ANNIE & THE CALDWELLS, CAN'T LOSE MY (SOUL)

Annie & The Caldwells’ debut album Can’t Lose My (Soul) is the triumphant culmination of a 40-year journey rooted in faith, family, and musical devotion. Annie Brown Caldwell first rose to local prominence in the 1970s as a member of the Staples Jr. Singers. When Annie was only 13, the group, which included her brothers A.R.C., Bobby, Cleveland, and Edward, self-funded their 1975 album When Do We Get Paid, selling a few hundred copies, mostly from the front lawn outside their home. 

When Annie was in high school, the family band dropped the Staples name and began performing simply as the Browns. After a performance at a church in West Point, Mississippi, a young man named Willie Caldwell approached Annie’s youngest brother, Ronnel, asking about the girl with the special voice. Caldwell, who played guitar and sang in a church group with his brothers, soon began courting Annie. Before long, the two were married. After moving to West Point, they formed a new family band. 

Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Annie balanced raising a family, running a clothing store specializing in church attire, and building the family band, Annie & The Caldwells, into a polished group blending gospel traditions with blues, funk, southern soul, and disco influences. The group toured churches and recorded albums. Their children were encouraged into the band through faith, a love of music, and sometimes playful family persuasion. Over decades of playing together, the Caldwells developed a sound that was both tightly knit and effortlessly spontaneous, deeply rooted in spiritual conviction.

Meanwhile, decades after its release, When Do We Get Paid was unearthed by crate-diggers and became a coveted find, with original copies fetching up to $700. The rediscovery of Annie’s early work led to interest from David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label, who signed the Caldwells to help bring their music to a wider audience. Now, with the release of Can’t Lose My (Soul), recorded in their home church, the Caldwells capture their energy, intuitive harmonies, and emotional storytelling. With songs that span from wailing gospel testimonies to joyful, danceable grooves, the album stands as a life-affirming statement and finally provides a spotlight to the family's music and solidifies their musical legacy long deserved.

TEN 2024 ALBUMS THAT DIDN'T GET THEIR DUE

On most weeks throughout the year, I write about stand-out albums that really grabbed me. But for every album that I write about, there are so many others that never get featured here on Sonic Subway. To right a wrong as the year comes to a close, here are are my top ten of those albums.

 

10. John Moreland, Visitor

John Moreland's Visitor is another standout album that reflects the Oklahoma singer-songwriter's introspection while exploring new sonic textures with atmospheric and electronic elements. 

9. Michael Kiwanuka, Small Changes

I’ve been a big fan of Michael Kiwanuka since I first heard his 2016 album, Love & Hate. It was and continues to be one of my favorite albums over the past decade. Kiwanuka’s latest album, Small Changes, once again highlights the British singer-songwriter’s soulful artistry, blending his rich vocals and warm instrumentation. 

8. English Teacher, This Could Be Texas

English Teacher’s This Could Be Texas delivers sharp, witty lyrics and great post-punk instrumentation, showcasing the band’s knack for blending humor with social commentary. Hailing from Leeds, the rising quartet has gained recognition for their energy and thought-provoking approach to modern indie music.

7. Maggie Rose, No One Gets Out Alive 

Maggie Rose's fourth album, No One Get's Out Alive, seamlessly blends Americana, soul, rock, pop, and folk into a contemporary sounding album that showcases Rose's skillful storytelling and powerful voice.

6. Jessie Murph, That Ain't No Man that's The Devil

Jessie Murph’s Ain't No Man That’s The Devil shows off her strong, fierce, and captivating voice, unfiltered storytelling, and a blending of some cool haunting melodies with a contemporary pop edge. Crazy that Murph is only twenty years old.

5. Leif Vollebekk, Revelation

Canadian singer-songwriter Leif Vollebekk's fifth album, Revelation, wonderfully blends narrative lyrics with cinematic arrangements, reflecting Vollebekk's spiritual explorations and dreams during the COVID-19 lockdowns. 

4. Been Stellar, Scream From New York, NY 

Been Stellar has been getting quite a bit of attention in the NY City music scene and rightfully so. Their indie rock sound feels like the channeling of the restless energy of the city. And it's greatly showcased on their debut album Scream From New York, NY.  

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3. Yard Act, Where's My Utopia

Leeds, UK, Post-Punk band, Yard Act's debut album, The Overload, was a top ten album for me in 2022. Two years later they have return with Where's My Utopia? Co-produced with Gorillaz member Remi Kabaka Jr., the album marks a stylistic shift incorporating diverse musical influences including disco (really). It's a great step forward for the band and a great album.

2. Vampire Weekend, Only God Was Above Us

Ezra Koenig has done it again. Only God Was Above Us, Vampire Weekend's fifth album, finds Koenig once again fusing pop, baroque pop, Afro-pop, and classical to perfection create a sound scape that can only be of his making.  

1. MJ Lenderman, Manning Fireworks

MJ Lenderman's distinctive blend of alt-country and indie rock provides the perfect backing for the 25 year old singer-songwriter's candid, off-beat, and insightful lyrics. 

LEON BRIDGES, LEON

Leon Bridges’ self-titled fourth album has really been a lifetime in the making. Through thirteen songs, Bridges journeys through "The heart" of Ft. Worth, TX where he grew up, sharing stories about about home, about nostalgia, and his upbringing. Ultimately, it's music that Bridges hopes takes every lister back to their own roots and journey. 

Recorded and produced by Ian Fitchuk (Kacey Musgrave, Maggie Rogers), Leon has a timeless sense about it and is an incredibly soulful album.

 

1999 WRITE THE FUTURE, hella (˃̣̣̥╭╮˂̣̣̥) ✧ ♡ ‧o· ̊

One of the more interesting albums for me this year has been 88rising's 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE, hella (˃̣̣̥╭╮˂̣̣̥) ✧ ♡ ‧o· ̊. 88rising is a musical collective, management company, and record label founded in 2015 by Sean Miyashiro and Jaeson Ma. Since its origin, it has become a platform for Asian American artists. On 1999 Write The Future, artists from their label along with well known hip-hop and R&B artists like De La Soul and Rick Ross, have come together tor create an expansive, 24 track album that bounces from hip-hop to R&B to jazz, to...listen and find found! It's like discovering a great 24 song playlist. 

TERRI WALKER, MY LOVE STORY

Terri Walker may not be familiar to many here in the states, but she's been gracing the folks in Britain for twenty years now with her impeccable fusion of R&B, jazz, funk, soul, and a bit of reggae. On her Latest LP, MY Love Story, Walker takes a few steps back from the boundary pushing that she's done with these various musical genres over her last few albums. Of the album, Walker has said that it's one she made for herself. It's an album where she didn't worry that it didn't meet her or other people's expectations.

I certainly had no expectations as I sat down to listen to My Love Story. So it was a pleasant surprise for the album to hit such a great groove right from the beginning with Finally Over You. With only seven songs clocking in at just 23 minutes, I will say that this album does feel brief and one of unfinished business. But I walked away with a new appreciation for Walker and her music and definitely wanting more. 

Samm Henshaw, Untidy Soul

"I'm a bit of a scatterbrain most of the time. Creating for me is never a clean and simple sort of process, and it was me learning to accept that and be OK with that....I think for me, genuinely, it's about growth." 

Samm Henshaw

Raised in London in a Nigerian household, Henshaw's first focus was working to earn a degree and go on to teach. Music, making music, and finding a way into the music industry was not a thing. But while in university, with the encouragement of a friend, Henshaw started creating and posting his music on YouTube. This creative outlet did then become his focus and eventually formed the basis of his dissertation. That dissertation then became his first official EP release. And then, upon graduating, Henshaw found himself signing a contract with a record label that was waiting for him. And the rest as they say is history? Well, at least the start of what should be a long history as a recording artist starting with his debut album, Untidy Soul. It's a real gem of an album and one that I have been thoroughly enjoying.

 

ON ROTATION

Lots of great music. Not enough time to write about it all...but here's what's on rotation for me right now. 

Mac Miller, Circles

   

Cold Mailman, Baby Wake Up We Are Loosing The Fire

   

TOP ALBUMS OF THE DECADE - THE 2010's

All year I have been listing my favorite albums by decade....all of those lists working up to this one...my favorite albums of the 2010's. These are the albums that I have come back to and listened to the most over the past ten years.

20. Ulver, The Assassination Of Julius Caesar

I was unfamiliar with the Norwegian band Ulver during their early, dark metal years. I first discovered them with their eleventh album, The Assassination of Julius Caesar. It was one of my favorite albums of 2017 and continues to be a regular listen for me. With influences of Depeche Mode and other pop-synth bands of the late '80's and early '90's, the band officially moved as far away from their earlier music and sound as possible. Yet, they have managed to maintain the dark and doom undercurrent that has always defined their sound and storytelling. 

There are not many bands still together and playing after 27 years let alone pushing the envelope of creativity, but here's Ulver. Fusing rock and electronica sounds into a rich musical soundscape, there is no shortage of music to explore on AOJC. And with each listen you find something new that makes the listening experience that much better. And to me, that's what makes a great album.

19. Alt J, An Awesome Wave

Upon its UK release, the BBC called Alt J's debut album, An Awesome Wave "a stunning and encompassing affair of both innovative and electrifying musicianship and exemplary song writing." The Guardian wrote that "the music is rich and quirky enough to match the imagistic literacy of the lyrics, from the majestic cinematic sweep of 'Intro' onwards." For me, An Awesome Wave hit me like a tidal wave when I first heard it. It's an intelligent, innovative, frisky, and a wildly engrossing album.

18. Hippo Campus, Bambi

Bambi is an album I just can't get out of my head. Marked by a shift in their sound, Hippo Campus embraces a more experimental, synth-driven approach compared to their earlier, guitar-heavy indie rock. The album feels both introspective and restless, with lyrics that explore anxiety, change, and emotional vulnerability. Tracks like Golden highlight the band's willingness to play with unconventional song structures, layering shimmering synths and glitchy beats over heartfelt vocals. There’s a looseness to the record, yet it still carries the sharp melodies and youthful energy that define Hippo Campus. I love how the band continues to evolve, balancing personal reflection with a fresh, dynamic sonic landscape.

   

17. Max Jury, Max Jury

Max Jury’s self-titled debut took me by surprise. Paste magazine wrote that it is 'a winning collection of songs with a lot of heart and swagger that defies his young age." So true. PM added that Jury’s songs bring to mind many classic songwriters of the Laurel Canyon area, as well as musicians such as Billy Joel, Elton John and Carole King." Also true. Most of the songs on this album do have elements of those....dare I say vintage songwriters....yet Jury’s songs feel modern and fresh. This album has been a family favorite since its release in 2016.

16. Noah & The Whale, Last Night On Earth 

Last Night On Earth, Noah & The Whale's third studio album was a loose concept album about....the Last Night On Earth, or not. But as far as concept albums go, this one succeeded by not trying to do too much with it. There is a great mid-'80's rock-anthem feel to these songs, but it never feel like the band was pressing hard to deliver them to be bigger-than-life. Honestly, one song is better than the next and singing along becomes an automatic reflex when the music starts.

                                                            

15. Susanne Sundfør, Music For People In Trouble 

In an interview,Susanne Sundfør talked about living in a time of great changes. "Everything is moving so rapidly, sometimes violently, sometimes dauntingly. I think a lot of people experience anxiety these days."The Irish Times wrote that there is something bewitching about the Scandi brand of sadness. Perhaps it is why I fell so hard for Susanne Sundfør’s sixth album, 'a sweeping, seductive cinematic slice of sorrow.' An album that succeeds at 'reaching out to anxious souls to put them at ease in this turbulent time.'

14. Tool, Fear Inoculum

Tool fans, such as myself, waited 13 long years for the band's follow up to 10,000 days. And now, in 2019, we have Fear Inoculum to consume and ponder. As Sputnik Music wrote, this album is a 'massive, compelling piece of music that unfolds beautifully and balances Tool’s unique style with plenty of rewarding new elements. Any fears that they would not live up to their past can be abated; Fear Inoculum is truly groundbreaking and one of the best albums of the decade.' I agree!

13. Little Cub, Still Life

What a debut album! The Line of Best Fit wrote about Still Life, "Masking our flawed humanity with flawless electro, the South London trio fork over a delicious portion of pessimistic pop, drizzled in scrumptious synths and glorious electronic production, but bypassing a sugarcoating of over-hackneyed hedonism." An album 'brimming with English jest', this is 'a refreshingly honest record that holds a confident consciousness of modern reality.' And while Modern life 'might be rubbish', DIY writes, ' Little Cub makes things seem better.'

12. Barna Howard, Quite A Feelin' 

The songs on Barna Howard’s second album, Quite A Feelin’, ruminate on his relationship with home. Now entrenched in Portland, Oregon, many of the album’s tracks immortalize and reflect on the Eureka he once knew, while others focus on the relationships that define his new home out west. Small town life has long been celebrated in country and folk music, but Barna’s knack for capturing his own deeply personal nostalgia resonates in a rarely universal way. Every track on this album is special and it’s one of the many reasons that I come back to this album over and over again.

11. Arcade Fire, Reflektor

Influenced by Haitian rara music, the 1959 film Black Orpheus, and Søren Kierkegaard's essay Two Ages, Reflektor is an album that 'diverged dramatically from the rock conventions.....and coherent narratives that made the band's 2010, album The Suburbs, so accessible.' (Slant Magazine). That's a good thing. The band takes the listener on an epic journey that Spin wrote, is 'long and weird and indulgent and deeply committed.' But, 'you come to prefer the band's big ideas and grand gestures to almost anyone else's.' From the opener Reflektor to the 11 minute closer Supersymmetry, this album should be savored and celebrated.

10. Arctic Monkeys, AM

When AM arrived in 2013, my son said that it was the band's best album to date. It was hard for me to agree or disagree with him. Comparing AM to the band's earlier albums, especially the first two, was a bit like comparing apples to oranges. I loved the explosive energy and roughness of the band's early albums and I never really wanted their sound to change. Yet as we all know, over time things do change. The great news was that over the years the band's songs and songwriting had grown and matured in all the right ways and with AM they set a new standard for themselves. It is why NME recently named AM the best album of the 2010's.

9. Hurray For The Riff Raff, The Navigator

Alynda Mariposa Segarra, who fronts the band Hurray For The Riff Raff, grew up in the Bronx. Over time, they had become increasingly aware of how gentrification had eroded the Puetro Rican culture which stood in stark contrast to how it continued to flourish in Puerto Rico despite the damage being done to so many communities by the many economic and social challenged that they faced. 

This awareness lead Segarra to conceive of The Navigator, which follow a protagonist named Navita, a 16 year old street kid, who is navigating an over-gentrified city sometime in the near future. With a perfectly formed '70's rock storytelling sensibility, in a similar vain to The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust, Segarra and the band unfold Navita's story and journey in a wonderful fashion. One which brings understanding to the challenges Navita and community face and inspiration from how they ultimately take back their culture.

8. Jonathan Wilson, Gentle Spirit

Gentle Spirit is an album that completely exudes the groove and warmth that reflects what Wilson described as “that golden late ‘60s, early ‘70s period when rural and urban sensibilities colluded in producing some of rock’s most imperishable recordings.” As a longtime student of Los Angles’ Laurel Canyon, its musical heritage, and its Canyon Culture, Wilson wanted his musical ideas to “echo many of an earlier generation.” Slow burning, mellow, and laidback, Gentle Spirit really does carry you off to another time and place and holds you there through 13 songs that span close to an hour and 20 minutes. 

7. Sandro Perri, In Another Life 

Perri defies logic with In Another Life which he has referred to as an experiment in 'infinite songwriting. The title track, all 24 minutes of it, and the three versions of Everybody's Paris that follow, combine to deliver an ambient pop album that Pitchfork best describes as a masterful, dreamlike world. It's mesmerizing, hypnotic, and absolutely unforgettable.

6. Michael Kiwanuka, Love & Hate

'By any measure, this is an audacious, startlingly mature and powerful album; the kind singer-songwriters aspire to, but seldom deliver....It's an intimate and sprawling, personal and universal, affectionate and daring. It's also not background music. Sit down in front of your largest speakers, turn up the volume, push play, close your eyes and let Michael Kiwanuka's Love & Hate envelop your senses while taking you on a journey to the sonic expanses of your mind.' American Songwriter 

5. Metronomy, The English Riviera

Back in 2011, The English Riviera was nominated for Britain's The Mercury Prize for best album of the year. In an interview, Joseph Mount, the driving force behind the band, described the album as a kind of love letter to both his hometown of Totnes in Devon, and a romantic fantasy of the title's seaside resort he used to drive around in, blasting Ace of Base as a youth. Eccentric, slightly avant-garde leaning British Pop (Drowned In Sound Description) has always been my thing. And this album is, as Allmusic wrote, an unmistakable English Affair, which is perhaps why I was immediately drawn to it. I just love this one.

4. LCD Soundsystem, American Dream

In 2011, James Murphy and LCD Soundsystem played their farewell concert at Madison Square Garden. Seven years later, Murphy had more to say, to share, to question. And so he gave us the gift of American Dream. It's a modern work of art about aging, love, regret, friendship, and ultimately an arduous search for meaning (Paste Magazine). A meticulous sonic architect and exuberant performer (Pretty Much Amazing), Murphy wraps his inner-monologs in "mind-bending knotty, constructs of synth, drum beats, and guitar riffs" that build as the album progresses to epic levels before drifting out in near silence in a fitting tribute to David Bowie (Black Screen). What a return.

3. Damien Rice, My Favorite Faded Fantasy

It had been eight long years between the release of My Favorite Faded Fantasy and Damien Rice's prior album. So where was he? In an interview he did for The Telegraph, he described his self-exile as a time of "transition." One in which he shedded old attitudes to life and explored new ones. "I am really curious about life, about why we are all here. I notice my skin is aging, things are changing, I've seen people dying, so that's the train we are all on. And I would like to figure some shit out before I reach the destination." With this album, Rice takes us into the mind of a man searching and yearning for many answers, but is getting more comfortable with just living the journey.

2. King Creosote & Jon Hopkins, Diamond Mine

In 2011, Scottish singer-songwriter Kenny Anderson, aka King Creosote, and English electro composer and producer Jon Hopkins collaborated to create Diamond Mine, a heartfelt reflection on the town and landscape of Fife, where Anderson lives. This absolutely beautiful and stunning album exemplifies what is possible when two artists marry two very different musical reference points in a cohesive and near perfect way. Together they have created a magnificent and timeless musical space where Anderson's quiet and soulful songs radiate earth, warmth, and richness and perfectly capture his fondness and love for life in this small town. This is a special album.

1. Destroyer, Kaputt

The 9th album from Vancouver, BC native, Daniel Bejar, who records under the name Destroyer, is simply irresistible. Uncompromising, Bejar is one of those artists that seems to change musical direction with each new release. With Kaputt, Bejar creates dreamy-ambient pop songs that pay tribute to the sounds and sensibilities of artists like Brian Eno and Bryan Ferry at their best. The songs here are chalk-full of wonderful musical elements. I love the inclusion of the trumpet, sax, and flute on many of these songs. This album has been a favorite of mine since I first heard it back in 2011. Note: If you can get your hands on it....the European version with the 20 minute The Laziest River is a must! It takes Kaputt to a whole other level.