Panopticon, "Bodies Under The Falls"
This is one of the three epic (10+ minute) songs on Kentucky, where Panopticon really lets the black metal blast out. But even among the fury, he takes the time to have that interlude in the middle. It's just a super interesting fusion. Listen to the...flutes? pipes?...on the outro. Just good stuff.
Ezra Furman, "Love You So Bad"
I knew exactly zip about Ezra Furman when his 2018 album Transangelic Exodus showed up on some end of year lists. I know slightly more than zip now, with the thing I've learned: this album rips. Listen to this, this is basically a Cars song but with cello, which is bitchin'.
Anteloper, "Oryx"
Still in 2018 here! I actually think this was another record mined from the best-of lists that year, with this being a presented as an avant-garde jazz thing. And, you know, sure enough! Well, let's empty the ol' vault of knowledge on avant-garde jazz here for your enjoyment:
Isaac Green & The Skalars, "Bloodshot Eyes"
This is from the first Skalars record, and there's a charm with how they blend their ska with some vintage R&B and rock sounds. Their second album is fantastic and a big leap forward, but there were hints with this album that there was more going on than you'd expect.
Bob Marley & The Wailers, "There She Goes"
I think I've mentioned before that the compilation The Complete Wailers - 1967-1972 is a fantastic listen. Collecting a bunch of singles and stuff from that period, it's hard not to be charmed by the whole thing.