my favourite albums of 2024
019. Hannah Everingham, Diane Birch, Jessica Pratt, Naima Bock + Sig update
Howdy,
You may have noticed — I’ve taken the past year off from Substack. I hope no one missed this little newsletter too much. I stepped back in part because I was listening to less new music (went back and binged the catalogues of Macy Gray, Sonya Spence, and J.J. Cale) and in part because I found myself very busy with writing, recording, and performing. Despite that, I cannot resist sharing my favourite finds of the year. I suspect I’ll be back next year with regular installments of this thing.
Flying On Abraham by Diane Birch
Consider yourself time traveled. An American in London writing songs that sound like you’ve tuned into a 70s AM radio station. Piano driven and lyrical themes that would work well on any Elton John track.
Playing Dead by Obscura Hail
A gorgeous amount of crunchy guitars paired with smooth vocals. My friends Obscura Hail have done it again with Playing Dead.
Diamond Jubilee by Cindy Lee
Idea: let’s make music that sounds timeless and let’s keep it off the major streaming platforms. Thank you, Cindy Lee.
High Horse by Adam Hattaway and the Haunters
I had the pleasure of performing on the first shows of Adam Hattaway’s album release tour. He does high kicks and belts Americana hooks while teetering on the tips of his toes. A natural performer with a knack for songwriting.
Siempre Tiene Flores by Hannah Everingham
Good gawd, gawd damn. Christchurch based Hannah Everingham has created a masterpiece. The simple production of this album carries all the heft of these lyrical heavy weights. Why not sing in Spanish?
Below a Massive Dark Land by Naima Bock
You should know I’m a fan of Naima Bock. It always feels like I could be in the room mumbling along or tapping a tambourine. Present and unaware.
Pony Baby by Pony Baby
This duo is the real deal. I had the absolute pleasure of opening for Pony Baby at their Wellington album release show. The songs are a hoot and their dynamic is golden.
Bright Black Night by Mystery Waitress
It was a big year for Tessa Dillon. First, this gorgeous rock album from her band Mystery Waitress and then her debut solo album, Tessa’s album, under the name Tessa De Lyon. I highly recommend listening to both.
Woodland by Gillian Welch
Gillian Welch and longtime collaborator David Rawlings have come together for a spectacular album of southern delight. There is no voice quite like Gillians.
Here in the Pitch by Jessica Pratt
The voice is small and haunting. The lyrics a warning and a wish. The music authentic and uncomplicated. I bought this album on vinyl because it felt like the only way it should be listened to.
Wilurarrakutu by Keanu Nelson
I admit I only just found this album a day ago when I saw it on Bandcamp’s end of year list. And my oh my I’m enjoying it. Too good not to share.
Sig Wilder & Friends Update
What a fantastic year of music making and performing. I’ll be making a separate post to share what 2024 brought for Sig Wilder & Friends. In the meantime, enjoy this video of us performing a new song called Bad News. Thanks to Harris for capturing this video.
Let’s forgo spotify in 2025.
Sig