The 25 Best Albums of 2024 So Far
The 25 Best Albums of 2024 So Far
90 minute playlist, all genres. With liner notes, music videos, and links to all vinyl variants.
This post may be too long for email - to read the full issue, click here.
Thanks for visiting The Wax Museum! Receive your weekly fix of new music in your inbox every week by subscribing below.
I can hear you now: “A best-of list already?! What in tarnation?!”
To our loyal followers, you're already well-acquainted with our Album of the Year Leaderboard, a continually updated list of standout albums. With 25 worthy albums now gracing our playlist, it feels like the perfect time to check in on the standings. You'll find the complete playlist at the end of this article.
Disclaimer: I am just one man, so there’s countless albums I haven’t yet to fully explore. Notable absences include works by IDLES, Brittany Howard, Ty Segall, Crawlers, Madi Diaz, Courting, Erika de Casier, Stay Inside, and Yard Act, among many others. Plus, there's buzz around new releases from Waxahatchee and Adrianne Lenker dropping tomorrow.
For each album featured, you'll find links to purchase any in-stock vinyl variants, and by clicking on the album's title, you can choose your favorite streaming service to listen on.
The last bit of business: Vinyl on Sale is where I tweet out the latest vinyl releases, deals, and restocks, so give that a follow if that interests you. Expect about 5-10 tweets a day. Alright, happy collecting and let’s get into it!
The 25 Best Albums of 2024 So Far
25. Boeckner - Boeckner!
Get Vinyl: Orange | Black
Dan Boeckner, known for his work in Wolf Parade, Handsome Furs, Divine Fits, and Operators, has released his first solo album, aptly titled Boeckner!. The heavily psychedelic journey encapsulates the essence of Boeckner's vast musical experience.
The album saves its best for last with its final two tracks. "Euphoria" merges the woozy, intergalactic synths that characterized his time with the Operators with the energetic guitars of Wolf Parade. Following this, "Holy is the Night" concludes the album on an exuberant note, with an elevating melody and upbeat tempo that leaves listeners with a lingering sense of exhilaration.
24. Boldy James and Nicholas Craven - Penalty of Leadership
Get Vinyl: Clear and Silver Galaxy | Yellow Marble | Black
A year after surviving a near-fatal car crash that fractured his vertebrae, Detroit rapper Boldy James has emerged with Penalty of Leadership, an album that may stand as the zenith of his career thus far. In collaboration with producer Nicholas Craven, Boldy has channeled his harrowing experience into his music with depth and resilience.
The track "Brand New Chanel Kicks" serves as the centerpiece, a modern day version of Kanye West's "Through the Wire." Recorded just a week after Boldy was discharged from the hospital, his voice—strained from the physical toll of the accident and the grip of his neck brace—carries the weight of his ordeal.
23. The Last Dinner Party - Prelude to Ecstasy
Get Vinyl: Marble | Ivory | Oxblood Red | Black
Hyped British rock band The Last Dinner Party has made a grand entrance with their debut album, Prelude to Ecstasy (Steely Dan reference?), earning both critical acclaim and its fair share of controversy. The all-female quintet has faced allegations of being industry plants following their swift signing by Qprime, a powerhouse management firm representing giants like Metallica and Muse, after just a handful of live shows. Further fueling debate, they secured an opening spot for The Rolling Stones before ever releasing any music.
Controversies aside, The Last Dinner Party's musical prowess is undeniable. They've crafted a theatrical and opulent soundscape, churning out glam rock anthems reminiscent of legends from David Bowie to Queen to Florence + The Machine.
Having already conquered the UK music scene, it remains to be seen how their electrifying presence will go over with North American audiences as they embark on a tour across the continent and make their mark on the festival circuit throughout the year.
22. Mk.gee - Two Star & The Dream Police
Get Vinyl: Black (currently sold out)
Mk.gee's debut album, Two Star & The Dream Police, blends lo-fi bedroom pop with an intoxicating nocturnal sound. In a succinct 33 minutes, Mk.gee crafts an ethereal escape reminiscent of Bon Iver and Jai Paul, blending softness with sharpness. The vocals, simple yet emotive, glide over instruments drowning in effects, creating a raw, jolting experience.
Full review here.
21. Real Estate - Daniel
Get Vinyl: Silver | Light Blue | Black
Indie favs Real Estate impressively knocked out 11 songs in a nine day span, under the expert guidance of Daniel Tashian, one of the acclaimed songwriter and producer behind Kacey Musgraves’ Golden Hour (more on Daniel and Kacey in a moment). The album, potentially named in Tashian's honor, reflects Real Estate’s ambition to channel the essence of R.E.M.’s Automatic for the People on this record.
Among the tracks, four shine particularly brightly: the engaging jangle of opener “Somebody New,” the inviting warmth of lead single “Water Underground,” the country-inflected tones of “Flowers,” and the jazz-lounge AIR-ish vibe of “Freeze Brain.”
20. Gouge Away - Deep Sage
Get Vinyl: Cloudy Clear | Baby Blue and Black Mix
Florida hardcore band Gouge Away was as good as dead, on indefinite hiatus since the pandemic. Their unexpected reunion at a Militarie Gun show in Portland last year reignited their creative fire. This resurgence led to the completion of third album Deep Sage.
Frontwoman Christina Michelle's piercing vocals brilliantly complement the band's intense, heavy sound, creating an aura of urgency that's tough to ignore. A notable highlight is the album's unexpectedly shoegaze-inflected finale, "Dallas," which mesmerizes with a stunning halfway transformation. This departure hints at a promising direction for the band, one I eagerly hope gets explored in their future work.
19. The Fauns - How Lost
Get Vinyl: Translucent Red
After more than a decade, Bristol's shoegaze ensemble The Fauns make a compelling return with new album How Lost. Merging their original essence with fresh progressions, dreamy textures are now woven with gritty, pulsating electronic beats, making it ideal for a late-night turntable spin. While Side A envelops listeners in a celestial sound, Side B ventures into more industrial territories, yet the album maintains a cohesive unity throughout. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait until the mid-2030s for the next album.
18. Future Islands - People Who Aren’t There Anymore
Get Vinyl: Blob Color in Color | Black
This month marked the 10 year anniversary of one of the most iconic moments of late night: Future Islands frontman Samuel T. Herring getting in the zone with death metal growls and Elaine Benes-esque dance moves.
A decade later and Future Islands are as passionate as ever on seventh album People Who Aren’t There Anymore. Herring's evocative vocals and compelling lyricism remain as captivating as ever, matched by instrumentals that rise to the occasion.
This album was a long time coming, with seven singles teased out over the last three years. The culmination is a collection that boasts some of the year’s standout synth-pop singles, including a series of aesthetically rich tracks like “King of Sweden,” “The Tower,” “Corner of My Eye,” and “Peach.”
17. Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well
Get Vinyl: Crimson Clover | Green Splatter | Transparent Cream
With Deeper Well, Kacey Musgraves reunites with her Grammy-winning producers Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk for a mellow, meditative dive into Laurel Canyon folk. Her latest album marks a serene pivot from her previous works, presenting a narrative of self-discovery and inner peace that contrasts with the heartache chronicled in her last album Star-Crossed. Musgraves continues to transcend country music boundaries, offering a soulful, introspective collection that resonates with listeners seeking solace and reflection.
Catch Kacey on her arena tour with a stacked supporting cast of Lord Huron, Father John Misty, Madi Diaz, and Nickel Creek.
16. Kim Gordon - The Collective
Get Vinyl: Coke Bottle Clear | Black
Kim Gordon’s complete left turn may go down as one of the best late career records from an iconic artist.
Who would have guessed a 70-year-old white woman would release the hardest shit of the year so far? […] Blending the abrasive textures of industrial hip hop with a stream-of-consciousness delivery, Gordon achieves an aggressive, dark, and surprisingly groovy sound that diverges sharply from traditional melodies, resonating more with the aesthetics of a SoundCloud rapper than a veteran rocker.
Full review here.
15. Ducks Ltd. - Harm’s Way
Get Vinyl: Garden Fountain Clear
Ducks Ltd.'s unique blend of guitar pop reaches new heights of catchiness on second album, Harm’s Way. Hailing from Toronto, the duo of Tom McGreevy and Evan Lewis juxtapose dark lyrics against a backdrop of light, jangly melodies. McGreevy encapsulates the essence of their music, stating that these "anxious songs are about the strain of living in the world when it feels like it’s ready to collapse." Clocking in at just under 28 minutes, the album is packed with enough hooks to ensure it reverberates long after the first listen.
14. Glitterer - Rationale
Get Vinyl: Orange | Black
Fans of last year's standout from Hotline TNT will find much to appreciate in Glitterer's distinctive sonic blend, which combines elements of '90s grunge with the ethereal qualities of fuzzed-out noise pop. […] My only critique would be for these tracks to extend their embrace a bit longer. With only four out of the twelve tracks surpassing the two-minute mark, their brevity leaves you craving more.
Full review here.
13. ScHoolboy Q - BLUE LIPS
Get Vinyl: Blue (Discogs link, retail sold out)
After a five year absence, Ohio rapper ScHoolboy Q makes his triumphant return with sixth album, BLUE LIPS, showcasing a hunger and passion that permeates every track.
The beat switches throughout this album are something to behold: in “oHio” alone, the Freddie Gibbs featured track morphs seamlessly through three distinct phases: it begins with lavishly romantic instrumental, dives into a hard trap bassline, and then elevates into an abstract, jazzy rhythm, complete with an applause track and a John Coltrane “Naima” sample.
BLUE LIPS is not just an auditory experience but a physical one, likely to make your neck sore from the incessant head bobbing and will put your subwoofers through the wringer.
12. Hurray for the Riff Raff - The Past Is Still Alive
Get Vinyl: Glow in the Dark | Orange
The Past Is Still Alive, Alynda Segarra's ninth Hurray for the Riff Raff album, emerges from the shadows of personal loss, conceived just a month following the death of Segarra's father. This poignant collection traces Segarra's intimate journey through grief, meditating on time's relentless march and the memories of those we leave behind. It weaves a narrative from childhood reminiscences to the trials of adulthood, culminating in the hard-earned wisdom of the present.
Despite my recent disconnect with some of Hurray for the Riff Raff's latest offerings, The Past Is Still Alive struck a chord with me, revealing itself as a gem I'm sure to revisit often throughout the year.
11. Liquid Mike - Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot
Get Vinyl: Black (currently sold out)
The album is a compact powerhouse, delivering 13 dynamic tracks in a tight 25-minute span, showcasing a vibrant mix of alt rock and power pop. The group's confidence is palpable throughout the album, fueled by upbeat rhythms, bold guitar riffs, a clever sense of humor, and memorable hooks that stick with you long after the music stops.
Full review here.
10. Gulfer - Third Wind
Get Vinyl: Vacant Yellow | Black
Gulfer returns with Third Wind, an album that captures their transformation from a scrappy, math rock band inspired by the emo revival to a group embracing the nuances of 90s alternative and shoegaze. […] This softer approach creates beautiful melodies, deeper textures, and straightforward compositions that pay homage to their roots yet venture into uncharted musical landscapes.
Full review here.
9. Marika Hackman - Big Sigh
Get Vinyl: Green | Black
London’s Marika Hackman has described her new album as the "hardest" she has ever had to write. Delving into themes of love and loss, mental health, and the quest for equilibrium, Big Sigh is a sobering, exhausting journey that took Hackman multiple years of fighting writer’s block to bring to fruition.
The album balances moments of sonic tenderness with bursts of intensity, making for a listening experience that keeps you engaged and on edge. Standout single "No Caffeine" exemplifies this with its memorable melody, enriching horns and strings, and top-notch production by Charlie Andrew (Alt-J).
8. Varsity - Souvenirs
Get Vinyl: No vinyl yet :(
If you’re a fan of recent indie pop like Alvvays, Tennis, and Charly Bliss, Varsity will be right up your alley. There’s no filler here, and it’s tough to pick favorites, but here’s three sticky sweet jams that have been stuck in my head: “Take it the Wrong Way,” “Good to be Bad,” and “Head in the Clouds.”
Full review here.
7. STRFKR - Parallel Realms
Get Vinyl: Violet & Cobalt Blue | Kelly Green, Cobalt Blue Cornetto, Pink Splatter
The 17-track album (five interludes) puts you in a dream-state and wraps you up in a warm blanket with a cool pillow. You can zone out to this album just as easily as you can pay attention to what you’re hearing and get a pleasurable experience either way. […] It’s certainly STRFKR’s most engaging album since 2016's Being No One, Going Nowhere and likely will grow further in esteem upon more listens.
Full review here.
6. The Smile - Wall of Eyes
Get Vinyl: Blue | Black
Thom Yorke. Jonny Greenwood. Tom Skinner. What else is there to say? As we wait for a new Radiohead album that may never come, it doesn’t get much better than this.
5. Mannequin Pussy - I Got Heaven
Get Vinyl: Pink Glass | Clear with Black Smoke | Black
The Philly quartet’s fourth album and their first since 2019 breakout hit Patience is a bit of a bifurcated experience. The band throws a perfect game on the A-side, with the first five tracks some of their most intoxicating cuts to date. Despite this strong start, the album's B-side diverges sharply, reverting to the band's earlier style, with three hardcore rippers (“OK? OK! OK? OK!,” “Of Her,” and “Aching”) that seem out of sync with the preceding brilliance. That’s the only reason this isn’t even higher in the standings, but I could see it climbing to the top by year end.
4. Heems and Lapgan - LAFANDAR
Get Vinyl: No vinyl yet :(
Heems’ collab with beatmaker Lapgan was the most fun I’ve had listening to a new rap album this year. And more good news, there may be another Heems record out in just a few months!
The album features 12 tracks that showcase a mature evolution of the distinct style that defined Das Racist, highlighted by sharp wit, relaxed flows, and superior production. Heems has curated an exciting roster of guests for the album […] however, it's Heems who truly shines, featuring perhaps his most impressive rapping to date, complemented by the finest production he's ever worked with.
Full review here.
3. Little Kid - A Million Easy Payments
Get Vinyl: Coffee Swirl | Brick
The Toronto-based indie band Little Kid has released what could be considered the pinnacle of their nine-year career. Meticulously recorded from 2019 to 2023, across various locations in Canada, the folk-rock ensemble has imbued this album with numerous standout moments: the slow burner “Bad Energy” is a marvel of songwriting, the back-half of “Beside Myself” features an euphoric amalgamation of cellos and flutes, and the single “Somewhere In Between” features one of the catchiest melodies of the year.
2. SPRINTS - Letter to Self
Get Vinyl: Orange | Black
Launching into 2024 with a roar, SPRINTS' debut album, Letter to Self, emerged just five days into January, instantly standing out as the year's most exhilarating revelation. This Dublin-based garage punk outfit channels an infectious energy, delivering each track as though everything is on the line.
Karla Chubb, the band's lead vocalist and songwriter, encapsulates the album's ethos: “No matter what you're born into, or have experienced, there's a way to emerge from this and be happy within yourself.” This album will hopefully offer catharsis, whether you're absorbing it through headphones or thrashing in the mosh pit.
1. MGMT - Loss of Life
Get Vinyl: Prismatic Splatter | Blue Jay | Opaque Pink | Black
Steely Dan holds a special place in my heart, so I don't make this comparison lightly when I say MGMT could very well be their modern-day equivalents. The parallels between the two are plentiful: both are experimental jazz-rock duos that emerged from Northeastern liberal arts colleges, with an encyclopedic knowledge of the music that came before them. Their approach to their work is characterized by a relentless pursuit of musical perfection. There's a distinctive humor in their lyrics, reminiscent of inside jokes among close friends. Their varied, eclectic discographies are peppered with narratives of hedonistic, unsavory characters, yet they exhibit an innate pop acumen that guides their music, even as they boldly question and experiment with pop music's norms.
Loss of Life, in particular, encapsulates the essence of this sound, weaving together the most exquisite elements of their previous catalog into a single, coherent tapestry. It stands as a shining example to MGMT's genius, presenting an instant psych-pop classic that is poised to stand the test of time.
Album of the Year Leaderboard
🎧 Stream Playlist on Spotify | Apple Music
Hey friends, thanks for reading! Let me know what your favs of 2024 are so far; please comment and send some recommendations my way!
Do me a solid and forward this newsletter to any music lovers in your life! 🙌
Feel like we're having slightly different years, but several of these are excellent. Thanks for the tip on Glitterer, too, sounds like it could be up my alley. I'm so far behind on my reviews that I was thinking of doing a post like this and now feel empowered to do so!
I wrote a long response to this and then my iPad shut off and I was too shocked/mad/tired to rewrite it. As a good percentage my new music I find from you, we for sure have a lot of overlap. But none of the albums have been played enough for me to legit make a “top anything” list. That said, I’d put Boeckner! at #1. Why not. I’m a huge fan of everything he does and this one is no different. The Kacey Musgraves is alternately wonderful and a snoozefest. The 3 or 4 semi-upbeat songs remind me of the best Jenny Lewis. The 7 slow ballads (songs 2-8 approx) are dull as doorknobs. What that means is I’ll come around to loving it come November. IDLES is better than many reviews are saying. I’m excited for the new Eno soundtrack album which drops in April sometime. And the accompanying documentary comes next month too.