{"id":1174,"date":"2017-12-31T13:04:36","date_gmt":"2017-12-31T18:04:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/?p=1174"},"modified":"2017-12-31T13:04:36","modified_gmt":"2017-12-31T18:04:36","slug":"sophie-sachars-favorite-releases-of-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/wtbu\/2017\/12\/31\/sophie-sachars-favorite-releases-of-2017\/","title":{"rendered":"Sophie Sachar’s Favorite Releases of 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sophie Sachar, the editor in chief of The Beat and DJ for Goose Mothers, Flannel Shirt Parade, and Left of the Dial, shares her favorite albums of 2017 (with a Spotify playlist to match!)<\/p>\n

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\n1. Japanese Breakfast – <\/b>Soft Sounds from Another Planet<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Blending dream pop, science fiction, and intimate stories from her life, Michelle Zauner\u2019s second album as Japanese Breakfast creates a warm atmosphere featuring a killer saxophone solo, a robot-human love story, and plenty of groovy bass lines.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for: solitary night rides on the T, stargazing<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\n2. LCD Soundsystem – <\/b>American Dream<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Though LCD Soundsystem\u2019s decision to un-retire from music rubbed some the wrong way, <\/span>American Dream <\/span><\/i>is decidedly a triumphant return. Doing all things LCD does best, James Murphy makws existential angst danceable while trying out some new musical directions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for: seeing live at Agganis Arena, staring at your laptop for far too long<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\n3. (Sandy) Alex G – <\/b>Rocket <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Rocket<\/span><\/i> features country folk tracks, darker experimental ones, and everything in between. On this album, Alex G blends styles to create an intriguing new indie rock record. <\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for: watching the leaves fall on Bay State road in an 8 a.m.-running-to-class haze <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\n4. Perfume Genius – <\/b>No Shape<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

I\u2019m ashamed to say that I only started listening to this album in December, but it quickly became one of my favorites of the entire year. With lyrics regarding his struggles with chronic illness, gender, love, autoerotic asphyxiation, and supernatural forces within his home, Mike Hadreas presents a slick album that empowers while embracing softness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for: hyping yourself before an exam<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\n5. King Krule –<\/b> The Ooz<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

King Krule\u2019s latest album embraces the dark dinge of the city and creates a unified, edgy sound. The 19 diverse tracks include spoken word poetry, jazz, hints of punk, and of course, Archy Marshall\u2019s signature snarl.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for: dreary, angry walks down Comm Ave on rainy days<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\n\u00a0 6. Florist –<\/b> If Blue Could be Happiness<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

A self-described \u201cfriendship project,\u201d Florist embraces the beauty of nature\u2013beams of light, the lightness of the air, mountains and creeks and autumn afternoons\u2013but also deals with painful growth, nostalgia and healing. The album is minimal, yet packed with sensitive lyrics, gentle drums, and sparkling acoustic guitar. <\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for: sunny cool mornings along the Charles, running through grassy parks <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\n7. Alvvays – <\/b>Antisocialites<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

After three years, Alvvays returned with a bubbly dream pop record that cleaned up and elevated the sound of 2014\u2019s self-titled album. Driven by lead singer Molly Rankin\u2019s smooth vocals, the album addresses a failing relationship with evocative lyrics and clear, bright guitar. <\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for: singing in the shower, caffeine highs <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\n\u00a08. Stef Chura – <\/b>Messes<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

My first introduction to Stef Chura was seeing her open for Jay Som at the Sinclair. Though we arrived after her set had already begun, I was dancing before we even could see the stage. Chura\u2019s \u201890s rock influence was evident not only by her Heatmiser t-shirt, but by her fuzzy, jangly sound. From energetic tracks like \u201cSpotted Gold\u201d to slow, heavy-hitting ones like \u201cHuman Being,\u201d the album<\/span> is one of highs and lows, much like the messes of real life. <\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for: probably almost getting a noise complaint in your room<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\n9. Remo Drive – <\/b>Greatest Hits<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

The soundtrack to my summer was Remo Drive\u2019s first album. <\/span>Greatest Hits <\/span><\/i>is a stellar midwest emo rock record that manages to stand out in a category that is often homogenous with shoutable lyrics and powerful riffs. <\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for: yelling outside between sets at a show<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\n10. Dirty Projectors – <\/b>Dirty Projectors<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Dirty Projectors self-titled is a highly personal breakup album highlighted by Dave Longstreth\u2019s dynamic vocals and fidgety electronic elements. Partly drawing inspiration from early 2000s pop and R&B, Longstreth incorporates a multitude of sounds and styles while maintaining Dirty Projectors\u2019 familiar eccentricity. <\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect for: testing your vocal range, driving through someone else\u2019s hometown <\/span><\/p>\n