Top 5 New Discoveries 2016

Top 5 New Discoveries of 2016

(albums released pre-2015 that I finally discovered this year)

5. Maritime - Heresy and the Hotel Choir

Flameshovel Records, 10/26/2007

I might have even seen Maritime play in 2007, but for some reason I didn't pick this album up until this year. A regret, for sure. RIYL: Promise Ring, or some good midwest pop.

(Flameshovel doesn't seem to be selling it. Try Amazon.)



4. Their / They're / There - Their / They're / There / Analog Weekend

Topshelf Records, 4/20/2013

Topshelf Records, 12/10/2013

A collab between Mike Kinsella (of way too many good bands) and Evan Weiss of Into It. Over It. I was vaguely aware it was happening in 2013 and should've paid more attention. Quite good. Two EPs, 9 songs.

(buy them here)


3. Cursive - The Storms of Early Summer: The Semantics of Song

Saddle Creek Records, 11/8/1998

I somehow missed this album in my long relationship with Cursive. I have long loved their first album, and was pleasantly surprised to find this is more of the same, and perhaps even better.

(You can buy it here.)


2. Pop Unknown - If Arsenic Fails, try Algebra

Deep Elm, 11/30/1999

Another band I saw back in the day but didn't buy the album. Gabe Wiley, drummer from Mineral plays on this album that sounds very little like Mineral, but very much like good indie rock. Download it for free from Deep Elm, or pick it up in the dollar bin at the local record store like I did.

(download from Bandcamp right here.)

1. The Jealous Sound - Kill Them with Kindness

Better Looking Records 6/3/2003

I didn't know I needed this album in my life. Blair Sheehan of Knapsack's post-90s band. Sounds a bit like Knapsack, a bit like contemporaries Hey Mercedes, and all good. Solid 2000s pop.


(Looks like Rise Records rereleased a bunch of Jealous Sound stuff here.)