Fogza Faves of 2022
Despite being just an old indie guy who likes a bit of dependable singer songwriting, the staff of this fine website did me the honour of allowing me to write under the contributor title - thanks for making that happen for me amidst all genuinely talented and smart people. I've also moved country, which regrettably knocked my output. Love being part of this community, this is my 2022 |
| 23 |  | Tomberlin
i don’t know who needs to hear this...
I'll be honest, I really liked this at the time but never felt the need to listen to it multiple times. Perhaps a bit of jumping the gun but it is a quality release. |
| 22 |  | Nick Mulvey
New Mythology
Just a solid record. I feel like I want to hang out with Nick and get breakfast or something. |
| 21 |  | Wovenhand
Silver Sash
Doesn't hit the spot the way that Mosaic does, but in terms of working in a different paradigm, it's still a success. I will lie on the pillows adorned with gilt and stone; take me to your leader. |
| 20 |  | SZA
S.O.S.
Oh my, this is getting raves and rubbishing aplenty. I'm amazed at how this is accused of unforgivable slickness when SZA is one of the few mainstream pop artists who comes across as relatable in any way. I'm willing to take the knock on this one; it's a slice of life and I believe it. |
| 19 |  | Florence and the Machine
Dance Fever
I'm never going to love Florence all that much, the band has always lacked a believable sensitivity. But they go far this time with some consistency and control. And it meant a lot to someone I know, and I appreciate that. |
| 18 |  | Montell Fish
JAMIE
Perhaps too musically limited to go high on this list, but as a study in disintegration and painful growth, it earns its spot. |
| 17 |  | Saya Gray
19 Masters
Is it too clever for its own good? Maybe, but it's still got some charisma. Definitely plenty of chops, cuts and curves. Need to get to grips with this one some more. |
| 16 |  | Skullcrusher
Quiet the Room
Another one I wish I'd had more time with. I like the Grouper meets structure vibe, and I'll get to know this more in the next few weeks. |
| 15 |  | Beach House
Once Twice Melody
Beach House have always seemed a bit bleh to me, but this sounds all in. I find it exciting to hear a band that has always tried to stay prim and cool buy matching sweaters. Romantic and sumptuous. |
| 14 |  | Shearwater
The Great Awakening
I really loved this at first but after repeated listens I could still recognise the excellence, but not the magic. Needs more variation, or less separation from the listener. Still a stunning listen though. |
| 13 |  | Patrick Watson
Better In The Shade
This is just flat out beautiful, like a tender moment with a lover. |
| 12 |  | Gilla Band
Most Normal
Another one I need a bit of time with, and I think there's a still a tiny degree of self-awareness which needs to be dropped. It's brutal and disquieting in parts though, and I like that about it. |
| 11 |  | Lo Moon
A Modern Life
I was excited for this release and it was very, very good. I think it lacks a little of the depth of their debut, and at times the lyrics let it down a bit. Still gorgeous though. |
| 10 |  | Vundabar
Devil for the Fire
Their older material sounds a bit journeyman to me but this has a desperation about it that sounds earned. A beautiful album. |
| 9 |  | City of Caterpillar
Mystic Sisters
Haven't really had enough time with this but it has that complex, labyrinthine vibe. I think this will grow and grow for me over time. More than just savage, there's lots to unpack. |
| 8 |  | Alex G
God Save The Animals
Sput introduced me to Alex and I haven't heard one album from him that I didn't at least like. A tiny step back from House of Sugar but honestly, that's nothing to be ashamed of. Infectious and heartfelt. |
| 7 |  | Fontaines D.C.
Skinty Fia
Took a while for me to get into this but fell into place after seeing them live. How good is that squeal and flow in 'Roman Holiday'? They could be 'that band' for someone, the gig felt like an event. |
| 6 |  | Kilo Kish
American Gurl
I see flashing lights and secret parties in underground parking lots when I hear this. Fired this up again yesterday to check if I still feel the same way and it sounded better than I remember. |
| 5 |  | Nilufer Yanya
Painless
Yanya has come good with such aplomb. Restrained, clever, terse. Her voice is unique and this is a sleek, sophisticated update of the indie guitar rock template. |
| 4 |  | The Ninth Wave
Heavy Like a Headache
Confession: the album I'm most aware is a personal preference. I don't think I can really justify this score but I just loved listening to this record. It's like if a whole lot of bands I don't like became Scottish and not shit. Stompy, glammy, gothic, poppy, new wavey, so enthusiastic. |
| 3 |  | Warpaint
Radiate Like This
Common criticism of Warpaint seems to be that they're "bland". I suppose impeccable, tasteful song writing combined with perfect performance is out of style. |
| 2 |  | Everything Everything
Raw Data Feel
An early favourite for me, it is that rare album that includes many upbeat, pleasurable numbers, but also manages to capture that feeling of looking at yourself in the mirror and asking yourself "How did I get here?". So bittersweet, so many memorable moments, and so clever without being smug. |
| 1 |  | Mabe Fratti
Se ve desde aquí
Fratti's previous record was already something special, but this test kitchen album is not only atmospheric but creates its own atmosphere. Challenging, uplifting, kind, mysterious. |
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