Signals from the Deep
Ten albums that illuminated 2024's vast musical waters
In 2000, Napster upended the music industry, giving listeners unprecedented access to music at their fingertips. That year marked the beginning of digital disruption, as illegally-downloaded tracks threw the music industry into chaos and transformed how music was consumed and commercialized.
In 2024, we're submerged in an even vaster ocean of music, with more albums released this year than in the entire 2000s combined.
We’re all effectively divers in increasingly deep sonic waters, and even the most sophisticated digital tools can't fully illuminate every corner of this musical expanse. Yet amid these immense depths, the thrill of discovery remains as timeless as ever.
Here are ten albums that stood out to me in 2024 — in no particular order. Each cut through the digital abyss to reveal the hypnotic sounds of tomorrow, bright signals in an era of staggering abundance.
Cindy Lee — “Diamond Jubilee”
I haven’t been this thrilled about a pre-order since “Wildflower” by The Avalanches dropped nearly a decade ago.
Cindy Lee’s sprawling 32-track opus landed on YouTube in early 2024, igniting the internet with its ghostly echoes of ’60s girl group harmonies and its kaleidoscopic soundscapes.
From jangly garage rock to hazy synth-pop and ambient bliss-outs, each reverb-drenched track feels suspended in its own dreamlike time-scape.
I can’t wait to experience it on vinyl — and, hopefully, live someday!
Bolbec — “Victime De L’aube”
A timeless treasure you’d be forgiven for thinking is the soundtrack to a ‘70s Franco-Italian melodrama.
“Victime De L’aube” has a sound I can best describe as The Cinematic Orchestra meets Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Wave” with a smattering of space age pop and krautrock.
Throw it on while you’re entertaining guests, and they’re bound to ask you what “playlist” they’re hearing.
Jessica Pratt — “Here In The Pitch”
The California singer-songwriter’s fourth album elevates her trademark ethereal voice and fingerpicked guitar sound with rich production and varied instrumentation that suggests a gradual stylistic evolution, not a radical departure.
It’s easily one of the most beautiful albums of the year. Hands down.
Martina Berther — “Bass Works: As I Venture Into”
A dozen one-take compositions that redefine the possibilities of the bass guitar.
The Swiss bassist and composer’s debut solo album crafts exhilarating bass textures through techniques as varied as bowing, detuning and electronic manipulation.
It rewards repeated listens.
Dummy — Free Energy
If “Screamadelica”-era Primal Scream were a band today, they just might sound like Los Angeles-based Dummy.
The quartet’s sophomore album is awash in infectious psych-rock groove that’s occasionally interspersed with jazz interludes and field recordings.
A real party pleaser.
Jahari Massamba Unit — “YHWH Is Love"
Madlib and Karriem Riggins’ sophomore output delivers the head-nodding future jazz goods you’d expect from the beat-maker and drummer who were introduced two decades ago while working with legendary producer-rapper J Dilla.
Electric relaxation that’s equally fit for work and play.
MJ Lenderman — “Manning Fireworks”
The poet laureate of Asheville’s fourth album excels on many levels: atmosphere, interplay and wit to name a few.
Imagine Jason Molina occasionally veering into “Wowee Zowee”-era Pavement sounds and safely landing back in twangy indie rock territory.
That gets you part of the way to the land of Lenderman.
Nala Sinephro — "Endlessness"
Known for her experimental approach to jazz that incorporates elements of ambient music and field recordings, Nala Sinephro’s latest listening experience, “Endlessness”, is as dynamic and multi-layered as its title suggests.
The Caribbean-Belgian multi-instrumentalist, who lives in London, bases each of the album’s ten tracks around a central arpeggio motif that reemerges throughout, providing a unifying thread as warm synth textures collide with saxophone and drums.
You won’t want it to end.
Ka — “The Thief Next to Jesus”
Less than two months before his unexpected passing this fall, Brooklyn rapper Ka released his ninth album to wide critical acclaim.
One listen, and it’s clear why.
The album seamlessly blends gospel samples and themes with Ka’s trademark introspective lyricism, minimalist production and understated delivery reminiscent of his influence, Guru.
A NYC firefighter and 9/11 first responder, Ka used to personally mail his CDs and LPs to fans who purchase them online.
Sleep not on his discography.
The Innocence Mission — “Midwinter Swimmers”
The Innocence Mission has been putting out gossamery folk-rock goodness for going on three decades.
“Midwinter Swimmers” is yet another reason to stay on top of their discography or dive into it.
Intricate vocals and intimate instrumentation wrapped together in a lo-fi production collage you’ll want to unwrap this holiday.
