Top Austin albums of 2018

With the end of the year in sight, we figured it was time to run down our favorite albums of 2018 by Austin artists. Like last year’s crop of new records recorded by local musicians, this year’s list includes some familiar names like The Bright Light Social Hour, Black Joe Lewis, White Denim and Ghostland Observatory. Those bands and more put out distinctive, enduring and entertaining music that holds up after multiple spins. How do we know? Our playlist history plus hours of research by our team of trained interns (we wish). All of the albums mentioned are artistic achievements worthy of further discussion.

In any case, we’ve arranged the list in no particular order. No band is better than another in our opinion. These artists are all exceptional at what they do. We consider ourselves lucky to live among such talent and spoiled at the notion of seeing them perform often and in the relative comfort of our cozy little clubs and venues. Austin residents are truly surrounded by art. It’s up to you to take advantage of that fact. We sincerely hope you do.

All of us at The Cosmic Clash; Mike Cosmic, Genesis Vasquez, Brandon Sandler, Mike Manewitz, Sonya Hernandez, Kati Torgerson, Haley Ackerman and Elizabeth Banta wish you and your family the happiest of holidays.

By the way, any or all of these albums make a great gift for your favorite music fan. Click any band link to get to their website. Always buy directly from artist when you can.

Black Joe Lewis – The Difference Between Me and You

When Black Joe Lewis hit the national scene in the early 2000s they were ubiquitous. Critical acclaim appeared in GQ, Austin Chronicle, Soundcheck Magazine, Rolling Stone and more. With the talented guitarist supported by an all-star band featuring the Hard Proof horns, Lewis traveled the world spreading the gospel of the sizzling guitar tempered by a Blues backbone. This year’s The Difference Between You and Me is a return to those basics. In addition to fiery solos, a dose of psychedelia is sprinkled in for added flavor, much like the band’s earlier material.

Saxophonist Jason Frey mentioned it’s his favorite album since their sophomore effort, 2001’s Scandalous. We tend to agree with the affable horn player. It’s a feel-good record you’ll want to spin more than once in a sitting. There’s a lot to take in.

White Denim – Performance

Progressive rock act, White Denim has been reborn out of the ashes of Leon Bridges’ startling appearance on the Texas music scene which resulted in the group losing two members. Founder and lead guitarist, vocalist and song-writer James Petralli established his own studio, Radio Milk at the start of the year, then proceeded to produce one our favorite albums of 2018.

With hits, “It Might Get Dark” and “Magazin”  White Denim has arguably put out their best record since 2011 release, D. The gifted six-stringer, Petralli brought jazz-trained drummer Greg Clifford into the fold joining an already exceptional band rounded out by Steve Terebecki (bass) and Michael Hunter on keys. 

Sun June – Years

Sun June‘s Laura Colwell, formerly of Moving Panoramas always had a lovely backing voice in the shoegaze/psych rock act, carrying double-duty as keyboard player before striking out on her own with what she calls “regret pop” revealing a cache of  beautifully written breakup songs. The band’s live performances are equally compelling. That’s no small feat considering the delicate nature of their material.

This album sneaks up on you until one day you realize you’ve been streaming it more often than you thought. We imagine once Sofia Coppola gets a hold of this record she’ll start writing a script and commission Sun June to score the film similar to France’s Air writing music for her “The Virgin Suicides” soundtrack. 

Otis Wilkins – Strangest Place

You know how you meet someone and instantly like them? Otis Wilkins founder, Taylor Wilkins is just like that. Affable, funny, sarcastic, witty, he’s just a good dude to hang with. And his band Otis the Destroyer wrecks the stage with power chords and meaty, heavy, rock riffs. But the man’s side-project, Otis Wilkins reveals the musician as a gifted songwriter and tunesmith, crafting catchy hooks that are baked into remarkably good songs.

After being invited to travel the world performing with documentary group, Project ATX 6, Wilkins found himself finishing songs he’d played around with for a solo project that never launched. Only it did that summer when he joined the film project, performing as a solo act for fans across Europe. The trip served as the catalyst for Otis Wilkins. For that, we owe project founder Chris Brecht a debt of gratitude.

Shakey Graves – Can’t Wake Up

After establishing a rabid fan base with his Dualtone release, And the War Came in 2014, Shakey Graves went on to release a couple self-titled albums before this year’s Can’t Wake Up dropped. The record was the alt-folkster’s second for the well-known indie label and it’s a wild departure from the Neo-Americana sound Graves staked his name on. The change of direction may have confused some fans but make no mistake, this is a gorgeous record.

Como Las Movies – Nuevo Wave

When site founder, Mike Cosmic first caught Como Las Movies he couldn’t wait to tell the rest of The Cosmic Clash staff about his find. He was right,as usual. We were all impressed by the Cumbia, funk, synth fusion presented. Band catalyst, Nelson Aguilar heads up a foursome of formidable players who oscillate from highly traditional Cumbia sounds to psychedelia-laden synth riffs that wander off into hypnotizing rhythms on their debut EP Nuevo Wave. It’s an apt moniker for a band whose name is also a descriptor of their hard-to-define sound. 

The Bright Light Social Hour – Missing Something

If you’re a regular The Cosmic Clash reader then you know our affinity for The Bright Light Social Hour and their new EP Missing Something. The record is a deeply personal album that deals with the loss of former band manager and brother of bassist Jack O’Brien, Alex. The record contains elements of kraut rock, afrobeat, rock n roll, soul and funk. It is both an expansion on the ideas presented in the group’s sophomore effort, Space is the Place and a harbinger of what is to come on the new full-length LP due out next month on Modern Outsider. It is also a record that reveals itself slowly, layer upon layer like an onion. We recommend popping on your best headphones in your favorite seat in the house with a cocktail or two. You know what we mean.

Ghostland Observatory – See You Later Simulator

The original Austin analog synth heroes, Ghostland Observatory return in a big way with ambitious, See You Later Simulator after a self-imposed hiatus that saw lead vocalist, Aaron Behrens pursue his side-project The Midnight Stroll while mad-scientist-like Thomas Ross Turner worked on other interests. Realizing neither was as good on their own and the burnout they’d been feeling after several years of non-stop touring produced perhaps their best full-length to date.

Curtis Roush – Cosmic Campfire Music

While it might seem ridiculous to include The Bright Light Social Hour guitarist and vocalist Curtis Roush’s solo effort in this list, the man has earned his way into our playlist and hearts with a collection of thoughtful, Cosmic Campfire Music that pair well with a nice scotch and a warm blanket. That’s not to say it’s a Ron Swanson-sponsored record but it’s got a certain feel to it that is comforting. It’s hard to choose, but “Real Love” might be our favorite.

Molly Burch – First Flower

We’re not sure why it took us so long to get on the Molly Burch train. The local singer and songwriter has a distinctive delivery that sets her apart from her counterparts. Add thoughtful, insightful lyrics and you get a precocious performer with a lot of upside left to be discovered.

Burch enjoyed tremendous hype around her 2017 SXSW appearances and rightfully so. Landing features on NPR Music, Rolling Stone and other high-profile music pubs. Perhaps that’s why we shied away a bit, not believing the hyperbole surrounding the singer. But it’s all true and then some when you consider this year’s record along with her breakthrough album, Please Be Mine.

Honorable Mention 

Black Pumas – “Black Moon Rising” (single) 

Black Pumas, the latest project from Adrian Quesada (Grupo Fantasma, Brownout, Money Chicha) promises to be his most successful. The Latin-tinged group features soul singer Eric Burton and an all-star lineup lead by Quesada on guitar. Watch for their debut release early next year.

Lowin – “Sloop” (single)

Lowin’s Sara Houser has had a big year, touring as keyboardist for Golden Dawn Arkestra in Europe while simultaneously working new material for her own act, Lowin and getting hitched to musician Taylor Wilkins (the long time couple married late in the year). The hard-charging rock ‘n roll outfit has a new album waiting in the wings with a new direction as indicated by the single which we love. We’re eager to get our hands on it.