure.
9. Lorne Behrman - Blue Love
On his second full-length album, Lorne Behrman continues to blossom into an extraordinary songwriter with a poet's soul and a punk rock heart.
On his second full-length album, Lorne Behrman continues to blossom into an extraordinary songwriter with a poet's soul and a punk rock heart.
8. Classic Pat - Won't Back Down
My favorite pop-punk album of the decade so far.
My favorite pop-punk album of the decade so far.
7. The Yum Yums - Poppin' Up Again
Another perfect bubblegum power pop punk album from the ageless Morten Henriksen and his merry gang of Scandinavian heartthrobs.
Another perfect bubblegum power pop punk album from the ageless Morten Henriksen and his merry gang of Scandinavian heartthrobs.
6. Kate Clover - The Apocalypse Dream
Imagine some alternate universe where Blondie was a 1978 L.A. punk band, but it was 2024.
Imagine some alternate universe where Blondie was a 1978 L.A. punk band, but it was 2024.
5. The Reflectors - Going Out of Fashion
On their third album, the mighty Reflectors hit the sweet spot where classic power pop meets '70s punk-pop. You know I love it! A lot of power pop bands run out of steam by the time they get to their third album, but The Reflectors have never sounded better!
On their third album, the mighty Reflectors hit the sweet spot where classic power pop meets '70s punk-pop. You know I love it! A lot of power pop bands run out of steam by the time they get to their third album, but The Reflectors have never sounded better!
4. Teenage Frames - Everything Has Led to This
The first full-length album in 25 years from these legendary power pop/glam rock 'n' roll/old school punk sensations is a veritable parade of hits!
The first full-length album in 25 years from these legendary power pop/glam rock 'n' roll/old school punk sensations is a veritable parade of hits!
3. The Sleeveens - self-titled
The authors of my favorite single of 2023 turned out a debut album for the ages and an instant classic of '70s-inspired pub punk. Brian LaManna says, "Lazy Cowgirls fronted by Dylan Thomas," and I couldn't have said it better by myself. We should all aspire to singing like Aretha Franklin and pissing in the eyes of our racist uncles.
The authors of my favorite single of 2023 turned out a debut album for the ages and an instant classic of '70s-inspired pub punk. Brian LaManna says, "Lazy Cowgirls fronted by Dylan Thomas," and I couldn't have said it better by myself. We should all aspire to singing like Aretha Franklin and pissing in the eyes of our racist uncles.
2. Rich Ragany - You Can Get Dark with Me
What can I say about ole' Rags? He's one of the best songwriters around, and he's been a mainstay of my year-end lists for a decade now. Here he is finally on the podium! The solo outing You Can Get Dark with Me is his most intimate release to date and arguably his best. Every single one of these songs is profound, relatable, and deeply moving. "Tragic Celebration" and "Worth" just might be the best two songs Rags has ever written. This is the kind of album you listen to in the dark while you're sipping a strong beverage or play on a long solitary walk as you contemplate your life. What a beautiful and soul-stirring record! Buy the CD from Barrel and Squidger Records.1. The Cheap Cassettes - They'll Never Forgive You for Pop
I must admit that determining the order of selections 3, 2, and 1 on this list was an agonizing task. The separation between these three records was minute, and no amount of meditation, reflection, re-examination, or communion with the music gods was going to make these decisions easier. Some combination of what I drank last night, which way the wind was blowing, and how the cat glared at me this morning brought me to a final decision. Energized by the addition of the legendary Scott Sutherland (Chemistry Set, The Model Rockets) as a second vocalist and songwriter, the Cheap Cassettes unleashed their magnum opus. They'll Never Forgive You for Pop is, loosely speaking, a power pop record. But it's so much more than a power pop record, and the band's defiance of genre pays off handsomely. This is a blockbuster power pop/rock 'n' roll record that also dabbles in glam rock, psychedelic pop, and old school Pacific Northwestern alternative rock. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if some country artist covers the devastating "Fade To Nothin'" and makes millions. I don't know what the heck "Down to Mexico" even is, but I know I love it. There's not a single track on this record that isn't perfect. If you know, you know.
I must admit that determining the order of selections 3, 2, and 1 on this list was an agonizing task. The separation between these three records was minute, and no amount of meditation, reflection, re-examination, or communion with the music gods was going to make these decisions easier. Some combination of what I drank last night, which way the wind was blowing, and how the cat glared at me this morning brought me to a final decision. Energized by the addition of the legendary Scott Sutherland (Chemistry Set, The Model Rockets) as a second vocalist and songwriter, the Cheap Cassettes unleashed their magnum opus. They'll Never Forgive You for Pop is, loosely speaking, a power pop record. But it's so much more than a power pop record, and the band's defiance of genre pays off handsomely. This is a blockbuster power pop/rock 'n' roll record that also dabbles in glam rock, psychedelic pop, and old school Pacific Northwestern alternative rock. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if some country artist covers the devastating "Fade To Nothin'" and makes millions. I don't know what the heck "Down to Mexico" even is, but I know I love it. There's not a single track on this record that isn't perfect. If you know, you know.
Top 25 EPs of 2024
25. The Putz - On and Up and Out
One of my favorite pop-punk bands was back at it this year after not releasing new music in quite some time. This EP and the album Too Little Too Late are both excellent.
One of my favorite pop-punk bands was back at it this year after not releasing new music in quite some time. This EP and the album Too Little Too Late are both excellent.
24. Golden Shitters - Love Blows
Skuzzy and splendidly ill-humored punk rock from Hamilton, Ontario.
Skuzzy and splendidly ill-humored punk rock from Hamilton, Ontario.
23. Bart and the Brats - Only Fair
La Rochelle, France's most formidable one-man punk rock recording project continues to smash it up, '77-style.
La Rochelle, France's most formidable one-man punk rock recording project continues to smash it up, '77-style.
22. Tiikeri - Tee se itse E.P.
Lo-fi, DIY, '77-style pop-punk goodness from Turku, Finland.
Lo-fi, DIY, '77-style pop-punk goodness from Turku, Finland.
21. Boris the Sprinkler - Gets a Clue
Maybe one band in the universe could ever pull off something as ridiculous as an EP devoted entirely to the board game Clue. Thankfully, the great Boris the Sprinkler is that band.
Maybe one band in the universe could ever pull off something as ridiculous as an EP devoted entirely to the board game Clue. Thankfully, the great Boris the Sprinkler is that band.
20. Gene Champagne - Let's Jet
Champagne, of Killjoys/Teenage Head/Un-Teens fame, does the one-man-band thing to perfection on this tasty set of power pop punk tunes.
Champagne, of Killjoys/Teenage Head/Un-Teens fame, does the one-man-band thing to perfection on this tasty set of power pop punk tunes.
19. BÄMBÄM - self titled
I slept on this German punk band's fantastic debut at first, but I have since wised up. Totally killer punk rock from a band that's gonna be massive!
I slept on this German punk band's fantastic debut at first, but I have since wised up. Totally killer punk rock from a band that's gonna be massive!
18. Owen Adamcik - The Owens
The talented youngster from Florida gives us the next best thing to a new Nerves record in 2024.
The talented youngster from Florida gives us the next best thing to a new Nerves record in 2024.
17. The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs - Call the Dogs
The first new Cheetahs material since 2021 delivers the goods.
The first new Cheetahs material since 2021 delivers the goods.
16. Hakan - #2
My favorite Italian garage punk-pop trio is back with its first new music in a couple years. Could a new LP be in the works?
My favorite Italian garage punk-pop trio is back with its first new music in a couple years. Could a new LP be in the works?
15. Hasty - self-titled EP
Michelle Shirelle's new pop-punk super-group does not disappoint!
Michelle Shirelle's new pop-punk super-group does not disappoint!
14. Junior Varsity - Where the Groove Is
Mighty Joe Vincent is back as a songwriter/bandleader, and ya gotta love it!
Mighty Joe Vincent is back as a songwriter/bandleader, and ya gotta love it!
13. Vista Blue - Be Good
I love a good covers record. My favorite pop-punk band earns its goth card with an excellent Cure cover and also has at songs by Lemon Demon, Waxahatchee, and Lightning Seeds. Mike wins dad of the year for covering his daughter's favorite band.
I love a good covers record. My favorite pop-punk band earns its goth card with an excellent Cure cover and also has at songs by Lemon Demon, Waxahatchee, and Lightning Seeds. Mike wins dad of the year for covering his daughter's favorite band.
12. Love Collector - First Night/Last Night of Leather
Love Collector's first release in a dozen years is a '77 glam punk rock 'n' roll smasher.
Love Collector's first release in a dozen years is a '77 glam punk rock 'n' roll smasher.
11. The Goodyear Wimps - Songs for Adult Children with Distortion
"Hacksaw power pop" from Idaho featuring the talents of Brent V from The Brents. Super catchy and super underrated.
"Hacksaw power pop" from Idaho featuring the talents of Brent V from The Brents. Super catchy and super underrated.
10. Brad Marino - Ramones and Stones
One of last year's top singles became one of this year's top EPs due to the addition of some perfectly complementary tracks.
One of last year's top singles became one of this year's top EPs due to the addition of some perfectly complementary tracks.
9. Friends of Cesar Romero - Last Summer A Year from Now
J. Waylon's long-running one-man project continues to be guaranteed pleasure for any fan of power pop, pop-punk, and garage rock.
J. Waylon's long-running one-man project continues to be guaranteed pleasure for any fan of power pop, pop-punk, and garage rock.
8. The Prize/The Unknowns - Split 7"
Two of the best bands in Australia team up and do not fall short of expectations!
Two of the best bands in Australia team up and do not fall short of expectations!
7. the Ape-ettes - No Matter What
Three more supreme shots of high-spirited, high-energy energy garage rock from Sudbury, Ontario's finest trio.
Three more supreme shots of high-spirited, high-energy energy garage rock from Sudbury, Ontario's finest trio.
6. Loose Lips - Self titled
Nadine from The Prize, Josh from The Unknowns, and Ethan from Chubby and the Gang make up a punk rock/power pop super-group of epic proportions. While you can expect elements of both The Prize and The Unknowns from this debut record, it brings a hard-riffing boogie woogie rock 'n' roll style that is unique from all these folks' other bands. Please don't let this be the last we hear from Loose Lips!
Nadine from The Prize, Josh from The Unknowns, and Ethan from Chubby and the Gang make up a punk rock/power pop super-group of epic proportions. While you can expect elements of both The Prize and The Unknowns from this debut record, it brings a hard-riffing boogie woogie rock 'n' roll style that is unique from all these folks' other bands. Please don't let this be the last we hear from Loose Lips!
5. shiverlane - Sketches from the Departure Lounge
At eight songs in 24 minutes and change, Sketches From the Departure Lounge could call itself an LP or an EP without much of an argument from anyone. In a digital world, does it really make a difference? Whatever you call it, it's a little gem of an album that lives in the space where power pop, alternative rock, and '60s pop intersect.
At eight songs in 24 minutes and change, Sketches From the Departure Lounge could call itself an LP or an EP without much of an argument from anyone. In a digital world, does it really make a difference? Whatever you call it, it's a little gem of an album that lives in the space where power pop, alternative rock, and '60s pop intersect.
4. Civil Rats - Don't Get It.
Another amazing EP from this super-underrated Philly-based garage-punk outfit. Catchy tunes, awesome lyrics, and good times guaranteed.
Another amazing EP from this super-underrated Philly-based garage-punk outfit. Catchy tunes, awesome lyrics, and good times guaranteed.
3. Real Rejects - Not Allowed
More on this one in a minute.
More on this one in a minute.
2. Wyatt Funderburk - Fleeting and Finite
First solo release in 11 years from one of the best songwriters in the guitar pop universe is an absolute stunner.
First solo release in 11 years from one of the best songwriters in the guitar pop universe is an absolute stunner.
1. Hayley and the Crushers - Unsubscribe from the Underground
The Crushers, who had my favorite full-length album of 2022, returned this year with this terrific little EP. Energized by a new supporting cast, Hayley and Dr. Cain really leaned into their love of punk rock on these five tracks which perfectly blend California glitz and Midwest grit. Maturing in music doesn't always have to mean mellowing out!
The Crushers, who had my favorite full-length album of 2022, returned this year with this terrific little EP. Energized by a new supporting cast, Hayley and Dr. Cain really leaned into their love of punk rock on these five tracks which perfectly blend California glitz and Midwest grit. Maturing in music doesn't always have to mean mellowing out!
Top 25 Singles of 2024
25. Pleasants - "Losing Streak"/"Sick Sad Situation"
Awesome '77-style garage punk from Al Uminium and friends.
Awesome '77-style garage punk from Al Uminium and friends.
24. Kurt Baker - "Inner Demons"
This was Kurt Baker's year to reconnect with his pop-punk roots, and no one is complaining!
This was Kurt Baker's year to reconnect with his pop-punk roots, and no one is complaining!
23. Tiger Bomb - "Ready To Go"
Top-notch power pop from The Pine Tree State.
Top-notch power pop from The Pine Tree State.
22. Intrusive Thoughts - "Daytime Drama"
Debut single from Greg Lonesome's intercontinental punk rock super-group aims to break the stigma surrounding men's mental health. It's okay not to be okay.
Debut single from Greg Lonesome's intercontinental punk rock super-group aims to break the stigma surrounding men's mental health. It's okay not to be okay.
21. Vista Blue - Vista Blue Are the Pop-Punk Preservation Society
We preserve songs
About girls and drinking beers
Green Day are sell outs
But god save The Queers
We preserve songs
About girls and drinking beers
Green Day are sell outs
But god save The Queers
20. Dany Laj & The Looks - "Meet Me on the Floor"
In anticipation of their first tour since 2019, Dany Laj & The Looks released this upbeat rocker. If you just wanna dance forever, this song will be your jam.
In anticipation of their first tour since 2019, Dany Laj & The Looks released this upbeat rocker. If you just wanna dance forever, this song will be your jam.
19. Norcos Y Horchata - "Unkind Sometimes"
Something very different from Detroit's finest — with a Cinecyde cover on the B-side!
Something very different from Detroit's finest — with a Cinecyde cover on the B-side!
18. Cola Cubes - "Bold Street Beach"
This could easily pass for some obscure U.K. power pop single from 1980.
This could easily pass for some obscure U.K. power pop single from 1980.
17. shiverlane - "Little English Pleasures"
Just another typical song about the pleasure gardens of 18th century London.
Just another typical song about the pleasure gardens of 18th century London.
16. The Dogmatics - "Library Girl"
Aging like fine wine, The Dogmatics are in vintage form as they explore every smart fella's greatest fantasy.
Aging like fine wine, The Dogmatics are in vintage form as they explore every smart fella's greatest fantasy.
15. The Family Township - "Rosie Come Back"
Power pop + '70s arena rock = "sweet rock."
Power pop + '70s arena rock = "sweet rock."
14. The Sleeveens - "UFOs"/"Bernadette"
A-side is an appropriately spacey mid-tempo rocker; the B-side is a cover of a Four Tops classic.
A-side is an appropriately spacey mid-tempo rocker; the B-side is a cover of a Four Tops classic.
13. Friends of Cesar Romero - "More Like Norman Fucking Mailer"
J. Waylon crushes it again!
J. Waylon crushes it again!
12. Autogramm - "Diana"
The best early '80s new wave band of the 2020s is going stronger than ever.
The best early '80s new wave band of the 2020s is going stronger than ever.
11. Real Rejects - Summer of Spite
These songs are based on a real-life summer of spite, but no actual crimes were committed.
These songs are based on a real-life summer of spite, but no actual crimes were committed.
10. Vista Blue - "Somebody's Favorite Band"
One of the best singles yet from one of my favorite bands is a love letter to all of you who put music into the world.
One of the best singles yet from one of my favorite bands is a love letter to all of you who put music into the world.
9. Kurt Baker - "Delusional"
Kurt Baker takes it back to his roots in pop-punk and power pop on this relatable and deeply personal number.
Kurt Baker takes it back to his roots in pop-punk and power pop on this relatable and deeply personal number.
8. Lynda Mandolyn - "I Love How You Love Me"
This stunning rendition of The Paris Sisters' classic gives me chills. Originally conceived as a duet with Justine Covault, Mandolyn decided to record the song to honor her dear friend. A beautiful recording and a beautiful tribute!
This stunning rendition of The Paris Sisters' classic gives me chills. Originally conceived as a duet with Justine Covault, Mandolyn decided to record the song to honor her dear friend. A beautiful recording and a beautiful tribute!
7. The Lemon Drop Gang - "Leave the World Behind"
My favorite garage-pop desert punk band returns with a couple of timely tunes.
My favorite garage-pop desert punk band returns with a couple of timely tunes.
6. Stiff Richards - "GFC"
One track sounds like a lost classic from 1977, and the other sounds like a lost classic from 1981. Exactly the kind of punk rock single I wanted to hear in 2024!
One track sounds like a lost classic from 1977, and the other sounds like a lost classic from 1981. Exactly the kind of punk rock single I wanted to hear in 2024!
5. CB Kiddo - "Running to You"
Home-recorded punk rock greatness from everyone's favorite Phone Jerks vocalist. RIYL The Muffs and Supercharger. B-side is a cover of a Canadian punk classic.
Home-recorded punk rock greatness from everyone's favorite Phone Jerks vocalist. RIYL The Muffs and Supercharger. B-side is a cover of a Canadian punk classic.
4. The Shang Hi Los - "Op-Operator"
Another perfect pop song from the Shangs. I always love a song that tells a story!
Another perfect pop song from the Shangs. I always love a song that tells a story!
3. Lùlù - "Lùlù"
Exciting debut single from what might just be Europe's next great power pop band.
Exciting debut single from what might just be Europe's next great power pop band.
2. The Dahlmanns - "Lucky"
A triumphant return from one of the greatest power pop bands of modern times. Hearing this band again gave me chills.
A triumphant return from one of the greatest power pop bands of modern times. Hearing this band again gave me chills.
1. Taxi Girls - "Rainy"
My favorite Canadian punk rock trio is now my favorite Canadian punk rock foursome. Here we get two great tracks of rocking, catchy, and totally bad-ass punk. A legit double A-sider! If we finally get a Taxi Girls full-length next year, it may very well be my album of the year for 2025!
My favorite Canadian punk rock trio is now my favorite Canadian punk rock foursome. Here we get two great tracks of rocking, catchy, and totally bad-ass punk. A legit double A-sider! If we finally get a Taxi Girls full-length next year, it may very well be my album of the year for 2025!
2024 Song of the Year
The Cheap Cassettes - "Bad Xerox"
So I asked myself to think about which song not by Chappell Roan or Sabrina Carpenter I listened to the most this year, and "Bad Xerox" was it. It's a perfect power pop rocker that explores the relatable realization that your ex is dating a different version of you. In a better world, this would have been a massive radio hit.
The Cheap Cassettes - "Bad Xerox"
So I asked myself to think about which song not by Chappell Roan or Sabrina Carpenter I listened to the most this year, and "Bad Xerox" was it. It's a perfect power pop rocker that explores the relatable realization that your ex is dating a different version of you. In a better world, this would have been a massive radio hit.
Master Class Album of the Year
Fastbacks - For WHAT Reason!
I give this award every year to the best album by a band/artist that's 25 years or more into its recording career. The mighty Fastbacks, who are 44 years into their recording career, definitely qualify. If it seems like the world is totally going to shit and all hope is lost, well at least 2024 brought us a vintage effort from one of the greatest bands that has ever existed.
Fastbacks - For WHAT Reason!
I give this award every year to the best album by a band/artist that's 25 years or more into its recording career. The mighty Fastbacks, who are 44 years into their recording career, definitely qualify. If it seems like the world is totally going to shit and all hope is lost, well at least 2024 brought us a vintage effort from one of the greatest bands that has ever existed.
Best Compilation Album of 2024
The White Wires - Singles and Rarities
(Almost) all the non-album tracks from one of the greatest garage/punk/powerpop bands of the 2010s. Man, does this stuff ever hold up. Be sure to check out Ian's new band the Restrospects! Honorable mentions go out to brilliant singles collections from Nasty Party and Silicone Values.
The White Wires - Singles and Rarities
(Almost) all the non-album tracks from one of the greatest garage/punk/powerpop bands of the 2010s. Man, does this stuff ever hold up. Be sure to check out Ian's new band the Restrospects! Honorable mentions go out to brilliant singles collections from Nasty Party and Silicone Values.
Best Debut Release of 2024
Real Rejects - Not Allowed
Following years of solo home-recorded goodness with his fictional Artificial Rejects, TJ Cabot finally went out and assembled a real cast of Rejects comprised of Moncton-area punk greats. Alien Snatch Records immediately wanted in on the action, and the band's debut 10" delivers nine blistering tracks of primo budget trash by way of '70s American punk rock 'n' roll by way of '60s garage rock. This thing rips! Accept no artificial rejects!
Following years of solo home-recorded goodness with his fictional Artificial Rejects, TJ Cabot finally went out and assembled a real cast of Rejects comprised of Moncton-area punk greats. Alien Snatch Records immediately wanted in on the action, and the band's debut 10" delivers nine blistering tracks of primo budget trash by way of '70s American punk rock 'n' roll by way of '60s garage rock. This thing rips! Accept no artificial rejects!
2024 Music Blog of the Year
Remember The Lightning
S.W. Lauden's Substack is a must-read for anyone who loves guitar pop and really for anyone who loves music. Rather than just doing the typical record review nonsense (ha ha!), Steve goes deeper with interviews, essays, and guest pieces penned by some of the best music writers out there. If you grew up reading music magazines and miss that kind of high quality, passionate music writing, Remember the Lightning is one place you can still find it.
Remember The Lightning
S.W. Lauden's Substack is a must-read for anyone who loves guitar pop and really for anyone who loves music. Rather than just doing the typical record review nonsense (ha ha!), Steve goes deeper with interviews, essays, and guest pieces penned by some of the best music writers out there. If you grew up reading music magazines and miss that kind of high quality, passionate music writing, Remember the Lightning is one place you can still find it.
2024 Record Label of the Year
Mom's Basement Records
It may be unusual for me to give this award to a record label that specializes in one genre of music — in particular, a genre of music I have a love/hate relationship with. But if we're talking pop-punk/Ramonescore record labels, I have to say that Mom's Basement is by far the best one out there and easily one of the best there has ever been. John and Tricia put such pure love and passion into this label. Obviously that's true of almost any DIY record label owner, but I can't deny that Mom's Basement has had a year for the ages. Of course that Classic Pat album made my top ten list, but releases by The Putz, Boogadas!, The Lockdowns, and The Bacarrudas were also top tier. And the label also reissued a couple of stone cold classics from Egghead. and The Young Hasselhoffs. If you're one of the two or three living pop-punk fans who doesn't know about Mom's Basement Records, head on over to the label's webstore and be ready to spend some money!
Mom's Basement Records
It may be unusual for me to give this award to a record label that specializes in one genre of music — in particular, a genre of music I have a love/hate relationship with. But if we're talking pop-punk/Ramonescore record labels, I have to say that Mom's Basement is by far the best one out there and easily one of the best there has ever been. John and Tricia put such pure love and passion into this label. Obviously that's true of almost any DIY record label owner, but I can't deny that Mom's Basement has had a year for the ages. Of course that Classic Pat album made my top ten list, but releases by The Putz, Boogadas!, The Lockdowns, and The Bacarrudas were also top tier. And the label also reissued a couple of stone cold classics from Egghead. and The Young Hasselhoffs. If you're one of the two or three living pop-punk fans who doesn't know about Mom's Basement Records, head on over to the label's webstore and be ready to spend some money!
Alright! That's another awesome year in the books. I'm excited for more great music in 2025. See you next year!
Faster and Louder Best of Archive
2 comments:
A hugely informative and valuable list. Thank you! Right now that Reflectors album is jockeying with Nick Piunti for my favourite, but lots of others to check out more fully.
Thanks for yet another year of entertaining reviews and invaluable directions of where to look for the good stuff!
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