Vinyl Picks for 2021
We finally made it. Back from the brink. Music inspired us during those dark times and welcomed us into the real world again. Some might say that live music equals success, but that’s too low of a bar for this vinyl aficionado.
At the end of 2020, I took advantage of the remote-first world to relocate to Austin, Texas. It was like taking a step back in time to return to Texas after twenty-five years, but it didn’t take long to settle into the amazing live music scene, especially after the vaccine’s conspiracy filled appearance.
New venues, music festivals and vinyl galore! After so much music discovery, I was pleased to finally recognize many of the touring bands, especially seeing so many at smaller venues. Hello, Lilly Hiatt at the Continental Club!
What follows is my list of finds, favorites and a few surprises too. What did you discover that made 2021 just a bit more bearable?
Album of the Year — Black Pumas / Black Pumas
New Year’s Day 2021, I learned about this local Austin favorite, who had been tearing up the local scene for a couple of years. Once nature healed, I experienced them at Stubb’s for one magical night. Great album with many gems. Confines is my current fav.
Favorite Live Album —War on Drugs / Live Drugs
A random encounter with the sister of the drummer alerted me to the band a few years ago. I fell for a few songs, then this live album appeared as a Covid gift to the past. A great record alternating between warm and fuzzy. Amazing to hear someone in the crowd demand Under The Pressure one song before the band crushed the recorded version like an old car chassis, never to be seen again.
Best Record Store Day Release — The Police / Live! Vol 2 Atlanta 1983
Anyone that knows my tastes knows that live albums are my favorite because it’s like traveling back in time to a concert you missed due to a test. But when released on vinyl many years later, I feel vindicated for choosing responsibly. Not to mention that in this case, I was too young to go to the Police concert when they were at their peak. This album is like a greatest hits record, but with all the energy bottled up to explode on your stereo. Do it.
Out of Left Field Album —Dry Cleaning / New Long Leg
New bands are always risky, but this one caught my ear early in the year and it’s been growing on me over time. The lead singer is more word rhyming than storytelling in a combination that feels fresh and familiar at the same time. Someone to watch for on the 2022 summer festival circuit small stage.
Newly Discovered Archive Album — Johnny Cash/ At Folsom Prison
2021 may go down as the year that wokeness died, but Johnny Cash is still one woke individual! As a Cash newbie, I was hardly excited for this reissue, but when I read the liner notes for the first VMP Country release, I wondered if I was raised by wolves or not. After my first listen, I can understand why this was an instant classic, going far beyond music to be a reflection on society.
Sorry to See You Go — James White / Broken Spoke
As a new resident of Austin in 2021, I first spotted the Broken Spoke on a cold January day in the middle of a completely gentrified South Austin neighborhood. Bringing together different people since 1964, this self-proclaimed best honky tonk in Texas lost her founder and owner in January. RIP James.
Best Live Performance — Black Pumas / Stubb’s Five Night Stand
I’ll never forget the feeling I had. Vaccinated. Pre-gaming. Stubb’s Ampitheater. Live music. Success! After 15 months locked in and down, anxiety about society, and hope for the future, for one night, it felt like we were back on top of the mountain peering over the peak to learn that everything was beautiful on the other side.
Album Cover of the Year — Wolf Alice / Blue Weekend
The best album covers are art, which is another reason why vinyl is life. Not only is the album great, but the cover is unadorned with words to create a familiarity of something just out of reach. The color palette and tones feel like a post-modern interpretation of Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks.
Best Vinyl Subscription Service — Tipitina’s Record Club
A local music venue in New Orleans that specializes in local and Gulf South music from the 1970’s to today. I don’t know how they have the rights to this stuff, but the quality and variety are excellent! If you want to discover something new and turn back the clock to an earlier time, this every other month club is a great option and likely expands your horizons at the same time.
That’s all from me. What have you been listening to this year even if you just discovered it this year?
