As we cross the halfway point of 2021, it’s time for a roundup of best albums (so far).
My list below includes veteran rock gods Dinosaur Jr. and Eleventh Dream Day as well as cutting-edge jazz from Sons of Kemet and Natural Information Society. A pair of debuts from Dry Cleaning and Bachelor made the list as well as a long-awaited follow-up collaboration between Bonnie “Prince” Billy and Matt Sweeney.
The list is alphabetical by artist. One entry that stands out for me, however, is the extraordinary release by Eleventh Dream Day, which has made one of the most interesting albums of the band’s long career.
Azita – Glen Echo
Dinosaur Jr. – Sweep It Into Space
Eleventh Dream Day – Since Grazed
Damon Locks Black Monument Ensemble – NOW
Natural Information Society with Evan Parker – Descension (Out of Our Constrictions)
Sons of Kemet – Black to the Future
Matt Sweeney & Bonnie “Prince” Billy – Superwolves
Tyler the Creator – Call Me If You Get Lost
All the Young Punks 