Music Suitcase: Favorite Albums from October 2019

While 2019 has been full of incredible debuts, and breakthrough albums by newer bands, October specifically was full of albums by bands I already knew and (mostly) loved. These aren’t in any particular order, except the first one, which was an unexpected highlight of the month.
Bodega, Shiny New Model

Superior in every way to the band’s debut full-length just a year ago, Bodega’s new, more melodic EP crackles with energy. Less abrasive but even more punchy, the Brooklyn band shifts punk into post-punk with incredible swagger, and they’ve sharpened their lyrical game too. Highlights: “Shiny New Model,” “Domesticated Animal,” “Knife on the Platter”
Angel Olsen, All Mirrors

Atmospheric and theatrical, the St. Louis-born singer/songwriter surrounds her voice with synths and a 14-piece string orchestra. Olsen earns the grandeur of this sound in every song. Highlights: “All Mirrors,” “New Love Cassette,” “Spring”
The Avett Brothers, Closer Than Together

Unflinchingly direct and meaningful, the southern folk band’s 10th album applies their sincere, intimate style to themes political (as well as personal) for the first time in a sustained way. Highlights: “Tell the Truth,” “Long Story Short,” “C Sections and Railway Trestles”
Mark Lanegan Band, Somebody’s Knocking

A triumphant return to the dusky rock and roll of his earlier years — this time, suddenly, with synths — finds Mark Lanegan at in great form, his earthy voice presenting a batch of intent but buoyant rockers with keen, worldly-wise lyrics. Highlights: “Letter Never Sent,” “Stitch It Up,” “War Horse”
MIKA, My Name Is Michael Holbrook

While there’s a little more traditional pop and a little less day-glo explosiveness than his best efforts, MIKA’s especially personal and confessional 5th album will still bring a ton of color to your day. Highlights: “Tiny Love,” “Ready To Call This Love,” “Stay High”
Great Grandpa, Four of Arrows

I thought Alex Menne and her band sounded like my high school years even before I learned they were from Seattle. It’s grungy indie rock with spacious arrangements, with Menne’s vocals lighting the way. Highlights: “Dark Green Water,” “Mono no Aware,” “Mostly Here”
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Ghosteen

Nick Cave, already a master bard of the shadows of the human condition, mourns the death of his son through heartbreaking song, poetry and spoken word. Highlights: “Bright Horses,” “Leviathan,” “Waiting For You”
Caroline Polachek, Pang

The classically trained Chairlift frontwoman’s nominal solo debut focuses on a broad array of electro-pop runs the gamut from hipster dance tracks to mainstream pop to Björk-esque ethereal numbers. Highlights: “Pang,” “Hey Big Eyes,” “Insomnia”
Wilco, Ode To Joy

A low-key collection of simple folk-rock songs played well and arranged plainly, Wilco’s‘s solid songwriting is confident and calm on their 11th album. Highlights: “Everyone Hides,” “Citizens,” “Love Is Everywhere (Beware)”
Mikan Cronin, Seeker

Mikal Cronin’s 4th solo album steps well outside the artist’s garage rock wheelhouse and and into grand instrumentaion and elaborate arrangements. Highlights: “Shelter,” “I’ve Got Reason,” “Caravan”
clipping., There Existed An Addiction To Blood

Rapid-fire and hyper-enunciated, David Diggs’ experimental rap trio’s latest is panicked, high stakes and horror-themed; somehow, I like it anyway. Highlights: “Blood of the Fang,” “Nothing is Safe,” “Run For Your Life”
Big Thief, Two Hands

Released 5 months after U.F.O.F. but recorded only days later, Adrienne Lenker’s band beefs up its sound, but her lyrics are as delicate and vulnerable as ever. Highlights: “Forgotten Eyes,” “Not,” “Replaced”
Elbow, Giants of All Sizes

The band’s 8th album is expansive, spacious and lush — even a little more so than usual — and centered as always around the dulect tones of Guy Garvey. Highlights: “White Noise White Heat,” “My Trouble,” “Weightless“”
Richard Dawson, 2020

Remaining as experimental as ever, Dawson pulls back his lens from the Faerie folklore vibe of 2017’s Peasant, in frank storytelling songs about the modern world. Highlights: “Two Halves,” “Fulfillment Centre,” “Black Triangle”
Foals, Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost, Part 2

The follow-up to a March release, volume 2 of their post-apocalyptic churns out more full-throttle danceable, electrified indie rock that is their signature. Highlights: “The Runner,” “Wash Off,” “Neptune”
Rex Orange County, Pony

A confessional, jazz-informed pop album focusing on his own mental health, the 21-year-old rising star ‘s 3rd outing shows impressive vulerability and a satisfying arc. Highlights: “Always,” “Face To Face,” “It Gets Better”