(RL)



Like a lot of folks, I’ve been working harder for less—oscillating between the cabinet shop and hot rod shop depending on who’s busy—while still maintaining Spacecase Records and contributing interviews to Termbo and Bored Out. Undoubtedly, I missed some great releases this year. That’s my fault. Nevertheless, compiling this best-of list I’m reminded of the outstanding work underground labels continue to do. Kudos to them. Although nowhere near as varied or complete, I wanted to take it back to the Creem Readers’ Polls of the late ‘70s, because it seems to me that certain people deserve more credit than they’re receiving. (That said, Andy Mackay was a shoo-in for best horn player every year. Certain people were a lock.)

Unfortunately, Namella Kim passed away in 2017. Nam was a rock writer going back to the Flipside years and was an influential person in my life. She was incredibly erudite and always wore several hats—managing bands, playing bass and, of course, writing about music. She will be missed. -Ryan Leach

LPs:

USA/MEXICO, Laredo, 12XU

Gary Wrong Group, Self-titled 2XLP, 12XU

Des Demonas, Self-titled, In the Red

Aquarian Blood, Last Nite in Paradise, Goner

feedtime, Gas, In the Red

Angie, Shyness, Rice is Nice





7″s:

Spray Paint/Ben Mackie, “Friendly Moving Man”, 12XU

Kid Congo Powers, “Spider Baby”, In the Red

BloodBags, “Dead Eyes”, 1:12 Records

Life Stinks, “Hanging from the Ceiling”, Total Punk

The Suburban Homes, “Unemployed”, Total Punk

Andy Human and Das Reptoids, “Pee-Pee”, Goodbye Boozy

Brain Bagz, “Got Hates Bagz”, Sex Tape Records





Reissues:

Chris Brokaw, Canaris LP, Omentum Records

And Band, “Noli Me Tangere” 7” EP, Look Plastic/Noisyland

Look Blue Go Purple, Still Bewitched 2XLP, Captured Tracks

Sites N’ Sounds, “The Night is so Dark” 45, Black Gladiator/Slovenly

Trendees, We Are Sonic Art , Alberts Basement, Melted Ice Cream





Rock Writers/Archivists:

Ryan Richardson

Andrew Schmidt (New Zealand)

Byron Coley

Mitch Cardwell

Layla Gibbon

Dale Merrill

Jay Hinman

Fuckin’ Record Reviews

Cities:

Memphis

Los Angeles

Auckland



Back to 2017 Main



To see past winners of Termbo Awards go here and to check back on full Year End lists please check the archives.



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