Comeback Special: 2024 Edition

Once again it's time for holiday shopping, and this year's comeback albums make great gifts.  The biggest comeback is probably Sounds Of A Lost World, The Cure's first album of new music in 16 years.  Or maybe it's Ensoulment, The The's first new album since 2000.  

Some of this year's comebacks were bittersweet.  Steve Albini died shortly after the release of Shellac's To All Trains. Wayne Kramer and Dennis Thompson did not live to see the release of Heavy Lifting by The MC5.  Effigies frontman John Kezdy died in 2023 as the band was recording the album Burned (which was released last month).

Fans of Chicago bands like Shellac and The Effigies will also like Rack by The Jesus Lizard and Arcwelder's Continue.  Les Savy Fav's Oui LSF adds a dance beat to noise rock, like chocolat in your beurre de cacahuète.

The mopey Goth in your family might crack a smile if you gift them the latest by The Wolfgang Press, The March Violets or even The Woodentops. 

Fans of difficult music are (by definition) difficult to shop for.  Surprise them with your eclectic taste by giving them new releases from Normil Hawaiians, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, or Seefeel.

The headbanger in your family will dig the new Nasty Savage album, and if you know a hip hop fan, LL Cool J's comeback album The Force proves that he's still one of the best to do it; and Q-Tip's production is top notch. (Tip samples Can, Gary Numan, and Finnish prog rock band Wigwam!)

Softies should read "first since 2000"

Looking for something with a feminine touch?  Try The Softies or Fairground Attraction -- or rock out with The Fastbacks!

The White Animals' album Star Time is one of my favorites of 2024, and the glam rock stomp of "Ready To Go" is a highlight of today's compilation.  

The Hollywood Stars have been away the longest (since 1977), unless you count The MC5, but Brother Wayne is the only original member to do the Heavy Lifting (Dennis Thompson drums on a few songs). It would be a solid comeback even if it were a Wayne Kramer album, and I love his solo on "Black Boots".  

I broke my self-imposed ten year comeback rule to include Johnny Foreigner, simply because it's such a joy to hear them again.  Maybe they can teach me How To Be Hopeful about 2025.