The Fashionably Late Top 66 of 2017: IDLES

It’s been a hell of a year. 2017 was exhausting, stressful, and at times just plain terrifying. But for all the mess that’s happened over the past 12 months, and there’s certainly been so much, there’s also been a lot of good going on in the world. From a musical standpoint, for instance, 2017 was rather exceptional. There were so many glorious new sounds to take in.

I’ve put together my list of favorites from the year that was, a touch fashionably late as always. Once again, I’ve decided to eschew a ranking system and instead give you an alphabetical look at the records I fell for this year. There’s some names here that will come as no surprise to anyone, and perhaps a few that might surprise you. These are simply my favorites from 2017, the albums I went back to again and again, the albums that I swooned over. So, without further exposition, here’s my list. I think you’ll find you can get your kicks from any and all of the 66 records I’ve chosen, and I truly hope you’ll find some treasures to cherish, as I cherish each and every record here. Many, many thanks to the artists who put out this fantastic music, their sounds helped make 2017 bearable.

Who: IDLES

What: Brutalism

When: March 2017

Where: Balley Records

Why: Given the style with which Brutalism shares its name, there was probably only ever one way this record was going to go. And IDLES certainly goes there and then some. A musical embodiment of the aggressively harsh, unapologetic lines of the Brutalist style, Brutalism is full of caustic, abrasive noise. The perfect storm of irascible, biting lyrics combined with maniacal, sneering vocals and cataclysmic undulations of guitars and percussion make this an acidic listen, full of rancor. And I love it.  

[posted 2.7.18]