Any “best of the year” album list is contentious because art is subjective, no one can hear everything and personal tastes are divergent if not in opposition. The best albums of this year are those you enjoyed most, but here are 20 diverse offerings that stood out, with suggestions for a follow-up listen also from this year’s releases.
ALDOUS HARDING Warm Chris
Uncut magazine acclaimed Harding’s total-immersion world where there was no map. In these often-minimal songs with oblique lyrics, her almost-conversational voice moves through fragile folk and hints of European pop embellished by saxophone, horns and electric guitar. Subtle, seductive, enigmatic and engaging. Again.
Now hear: Mel Parsons’ Slow Burn
AVANTDALE BOWLING CLUB Trees
Tom Scott’s well of his own story and
