Cursive returned this year with their 10th album and first for Run For Cover, Devourer, and after recently wrapping up a fall headlining tour, they’re now set to hit the road again next year, first on a headlining tour with Pile opening and then in support of their old Omaha friends and former Saddle Creek labelmates Bright Eyes. With the year coming to a close, we asked Tim Kasher what his favorite albums of 2024 were, and he made us a list that includes the new Bright Eyes album, plus the first album in 16 years by another group of Ohama/Saddle Creek vets, Neva Dinova, and others across the indie/punk/alt rock spectrum like Cloud Nothings, Drug Church, Fontaines D.C., Mannequin Pussy, Horse Jumper of Love, The Cure, The Smile, and Kim Deal. As we talked about with Tim on the BV podcast earlier this year, he remains a big, very active music fan and he had plenty of interesting things to say about all of these records.
Take it away, Tim…
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Tim Kasher’s 10 Favorite Albums of 2024
Fontaines D.C. – Romance
At this point, a Fontaines album feels more like an event than a mere release, and this was the biggest event of them all! Excellent record, their best work to date.
Mannequin Pussy – I Got Heaven
This record felt undeniable as I first listened to it, one of those records where you already know the songs upon first listen. Will likely be a modern classic.
Kim Deal – Nobody Loves You More
Yes! A terribly catchy Kim Deal record that is still very much Breeders at times (a good thing) while also feeling fresh and uniquely Kim Deal at other times. I’d rank this record higher than the last two Breeders records (and those were both great records!).
The Smile – Cutouts/Wall Of Eyes
With permission, I’d like to stack this 4th position with both Smile records that came out in 2024. Though I lean heavier on Cutouts with its deeper prog leanings. It was some good ol’ fashioned music journalism that turned me onto The Smile, I piece I read describing the project as the prog-rock version of Radiohead. Yes, please.
Bright Eyes – Five Dice, All Threes
Always lovely to have new music from oldest bud Conor. This is a great collection of songs with fresh, interesting arrangements. Some of these songs rival his best work of the last 30 years. Kudos!
Horse Jumper Of Love – Disaster Trick
I discovered this band after Cursive signed to Run For Cover, which just so happens to be HJOL’s label as well. Man, great record! Now I’m digging backwards into their past releases. Love it.
The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World
Hey, I’m a Cure fan, you’re a Cure fan, we’re all Cure fans. But I don’t think any of us expected a record this strong, this deep into their career. This will likely end up being one of my favorite Cure records which… well, that’s just wild. Nice work, Robert and Co.
Neva Dinova – Canary
A new Neva record is like instant nostalgia. Oh, how we’ve missed Jake Bellows’ writing! And vocals!! This record boasts a new member, Cursive’s very own Megan Siebe on bass and additional vocals, and yep, she kills it. It feels like a new take on what Neva Dinova is, while still maintaining that cozy familiarity.
Cloud Nothings – Final Summer
Love these guys, love their live show (Jayson on drums is insanity) and love getting new music from them. Long, longtime fan, they continue to write great records.
Drug Church – Prude
I’m a late adopter of Drug Church, one of those bands I’ve been meaning to check out for years now. Well, I finally made it – I think A LOT of people jumped onto the Drug Church train with this latest record. It’s angry, aggressive, but also super catchy and even fun. It is FUN.
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Listen to our recent podcast episode with Tim for more, and catch Cursive on the road with Bright Eyes next year (dates below).
Cursive — 2025 Tour Dates
Cursive headlining, with support from Pile:
Jan 30 Thu, Fort Collins, CO, Aggie Theatre
Jan 31 Fri, Englewood, CO, Gothic Theatre
Feb 1 Sat, Salt Lake City, UT, The Urban Lounge
Feb 2 Sun, Boise, ID, Shrine Social Club
Feb 3 Mon, Spokane, WA, The District Bar
Feb 4 Tue, Seattle, WA, The Crocodile
Feb 5 Wed, Portland, OR, Revolution Hall
Feb 6 Thu, Sacramento, CA, Harlow’s
Feb 7 Fri, Felton, CA, Felton Music Hall
Feb 8 Sat, San Francisco, CA, August Hall
Feb 10 Mon, Morro Bay, CA, The Siren
Feb 11 Tue, Ventura, CA, Ventura Music Hall
Feb 12 Wed, Los Angeles, CA, The Regent Theater
Feb 14 Fri, Pomona, CA, The Glass House
Feb 15 Sat, San Diego, CA, Music Box
Feb 17 Mon, Las Vegas, NV, Backstage Bar & Billiards
Feb 18 Tue, Phoenix, AZ, Crescent Ballroom
Feb 19 Wed, El Paso, TX, Lowbrow Palace
Feb 20 Thu, San Antonio, TX, Paper Tiger
Feb 21 Fri, Austin, TX, Mohawk Austin
Feb 22 Sat, Houston, TX, White Oak Music Hall
Feb 23 Sun, Dallas, TX, The Kessler Theater
supporting Bright Eyes:
Apr 3 Thu, Madison, WI, The Sylvee
Apr 4 Fri, Saint Paul, MN, Palace Theatre
Apr 5 Sat, Chicago, IL, The Salt Shed
Apr 8 Tue, Royal Oak, MI, Royal Oak Music Theatre
Apr 9 Wed, Cleveland, OH, Agora Theater & Ballroom
Apr 10 Thu, Toronto, ON, HISTORY
Apr 11 Fri, Buffalo, NY, Buffalo RiverWorks
Apr 13 Sun, Portland, ME, State Theatre
Apr 17 Thu, Brooklyn, NY, Brooklyn Paramount
Apr 18 Fri, Boston, MA, House Of Blues Boston
Apr 19 Sat, Philadelphia, PA, The Met
Apr 20 Sun, Washington, DC, The Anthem
Apr 22 Tue, Mckees Rocks, PA, Roxian Theatre
Apr 23 Wed, Newport, KY, MegaCorp Pavilion
Apr 24 Thu, Louisville, KY, Old Forester’s Paristown Hall
Apr 25 Fri, Indianapolis, IN, Old National Centre
Apr 26 Sat, West Des Moines, IA, Val Air Ballroom