2022 was a special one for new releases. I tried to narrow down a top five or ten but that structure did not make sense. Consequently, this list is a little different from my year-end recaps of the past.
For the most part, these records came off the top of my head. Which albums did I spend the most time with this year? Which were steady companions through a true roller coaster twelve months?
As I look over the list, I’m thankful for this Marinade thing. I got to interview several of these artists for the show this year. Others were introduced to me via the greater Marinade community.
I am sure I missed some records and may make updates to the list as they come to mind. If you want to get a taste of each album, take a look at my favorite songs of 2022 Tidal playlist.
In 2023 I want to branch out more. There is only one hip hop album on my 2022 run down, no jazz, just two Black artists, and on and on. No regrets but I love so many different kinds of music and want to explore my diverse taste in a more intentional way.
Thank you for listening and reading in 2022. I appreciate y’all so much!
Drive-by Truckers - Welcome to Club XVIII
America’s greatest rock band put out one of their best to date. I love this band so much.
Cory Branan - When I Go I Ghost
Cory is still somehow under the radar for many folks. I think he is a generational talent and I am so grateful he sat down with The Marinade for a second time in 2022. This is his best record.
Izaak Opatz - Extra Medium
This album may not have come into my life without The Marinade. Izaak’s publicist pitched him as a potential guest and I was hooked from the first listen. Again, thank y’all so much for supporting the show.
S.G. Goodman - Teeth Marks
The rest of these albums are in no particular order but Teeth Marks is my favorite record of the year. Her debut was stunning. She managed to raise the bar with this one.
Laney Jones - Stories Up High
Another one that came into my life via a pitch from a publicist. Laney came over to Marinade Studios to record a delightful episode of podcast. She played with my beloved dog Conundrum and opened up about her creative process. I not only became a fan but feel like I made a friend in Laney this year.
Trampled by Turtles - Alpenglow
One of my all time favorite bands put out my favorite of their releases. Lots of wrestling with existence on this one. Wonder why I like it so much.
Kevin Morby - This is a Photograph
If S.G. Goodman made my favorite record of the year, Kevin Morby’s This is a Photograph is 1A. I preordered this when several folks I trust promoted it. Got to see him play many of these songs live in Jacksonville, FL. This record feels like it was made for me.
liv. - Young, Dumb, and in Love
My dear friend Van Plating produced liv.’s debut record. Van’s fingerprints are all over the album, which means she set liv. up for success and let liv.’s voice shine. Seems like these two are destined for a long creative relationship. I am all in on that potential.
Elizabeth Moen - Wherever You Aren’t
Another Marinade guest who released a beautiful record. Elizabeth also toured with the aforementioned Kevin Morby and captivated the audience in Jacksonville.
Garrett T. Capps - People are Beautiful
This is the record I needed the most. It was released at a heavy time for me. Anxiety was through the roof and a lot of things outside my control were crashing and burning. I felt a bit rudderless when this album helped right my ship.
Adeem the Artist - White Trash Revelry
Adeem and I tried twice to catch up this year. The first time two car problems kept me away from them. The second my mother was going through a scary health issue. 2022 was a tough one and albums like this made it all a little easier to bear. I am excited Adeem is getting the accolades they deserve. This record is incredible.
Arlo McKinley - This Mess We’re In
I listened to this record and drove straight to my local record store to buy the vinyl. Painful, beautiful songs. His voice plants itself in your brain. This may be the one I listened to the most in 2022.
John Fulbright - The Liar
I remember putting this record on and taking a walk. It is music well suited for an introspective stroll. Fulbright is a special talent.
Amanda Shires - Take it Like a Man
Confession: I love all of Amanda’s work but until TILAM, her 2012 release Carrying Lightning was in my estimation her best work. This is better and I am excited for what she does next.
Kendrick Lamar - Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers
Kendrick may be the greatest MC ever. Nas got me into the genre. Black Thought and Mos Def are undeniable. Kendrick is like D’Angelo. He’s on a different level from his peers and this album is a perfect illustration of that talent.
49 Winchester - Fortune Favors the Bold
I can’t help but wonder if 49 Winchester would be the biggest band in the world in a time warp. If this record came out in 1994 every song would be at the top of the charts, would it not?
Lee Bains III and the Glory Fires - Old Time Folks
Lee Bains III is perhaps America’s most important poet and documentarian. There are no holes in his catalog. This one is once again timely and well said.
Wet Leg - Wet Leg
Kinda crazy to think that the early 2000s indie scene fronted by such bands as Silversun Pickups would be old enough to have a revival but here we are. Wet Leg was first recommended to me by the great Brian Koppelman who is a champion of something new. Wet Leg is blazing new trails while keeping their influences at the hip.
Bartees Strange - Farm to Table
Tell me what you like and I’ll point it out on this record.