December Hotel's favorite albums bring together familiar classics, independent releases and overlooked records that deserve a wider audience.
The selections span a broad musical landscape, connected by memorable songs, distinctive performances and the lasting impression they leave. Explore the reviews, revisit an old favorite or discover an artist whose music has yet to find its way into your collection.
This album came pretty much out of nowhere, released on Northern Records with little ado. I finally heard about All Things Bright & Beautiful while looking through the bands scheduled for Cornerstone Festival. A couple of MP3s on their webpage got me hooked, and a few weeks later I was reviewing the album.
Continue
This is one of the best modern rock albums I've heard. It is not perfect, but Watermelon overflows with great melodies and songs. The lyrics are often brief, and the explanations in the booklet can feel only loosely connected to them. Still, the music gives this record more than enough personality to keep me coming back.
Continue
There is something immediately arresting about David Bazan's vocals, even when nothing particularly dramatic is happening. His words arrive in a slow, offhand manner, yet the songs remain striking, intimate and natural. It feels as though someone you have known forever is quietly telling you stories.
Continue
After a couple of years away, PAX217 returned with changes in the lineup. Joey Marchiano replaced Skwid on drums, while percussionist and keyboardist Tito Duran and his brother Bobby, the band's turntablist and emcee, had departed. Check Your Pulse captures another chapter in the band's music.
Continue
Starflyer 59's debut brings together heavy guitars, hazy atmosphere and a darker emotional pull. Songs such as “Blue Collar Love” and “She Only Knows” carry considerable weight, while the sound moves between shoegaze textures and gloomier rock. Those contrasts are part of what makes Silver so memorable.
Continue
You would think the lesson about judging a book by its cover would be easy to remember. Still, I approached Becoming What You Hate with some hesitation. The artwork suggested a forgotten record-store bargain, and the accompanying fact sheet did little to reassure me. The music deserves a chance beyond those first impressions.
Continue
Fielding's self-titled release is a refreshing addition to indie rock, blending Americana and Britpop into a distinctive sound. Eric B.'s vocals and guitars meet Beth B.'s keys and strings for an emotional debut. Fans of Pedro the Lion, Travis, Haven, Plankeye and Aaron Sprinkle will find plenty to appreciate.
Continue
Admittedly, I had done a poor job of keeping up with LN's music when I finally got around to Novel. Even with only a few of their recordings familiar to me, it felt like Gary Murray had pushed himself musically here, exploring a wider range of styles and sounds. That sense of discovery makes this an especially rewarding listen.
Continue
No Room was the first album The Samples recorded after signing with What Are Records? The songs continue using the environment as a canvas for personal reflection. “When It's Raining” encourages growth, while “Stone Tears” turns its attention toward repression. The imagery gives the music a reflective character.
Continue
Aunt Bettys represented Michael Knott's attempt to reach a mainstream audience. Looking back, it did not unfold quite as he might have hoped. Knott built a substantial catalog across many projects, and this album offers another opportunity to hear the songwriting personality that connected those different musical ventures.
Continue