Before Decoy Deloy heads out for a long winter’s nap and a well deserved holiday break, he’s gonna share with you the top 10 2024 vinyl releases at Hello Merch.
10. Deer Tick: Contractual Obligations (ATO): An 8-song EP from Province, Rhode Island’s Deer Tick. The alt-country rockers are perfect for fans of The Replacements, and their ice blue vinyl was a brisk seller this year.
9. Red Strat: Red Strat (President Gator): The self-titled debut from California meets Arizona rockers Red Strat. Featuring members of Fine China, Starflyer 59, and The Prayer Chain, this one was ONLY available on vinyl from President Gator’s Hello Merch shop. It’s sold-out for now, but hopefully we’ll see a repress in 2025.
8. REZN: Burden (Sargent House): Coming in at number 8? Chicago sludge rockers REZN, who released the crushing album Burden in June via Sargent House Records. Perfect for fans of bands like Pelican, Deafheaven, or even more classic stuff like Pink Floyd and Sabbath.
7. K Flay: I’m Making Friends With the Silence (Giant Music): Los Angeles singer/songwriter K. Flay turned inward for these softer, more organic versions of songs originally featured on her last album, Mono. And here’s something else that’s especially cool: the album’s pressed on EcoSonic vinyl, manufactured by Good Neighbor, who specializes in environmentally friendly wax.
6. Wilderado: Talker (Bright Antenna): Sliding at number 6, Talker, the latest from Tulsa indie Americana band Wilderado. Bruised and battered, these tunes suggest wide open highways and vast vistas.
5. The Armed: Everlasting Gaze (Sargent House): Post-hardcore titans The Armed arrive with Everlasting Gaze. This EP, once again from the fine folks at Sargent House, features three new songs, plus remixes and re-imaginations by IDLES, Water from Your Eyes, and Model/Actriz.
4. L’Impératrice, Pulsar (Microqlima): French nu-disco band L’Impératrice’s third album Pulsar. Driven by house rhythms and bright melodies, this band got lots of feet on the dancefloor in 2024.
3. Caravan Palace: Gangbusters Melody Club (Le Plan Recordings): Once again we’re talking about a French band. Take a visit to the Gangbusters Melody Club with electro-swing band Caravan Palace. Their fifth album dropped back in March, driven by insistent tracks.
2. Tori Amos: Diving Deep Live (Decca): The legendary songwriter released her 6th live album, Diving Deep Live. Recorded on the Ocean to Ocean tour, this recording showcases Amos’ haunting lyrics and subtle piano playing.
TV Girl & George Clanton: Fauxllennium (100% Electronica): A plunderphonic pop odyssey driven by catchy samples, this one’s especially cool because TV Girl and George Clanton did it all on their own—releasing the record on their own and keeping it DIY.
