The fact that we are now more than halfway through 2019 is… ridiculous and unacceptable. We have been hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray, run amuck, and flat-out deceived. But, hey, at least it’s sunny now, right? Even if it is unbearably humid some days, we’ve had some pretty great music released so far this year. We got some of our writers together to talk about their faves from 2019 so far, featuring some great local talent, some folks from outta town you might recognize, and a couple fun picks to keep you smiling through the summer. We’ve also thrown these songs in a playlist so you can bump it on your picturesque beach vacation (or while you’re stuck in the office on a really hot Tuesday dreaming of your picturesque beach vacation). We decided not to do any ranking and just wanted to share with you some of our favorite projects, the things that have really spoken to us so far this year.

Locals

Let’s get the ball rolling with some local favorites. Boston musicians haven’t been slouching so far this year, with some truly incredible releases from some folks who we’re lucky enough to have displaying their talent, passion, and creativity right here in our lovely city. Plus, with plenty of highly-anticipated local releases (hello Camp Blood, Beeef, and so many others!), there are no signs that musicians in Our Fair City are slowing down at any point this year. So who should you make a point to see next time they’re at your favorite neighborhood venue? 

Lord Felix, In Bloom, Forever

With seemingly effortless hooks, pristine production and a nod to Elton John, Lord Felix’s project is one of the finest rap albums coming out of Brockton.

-Jeremy Stanley

Fucko, Social Climber

I’m a sucker for anything that sounds like a ’90s teen comedy soundtrack, and that’s what really does it for me for Fucko’s Social Climber. Sarah Desmarais and Jake Desmarais’ harmonies shine throughout the album; they are siblings after all! The guitar tones are fuzzy and powerful. The drums are dynamic and groovy. It was one of my most anticipated albums of the year, and it lived up to my own hype. They’re one of the most underrated bands in Boston, so I hope y’all wake the fuck up!

-Christine Varriale

Anjimile, Maker Mixtape

Anjimile’s Maker Mixtape is a blend of low, tender vocals, deft acoustic guitar, and bright harmonies. Listen when you’re staring out the bus window on a rainy afternoon, or maybe when you’re walking down a sunny sidewalk past a dog park and flowers in bloom. Get swept up in the tide of their poetic imagery describing what it’s like to be a maker.

-Katie Ouellette

Dee Parts, Dee Parts II

Gorgeous post-punk sounds, acrobatic vocals, and a dynamic stage presence makes this Boston band one of my favorites. Although short, this atmospheric four song release from February is punchy and hypnotic.

-Catherine Conley

community college, comco

What’s not to love about gut-wrenchingly post-contemporary Americana lyricism strung over simple, heavy guitar riffs and soft percussion? comco by community college was the long-expected, sleepy bedroom pop album Boston needed back in March.

-Jackie Swisshelm

Hamstank, World On Fire

Between working the beat as a producer for local artists like Cliff Notez, Oompa, and VQnC, Hamstank has released a series of solo EPs that enjoin his love of airy, melodic songwriting with a lifelong interest in fantasy stories. The latest in the series, “World On Fire,” saw the producer extend his concept of the Giant King, an eldritch monster whose prophesied return will usher in an age of despair for the world. But once you peel back the layers of metaphor at work, you realize that these songs work as an allegory for mental health. World on Fire is simultaneously about rising to confront those issues, while also letting us indulge in our nerdy, fantasy interests.

-Harry Gustafson

Non-Locals

There’s also some cool music happening outside of Boston, we guess. Maybe it’s less likely that you’ll run into them in line for the bathroom at Great Scott, but we still think they deserve a shout-out!

Hand Habits, placeholder

I just need to dish out mad respect to an artist that can open an album with a song like title track “placeholder.” This is one of those where the tone, lyrics, and music somehow create their own unique universe, with the power to bring a listener back to a time and place, perhaps when they were a “placeholder, a lesson to be learned.” The entire album, which is the sophomore release from the L.A.-by-way-of-upstate-N.Y. band, displays some serious songwriting: I’m hearing some Big Thief story-telling vibes with the vulnerability of Florist songs, all while playing with tempo like Mothers do on their latest work.

-Jackie Swisshelm

Mannequin Pussy, Patience

The wait is finally over for Mannequin Pussy’s third LP Patience, and it does not disappoint. A follow up to the snarling chaotic energy of 2016’s Romantic, Patience delivers the same ferocious sound and sickly sweet interludes pushed even further. The surreal videos for “Drunk II” and “Cream” prove that this Philly punk band is ready for what is poised to be their break-out album.

-Catherine Conley

Sir Babygirl, Crush On Me

Sir Babygirl is such a charismatic bubblegum force, it’s hard to believe that Crush On Me only debuted this year. Every song is brimming with confidence that makes you want to change your hair and embrace the macabre…in a fun way. Their vocal range sends chills down your spine (and not just because they’re singing about haunted houses and messy nights out).

-Katie Ouellette

Boy Harsher, Careful

Maybe it was because it came out in the middle of another bleak, cold New England winter, but as soon as I heard this album, I had a new favorite band. This darkwave synth group – who got together in Georgia but have since relocated to Northampton, MA – hit home with their icy synths and pounding beats. They sound like if the Stranger Things score fell into a warehouse rave. If you’re a fan of crying while you dance, this is for you. Also, if Boy Harsher is reading this, I will 100% drop everything to interview you; hit my line!

-Harry Gustafson

Steve Lacy, Apollo XXI

Steve Lacy has been one of the masterminds behind The Internet for so long, and ever since his solo EP Steve Lacy’s Demo from 2017, I’ve been itching for more. His beautiful bedroom pop always puts me in a good mood, and he got incredibly personal on Apollo XXI. The song that hits me right in the feels is “Like Me” where Lacy tackles his struggles with his sexuality. He feels alone and yearns for someone to feel just like him. “Guide” sounds like a lost Ava Luna song, jazzy and funky. Everything about this album is perfect.

-Christine Varriale

Bonus Picks

And for some extra fun, here are some categories that we totally made up!

Best Balance Between Gooey Love Songs and Murder Songs: Palehound, Black Friday

Black Friday is an album brimming with love: love for Ellen Kempner’s partner, love for her friends, and love for herself. Her whisper-talk vocals make promises to do right by these people, whether that’s learning how to be comfortable in your own skin or offering to kill your friend’s abuser. Swelling guitar and thoughtful drums beats will wrap this album around your heart.

-Katherine Ouellette 

Best Album for Summer Car Sing-Alongs: T-Rextasy, Prehysteria

T-Rextasy has won our hearts in the past years with quirky songs about lunch ladies and insufferable gap year boys, and their newest release is as charming as ever. Songs like “Coffee?” and “Girl, Friend” highlight T-Rextasy’s penchant for catchy sing alongs and their refusal to pass up on a pun. What I also like about this album though is that unlike their past releases they dip into some heavier territories like the challenges of queer dating in “Maddy’s Got a Boyfriend.”

-Catherine Conley

Song That Made Me Cry the Most: Clairo, “Bags”

Claire Cottrill wrote the song I wish I had written at 20 years old. She describes having a crush on a friend and not knowing what to do about it. It’s so cute and endearing, and I tear up every time I listen to it!!! Sitting on a couch not knowing what to say to the person sitting next to you that you have feelings for??? Been there!!! On top of all of it, there’s a low-key Call Me By Your Name reference in the first verse. This is and will continue to be my good, sad song of the summer. The best part about the song: it’s 4:20 long ayyyyyy. 

-Christine Varriale

My Mom’s Pick: Raveena, Lucid

My mom really loves this album. I think she might have heard it on NPR? But anyway, she introduced me to it, and it’s really good. Very smooth and soulful, a little reminiscent of Sade (who my mom also loves, coincidentally; she has good taste). So she gets cool mom points for that. It was her birthday a few days ago; if you see her, please wish her a happy birthday, and listen to Raveena in her honor. If you dig the work of this New York based songstress, you can catch her on September 18th at ONCE Ballroom in Somerville; however, it’s a school night, so my mom will not be in attendance. 

-Harry Gustafson(‘s Mom)

Early AOTY Contender: Lizzo, Cuz I Love You

You don’t need anything else to feel empowered AF, say FU to your exes, and generally just cheer the Fuck Up. Lizzo’s Cuz I Love You is album of the year—I’m calling it now! [Editor’s Note – if Lizzo does win AOTY from us via our democratic voting system, everyone reading this owes Jackie $5 come 2020].

-Jackie Swisshelm