Well, 2024 was something else. Fortunately, there was a lot to like when it came to music, especially in the second half of the year. Here's my top 5:

1. Kim Deal - Nobody Loves You More (4AD)

Crazy to think that after 37 years in the biz, this is Kim Deal's first proper solo album. Although maybe the Amps one-off in '95 might qualify, or the occasional singles she released under her own name over the years. Some songs ("Are You Mine?" and "Wish I Was") were written in 2011-2013. Steve Albini helped with production. Deal sings a lot about loss; she took care of her parents before they both passed and her good friend Albini died earlier this year. There's a lot of interesting instrumentation; the title track includes strings and a brass section, but there are still rockers in abundance. Old friends Britt Walford and Jim McPherson and sister Kelley Deal all help out. It's warm, full and flat-out brilliant. Choice cuts: Disobedience, Coast, Wish I Was.

2. The Cure - Songs of a Lost World (Fiction, Polydor, Lost, Universal, Capitol)

A masterpiece of a return after 16 years from Robert Smith and Co. Majestic soundscapes that take their time to develop. The band is firing on all cylinders, with Reeves Gabrels providing sharp lead guitar, Simon Gallup with heavy bass and Jason Cooper with thunderous drumming. Smith sounds the same as he ever has, although this album's lyrical content is more serious that Cure albums of the past, with lots of ruminations on death and doom. Choice cuts: Alone, A Fragile Thing, Warsong.

3. The Hard Quartet - s/t (Matador)

This wide-ranging debut from a group featuring alt-rock luminaries Stephen Malkmus (Pavement, Silver Jews) and Matt Sweeney (Chavez, Zwan) works because it doesn't sound like either man's past work. Both are hot guitarists and split lead vocals. Along with Emmett Kelly (Will Oldham) and drummer Jim White (Dirty Three, Oldham), the Hard Quartet covers a lot of ground: Scuzzy garage rock, power pop, prog excursions, angular indie rock, stoned country rock and Stonesy swagger. The HQ feels like a real band as opposed to a supergroup dominated by one or two members. Choice cuts: Rio's Song, Chrome Mess, Earth Hater.

4. MJ Lenderman - Manning Fireworks (ANTI-)

The fourth solo release from the guitarist of Wednesday, the album is a feedback-drenched alt-country tour de force. I discovered Lenderman early in '24 thanks to his live album And the Wind (Live and Loose), which is excellent. He drops hilarious vignettes about losers and goofballs in a deadpan delivery that never gets excited, just acknowledges the situation, and includes plenty of pop culture references. You've gotta love an album that closes with a 10-minute song about playing "Bark at the Moon" on Guitar Hero. Choice cuts: Wristwatch, Rudolph, She's Leaving You.

5. Fontaines D.C. - Romance (XL Recordings)

Dublin outfit ditches the post-punk sound of their earlier albums, going for a bigger arena-ready sound that still captivates. They changed their look to something that would have worked at the height of Y2K-mania 26 years ago, but their sound is very much modern and dark. Frontman Grian Chatten is a confident presence as he navigates the band through new territory. Choice cuts: Favourite, Starburster, Here's the Thing.

You can read more about my 2024 faves here.