Music N' Other Drugs

One thing I’ll say about Taylor Swift fans is that they have undoubtedly done their part in keeping the physical product alive. While the music they love does nothing for me, their respect for the album as an artistic statement meant to be pored over is something I will always stand behind.

What follows is a list of 10 albums that have done a lot for me so far this year and will likely continue to do so as the months fly by.

Ayron Jones – “Chronicles of the Kid”

Ayron Jones unleashed some of the filthiest Strat tones I’d heard in quite some time on 2021’s “Child of the State” and he’s gotten even heavier on the follow-up. A promoter in WNY should have booked him yesterday.

Foo Fighters – “But Here We Are”

Just when I thought I was out, Dave Grohl and Co. pulled me back in with this one. I’ve only had it for seven weeks, but it’s already proven to be a Top-5 album in the catalog.

Rival Sons – “Darkfighter”

Greta Van Fleet gets a ton of press, but Rival Sons are the band responsible for bringing back the swaggering ’70s rock we all know and love.

Gord Downie and Bob Rock – “Lustre Parfait”

A bittersweet collection given that we’ll never hear these songs performed live, but it’s arguably Downie’s strongest release outside of The Tragically Hip.

Lana Del Rey – “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd?”

There’s something about Del Rey’s sound that is anachronistic yet haunting all at once.

Overkill – “Scorched”

They’re one of the most consistent thrash bands on the scene, and, despite getting swallowed whole by Metallica’s promotional campaign for “72 Seasons,” their latest is a roaring addition to the catalog.

Enslaved – “Heimdal”

Draped in Norse mythology, Enslaved’s sixteenth studio album is a sprawling extreme metal masterpiece that gets richer with each listen.

Jethro Tull – “RökFlöte” 

2022’s “The Zealot Gene” was good, but Ian Anderson’s follow-up proves that he can essentially carry on the Tull name as long as he wants to.

Jag Panzer – “The Hallowed”

This surprise return is an exceptionally bleak commentary on the world at-large, but the execution is never less than compelling.

Metallica – “72 Seasons”

This one has been a slow burner for me, but Hetfield’s confessional style elevates it for me. We’ll see if it remains on the list at year’s end.