This is my first official blog post on the new web site! I’m super excited to have a new venue to spread my opinions to the masses…mwah-ha-ha!!
Seriously, though – we all know the last couple of years have been rough. For me, that would have been a thousand times worse without music. Some to make me smile, some to let me really dig into my anger, and some to just let me forget about the world for a while. And 2021 was chock full of fun new albums, so I’m sharing my top 21 picks*. And if there’s anything that didn’t make my list, hit me up – I’m always happy to check out something new!
*My Top 10 will be in a separate post
21. Joystick! – I Can’t Take It Anymore
Ska Punk from New Orleans with ridiculous energy.
20. Jesse Dayton – Beaumonster
A cover album from this barroom country fave, as a companion to his memoir of the same name. Great renditions of songs by Waylon Jennings, The Supersuckers, Social Distortion, X, & more.
19. iDestroy – We Are Girls
This is the first full-length from this “party-punk” band, and it’s a fabulous introduction!
18. Neighborhood Brats – Confines Of Life
This is already the third studio album from these California punkers? Still as fresh and fun as ever. Chef’s kiss!
17. The Demographic – Hiatus (& companion EP, I Hate Us)
More bombastic fun from this duo from Northampton, MA – both a full-length and an EP!
16. Laura Jane Grace – At War With The Silverfish
One of the only live shows we made it to this year featured this phenomenal frontwoman, and her passion is undeniable. This EP was one of the most pleasant surprises of 2021.
15. The Last Gang – Noise Noise Noise
This punk quartet from California gets stronger with every release. Their spirit is infectious!
14. The Ghostwood Murder – The Ghostwood Murder EP
I first became aware of this band through Becca Parks, who is also part of the amazing Tiki Bandits. While this combo veers into different territory – a western gypsy folk punk vibe – this 3-song EP shows that they’re a band to keep an eye on.
13. Eddie Spaghetti & Frank Meyer – Motherfuckin’ Rock’n’Roll
For the uninitiated: Eddie Spaghetti is the lead singer for The Supersuckers, and Frank Meyer fronts the Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs. Both of those bands are pretty famously entrenched in motherfuckin’ rock’n’roll, so this album is a wholly appropriate collection.
12. Sincere Engineer – Bless My Psyche
This Chicago punk hits a little differently than all the Cali stuff I’ve been peddling, but no less amazing.
11. The Prozacs – Fan Favs and Wannabe Hits!
Pop punk from western Mass! Jay Prozac is one of the most swell fellas you’ll ever meet, and he’s the epitome of DIY. This HUGE best-of highlights some amazing songs, and one of my person faves – “Those Pants Would Look Better On Your Sister”.
