10. N3philim - Daemonaltry
It was a great year for local live music in KC. Every night of the week there was a great gig somewhere. Bands kept me busy! But what they didn't do, however, is release many albums – especially on vinyl. So not only do I rundown the releases here, but list some 2025 ones we should all look forward to.
Favorite Local Albums of 2024:
9. Foil - Foiled (Dirtbag Distro)
8. Doubledrag - Alone with Everyone (BLKC Records)
7. The Blast Monkeys - Monkey Business
6. Couch Serf - Your Anxiety is Valid
5. Waxahatchee - Tigers Blood (ANTI-)
4. The Roseline - Keystone of the Heart
3. Still Ill - Rituals
2. Dreamist - Shouldn't Be
1. Arson Class - Expansion Plan
EPs/Singles:
5. Jorge Arana Trio - Murcielago
4. I'd Rather - Tap Water
3. The Touchdowns - See Me Shakin (Dumb Ghost)
2. Ten Times Fast - Off White
1. The Eradicats - Best in Show
Favorite Local Release of 2023 That I Got In 2024:
Aprilmist - Homesick
Albums I'm Looking Forward to in 2025:
Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy
Drifter
Daniel Gum
Local Bands That I Most Want Debut Albums From:
Dented Zeus
They’re Theirs
Reviser
Some live fun facts:
In 2024 I saw 25 shows at RecordBar, 12 at MiniBar, and 7 at Hillsiders.
I saw Still Ill, The Uncouth, & The Whiffs 5 times each. RxGhost and
The D-Fibs 4 times each. I can't pick favorites but all-local gigs by
Boys Life at RecordBar, They're Theirs at Hillsiders, Shiner at RecordBar,
Roseline at Bottleneck, & Uncouth at Howdy all stand out in my memory.
Let me know what I missed, and I'll check it out. I was more gentle this year and included digital-only stuff mixed in with the physical stuff. I guess I have to live in 2025. However I still didn’t include digital-only singles as I assume they’re just promotion leading to a bigger release that will be eligible later. A guy has to draw the line somewhere.
As always thank you to all the local bands, labels, venues, promoters, photographers, writers, and fans in Kansas City that make it what it is. And thanks to the touring acts that choose to come party in a small market.
Finally, when it's time to think global, you can check out my big lists of Top 50 Albums of 2024 or Top Songs of 2024.
