Albums of the Year 2022 (first attempt)
Post pandemic – it seemed that every major artist in the world released an album or a live album or some product (in the case of U2 it was Bono’s autobiography). Unfortunately, I was so absorbed in the 500 songs podcast, I listened to very little music during the summer and autumn. I had presumed that this was a very weak year for new music until I looked at the pile of albums that I bought as the year went on. Although they didn’t get great reviews, I rather enjoyed Arcade Fire’s and the Black Keys’ new records – ok they weren’t up there with their best, but enjoyable listens nonetheless. I still have not gotten around to listening to Arctic Monkeys latest, Cate Le Bon, Spoon, Beach House, Jack White, Joan Shelly, Wilco, Beth Orton, Lambchop, Brian Eno, The Weather Station, Richard Dawson, Big Thief or the Weeknd or Taylor Swift or Beyonce – I’m sure their own fans have their own opinions. I listened to Belle & Sebastians’ and Midlake’s albums, once. They are still sitting on the shelf. Perhaps one-day…… I didn’t buy the Springsteen covers album – what is the point? – but really enjoyed the Cowboy Junkies one. I have yet to buy a copy of the Radiohead offshoot “The Smile” – but it may turn into a new year revelation for me (Radiohead albums unpack well over time). I am convinced I am Jonathan Jeremiah’s only fan outside of Germany. Wet Leg were the breakout stars and Pillow Queens and Fontaines D.C. are flying the flag for Ireland. I get that the list below is very white and retromanic – but – this is just a list of what I enjoyed this year. I am certain that there are dozens of great recordings that I have missed (and may add to this list later). I just loved the Black Country New Road album (the 4LP box set was just gorgeous), but was devastated to learn that the lead singer had mental health issues and bailed from the band just as the album was released. They have been touring without him this year – playing nothing from either of their outstanding albums. Go figure.
This is a first attempt at the list – just to get it rolling. Recommendations in the comments section always welcome.
So, those things taken into account – this is my list of my favorite pop and rock recordings of 2022 (the versions linked were the ones I bought).
Best of 2022 (Pop and Rock)
Black Country, New Road – For The First Time
Pillow Queens – Leave The Light On
Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band – Dear Scott
Kevin Morby – This Is A Photograph
Weyes Blood – And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow
Rolling Blackouts C.F.* – Endless Rooms
Jonathan Jeremiah – Horsepower For The Streets
Tears For Fears – The Tipping Point
Elvis Costello & The Imposters – The Boy Named If
The Mars Volta – The Mars Volta
Cowboy Junkies – Songs Of The Recollection
Father John Misty – Chloë And The Next 20th Century
Band Of Horses – Things Are Great
Ferris & Sylvester – Superhuman (I still haven’t gotten hold of a vinyl copy)
Best of 2022 Jazz (New Releases)
I’m embarrassed to say that this year my support of young jazz artists has been poor – again I’m sure I missed loads of great recordings. Amazingly, for the first time in years – I don’t seem to have bought any new music from ECM. It may be my continued fascination with 1950s west coast jazz and the relentless avalanche of Blue Note reissues.
Julian Lage – View With A Room
Binker And Moses – Feeding The Machine
Redman, Mehldau, McBride, Blade – RoundAgain
Wolfgang Haffner – Dream Band Live in Concert
Cécile McLorin Salvant – Ghost Song
Final aside – if you look at the Downbeat Readers’ Poll for 2022 – it will be very clear to you that Blue Note are the jazz label in the ascendency for new music.
audioexchange 
I just received the yearly resume from Spotify yesterday and in spit of apparently listning to more than 800 different artists, this year’s list is shorter than usual.
I don’t know whether if it’s me growing tired and in need to find out some new genres but Not many exciting albums so far .
Spoon Lucifer On The Sofa
Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators 4
The Mysterines Reeling
The Smile A Light for Attracting Attention
Baby Strange World Below
Viagra Boys Cave World
The Afghan Whigs How Do You Burn?
Just Mustard Heart Under
Toundra Hex
Okish:
Yard Act The Overload
Dewaere What Is Pop Music Anyway?
Split System Vol. 1
Black Midi – Hellfire – It’s deeper than I am able to digest at the moment. But I will get back to it.
Spiritualized – Everything Was Beautiful
Pixies
Still to listen:
Melvins Bad Mood Rising
Neil Young World Record – what I’ve heard so far sounds quite boring.
I even went back to some metal and I found the following to have good grove:
Voivod Synchro Anarchy
Megadeth The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead! – great return to form
New bands playing classic numbers with good to great tunes:
Skull Fist Paid In Full
Venator Echoes From The Gutter
Ironflame Where Madness Dwells (the album Iron Maiden fans wish they would make)
Audrey Horne Devil’s Bell
Listened to a lot of average things or was let down by a few I was waiting for, among wich there are:
Black Country New Road – I liked the someway dark (not the genre) and someway sinister or heavy veil of their first album. This sounds too luminous and progressive for me. Don’t like their direction.
Fontaines DC – entering pop territory. No urgency. Definitely a no.
The Chats – Changed guitar player. Unispired riffing.
Courting – Had big expectations. Big let down
Rolling Blackouts C.F. – cant’ say it’s bad, i just don’t happen to like the new songgs.
Kiwi JR – Ditto
Wet Leg – That ‘singing’ bores me after 2’30”
Boring to death
Interpol
Jack White – Both
RHCP – Both
Black Keys
Arctic Monkeys – well ok mate, you are playing the crooning role. I am not against it per se but where are the tunes?
and another 150/200 I can’t even manage to remember.
Haven’t listened to some of these – had forgotten about the Afghan Whigs. Always loved Spoon.