The sheer quality and consistency of music being released year on year, never fails to amaze us. With 2024 drawing to a close, we take stock of the past 12 months, highlighting our 50 favourites from the year. To pick only 50 from the wealth of amazing and inspirational records that came out is a near impossible task, but we hope you enjoy the selections below - some being familiar and others potentially that intriguing first listen. We’ve also made a convenient Spotify playlist for you to dive into, that contains a track from each release. Big love to all the artists and labels pushing things forward and sharing their creative endeavours with the world.
1) TAMTAM - Ramble In The Rainbow
Peoples Potential Unlimited
This one seemed to come from nowhere and became an instant office favourite. Released by the excellent Peoples Potential Unlimited, this stunning EP by the Japanese band TAMTAM is drenched in a dreamy swagger and is a sheer downbeat classic that stays with you. We were lucky to meet Kuro and Affee from the band on our recent tour of Japan, who are absolute legends. They informed us that the band had been together for 10 years and wasn't a new band as we had previously thought. We are looking forward to hearing more from these amazing artists in the future.
2) Finn Rees - Dawn Is A Melody
Mr Bongo
This is kind of a joint number one, but it felt a tad nepotistic to make it top of the chart. This album was the one that united the Mr Bongo staff the most (even those who do not normally gravitate towards jazz) and is a stunning journey from the Tasmanian keys don and a whole host of Melbourne’s finest musicians.
Mr Bongo
Dora Morelenbaum’s sensational, beautiful debut solo album will surely become a future classic. One of the key talents spearheading Brazil’s new musical wave and member of the Latin Grammy award-winning band, Bala Desejo, Dora showcases a new side to her solo productions on this special LP, co-produced by fellow Brazilian star, Ana Frango Elétrico.
The Quiet Village
The record that we had been asked for the most in 2024. This epic 'heady 6/8-time urban jazz odyssey' by Quiet Village (aka Joel Martin & Matt Edwards) is pure fire, with shades and echoes of the Innerzone Orchestra's classic 'Bug In The Bass Bin' in the mix.
5) The Perpetual Singers - Father Father / Elena
LL Series
Love this one!!! Arp Frique's sensational project with a collective of gospel singers from Amsterdam aka The Perpetual Singers. A big underground club record that flew out as soon as we stocked it.
XL Recordings
A bright and breezy, almost back-to-roots jazz/psych/instrumental album brewing with energy by the mighty BadBadNotGood. No frills or hype, it's simply a great album.
7) Project Gemini - Colours & Light
Mr Bongo
A kaleidoscope psych-funk-folk masterpiece from one of the nicest and most humble people in music, Paul Osborne. 'Colours & Light' additionally features the sultry, smokey French vocals of Gloria’s Wendy Martinez on two of the songs. A superb record that feels familiar from the first listen.
8) John Gómez and Nick the Record Present - TANGENT
Mr Bongo
A compilation of rare and under-the-radar nuggets celebrating 10 years of one of London’s most loved underground club nights, Tangent. Curated and crafted by its two residents DJs and heavyweight record collectors, John Gómez and Nick the Record.
9) Various Artists - Everything Above The Sky / Astral Travelling with Luke Una
RE:WARM
Luke Una's new compilation on RE:WARM records comes into its element when listened to in its entirety on a Sunday morning or as a companion to a long walk in the country. The perfect antidote to the toxicities of the hectic nature of modern life.
10) Bruno Berle - No Reino dos Afetos 2
Far Out Recordings
Far Out Recordings released an absolute gem here and a future timeless Brazilian masterpiece. The return of the amazing Brazilian singer-songwriter Bruno Berle, 'No Reino dos Afetos 2' includes the sublime song 'É Só Você Chegar'. A haunting, short, sweet addictive album.
11) Various Artists - Ayo Ke Disco: Boogie, Pop & Funk From The South China Sea
13) Various Artists - Mr Bongo Record Club Vol.7
14) Transmission Towers - Transmission One
15) Another Taste - Another Taste
16) ganavya - Like The Sky I've Been Too Quiet
17) Bill Withers & Studio Rio - Lovely Day
18) Nala Sinephro - Endlessness
19) SOYUZ (СОЮ3) - Калі Ты Запытаеш (If You Ask) / Tenório
20) New Regency Orchestra - New Regency Orchestra
21) Sven Wunder & Drumetrics Free Time
22) Truth & Devotion - Heaven At Last
23) Menahan Street Band Feat. Rogê – Tropical Man
24) RASA - When Will The Day Come / Within The Sound
25) Bibleway - Tears
27) Alex Kassian x Mad Professor - E2-E4 - A Reference To E2-E4 By Manuel Göttsching
29) Arthur Russell - In The Light Of The Miracle
30) Don Glori - Don't Forget To Have Fun
31) Gitte & Inger - Ud Af Buret (Can't Hide Love)
32) Lau Ro - Cabana
33) Amanda Whiting – The Liminality Of Her
34) Mohammad Syfkhan - I Am Kurdish
35) Kit Sebastian - New Internationale
36) Khartomb - Lullaby/Teekon Warriors/Daisy High
37) Nonna Fab - We Still Out Here
38) Mike Wallace - Theme & Beat Vol. 1
39) Various Artists - Soul Of Haringey
40) Various Artists - Miles Away: One
41) Alessandro Alessandroni - Open Air Parade
44) Ananda Shankar - Ananda Shankar And His Music
45) Florence Adooni - Uh-Ah Song / Otoma Da Naba
46) Joe Kaptein - Eternal Afternoon
47) Dorothy Ashby - Afro-Harping (Deluxe Edition)
48) Admin - Mystical Circles 02
49) Cassie Kinoshi's Seed - Gratitude
50) Aura - Freex / Last Stop