My Year in Music - 2024
Jazz, Country, and the Unknown
Initially, I didn't write a review of my musical experiences and escapades last year. Unlike years past, I felt I hadn't really connected with anything strong enough to warrant writing about. The one major musical experience I'd had, seeing Dead & Co. at the Sphere in Las Vegas, I'd already written about in the Fall 2024 issue of The Void. But as I've had additional time to ruminate on last year's music, I realized that this isn't entirely true. There have actually been several songs, albums, and artists soundtracking my 2024, and they're worth talking about. Here’s three that definitely stand out:
Shaw - Benjamin McWebb
The first is a single released by Benjamin McWebb titled Shaw, which contains three brilliant contemporary jazz pieces. The eponymous track is the perfect companion for a late nights spent behind the wheel or in front of the keyboard, typing a dark and dusty novella. It exudes an urban passion for movement, that paradoxical slowness and serentiy you experience when the revs near the limiter and the lights blur past you on the empty highway. The second and third tracks are great companions to this main piece, providing an atmosphere that throws you into the *film noire* version of your life. While this collection of three songs is the perfect companion for nights alone, it is also a great sountrack for deep conversation over a whisky and a cigar. It've thrown it on while I've sat out on the patio with friends putting a bottle away, and it has elevated the experience every time.
$10 Cowboy - Charley Crockett
On a different note, Charley Crockett's latest album (for now--a new one has already been announced--he's on a serious roll), $10 Cowboy, was released in March or April of 2024. The standout song for me is “Hard Luck and Circumstances,” which is probably in my top-ten most played songs of the year. It's just a damn good song, whether you like country or not. And Crockett is managing to take the reins from the likes of Alan Jackson, and Johnny Cash before him, of proper country music without all the rubbish. I'm pretty sure Hank would've done it this way.
Curiosa - Alaï
I remember when I first watched Lana del Rey's music video for “Love” and aesthetically, it just connected with me. Well, that happened here with Curiosa, a song from a seemingly unknown Italian singer. It's a damn good song that burrowed itself into my head and hasn't left, either. Heck, I don't even know what it's about, I just know it's good.
Anyway, there's a brief look into my music this last year. Fortunately, only one month into 2025 and this year is already shaping up to be a brilliant year for music, so stay tuned.