Rosali released Bite Down, her first album for Merge, back in March. Like her 2021 album No Medium, she made it with David Nance and Mowed Sound as her band and the mix of acoustic and electrified jams recalls the heyday of late-’60s / early-’70s folk rock. It’s a terrific album and you can listen below.
We’ve been asking artists for their lists of favorite albums of the year, and Rosali has given us hers, which includes Cindy Lee, David Nance, Arooj Aftab, and more. Check that out below, along with Rosali’s commentary.
ROSALI – TOP ALBUMS OF 2024
Mountain Movers – Walking After Dark
One of the best bands out there. They’re like a big family that finishes each other’s sentences and supports and holds each other. These are free improv masters with so sweet patient moments of the band listening to each, building whole universes of their own.
Verity Den – Verity Den
I first heard the debut LP from Carrboro NC’s Verity Den as a demo and knew this band was special. It hits all the spots, scratches the itch. They’re great live, songs and noise.
Cindy Lee – Diamond Jubilee
I felt jealous when this came out with its utter coolness and elusiveness. It’s undeniably good, emotional, and strange. Fuzz and distant vocals take you on a dreamy cinematic journey.
David Nance – Mowed Sound
Dropped in January, the self-titled LP from my dear friends definitely rocks but has its tender and experimental moments too.
Itasca – Imitations of War
Kayla is such an incredible guitarist and wry soft lyricist. I love how the intricacies of the riffs and vocal melodies swirl and wrap around each other. Repeat listens unveil more and more..
Arooj Aftab – Night Reign
She’s one of my favorite contemporary singers, the melodies so tender and they float tethered only by the subtle tension of the arrangements. There’s a bit of Sade in there too.
Skylar Gudasz – Country
I think what I love the most about this record, aside from Skylar’s beautiful voice and pop arrangements, is that she started a label and released this herself, fucking cool.
Seeing Yo La Tengo and The Sun Ra Arkestra live in NYC after almost being in a plane crash… Life affirming day.
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Rosali has solo dates opening for Hiss Golden Messenger in January in Nashville (Blue Room at Third Man on 1/22) and Asheville (AyurPrana Listening Room on 1/24) ahead of playing the Ground Control Touring Abortion Fund Benefit in Raleigh (Kings on 1/25).