Top 10 Most-Listened Artists of 2019
Musically, 2019 was set to be a banner year, and it was. It was also the most gutting. I think I went to more shows than ever before this year, I saw so many amazing bands and musicians and traveled all over the country to do so. Many of my favorites released gorgeous albums, and I discovered new favorites. I was able to meet so many new friends and talk to artists I admire. 2019 is filled with beautiful memories I’m scrambling to save and document to have forever. And as heartbreaking as it was, I’m also grateful for the influx of love that’s come my way.
I already created a songs of the year list because there were just too many great albums to do my usual AOTY recap. So to demarcate the end of what we humans have chosen to measure time with, here’s a list of the ten artists I listened to more than any other this year, according to Last.FM. And as I wrote this I realized I also was able to see almost all of them perform in some iteration, sometimes more than once, so it’s also sort of a “shows of the year” recap.
10. Israel Nash
A new-to-me and seriously underrated artist, the Dripping Springs, Texas resident has a distinctive and powerful voice and presence, weaving stories of hope and redemption, love for the world and his family, with his pearly white 12-string accompanied by incredible pedal steel sounds by Eric Swanson. Seeing him at the Mercury Lounge was an unforgettable blessing, down the street from the apartment he lived in on Orchard Street where he’d look out the window and pen the stripped-down New York Town, before he established his home studio to record his most recent release, the anthemic Lifted.
9. The Byrds
I’ve been obsessed with Sweetheart of the Rodeo since I was fifteen, but this year I took a deeper listen to the Fifth Dimension, Dr. Byrds and Mr. Hyde, and especially the Notorious Byrd Brothers. Listened to that one over and over and over again on a glass train barreling through the Swiss Alps. Pure shimmering magic that will continue to withstand the test of time.
8. The Blank Tapes
I knew of the Blank Tapes primarily through frontman Matt Adams’ iconic artwork – he’s the highly recognizable illustrator behind many album covers, promotional posters, and even comic books for all our favorite bands. But the Blank Tapes’ music deserves far more credit and recognition than they currently receive for Adams’ incredibly kaleidoscopic shredding skills. They tour tirelessly- despite living on the east coast I got to see them three or four times this year and I insist that you check out their upcoming west coast dates and check out a show. I can’t say enough about last year’s release Candy, or this year’s seasonal companion EPs Superbloom and Look Into the Light, all must-haves for any psych-pop fan.
7. Beachwood Sparks
Embodying the paradigm of modern California sound, Beachwood Sparks’ illuminated sound forever holds such a special place in my heart. When I moved to New York and felt homesick and alone, listening to BwS was like bringing a little piece of the west coast with me. As Farmer Dave sings in “Sparks Fly Again,” music is a home to return to. Seeing them play a four-song set at the Capitol Theatre this year shone a light and pulled me through the memorial; even their saddest songs fill my heart and make me feel safe at home, wherever I am.
6. Chris Robinson Brotherhood
I was late to the CRB game, as I’ve written about elsewhere. A massive regret I’ll have to live with. I was fortunate to be able to see them several times this year- Richmond, Virginia, Carnegie Hall, and their last handful of dates in the US. There will never be a feeling like dancing at a CRB show, swaying and bopping with fellow freaks, stomping to “Rosalee,” standing stage left always. Grateful for everything and everyone the CRB has brought and continues to bring into my life.
5. Steve Gunn
Another new-to-me artist with a well-established history and following, this year’s The Unseen in Between was certainly a top spin for me, but I probably spent more time listening to previous releases Way Out Weather and Eyes on the Lines. Gunn seems unshakeable while he plays, his silvery voice and intricate guitar playing rendering ceremonious stage antics unnecessary. A true artist, Gunn’s performances are spell-binding, rendering listeners immobile and speechless.
4. Grateful Dead
Oh yeah, I saw Dead and Co. this year!!! Wolf came out! New York is rife with cover bands, many of which are actually really great, and going to hear the songs of the Dead has been a saving grace for me since I moved here. You’re always among friends when singing St. Stephen at the top of your lungs. The people I’ve met through my journey with this band are an unforgettable group, even if I’m positive they’ll never remember me.
3. Cass McCombs
Without a doubt, the closing track “Rounder” from this year’s Tip of the Sphere is the song of the year. Shoutout to our friend Dan Horne for the album’s astounding production. Rumor has it McCombs is already back in the studio, can’t wait what 2020 will bring for the elusive and eccentric song poet.
2. Fruit Bats
Fruit Bats’ 2019 release Gold Past Life is a brilliant masterpiece and Eric D. Johnson is an ebullient, Jagger-esque performer. Aside from being a phenomenal guitarist, banjoist, and keyboardist, his most incredible instrument is his majestic voice. No one sounds like EDJ, the things he can do with those slide flute vocals seem to defy the laws of sound. Check the Fruit Bats tag to the right to read my reviews of his performances and the album.
1. Neal Casal
Of course, as always, year after year, my favorite artist of all time. I can’t describe the sadness but you all know it, or how my breath still catches in my throat when I look at a photo or hear a song and what has come to pass this year hits me all over again. Neal has been my favorite singer-songwriter since I was a teenager, and I’m so grateful I got to see him perform more than twenty times in this lifetime, many of those times in the last year. I’d go anywhere to hear that virtuosic, melodic, gentle but powerful guitar playing, or even rarer, that honey, sun-filled voice, I got into Neal during the Cardinals-era, lost touch when the band broke up but still listened to Fade Away Diamond Time, No Wish to Reminisce, Sweeten the Distance and the All Directions and Leaving Traces compilations throughout my twenties. A few years ago, I realized that I had some catching up to do and continued to delve more deeply into the rest of his solo catalog, his projects with GospelbeacH, Skiffle Players, CATS, Beachwood Sparks, and of course CRB. My most listened to album of all time is Roots and Wings– breathtaking, vulnerable psalms that I hear in my dreams and see before me as the sun sets, spreading rays of light over the horizon and beckoning me home.
I’m not sure if simply being a music fan can be a life’s purpose but it is the thing that fulfills and sustains me, my own method of measuring and passing through time. I do know there are some beautiful things slated to come in 2020. Thanks for reading this website- I’m no music journalist but glad you’re along for the ride.
