Rain's Top 15 Albums from 2017

Algiers - The Underside Of Power         

A much needed kick to the heart, psyche and ass! You know how cool you used to feel listening to the Verve's Bittersweet Symphony on your headphones while you walked down the street? Well, take that feeling and cube it and you've got the idea of what it's like to listen to this album. This sinner's believing what that preacher is delivering. You will too...

Perfume Genius - No Shape          

This record makes me see another reality in which I'm not a content man, married for 20+ years to my "soulmate". In that other reality, I'd have a heart/soul rending crush that clearly would never pan out and I'd pine and cry while listening to this album.

Chelsea Wolfe - Hiss Spun           

More magick to bless/curse us invoked by the Witch of the Sacramento River.

Gary Numan - Savage (Songs From A Broken World)           

It may be time to break out my eyeliner. witch boots, and see through shirt. If Gary's still got it, just maybe I do too...

Future Islands - The Far Field    

The appeal of this band, for me, is almost entirely wrapped up in the visual. Do me a favour. Google any live performance and watch it. Now listen to this album. It's like trying to describe a Constantin Brâncuși sculpture or a painting by Odd Nerdrum using just sound and words. You'd be like "huh?" But, once you see them you can't unsee them and then it RULES listening to them...

Diamanda Galás - At Saint Thomas the Apostle Harlem        

Like Mama's lullabies.

Elegi - Bansull         

Haunted house songs

Alder & Ash - Clutched In The Maw Of The World     

Fallen through the frozen lake songs

Godspeed You! Black Emperor! - Luciferian Towers

Jumped out of an airplane without a parachute songs.

Aquaserge - Laisse ca etre           

I really miss Stereolab and this scratches many itches. Good for drinking a strong Campari cocktail in the sunshine.

Dale Cooper Quartet and the Dictaphones - Astrild Astrild  

With the return of Twin Peaks after 25 years, this timely release keeps the mood weird.

Iceland Symphony Orchestra - Recurrence      

Hold your breath. Don't breathe! Pass out. Did you hear this in your stupor?

Jozef van Wissem - Nobody Living Can Ever Make Me Turn Back   

Sexy lute!

Slowdive - Slowdive          

Aging Shoegazers still gaze at their shoes in beautiful/dreamy fashion. Bravo!

The Caretaker - Everywhere At The End Of Time       

A lovely meditation on dementia.