20 Top Shelf Albums of 2024

While 2024 comes to a close, it is always the perfect time to reflect and look back. I have always had a passion and love for music, along with what it brings when a good beat and meaningful words are threading from the grooves of the needle. I have never had “Favorites”, I’ve always taken words like that too literally, nothing beats the best, it’s the best. If it’s your favorite, then there is nothing above that. When it comes to art, especially music, I’ve never looked -or for this purpose, never listened and ranked what I heard. Most of the time I’m keyed into the emotion or thought process it takes me to, whether it be what the song was telling me or where it takes me on a personal journey. That’s why you haven’t seen any music reviews from me. I am not able to make a judgment or a rating system for music, It’s too personal. My tastes may severely differ from yours, although we may have some commonalities. One may pick up on something lyrically or musically while someone may just be not drawn to it for one reason or another. You may be going through something extreme (good or bad) and that song may strike you differently. There are so many different factors that have personally veered me away from writing music reviews. We take music to build a soundtrack of our own lives. For me, I’ve never read a review that I have taken into consideration. Recommendations from others, of course – I love finding new music, and I seek it out almost everyday. I guess that is what this is a recommendation of new music released in 2024 that you should check out. It is all from the Top Shelf! These are not in any particular order, but here is our 20 of the top shell recommendations of the year.

*All links are linked to our affiliate, amazon where you can purchase their vinyl and we will get a small % of each sale.

 

The Defiant – If Were Really Being Honest – Cranberry Bog Records

 

 

“If We’re Really Being Honest” is the debut album by The Defiant, a punk rock supergroup featuring Dicky Barrett (The Mighty Mighty Bosstones), Pete Parada (The Offspring), Greg Camp (Smash Mouth), Johnny Rioux (Street Dogs), and Joey LaRocca (The Briggs).

Released on October 27, 2023, under Cranberry Bog Records, the album comprises 12 tracks, including “Everybody Loves Me,” “Dead Language,” and “Where Did Lady Liberty Go?” The album was mixed at The Boat Studios and mastered at Sterling Sound. In 2024, The Defiant actively promoted their debut album. They embarked on a major U.S. tour supporting Me First and the Gimme Gimmes in early 2024. Additionally, they made their network television debut, performing “Dead Language” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on April 3, 2024

Alkaline Trio – Blood, Hair & Eyeballs – Rise Records

“Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs” is the tenth studio album by  Alkaline Trio, released on January 26, 2024, via Rise Records. The album was recorded in 2023 at Studio 606 in Los Angeles, California, and produced by Cameron Webb, who previously collaborated with the band on their 2018 album “Is This Thing Cursed?”.

This release marks the final contribution of longtime drummer Derek Grant, who departed from the band prior to the album’s announcement. Grant completed his drum parts before leaving, and Atom Willard was later announced as his replacement. The album was preceded by singles including the title track “Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs” released on October 17, 2023, “Bad Time” on November 30, 2023, and “Versions of You” on January 5, 2024. In support of the album, Alkaline Trio embarked on a North American tour in 2024, with Drug Church as the opening act.

Frank Turner – Undefeated – Xtra Mile Recordings

“Undefeated” is the tenth studio album from singer-songwriter Frank Turner, released on May 3, 2024, through Xtra Mile Recordings.

The album was recorded in 2023 across multiple studios: No Mersea in Essex, SS2 in Southend-on-Sea, and B-Note in Bern. Turner took on the roles of producer and arranger, working closely with his long-time backing band, The Sleeping Souls, comprising Ben Lloyd (guitar, harmonica, vocals), Tarrant Anderson (bass, vocals), Matt Nasir (piano, keyboards, mandolin, string and horn arrangements, vocals), and Callum Green (drums, percussion, vocals).

This album marks Turner’s return to independent artistry, being his first release without major label involvement in over a decade. He expressed that this independence was both liberating and a responsibility to justify the creation of a tenth album. “Undefeated” draws inspiration from artists such as Black Flag, Counting Crows, Descendents, The Pogues, Elvis Costello, and Billy Bragg.

In support of “Undefeated,” Turner embarked on a North American tour in 2024. Frank Turner achieved a remarkable milestone by breaking the world record for the most live shows played in 24 hours. On May 4th, he performed 15 independent shows across 15 different UK towns, surpassing the previous record of 10 shows held by Hunter Hayes. This feat was accomplished in honor of the Music Venue Trust (MVT), with each performance held at an independent venue and tickets sold by independent record shops. Turner expressed his pride and gratitude after the achievement, stating, “Proud. Tired. Grateful. Long live independent music.”

Cherry Poppin’ Daddies – At The Pink Rat – Space Age Bachelor Pad

“At The Pink Rat” is the twelfth studio album released by the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, on July 26, 2024, through their independent label, Space Age Bachelor Pad Records. The album was recorded in 2023, with frontman Steve Perry leading the production. While specific recording studios and additional production personnel have not been publicly detailed, the band’s history of self-production suggests a hands-on approach to the album’s creation.

“At The Pink Rat” is a high-energy dance record that explores various sub-genres within swing music, including classic 1940s big band, boogie-woogie, 1920s hot jazz, ragtime, New Orleans second line, slap bass rockabilly, and 1950s bump and grind. The tracklist includes songs such as “Party Shake,” “Thrill Thing,” “Kingsized,” “Lowdown Appreciator,” and “Kings of Swing,” In support of the album, the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies embarked on a tour in 2024, including a three-night album release celebration at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley in Seattle from November 19 to November 21.

The Drowns – Blacked Out – Pirates Press Records

“Blacked Out” is the third studio album by Seattle-based, The Drowns, released on February 16, 2024, through Pirates Press Records. The album was recorded at Kingsize Soundlabs, with production led by Ted Hutt, known for his work with Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, and The Gaslight Anthem.

Amyl & The Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness – Rough Trade Records

“Cartoon Darkness” is the third studio album by Amyl and the Sniffers, released on October 25, 2024, through B2B Records and Virgin Music Group. The album was recorded at Foo Fighters’ 606 Studios in Los Angeles, with production handled by Nick Launay, known for his work with artists like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. “Cartoon Darkness” features 13 tracks, including singles such as “U Should Not Be Doing That,” “Chewing Gum,” “Big Dreams,” and “Jerkin’.” The music video for “Jerkin'” was notably released through the band’s website due to its explicit content, with a censored version available on YouTube.

Pokey Lafarge – Rhumba Country – New West Records

“Rhumba Country” is the latest studio album penned by Pokey LaFarge, released on May 10, 2024, through New West Records. The album was recorded across multiple studios, including Studio Figueroa and Lucy’s Meat Market in Los Angeles, and Reliable Recorders in Chicago. LaFarge co-produced the album alongside Chris Seefried and Elliot Bergman. In support of “Rhumba Country,” LaFarge embarked on a tour throughout 2024, performing at various venues and festivals to promote the album.

Bridge City Sinners – In the Age of Doubt – Flail Records

“In the Age of Doubt” is the fourth studio album by the Bridge City Sinners, released on July 12, 2024, through Flail Records. The album was recorded in 2023, with production handled by the band themselves. In support of the album, the Bridge City Sinners embarked on a tour throughout 2024 with Frank Turner and Amigo the Devil, as well as performing at various venues and festivals.

Gaslight Anthem – History Books – Rich Mahogany Recordings

“History Books” is the sixth studio album by The Gaslight Anthem, released on October 27, 2023, through Rich Mahogany Records and Thirty Tigers. This album marks their first studio release in nine years, following their reunion in March 2022 and subsequent world tour throughout the year. The album was produced by Peter Katis, known for his work with artists like Interpol and The National. It features collaborations with Bruce Springsteen on the title track, “History Books,” and Emily Wolfe on a re-recorded version of “Blue Jeans & White T-shirts.”

The Black Pacific – Here Comes Our Wave – Dine Alone Records

“Here Comes Our Wave” is the second studio album by The Black Pacific, released on September 20, 2024, via Dine Alone Records. This album marks the band’s return after a 14-year hiatus, following their self-titled debut in 2010. Here Comes Our Wave was produced by Paul Miner (known for his work with Touche Amore, Death By Stereo, and H2O) at Buzzbomb Studios, Orange, California

The Linda Lindas – No Obligation – Epitaph Records

“No Obligation” is the second studio album by The Linda Lindas, released on October 11, 2024, via Epitaph Records. Produced by Carlos de la Garza (father of band members Lucia and Mila de la Garza) at Henson Recording, Sunset Sound, and Music Friends Studios in Los Angeles. Touring in 2024 on Green Days’ The Saviors Tour along with Smashing Pumpkins and Rancid. The album features 12 tracks, including singles such as “Too Many Things,” “Resolution/Revolution,” “All in My Head,” “Yo Me Estreso,” and the title track “No Obligation.”

Amigo The Devil – Yours Until the War is Over –  Liars Club Records

“Yours Until the War Is Over” is the fourth studio album by singer-songwriter Amigo the Devil, released on February 23, 2024, via Liars Club Records. This album continues his exploration of dark folk and neofolk genres, delving into themes of self-doubt, addiction, and personal conflict. In 2024, Amigo the Devil hit the road in support of the new album, performing at venues across North America with Frank Turner and Bridge City Sinners. The tour continued the momentum gained from his previous years of heavy touring, bringing his dark yet reflective music to new audiences.

The Calamatix -The Calamatix – Hellcat Records

“The Calamatix” is the debut studio album by the Los Angeles-based quartet The Calamatix, released on September 20, 2024, via Hellcat Records produced by Rancids’ Tim Armstrong.

The HellFlowers – Vamonos – Generation X-Ray Records

“Vamonos” is the second studio album by  The Hellflowers, released on March 15, 2024, via Generation X-Ray Records

Faz Waltz – Endless Beat – Spaghetty Town Records

“Endless Beat” is the ninth studio album by Italian rock band Faz Waltz, released on February 24, 2024, via Spaghetty Town Records. “Endless Beat” showcases Faz Waltz’s homage to classic American rock ‘n’ roll from the 1950s and 1960s, featuring raucous floor fillers and rhythm and blues stompers.

The Lookout – I Know the Future – Thousand Island Records

“I Know the Future” is the debut studio album by The Lookout, released on October 18, 2024, via Thousand Islands Records and produced by Ryan Battistuzzi (known for his work with Malajube, Nobro, Les Shirley, and Breastfeeders) The album was recorded and mixed by Ryan Battistuzzi and mastered by Ryan Morey.

45 Adapters – Unstoppable – Pirates Press

“Unstoppable” is the debut studio album by New York City-based band 45 Adapters, released on June 7, 2024, via Pirates Press Records. This album marks a significant milestone for the band. Produced by Mike Bardzik at Noisy Little Critter Studio in Pennsylvania.

The Offspring – Super Charged – Concord Records

“Supercharged” is the eleventh studio album by American punk rock band The Offspring, released on October 11, 2024, via Concord Records. Produced by Bob Rock, who had previously collaborated with the band on their earlier albums, this record marks the band’s first as a five-piece ensemble, introducing bassist Todd Morse, drummer Brandon Pertzborn, and multi-instrumentalist Jonah Nimoy to the lineup. The album was recorded across multiple locations, including the band’s home studio in Huntington Beach, California, as well as studios in Maui and Vancouver.

X – Smoke & Fiction – Fat Possum Records

“Smoke & Fiction” is the ninth and final studio album by American punk rock band X, released on August 2, 2024, via Fat Possum Records, produced by Rob Schnapf. This album serves as a poignant conclusion to the band’s illustrious career, reflecting on their journey and the passage of time. In 2024 the band also announced this was the last year for the band to be on tour.

The Last Gang – Obscene Daydreams – Fat Wreck Chords

“Obscene Daydreams” is the third studio album by California-based punk rock band The Last Gang, released on September 20, 2024, via Fat Wreck Chords. The album was recorded in less than a year, capturing the band’s vibrant and natural chemistry. The Last Gang embarked on an extensive tour in 2024 to promote their album Obscene Daydreams. Their tour included performances across the United States and the United Kingdom.

Rat Boy -Suburbia Calling – Hellcat Records

“Suburbia Calling” is the third studio album by British musician Rat Boy, released on October 4, 2024, via Hellcat Records. This album marks a return to Rat Boy’s Essex roots, offering a vibrant mix of indie rock, punk, and ska influences. Suburbia Calling is produced by Jordan Cardy, Sam Preston, and Stephen Street and was recorded in Los Angeles with Tim Armstrong of Rancid, as well as in London and Essex.

This one doesn’t count its a half album…

NOFX – Half Album – Fat Wreck Chords

Half Album” is an EP by American punk rock band NOFX, released on April 19, 2024, via Fat Wreck Chords. This EP serves as the concluding chapter to their ambitious double album project, following the releases of Single Album (2021) and Double Album (2022). The songs on “Half Album” were recorded simultaneously with its predecessors, offering a cohesive addition to the band’s discography. NOFX embarked on an extensive farewell tour in 2024, aptly named the “NOFX Final Tour”. This tour spanned multiple continents and concluded with their final performances in Los Angeles. The tour commenced in April 2023 and continued through 2024, featuring performances across various cities. Notably, the band played at the Punk In Drublic Festival in San Pedro, Los Angeles, on October 4, 5, and 6, 2024, marking their last shows ever. Throughout the tour, NOFX played forty songs per night, including full albums and rarities, ensuring each performance was unique.