Albums Released This Year Mustard Enjoyed So Far (And you may as well, no guarantee, worth a try)
Jason Isbell - Foxes in the Snow (Country)
This album got Mustard into country music and gave them a better appreciation of it. They could listen to Jason Isbell tell stories for a minimum of 98 hours. Typically when you see a human male pull out an acoustic guitar you feel dread. But in the case of Jason Isbell Mustard could listen to them sing songs by a campfire for hours straight.
Catbite - Doom Garden (EP) (Ska)
If you are looking to familiarize yourself with the modern ska scene there is no better band to start with than Catbite. Mustard was introduced to Catbite via Skatune Network (also known as JER) and has not looked back since. Their newest EP absolutely rips. Catbite has grown so much in popularity that Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy provides trumpets and vocals on the second track of the EP.
Sage Francis - A Sick Twist Ending (Hip Hop)
Mustard and their human assistant are massive Sage Francis fans. Mustard’s human assistant has two Sage related tattoos. The conclusion to their “Sick of Wasting” mixtape series released on their human assistant’s birthday. This mixtape marks the end of the an era. Uncle Sage does not disappoint and is eager to hear what they have planned next.
Cheekface - Middle Spoon (Indie Rock)
America’s local band does it again. Listening to Cheekface brings Mustard a lot of joy. They think they may bring you joy too. Or absolute anger. Cheekface is a polarizing band. Mustard loves how this album is infused with ska. Seeing Brittany Luna (Of CATBITE mentioned earlier), Jeff Rosenstock, and JER in the linear notes was a nice surprise.
clipping. - Dead Channel Sky (Hip Hop)
Dead Channel Sky was Mustard’s introduction to clipping. They were blown away listening to this. This is an album they think about at random times. This album has a swagger that is unmatched (so far) this year.
Pug Johnson - El Cabron (Country)
Pug Johnson does an excellent job of infusing multiple genres into their debut album. Mustard is learning they love that old school country sound. Johnson gives you that and more.
Grooblen - FRIENDO (EP) (Psych Rock)
If you have been following this publication since its inception you will know that Mustard loves Grooblen. This year we were treated with a new EP by Grooblen that continues to highlight Ellie Stoke’s creative brilliance. Here is more on FRIENDO from Stokes themselves in one of our recent interviews:
Hahaaaa, FRIENDO is both an endearing term I’ve found I sometimes use to refer to close pals but also is a fun little combo of “friend” and “endo”, short for “endometriosis” which has been a silent struggle for a lot of my life. Everyone has their things of course, but I think subconsciously I’ve found that the pals that take the time to kind of understand me as a person, which includes this part of myself that tends to make me feel a little more isolated sometimes, are all considered friendos <3
billy woods - GOLLIWOG (Hip Hop)
Oh my goodness. Mustard was introduced to billy woods on Aesop Rock’s last album Integrated Tech Solutions. This is an album that will take multiple listens to fully digest. The atmosphere billy woods creates is haunting in the best way possible.
Ken Pomeroy - Cruel Joke (Country)
Mustard stumbled upon this artist while browsing Bandcamp. The lead-in singles caught their attention. Pomeroy is a captivating Americana/Country singer-songwriter who channels the wisdom of their ancestors throughout this record. It is a beautifully structured record with no skips.
Whitechapel - Hymns in Dissonance (Metal)
Typically Mustard would not enjoy albums that are super heavy but this album is an exception. Listening to this album makes Mustard want to pick unnecessary fights with other condiments and smash grocery store products. This album continuously punches you in the jaw and smiles at you like that piece of shit Homelander from The Boys.
Rebecca Black - SALVATION (EP) (Pop)
Rebecca Black is more than just “Friday.” It is easy to make jokes about her past but she has grown so much as an artist since then. Her latest EP SALVATION will have you shaking your human rumpus as you work on dismantling the patriarchy that creates unattainable and unrealistic expectations onto human women.
TV Wonder - Hat Day (EP) (Indie)
Mustard had so much fun listening to TV Wonder’s () debut EP. TV Wonder reached out to Mustard to be considered for MUTV. You will be seeing them in a future episode.
Since then they have not been able to get the title track of the EP out of their bottle cap. You can hear through their lyrics how inspired they are by the likes of Pacing and Cheekface. It is delightful to listen to while also providing you with moments of reflection.
Julien Baker & Torres - Send A Prayer My Way (Country)
Mustard has discovered they love listening to stories. It is one of the many reasons they love music. This year they have listened to a lot more country and they genuinely enjoy how laid back and stripped back the genre is for the most part. Send A Prayer My Way features beautiful lyrics and unexpected humor.
Yazz Ahmed - A Paradise In The Hold (Jazz)
Mustard had the opportunity to experience this record during their Bandcamp listening party. Jazz is a genre they love but do not listen to enough. Ahmed’s A Paradise In The Hold is unlike anything they’ve heard this year.
Frances Murray - Dreamer (Alternative)
Mustard got an opportunity to listen to this early. Do yourself a favor and pre-save/order this album now for your collection. Murray is an exceptional singer-songwriter who will get your attention on the opening track.
Olivia Rafferty - Typical Forever (Folk)
Olivia Rafferty is an incredible storyteller and human. This concept album inspired by geology will rock your world and heart. If you are an independent artist who has always wanted to make a concept album but are unsure of how it will be received use this album as your inspiration to go for it. Mustard would like more concept albums like these please.
Aesop Rock - Black Hole Superette (Hip Hop)
Mustard has been looking forward to this album since it was announced. Aesop Rock is no stranger to a concept album and this one does not disappoint. How Aesop Rock manipulates and structures words never ceases to amaze this condiment. This is premature to say but this most likely will be Mustard’s favorite album of the year.
Miley Cyrus - Something Beautiful (Pop)
As we learned in Mustard’s interview with they are a condiment that loves pop music. Mustard has always enjoyed Miley’s music but has had trouble being hooked from start to end with her albums. This album is the exception. It is sequenced and structured beautifully. There is not a bad track on this entire album.
Mustard wonders:
Have you listened to any of these albums?
Which album intrigues you the most?
Are any of these albums on your own personal list?