Brave New Brief - Top Ten of 2024
Best indie rock & pop albums of 2024 - by Tricia Halloran
Hasta la vista, 2024. I enjoyed taking stock of the year in music this week, probably because I am also celebrating my first full year of being a Substack author. Seven Briefs went out this year, which is a lot considering all the other bull**** that was going on in my life. It is not even an exaggeration to say that the albums on the lists above got me through it. I separated out the boys & girls categories this year kind of on a whim and also because I didn’t want to rank them all together, ha! The list below, with links, is alphabetical and combines the categories. Onwards to 2025! PS I’ll be at the Hana Vu show in San Francisco on Feb 28, lmk if you’ll be there.
In (reverse) alphabetical order (because Waxahatchee does need to be first) …
More honesty in her little finger than most bands find in their lifetime.
So sad, so uplifting, so perfect.
Vampire Weekend “Only God Was Above Us”
A welcome abundance of thoughtful indie pop.
California punk as it was meant to be heard.
Vocals, lyrics, production = trifecta.
Blissful from start to finish.
Christian Lee Hutson “Paradise Pop. 10”
The kind of songwriter that breaks your heart every stanza.
Hurray For The Riff Raff “The Past Is Still Alive”
Dylan-esque songs wrapped in a velvety vocal.
Marcellus Hall “I Will Never Let You Down”
Seamlessly blending 70s and 90s into 2024 and sounding timeless
Long-time Breeders fan puts a 2024 spin on the sassy girl sound.
Coming in 2025 I think a site redesign and maybe some surveys to see what you guys are liking (or not) about Brave New Brief.
PPS did you hear Waxahatchee’s album was nominated for a Grammy for best Americana album?
PPPS don’t forget the secret short-cut to hear all 52 of the albums I recommended throughout 2024, my Spotify playlist of 2024 BNW Best Of Indie Rock & Pop, also replicated on YouTube and Apple Music.
Every time I think the Linda Lindas can’t get any better, they prove me wrong. The kids are alright!