GREAT ALBUMS: 2024 So Far

A roundup of Anthony's favorite albums since the start of the year. The music and reviews are linked below in order of appearance.
Cheekface - It's Sorted
Listen: cheekface.bandcamp.com/album/...
Review: • Cheekface - It's Sorte...
The Smile - Wall of Eyes
Listen: thesmile.bandcamp.com/album/w...
Review: • The Smile - Wall of Ey...
The Last Dinner Party - Prelude to Ecstasy
Listen: tldp.lnk.to/preludetoecstasy
Review: • The Last Dinner Party ...
Brittany Howard - What Now
Listen: brittanyhoward.lnk.to/WhatNow
Review: • Brittany Howard - What...
Grande Mahogany - As Grande As
Listen: laundrymusicco.bandcamp.com/a...
Review: • Grande Mahogany - As G...
Chelsea Wolfe - She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She
Listen: chelseawolfe.bandcamp.com/alb...
Review: • Chelsea Wolfe - She Re...
Yeat - 2093
Listen: yeat.lnk.to/2093
Review: • Yeat - 2093 ALBUM REVIEW
Quadeca - Scrapyard
Listen: stem.ffm.to/scrapfinale
Review: • Quadeca - Scrapyard MI...
The Chisel - What a Fucking Nightmare
Listen: thechisel.bandcamp.com/album/...
Review: • The Chisel - What a Fr...
MGMT - Loss of Life
Listen: mgmt.bandcamp.com/album/loss-...
Review: • MGMT - Loss of Life AL...
Burial - Dreamfear ​/ ​Boy Sent from Above
burial.bandcamp.com/album/dre...
Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter - SAVED! The Index
linguaignota.bandcamp.com/alb...
2024 Loved List: www.theneedledrop.com/loved-l...
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Official site: theneedledrop.com
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Team: Jeremy - Lead Edits / Anthony - Final Cuts / Austen - Proofing, Posting
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Y'all know this is just my opinion, right?

[@calsipher]

quadeca and yeat being on here would be unbelievable a couple years ago

[@djusdj]

Quadeca fans so insufferable I'm never listening to the band

[@jenconvertibles]

@@djusdjI like the drummer and the bassist but the guitarist and the singer just seem insufferable

[@fkslair]

@@jenconvertibles tf are u talking about

[@aaalllaaannniiisss]

@@fkslairit’s a joke.

[@Vide501]

​@@fkslairhe spitting tho, the bassist and drummer are amazing

[@sleep6837]

Quadeca is weeping with joy rn

[@Myiic]

*quaking

[@CapricornReese26]

As he should, he should definitely be proud of himself with this one! 😃😁❤️

[@seanjjpaul]

No he is not

[@wsgmilli]

*queefing

[@0_Cardboard_0]

weeping like Kevin Smith in a fish-eye lens

[@emojik4095]

Im happy youve included Lil Dickys "Penith" in this list, Anthony. It is truly an album of all time

[@zeefje]

Its a grower for sure

[@turboshazed7370]

Not even. It finishes last.

[@NamelessInternaut]

​@@zeefje*Laugh track*

[@arvaakuka8568]

Not to mention Unreviewable 1 that was certainly one of the albums of the year

[@0l0f75]

​@@zeefje Well it for sure aint a shower

[@whiplash9548]

Thanks for putting 2093 in here, Anthony. The strange guys with beards at NFR tried to get me to hate it, but you told me to like it, so now I think it’s great.

[@taavittee]

😭😂

[@thavrisco1632]

By reading these joke comments I can figure out what albums he doesn’t list

[@jefcoble8827]

Nfr have no ears shit beautiful

[@MS-rb5ok]

They said production was mid 😂

[@vippandabear2870]

Yeat is a very fire artist, but the album is a Light 6

[@phrog8728]

Damn seeing Quadeca in this vid is kinda crazy. His progression is really something to behold.

[@livingcolorinc]

My top 3: MGMT- Loss of Life Brittany Howard- What Now The Smile- Wall of Eyes

[@col2281]

Same

[@jenconvertibles]

mgmt #1 is so valid

[@dondons3970]

Love finding all this new music from your channel and followers comments. You guys are awesome! Music is my life but so much passes me by.

[@PLC11]

When it comes to music I’m very much a newb. I haven’t heard of almost any of these artists/bands. I’ve always been “eh whatever is on the radio”. Now that I’m starting to expand past that, this video has helped. I would love a video in the future for “music newbs” like a list of different artists/bands in each genre. Like a 1 mainstream, 1 non-mainstream, 1- honorable mention option to check out per genre.

[@franciscozavaleta8709]

He’s got playlist definitely check them out I’ve found plenty of great music just hearing him discribe an album and if it sounds like something I would like I would go ahead and give the record a listen and come up with my own conclusions

[@MichaelSevilla97]

​@@franciscozavaleta8709so true same here I've found out about underrated artists that aren't mainstream because of fantano

[@MichaelSevilla97]

exactly had no idea these underrated great artists even existed that's what makes this channel great ✌️

[@TrentonH1]

These "best of" type videos are good places to start because the descriptions are consise. Go watch a best albums or singles for any year. I just add anything that sounds interesting to me into a playlist and save what I like and delete what I don't. Also if you really are a music noob, don't be afraid to try a song or artist a few times before you give up on it. Sometimes new sounds and styles can take a few listens to get used to.

[@skippyminccino5771]

dropping this before the everything everything review is sick

[@ApostlePaulofTarsus]

The new Everything Everything record is just as good as those 11.

[@iamjoaovicente]

Melon should review bala desejo's debut album "sim sim sim". Honestly, if anybody wants to hear beautiful popular brazilian music that's the way to go

[@dbruce581]

It took a minute to grow on me but yeah, it's superb

[@Wedsheport]

To be fair Mountainhead came out march 1st and I think these are all from jan/feb so maybe thats why? Although Anthony has consistently been ranking EE albums pretty low imo

[@adamkelly6852]

I agree but I guarantee melon isn’t gonna like it

[@Quarter_Notes]

So factual

[@behelit1997]

Vultures at #1 it's so satisfying to see

[@FrankBurgos]

🤣

[@Greysnowman]

Thanks for being so passionate Anthony

[@briangarcia8384]

So happy you included twice in here! 🫶🫶🫶

[@Jxxron]

The 2093 respect is deserved after nfrs horrid takes on the project

[@elivincent3795]

their opinion isn’t as valuable as anthony’s they have the music knowledge of high schoolers. anthony has listened to 50 as many albums as them

[@jameson1465]

Ngl anthony doesnt have good music knowledge either@@elivincent3795

[@malikai5643]

@@elivincent3795Imo they have a pretty deep knowledge on hip hop

[@place-holder5221]

@@elivincent3795they’re able to convey their opinions quite as well as fantano, but I feel like they’re less open-minded and more biased towards the general consensus of an album

[@avinashb9469]

​@@elivincent3795 Insane meat riding

[@TripleA-YT]

extremely devastated to not see unreviewable 1 on here 💔💔😔😔

[@marshw000]

I love the comment about conclusions with Loss of Life. I think the conclusion is the music, at least for me that’s what makes sense for me, it was made to bring comfort (the band says that was their goal)

[@liadcohen8327]

Wall of Eyes is the best thing Thom and Jonny have done in 15 years. Not that everything they've done since In Rainbows wasn't great, but this is a masterpiece.

[@selfir1201]

Wall of Eyes has a special place in my hearth, but i must say, that A Moon Shaped Pool was great to. Somehow i feel like these two records are equal to each other in quality, but wall of eyes has something special. When i type this i feel like that something is Skinner, providing us great jazzy beats with our Radiohead boys. Who would not want this. :)

[@tacosavings9751]

Best first quarter for music that I can remember in quite some time.

[@dannygillespie6614]

It's not really even a quarter yet, though I guess since most albums come out by the end of November, it's pretty darn close. And I heartily agree.

[@jobe5521]

So sad you didn’t include Jobe Mark II on this list. Truly a revolutionary album. I will have to say, Vultures at number 1 is a very bold pick.

[@fixxxer3456]

I did not know Brittany Howard had a new album out, gotta check that out

[@eversosleight]

So happy I discovered cheek face here. Fun and interesting are the perfect words to describe this band. I owe ya for this one 👌

[@guywilson3828]

glad to see the black saint and the sinner lady as the best album so far this reality. great takes as always melon.

[@youtubeuserdan4017]

Mfs in 1963:

[@jenconvertibles]

mingus has better albums

[@pwcsgo]

Future Islands missing from description. Good list btw

[@Leshpngo]

Dude nice, updates for great albums quarterly dude nice!

[@Caesarnr93]

What about Everything Everything’s new album?

[@simonregan471]

Hoping for a full video on it

[@Eldebxox]

With regards to new indie rock, Another Sky - Beach Day and Friko’s new record impressed me a lot. Also Yard Act - Where’s My Utopia? is a banger

[@TheRareVideosXL]

Great video as always.

[@AndresCosas]

Waiting for Mountainhead to be added to this list

[@chrisladd1523]

I loved the new yard act album and the everything everything album was also great In terms of eps the fallingwithscissors ep was incredible

[@marks.8780]

Loving the new Friko and Mannequin Pussy records. And The Last Dinner Party record is great too. It’s been a great year for rock music so far.

[@georgeandfriendsadventures5073]

I’m so glad you came around on Vultures 1 Anthony!

[@mattskinner846]

I love Scrapyard, but I prefer the lush beauty, sonic cohesion, and emotional impact of IDMTHY. I find the arrangements and melodies more enjoyable. Kind of apples and oranges though, Quadeca is on 🔥

[@jesse2876]

Gotta give that Friko and Tapir! records a listen

[@sammo2560]

yesss I think he’d like the Friko one tbh

[@kevinchristopher1443]

that friko is really good but I feel fantano would compare it to bright eyes in a negative way

[@sageanderson1932]

good albums will continue with end of march. Im quite exited for the new Elbow album, the last one wasnt too good but i think this next one may be some of their best work.

[@unusual_00o]

I can't wait to see your review for HYPERDRAMA I've been waiting for a new Justice album 🧡

[@Quarter_Notes]

Really hoping to get a 'y u no review' soon. I feel like he's talked about so few of my top albums of this year so far.

[@oh_banana]

Even the ones on this list I didn't love had some fantastic highlights that are still hot in my rotation. Grande Mahogany may lowkey be my favorite though, even if the record is scant it's bottomless ear candy through that front half of the album.

[@billyredfern-webb7213]

My top 3: 1: plastic death - glass beach 2: SCRAPYARD - Quadeca 3: Loss Of Life - MGMT

[@schlompus1563]

yes plastic death on top of

[@AbiExists]

I really like the Brittany Howard album on your recommendation! I’m also really digging the new Vacations album, No place like home. I know this fan base and KZbin channel isn’t very Kpop friendly but I’ve really enjoyed the albums Fe304 Break by NMIXX, Killin It by P1Harmony and the 2nd Full Album from G IDLE!!

[@DrNeat]

Thanks to Antony, I've discovered some of my favorite albums ever. My top four so far: 1. It's Sorted 2. The People Who Aren't There Anymore 3. Two Star & The Dream Police 4. Prelude to Ecstasy

[@danielr5828]

glad to see the smile on here.

[@Pieguy3OO]

Ik you rated the new JobForACowboy record a 7 meaning that you liked it. However I’ve been really bumping it since your review. I’d personally put it in here with these. Probably gonna be the best metal release of the year. Moon Healer rips thanks for the recommendation melon 🤘🏻

[@tstant5855]

curious if we'll get a review of the new Fivio Foreign album? Keep up the great work brotha

[@DJKhrisP]

The new Erick The Architect record is incredible

[@jaredandell126]

Super glad to see Loss of Life still getting love from you, it's gonna be real fuckin hard for something else to top it as my aoty

[@nauticaltardigrade7520]

I respect the inclusion of Bach's "The Well-Tempered Clavier," another stellar release from Johann

[@mariankula3540]

Das Wohltemperierte Klavier truly is a banger.

[@pascalgruger2102]

The description is missing links for the album People Who Aren't There Anymore from Future Islands.

[@benneb6144]

As a German, I can only recommend the new OG Keemo tape “Fieber”. It landed at number 1 in the German charts and was produced even better than his last album in 2022, which was also briefly reviewed by you.

[@zhenrong5483]

What Now is one of the most sonically well-produced and written album that deserves critical acclaim I love it

[@mimi5769]

I haven't been listening to new music so far, so tonight I'm listening one of these albums.

[@trymikefirst]

this year has already been much better than 2022 and 2023 for albums to me, i think we’re gonna have lots to look forward to

[@thewhatness]

Psymon Spine's "Head Body Connector" is easily my #1 of the year so far. 10 of the catchiest, most experimental tracks I've heard in the first quarter of 2024.

[@sh33pyyy]

What do you think of Oplitis' Παραμαινομένη? It's definitely one of the most original stuff out this year.

[@DILinator12]

Are you familiar with the artist Geographer? Awesome Indie artist with a huge discography, and is immensely talented! His new album "A Mirror Brightly" that came out this year is an early front runner for my AOTY, and should not be missed!

[@raiMorrison]

MGMT and The Smile are it for me this year so far!

[@martinselimaj3842]

feel like if needledrop conducting quarterly performance reviews

[@thedrainmaestro]

Are you doing a review on Squarepushers new album Dostrotime?

[@Vide501]

Lunch suckers at fudd ruckers? You're telling me suck punchers need lunch muckers?!

[@EthanMarkMusic]

Not putting the new Schoolboy Q album on here is so wild. It's such a satisfying project.

[@briansherwood1912]

I can't believe I have never heard of "the Chisel" until now. I didn't know people were still making old school British Anarco Punk , let along making it well.

[@Darien17CDMX]

Glad to see Vultures 1 on it, I thought you wouldn't

[@itsallenwow]

The new mgmt has been hitting in a way rock albums haven’t in a while. They honestly never miss

[@willvanwest8690]

reallllllll this + the new abormal saving 2020s rock

[@Reychel2022]

Seeing the flannel 2x this 3 months than last year makes me feel like I’m going to see a praise bombard

[@farhannr28]

Glad to see Quadinky here, Dignan would be proud

[@hermano_mario]

Seeing Chelsea do the new songs live definitely breathed more life into an already fantastic record. Go see her if you can!

[@gospelofsean]

Glad you mentioned Future Islands, I also thought this was a great album that will get slept on

[@aidansnelleman2217]

No fallingwithscissors? Genuinely one of the most exciting Metalcore acts I’ve heard in a minute, shocked there’s no mention of it here. Highly recommend

[@schlompus1563]

such an intensely fun project

[@alexeipg]

MGMT makes my list based on the 3 lead singles alone, each of which feels like a classic.

[@dsantos74747]

You should do a video where you review every year that you've been on KZbin (in terms of the music that came out)

[@derekd1997]

Of those I only listened to The Smile's Wall of Eyes and it was good indeed

[@xcBlackDiamond]

Glass Beaches, Brittany Howard and Dinner Party are carrying 2024 for me so far

[@psilon21310]

Hey Anthony I’d love to see a review on the album hella by 1999 write the future, I think it belongs on this list and is something you’d be really interested by/in

[@jenconvertibles]

I liked that album a lot but he would definitely give it like a 4

[@dannygillespie6614]

I still need to get to some of these. Last Dinner Party has been on REPEAT which is rare for me. Cheekface also kicks ass. But that Last Dinner Party. That's one of the most impress debuts I can recall. It has me thinking of like Arctic Monkeys debut or The Killers. It's at that level I think.

[@niallq8447]

It is worth it on repeated listens. Great album. It is up there with killers hot fuss. Arcade fire funeral. Among the great debut albums.

[@XfiverX]

My favorites so far are Spectral Voice, Abigor, Departure Chandelier, and Inquisition =)

[@addyy420]

imagine telling someone in 2021 that quadeca and yeat would on a fantano great albums of the year list 😭

[@OkaySoShit]

Thank you for your work

[@Bohnjaggs]

The new Real Estate album is great jangle pop and the best stuff they've done in years. Probably their best since Atlas in 2014. It's my favorite album of the year so far. Also, super excited for Dent May's new album at the end of the month. All three singles so far are pure indie-pop bliss.

[@jaxsjams8421]

I've been enjoying Cheekface, Glass Beach, and Hurray For the Riff Raff

[@tylerkennedy698]

Loss of life is definitely my pick for AOTY (so far ofc) This album has been emotionally crushing me for the last month. It took me 2-3 listens to appreciate it but boy. what a heavy record. The album uniquely enough flows almost perfectly when played in reverse. Acting as 2 ways to journey to and from an inconclusive sigh of conclusion in coming to terms with the way of the world, the cycle of life and other impossible to answer cosmic questions. It felt to me like there wasn't meant to be a satisfying conclusion. Nature does not owe us an explanation and seeking for one is a Sisyphean task. The eeriness of this record forces you to sit comfortable inside the question mark.

[@LucaVincent]

that chisel album has a sick front cover

[@sammo2560]

🗣MOUNTAINHEAD

[@Leshpngo]

🗣️“Lasagna”!

[@markignatovich3379]

lol fantano has given up on the band at this point, I predict he'll give this album a light 5 or 6 at best 😅

[@sammo2560]

@@markignatovich3379 ehh he gave RDF a 7 which is still positive (I’d rate a 9 but still) so it’s possible I’m predicting a 6 though.

[@blangum]

can't wait for the Bilmuri review

[@coffeebeancoffeebean]

welp mountainhead aint getting an 8

[@andish9227]

Sad you didn't put Lucy's new record on here. 8/10 for me. Glad you reviewed it in the first place doe

[@CharlieElwess]

Ducks Ltd. - Harm's Way The jangliest of indie jangle pop from Toronto. The first album I've heard with zero skips in a long time, feeling a strong 8 on this one.

[@_michaelyuhhhh]

the new pissed jeans record absolutely rules

[@ScottMcClellan-dr8js]

YES!!!!!!!

[@infinityquartz4744]

Not seeing Allie X's new album on here is so criminal

[@gregorboyd]

Facts right?? It's a banger

[@haydenkline7836]

New Fallingwithscissors ep has been dominating my listening time this year.

[@bruvvi6711]

Thank you

[@gee-yen]

Yo thanks for bringing these guys up this shit goes hard. Like Loma Prieta with a bit of glitch and hardcore.

[@oliverdown6287]

Evanora Unlimited’s Perfect Answer is some scrammy-ass industrial food, complete with co-production credits from Andy Morin. Highly recommended release from this year

[@michaelmorbius7344]

Cool now I know what my favorite albums are

[@craigparr2522]

Blood, Hair and Eyeballs by Alkaline Trio is definitely worth checking out. Not the best album title but easily the best album they’ve done since 2005’s Crimson.

[@burtonboarder503]

It's up there as one of my favorites from them. Great album front to back.

[@trolleyman6928]

Suprised Vultures isn't here since you gave it a never before seen 11/10 gotta admit was quite shocked when you said in the review that it was bumped up points purely because of how sexy you find ye but hey each to there own

[@wuper2270]

Kanye fans are crazy

[@cowmark67]

This year has had such a killer start. I still need to get around to listening to the Last Dinner Party and MGMT albums. Here are some albums I've been really enjoying so far. 1. Svdestada - Candela (blackened crust punk) 2. Vemod - The Deepening (atmospheric black metal) 3. Liquid Mike - Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot (power pop/indie rock/emo) 4. Friko - Where we’ve been, Where we go from here (art rock/indie rock/post-punk/chamber pop) 5. The Chisel - What A Fucking Nightmare (punk rock/oi!/hardcore punk) 6. The Funeral Procession - In Still Silence (progressive death metal/melodic black metal) 7. Job for a Cowboy - Moon Healer (progressive death metal/technical death metal) 8. Green Day - Saviors (punk rock/power pop/pop punk/alternative rock) 9. Necrowretch - Swords of Dajjal (melodic black metal/melodic death metal) 10. Ihsahn - Ihsahn (progressive metal/symphonic black metal) Also, here are 5 EPs I've been loving as well. 1. Paisaunt / Olde Throne - Cearwylm & Misneachd split (atmospheric black metal/melodic black metal/pagan black metal) 2. Massa Nera / Quiet Fear - Quatro Vientos // Cinco Soles split (screamo/post-hardcore/post-metal) 3. Forlorn Hope - A Debt Paid in Blood (melodic black metal) 4. Screaming Females - Clover (indie rock/punk rock/alternative rock) 5. Anika Pyle - Four Corners (indie rock/indie country)

[@soggywaffle4107]

I've never been here before from Erik the architect is def up there for me as well

[@rileyreacts7610]

Did you listen to Tapir!

[@tonykarlsson4963]

2 star and the Dream Police by Mk.gee and Little Simz’s drop 7 is up there with quadeca and MGMT for me

[@cutenacht]

really liked the new Friko album!

[@plmnrt]

we got great albums before the mountainhead review it's so over

[@markignatovich3379]

it's SO over

[@JohnnyZBeatZ]

future islands new album is one of my favorite too so far I can’t stop listening to it I love it

[@yoshus7225]

Dude you GOTTA review 'where we've and, where we go from here' by Friko

[@worriedaboutsatanband]

I picked two that stood out as the most interesting to me (Grande Mahogany and Cheekface) and fuuuuuuck me - both absolute dynamite! cheers Tony lad!