TOPS’ “Petals” is a refreshing brand of pop: something with a simple, but unique sound that’s relatable without being obvious and contrived.

“Deeper and Deeper” teleports you to what a dark, smoky, intimate music venue on a permanently inhabited spacecraft would sound like.

The Growlers perfectly capture the resentful attitude towards our present cultural moment that many of us feel on a day to day basis, unable to grasp the reality of what has become of society, unable to let go of the past, stuck between two worlds. 

Khruangbin is one of the most innovative bands on the scene today, bringing together often forgotten genres into a beautiful, enrapturing, mindfulness-inspiring landscape that is both musically intricate and extremely palatable.

Off of their 2016 EP Won’t Be Coming Back, “B.T.” is a joyous mix of ‘60s soul and modern surf rock that inspires nothing but optimism and confidence.

There are a few cats from Minneapolis that are doing everything in their power to bring compositional ingenuity, musicality, and overwhelming positivity back to a dance floor near you. 

Jones’ soulful voice is one that is criminally under-recognized as one of the great voices of the ‘70s, bringing a forceful passion and full-bodied sound that is not often found in reggae music. 

Reminiscent of Mac DeMarco’s “Ode to Viceroy,” “Cinnamon” has a hazy, bedroom-like quality to it; Kempner’s voice is somewhat muted and subdued, in solemn acceptance of her bad habits.

A true step forward in the evolution of both jazz and hip-hop music, BADBADNOTGOOD are able to modernize one genre and bring the other back to its core in one fell swoop.

The best music from a year that, otherwise, was not the best.

Aaron Powell, known as Fog Lake, captures the semi-contradictory nature of the subsurface relief that comes with undirected malcontentment with “Side Effects,” off of his upcoming album Dragonchaser. 

An anthemic experience, “Bury Me Face Down” embodies the true spirit of rock and roll – in your face, confident swagger backed up by energetic instrumentals that make you want to burn your suit and tie, stick your tongue out, and yell no matter who’s listening.