I have done a terrible job listening to new music over the last 7 years. This is a list of albums that were released in 2022 that I have somehow managed to listen to.
1. The Joe Policastro Trio: Sounds Unheard (8/10)
Yeah, I have a rarities collection of post bop ranked above some new music. What are you going to do? Read the review of Sounds Unheard.
2. Big Thief: Dragon New Warm Mountain (7/10)
A somewhat arty folk rock record which is a little long but pretty appealing. Read my review of Dragon New Warm Mountain.
3. Taylor Swift: Midnights (7/10)
Taylor Swift’s sort of return to mainstream pop is pretty interesting, actually. Maybe I just don’t hate Antonoff yet. Read my review of Midnights.
4. J.I.D.: The Forever Story (7/10)
I suspect this is good. Read my review of The Forever Story.
5. Nas: King’s Disease III (7/1)
The best of the trilogy I suspect. Read my review of King’s Disease III.
6. Trevor Dunn’s Trio-Convulsant avec Folie à Quatre: Séances (7/10)
An enjoyable chamber jazz album I can’t quite make up my mind about. Read the review of Seances.
7. Steve Lacy: Gemini Rights (7/10)
A diverse, entertaining neo soul record. Read my review of Gemini Rights.
8. SZA: SOS (7/10)
I actually think this might be better than the debut, if it’s a little long. Read my review of SOS.
9. Kendrick Lamar: Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (6/10)
Too long. And I really dislike one track. Read my review of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.
10. Pusha T: It’s Almost Dry (6/10)
So I guess the idea of having two different producers is fun. Read my review of It’s Almost Dry.
11. Archers of Loaf: Reason in Decline (6/10)
A decent reunion record. Read the review of Reason in Decline. Or, read all of my Archers of Loaf reviews.
12. Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Cool It Down (6/10)
They changed their sound! Read my review of Cool It Down.
13. Wilco: Cruel Country (6/10)
A six-person band playing songs that could have been performed by a trio or quartet. I enjoyed the live show I went to much, much more. Read the review of Cruel Country. Or, read all my Wilco album reviews.
14. Harry Styles: Harry’s House (6/10)
I don’t like the music these guys like. Read my review of Harry’s House.
15. Wet Leg (6/10)
The women doing it feels like a bit of a fresh spin but I don’t love the vocals. Read my review of Wet Leg’s debut album.
16. Joey Bada$$: 2000 (6/10)
Shoulder Shrug. Read my review of 2000.
17. South Park 25th Anniversary Concert (6/10)
Not an album. I know. But a one-off concert that was televised internationally. That’s something. Read the review of the South Park 25th Anniversary Concert.
18. Jazz Sabbath, Vol. 2 (6/10)
I just didn’t like this as much as the first one. Read the review of Jazz Sabbath, Vol. 2.
19. The Mars Volta (5/10)
A bold left-turn which I don’t particularly like. Read the review of The Mars Volta’s self-titled album.
20. Arcade Fire: WE (5/10)
I don’t love Arcade Fire and weaker Arcade Fire doesn’t make that better. Read my review of WE.
Shows I went to in 2022:
Godspeed You! Black Emperor Live at the Phoenix Concert Theatre Thursday May 5, 2022
Third time seeing them.
The Chicks Live at Budweiser Stage, Friday June 24, 2022
Not a fan, as you know.
Billy Joel Live at Comerica Park, Saturday July 9, 2022
One of my least favourite famous musicians.
Wilco Live at Budweiser Stage Thursday August 18, 2022
My first Wilco show in 13 years.
The Mars Volta Live at Massey Hall, Wednesday October 5, 2022
They played “The Hits.” Well, actually, a substantial chunk of their debut album.
The Joe Policastro Trio Live at The Rex October 26, 2022
My first experience of this band.