We’re winding down the year and gearing up for our annual Top 100 Countdown on December 31. It’s the perfect moment to reflect on the music that carried us through 2024. We asked our hosts, what was your standout album this year? Amidst a sea of incredible music, was there a record you couldn’t stop playing?
Here are their answers. Hopefully you find a few additions for your 2024 playlist!
Our Time in the Sun by Jeremie Albino
“I think this is the second year in a row that Jeremie has released one of my favourite albums of the year. You can definitely hear producer Dan Auerbach’s handiwork, but instead of being overbearing and changing Albino’s sound, he brought out his bluesier side without losing Jeremie’s soulful essence.”
–Lisa Wilton, Host of Traffic Jams
The League of Los Angeles Musicians by LA LOM
“In this time where nuanced instrumental music is hip, their unique, simple and potent pastiche of cumbia surf rock is the epitome of cool!”
–Kerry Clarke, Host of Catch & Release
Nightfall by Voces8
“This outstanding Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble continues to produce excellent music with this album, which features songs by 15 different composers.”
–Orest Soltykevych, Host of Raising Voices
Easygoing by Skinny Dyck
“Great Alberta talent, cool grooves, good songs and an all-round great record. Love this new offering from Skinny!”
–Erin Ross, host of The Departure Lounge
Mimi by Corridor
“Every song is a standout with perfect instrumentation and angelic singing over top of sparkling guitars and melodies that stick in your head for daaaaays.”
–Amy van Keeken, host of Twilight and Far Out
We Breathe In Stars by Pro Coro Canada
“It’s a profound album of incredible Alberta composers, sung masterfully by this Edmonton-based choir showing the beauty and creativity that can emerge in times of great struggle and difficulty.”
–Aaron Au, host of From Stage To Screen and Classical Connections
Timeless by Kaytranada
“Every song either makes me want to dance or makes me feel transcendental with his otherworldly sounds. And I deeply appreciate the number of artists he collaborated with on this project!”
–Priscilla Cherry, fill-in host
Chandler by Wyatt C. Louis
“I have about a 100-way tie in my head for my 2024 fave but if I MUST pick just one, I’ll select Chandler for two reasons: A) it came out in May 2024, nearly four years after the first advance track was released in June 2020, and B) as long-anticipated as this album was, it’s still gorgeous beyond my wildest dreams.
–Grant Stovel, host of Alberta Morning and Hidden Track podcast
Dall’Abaco and the Art of Variation by Elinor Frey & Accademia De’ Dissonanti
“This intimate recording of music by Giuseppe Clemente Dall’Abaco (and several of the Montreal cellist Frey’s own original variations in the Dall’Abaco style) always manages to invigorate and refresh my soul.
–Joe Hartfeil, host of Morningsong and co-host of On The Rise
Diamond Jubilee by Cindy Lee
“Why? Because I can start listening to that album at any point and go all the way through enjoying that journey!”
–Spencer Streichert, fill-in host
Below Dawn by Bryony Jarman-Pinto
“Bryony was a new discovery for me delivering grooves that tethers between jazz, funk, R&B and soul, with a hypnotic voice.”
–Leo Cripps, host of Discoveries
Traveling Light by Leonard Sumner
“I’m hoping EPs are eligible because Leonard Sumner’s Traveling Light EP has been a blast. I’m still finding myself jamming to ‘Time Machine,’ and when I’m feeling a little solemn, ‘Bury My Bones’ is one of my perma-faves. I’m hoping Leonard’s got plans to work on some new stuff in the new year!”
–Shayne Giles, host of This Music Changed My Life
Crimes of the City by Ian Blurton’s Future Now
“Layered guitars and vocals standout but also his history is interesting, being the original drummer for the Cowboy Junkies having moved from the states in the 70s.”
–Mark Rodgers, Host of Open Nights
New Orleans Sessions by Blue Moon Marquee
“This album hits all the sweet spots for me. Soulful, heartfelt performances of classic blues and original material containing depth and insight. And Alberta roots!”
–Holger Petersen, Host of Natch’l Blues
After the Masquerade by Shaela Miller
“A refreshing reinvention, with a sublime synthesis of roots and electronic music from one of Alberta’s best.”
–Oskar Zybart, Host of The Score, Maestri, and In Our Neighbourhood
