The year nears its end, and it’s time to review the songs that came back over and over of the past 12 months. Since 2018, it’s been a personal habit to collect new and old tracks into a “[Year]” playlist that buzzed about while on the road or on a jog. By year’s end, the playlist grows to 30 + songs (minimum) and many are filled with new singles from emerging and established artists.

This year’s list has been culled to the following ten – a challenging task when the world is loaded with incredibly talented musicians. Here’s the list!

1. Big Special, “Shithouse” – The British duo deliver danceable beats loaded with ferocity and lyrics that bite down upon society with no apologies!
2. Idles, “Dancer“ – The post-punk British band has always delivered snarling music. Prior to the release of the new album, they released a more accessible track in a collaboration with electronic powerhouse LCD Soundsystem.
3. Girl and Girl, “Hello” – During SXSW 2024, the Aussies played a gig on a rainy Saturday morning at the famous Scholz Garten in Austin which was broadcast on KUTX. The lead singer’s Jello Biafra-esque vocal style is simultaneously unusual and fascinating. A few months later, we got to see them play live at The Mohawk as the opening act for Royel Otis.
4. Royel Otis, “Sofa King” – There are so many damn good songs from this Aussie duo that a Single Track Mind blog could be dedicated to laying out some favorites. The duo was fantastic as the headliner during their tour stop at The Mohawk.
5. Fontaines D.C., “Starburster” – This Irish post-punk band has been on the STM radar for several years now. The sneering, the attitude, and the Alternative” tunes came full force this year for the Dublin rockers. The band has reaped success in 2024 with two hits from the latest album.
6. Joe P, “Birthday Baby (The Girl with No Smile)“ – The New Jersey native delivered an impressive major label debut album that hints at a long trajectory ahead of the young artist. “Birthday” is a more melancholic and reflective tune from an album loaded with incredible old school rock! Check out the STM review of Joe P’s, “Violet.”
7. Kid Kapichi, “Let’s Get to Work” – This English punk outfit fit the bill well earlier this year as professional struggles put me in an irreverent funk, and these guys were like the equivalent of an audible shot of tequila! “Go berserk!”
8. Angie McMahon, “Letting Go” – As the year wraps with those professional struggles in the rearview mirror, this is a fitting song (from another Aussie) to release negativity and admit it’s okay to be wrong while looking forward to a new year.
9. Wilco, “Annihilation” – Midway through 2024, Jeff Tweedy and the band released a 6-song EP, and this track from it gives testimony as to why they remain Alternative luminaries.
10. The Cure, “A Fragile Thing” – Robert Smith closed out the year with a fine return to form with his Gothic brand of rock fully intact. Well past their prime, The Cure prove they still have plenty to say and bear witness to the beauty and sensitivity of the human condition. BRAVO!