Collection of Best of Austin for 2019
Clearly, based on the name of our site, we’re always down to represent Austin, and while I feel like releases were down in the city this year, there was tons of great stuff to be devoured. Rather than rank and file our friends; we’re just here to uplift the scene, and maybe remind you of some Texas music that might have (it shouldn’t!) slipped under your radar. Black Pumas got the deserved love, but there’s tons bubbling beneath the surface. I mostly broke it into labels, as they’re the heart and soul of this city. Comes with a fancy playlist.
ATH Records – Yo! Did you know Nathan runs a label associated with the site? It’s mostly Austin stuff, though we’re branching out here. He released tons of great stuff for ya.
Flesh Lights – Never See Snow – The last LP from Austin punk rockers.
The Hermits – S/T – A fuzzy exploration where pop meets psychedelia.
She Sir – Ways a Season – Did someone say shoegaze?
Being Dead – Fame Money Death by DriveBy – The hottest coolest band in Texas.
Mean Jolene – Try Harder – Abundant pop hooks with hints of garage rock.
Shivery Shakes – Weird Weather – Our faves return with their best album to date.
The Zoltars – Telling Stories – Jared is pretty much one of the best things in Austin.
First Humans Records – Run by the folks in Big Bill. They scored a huge hit with their releases this year, plus hints at some new stuff for 2020 from the likes of Masculine Pain.
Pataphysics – The Future of Synth Rock – Collection of pop collages like nothing else.
Infinites – S/T – Hands down, the best record coming from Austin, no matter the Grammys.
Keeled Scales Records – The most prominent label in Austin right now; they craft the best of the mellow vibes in town and out. Let’s just look at ATX releases…
Jordan Moser – Long Night – Fell in love with this LP late on, but better late than never.
RF Shannon – Rain on Dust – This band should be much bigger. This is the band at its best.
Will Johnson – Wire Mountain – Indie rock vet gets better with age.
The Deer – Do No Harm – Was not prepared for how great this journey would be.
12XU – Some rad stuff that we all should have expected, but also staking claim late early to the 2020 album of the year with the announcement of new Xetas LP.
Spray Paint – Into the Country – Their first release in a bit, but a reminder of being bad ass.
USA/Mexico – Matamoros – The best way to lose your hearing.
Western Vinyl – Old faithful in the Austin scene. And beyond. Had one of my favorite LPs of the year with Outer Spaces.
Caroline Says – The Ohio River EP – Bummed we only got 4 new songs.
Abram Shook – Neon Machine – Abram takes his sound and makes it far far out
Modern Outsider – Love the people here, and their dedication to including all these labels in their work.
Moving Panoramas – In Two – The dreamiest of dreamy pop records.
Other Austin Releases
Daphne Tunes – Volume 1 & 2 – Santi might be the best kept secret in Austin, sadly
Christelle Bofale – Swim Team – A powerful new voice in the Austin scene
Hovvdy – Heavy Lifter – This band is already on your radar, right
TC Superstar – R&D – Hyped dance music
Fanclub – All the Same EP
Blushing – S/T – One time, we released an EP by this band
Harlem – Oh Boy – You wanted Harlem 2.0. You got same hooks, more maturity.
Lou Rebecca – Restless – Electro pop from local label, Holodeck.