If you know me at a personal level, you know that this year was a wild one and full of challenges and accomplishments. Needless to say, I have made the best of it and can tell you I have managed to take time for myself to enjoy it.
I went to more shows this year than ever and rekindled my love for live music. I reconnected with friends and even started a side gig making lamps with some of my fav people.
Even with all that has been going on, I still have listened to music on a daily basis. I may not have done as much as I had wanted to with the site here, but I am still going to take a moment to share with you a random ass list of albums that dropped in 2022 that caught my attention.
There are plenty more I am sure I overlooked. I am sure I will add to it here and there, but the following were amazing according to me:
BHP BEST OF 2022 LIST
STS x RJD2 – Escape from Sweet Auburn
This is one of those albums that just blew me away from the moment I checked it out. I am a huge RJD2 fan, but I had no idea of the talent that is STS. These two joined forces for a reason and the outcome is amazing.
SACK – Ripper!
This band rips so hard that I caught Covid at their show when they played Cleveland. No joke. Certainly, one of my fav punk albums of the year.
Cave In – Heavy Pendulum
Per Spotify, this was my most listened to album of this year. There is a reason for that. I absolutely love what this band has turned into. This album exceeded all expectations as a fan.
Curtail – When the Sway Sets
This album is like dipping back to my teenage years. So much 90s flair with a lo-fi sound that easily sucked me in. Added bonus, this band is comprised of some amazing humans.
Pool Kids – Pool Kids
This right here is the #1 album to not listen to when you are having a relationship change. It brought me to almost tears the moment I heard it, but honestly, I needed it.
Dream Widow – Dream Widow
This album was made specifically for the cult slasher flick Studio 666 starring everyone’s fav rock band the Foo Fighters. The movie was amazing, but this album is just insane.
Frank Turner – FTHC
This album was a little harder then the last few and carried some pent up angst that I fed on during tougher times this year. “Haven’t Been Doing So Well” seemingly was my theme song this year at times.
No Trigger – Dr. Album
Easily one of the best punk rock albums to drop this year. Do not sleep on this one.
Signals Midwest – Dent
I adore this band and everything they stand for. It was no surprise how much I got into this release. I will sound like dad here, but it is what it is: I am so proud of how this band has grown as musicians. This album is a total testament to that.
Cigar – The Visitor
It’s not every day a band busts out an album 22 years after their debut. With a slight lineup change, the band sounded as amazing as ever.
Soul Glo – Diaspora Problems
This band has certainly had some challenges over the years but haven’t let anything stop them. In fact, I think they just got stronger because of it.
The Flatliners – New Ruin
Cresswell and crew simply can do no wrong. Full of anger and angst, this release at times pointed back to the younger years of the band with heavier moments.
Gospel – The Loser
17 years after their debut, Gospel dropped this album. I cannot tell you how many times I have listened to this prog heavy masterpiece.
City of Caterpillar – Mystic Sisters
I am not complaining at all how many bands from years back dropped albums after an extensive period of time, but City of Caterpillar dropped a follow-up 20 years later and needless to say, it rules a lot.
The Smile – A Light for Attracting Attention
Comprised of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood and as well as Sons of Kemet’s Tom Skinner, this album really reached back to a younger Radiohead sound, something I absolutely adore.
Viagra Boys – Cave World
Viagra Boys are like Ween and Electric Six on a cocaine bender. This band is a new level of fun and this album helps prove that.
Vein.fm – This World Is Going to Ruin You
This is a post-hardcore / nu-metal release that may be my favorite thing this band has done to date.
EDIT (6-JAN-2023) Shocking….I totally forgot these few too:
A Wilhelm Scream – Lose Your Delusion
Easily the catchiest punk album of 2023. I listened to this probably too much. That opening track alone…
The Interrupters – In The Wild
Solid release by a band that certainly deserves all of the attention. I almost wish Rancid would have just recorded this for themselves. Not dismissing the band at all, but def has that Hellcat love.
Cory Branan – When I Go I Ghost
Cory is easily one of the best song writers out there. This album confirms that statement.
Arlo McKinley – This Mess We’re In
Sad and emotional songs sometimes are the best. Arlo has really taken a few steps forward with this amazing release.
Birds In Row – Gris Klein
I was sucked into this album instantly. Powerful and moving I think is the best way to describe it.
Big ups to the bands, the labels, and the readers of this blog. I feel like I say it all of the time, but if it wasn’t for y’all, this blog would not be here.
Special thanks to my friends and family who have gone above and beyond in a time of need. You have no idea how much I value you all. Detail not needed, but I offer my eternal gratitude for helping me get though the low times and keeping me going.
Here’s looking at 2023. I can sit here and say this and that about the blog, but we will see what happens with it. Happy Holidays to you and yours.