Bad Copy

2024 was the year my Spotify playlist became a chaotic diary—equal parts existential bangers, angst-fueled punk ragers, dreamy ballads, glittery brat-pop bops, and confessionals dripping with queer drama, proving once again that music understands me better than therapy ever could. And my therapist knows me pretty damn well. Alright, that’s enough buildup—here’s the music that had me in a chokehold this year.

Erin’s Top 8 Albums of 2024 (and some honorable mentions)

8. Shellac — To All Trains

I’m going to be totally honest and say that Shellac isn’t necessarily a band that’s heavy in my rotation. However, you can’t argue that they don’t rock. Steve Albini unfortunately passed away earlier this year, but his contributions to music will continue to live on. He’s been involved with so many iconic bands and projects, it’s nothing short of legendary. This album is pretty sick and it’s about damn time there’s a punk song about Scabby the rat!

7. Vial — Burnout

Vial fucks. Like, in a great way. I’ve been listening to them for a bit now, and their new album is super fun. “Therapy pt.iii” reads a little too close to what an actual diary entry of mine might sound like, but I still like it. In a traumatized sort of way. But it still fucks just as much as parts i & ii do. “Bottle Blonde” is probably my favorite track on this record. It’s got a fun, almost surf-y meets riot grrrl vibe about it.

6. Sabrina Carpenter – Short ‘N Sweet

Sabrina Carpenter is the queen of sexual innuendos and I am HERE for it. Her sassy, tongue-in-cheek lyrics are so sugary sweet that you almost don’t realize what you’ve just sung along to until after the fact. I mean, she posed in a different position every night on her tour when she coyly asks “have you ever tried this one?” in the middle of “Bed Chem.” I promise you are missing out on a lot of fun if you haven’t given this album a chance yet.  Also, I am convinced she wrote “Dumb & Poetic” about my ex.

5. Doechii — Alligator Bites Never Heal

This was a fantastic year for NPR’s tiny desk performances, and Doechii was certainly one of the stand outs. If you haven’t watched it yet, stop what you are doing right now; I mean it. This list will still be here for you to come right back to. I know the anticipation has been building for the reveal of the rest of my top album choices, but I promise you can come right back and you will be all the better for having seen her performance. And while you’re at it, make sure to watch her performances on Colbert and with Issa Rae performing “Denial is a River.” Incredible performer and unofficial ambassador for bisexuals everywhere.

4. Bob Vylan — Humble as the Sun

I have listened to “He’s a Man” an insane amount of times since this album dropped back in April. It’s a catchy read on fragile masculinity and racism with a super sick riff. With lyrics like “past the queen, on the way up his nose” (very brat coded honestly) and “loves the chicken shawarma, but hates the hands that cook it” you just KNOW this song is a smash. If I were playing ‘smash or pass’ this album would definitely be a ‘smash.’

3. Charli xcx – brat

It’s brat. You either get it or you don’t. It’s unhinged, camp, and the fact that she put no effort into the album art because she didn’t think anyone would like it is simply iconic. 2024 was the year of brat summer, but brat lives on. Brat.

2. Amyl and the Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness

I love Amyl and the Sniffers so dang much. Seeing them live was one of the highlights of the year for me. Amy’s chaotic energy on stage is so raw and captivating. She’s easily one of the best performers of our generation, in my humble opinion. But also if you disagree, you’re just wrong. “Jerkin'” is one of my favorite songs, not just on the album, but in life. It’s applicable to too many men, and is a fucking banger.

NUMBER ONE: Mannequin Pussy – I Got Heaven

I am obsessed with Mannequin Pussy. Everyone in the band is so damn cool, they’re all fantastic musicians, and they’re all captivating while performing. Between the sentiments that I’ve seen Missy and Bear share on stage that address misogyny, racism, police brutality, fascism (to name a few) and the melt-your-face-off performances, I have become an addict. Of them. I was able to catch them live twice this year, and it still just isn’t enough. I am so excited to see what they do next, although I am in no hurry because they’ve already given so much. I have listened to this album more times than I can count. Spotify put me in the top 0.05% of their listeners this year… and that doesn’t include all the hours I’ve spent listening to this album on vinyl. So… hello, my name is Erin and I am a Mannequin Pussy-aholic.

Honorable mentions: The “Good Luck, Babe” single put out by Chappell Roan. It’s not a full album, but it’s so fucking good. The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess was still on HEAVY repeat for me, but it wasn’t released this year so it doesn’t feel right to put that on my 2024 list. But it’s on there in my heart. I love how Chappell combines her pop music with drag and I will argue with anyone that she is punk.

And of course, my own band, Three Fingers, put out a record this year. I’m incredibly proud of it so I’m gonna include it here despite any possible cringe.