We've finally arrived at the top tier of this year's releases. The Top 10 Records of 2019. The best of the best, undisputed heavyweight champions of the world. The standard for all future generations to be measured against. The Jordans. #10. Heavy Banding by Slingshot Dakota Heavy Banding illustrates the journey of Slingshot Dakota wonderfully and finds the group finally finding peace with carving out their own space in the industry instead of trying to fit into it. Which is

The Second Tier is made up of some truly remarkable records but still aren't quite the best of the best. These are the runner ups. The second bananas. Lex Luger was a hell of a pro wrestler in the peak of the Monday Night Wars but he was never really a top line attraction compared to his contemporaries. Meet this year's Lex Lugers: #39. Ultra St. Opera by Jupiter Styles Jupiter Styles delivers an incredibly ambitious pop punk record that's so soft and catchy that it's tough t

This third tier introduces us to a solid crop of releases that are average or slightly above. These are mostly good records that just aren't necessarily standouts. Like a restaurant soft serve vanilla ice cream cone. I mean who doesn't love ice cream? It's just not really anybody's first choice... #64. No Holiday by The Muffs The Muffs have always held a special place in my heart. I don't know what it is about their simplistic formula that always puts a smile on my face but K

Tier 4 is full of albums that aren't terrible by any means but aren't really that good either. These are records with some entertaining qualities that can make them more listenable than the absolute worst options, if you're desperate enough. You can easily find something to like about these but overall, they are sub-par. Much like the work of Mr. Nicolas Cage. #105. Mother Nature by The Dangerous Summer There's an aura of pretense and levity attached to this record that never