Top Editorial Picks of 2024: The Definitive, Totally Subjective List

Every year needs a “best of” list, right? Well, here’s ours—a little bit serious, a little bit satirical, and entirely Think Like A Key Music. From unexpected vinyl comebacks and forgotten gems to the hiccups that kept us humble, this list is as much about celebrating the music as it is about having some fun with the quirks of the industry.

So, sit back, enjoy the ride, and maybe discover a new favorite (or just chuckle at our expense). Welcome to the Top Editorial Picks of 2024!

1 - Most Popular Release (Based on Sales, Press, Customer Feedback)
This year was packed with in-demand reissues, but none captured hearts and ears like Andy Bown’s Tarot 7” single reissue. Making its first-ever comeback with a stunning picture sleeve designed by Piper Gates Design (the very team who suggested the reissue to TLAK), it even snagged the prestigious #2 spot on Shindig! Magazine’s “Best 7” Singles of 2024.” A win for Andy—and for fans of great music.

2 - Most Played on SIRIUS XM Radio
Satellite radio: still a titan in the U.S. music scene, and one of the last bastions where DJs hold real power over what gets airplay. Thanks to their discerning taste, Think Like A Key’s releases had some shining moments this year! Rogers & Butler’s Studio 3 album hit the SIRIUS XM waves with singles like “Soho Fantasy,” “Poverty Line,” and “Agree to Disagree” earning coveted spins. Want to take these tunes off the air and into your collection? Grab the album on vinyl or CD—your stereo will thank you. Or keep your dial tuned into the Underground Garage channel.

3 - Most Grammy Award-Winning Collaborators
We’re proud of the incredible talent woven into our catalog, from featured artists to producers and session players. This year, Ward White’s Here Come The Dowsers takes the crown for most star-studded collaborators. The album features Grammy®-winner and Golden Globe®-nominee John Spiker (Tenacious D, Beck, Beth Orton), Grammy®-winner Tyler Chester (Madison Cunningham, Andrew Bird, Jackson Browne), and Mark Stepro (The Wallflowers, Butch Walker, Ben Kweller). This all-star lineup brought their magic to an already stellar album, out now on CD and digital.

4 - Longest Nap Before the Spotlight
The 60s and 70s were a musical treasure chest—but not every band had the resources to leave behind a self-produced record in the record shops. Enter Brevity, whose Home Is Where Your Dog Is lay dormant for over five decades before finally seeing daylight. This “album that never was” captures the raw spirit of an era, and we’re thrilled to have made its release a reality. The CD edition comes with exclusive liner notes penned by band member Rick Vittenson himself, shedding light on the story behind this long-lost gem.

5 - Most Hardcore Devotees
Shawn Phillips’ recently unearthed 1976 concert recording, Outrageous, reminded us of the enduring loyalty of his fanbase. The 2-disc set and its sister release, Ridiculous, an exclusive LP of alternate performances (available only as part of a bundle), Phillips’ magic still enchants both longtime followers and curious newcomers. Even Phillips himself marvels at the depth of connection this music continues to inspire.

6 - Most Unexpected Return to Vinyl
The Shirts are back—and they’ve got grooves! Move On Groove On, the band’s first vinyl release since 1980, takes us straight back to their CBGB’s roots with angular guitar riffs and power-pop perfection. Featuring the inimitable Annie Golden alongside original members Robert Racioppo, Arthur Lamonica, and John Piccolo, the single is a slice of NYC music history in its purest form. The B-side, “Deux Royale,” is the perfect complement to this long-awaited return. A must-spin for anyone who thought vinyl was done with The Shirts. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.

7 - Most Unexpected Collab That Totally Worked
Ex Norwegian and Prof. Stoned joined forces to become The Stoned Norwegians—a match nobody saw coming but everybody loves. Their standout contribution? A haunting cover of John Entwistle’s dark masterpiece “Cousin Kevin” from Tommy. This track appears on Sing Wistle Tunes, a bold and inspired tribute to the often underrated songwriting of The Who’s legendary bassist. Dive into all 17 tracks on CD, or check out the abridged digital version. It’s the collab we didn’t know we needed.

8 - Most Obscure Reissues from 1978 (It’s a Tie!)

• Anji Cakebread’s "Dear Computer": This proto-electronic pop gem has been an underground favorite for years, thanks to the visionary production of Tony Rockliff. Now reissued with a striking new sleeve by Piper Gates Design, it’s a must-have for fans of early electronic music.
• Garbo’s Celluloid Heroes’ "Only Death Is Fatal": A glam-punk obscurity that barely made a ripple on release, this track from former World of Oz frontman Chris Garbo (aka Evans) is finally getting the love it deserves. Also featuring a revamped sleeve by Piper Gates Design, this limited reissue captures the raw, rebellious spirit of the era.

Both releases are flying off the shelves, with only a handful of copies left. Don’t miss your chance to own these hidden treasures from a golden era of music.

9 - Most Epic and/or Quirky Packaging Design
Peter Daltrey’s The Rhymer In The Long-Tongued Room tickled our hearts for most curious packaging in 2024. Each LP comes with an autographed, numbered print of Daltrey’s delightfully quirky “family” portrait—a perfect match for the whimsical, introspective vibe of his 27th album (including his Kaleidoscope & Fairfield Parlour works). A true collector’s dream limited to 100 copies.

10 - Biggest F-Up By the Label
Every label has its hiccups: a typo here, a wrong barcode there. But this year, we hit a new milestone—pressing the wrong master onto a CD release that actually made it to retail! The culprit? John Bromley’s sole album, Sing, which had been fully remastered by Prof. Stoned. If you’ve ended up with the rogue CD, don’t worry: head to tlak.rocks/sing-fix to request a corrected copy. Look for “2024 Remaster” under the title to ensure you’ve got the right one. Lesson learned (probably).

11 - Most Impressive One-Man Band Effort
When it comes to doing it all, no one does it quite like SUPER 8. His album Retro Metro is a dazzling showcase of one man’s ability to craft an entire musical universe from scratch. From writing to playing every instrument, producing, and even recording the whole thing, SUPER 8 proves that sometimes all you need is one person with a vision. Retro Metro is an irresistible blend of nostalgia and catchy tunes, out now on CD and digital—no band required.

12 - Album Most Likely to Start a Cult Following
Art by Fernando Perdomo & Matt Tecu is quietly amassing a loyal audience for its spontaneous, instrumental compositions. Equal parts funk, prog, classic rock, and ambient exploration, this album is a sonic adventure for the fearless. With a sexy follow-up (Getting Warmer) slated for 2025, we can’t wait to see this cult flourish.

13 - Most Relatable Album Title of 2024
And the winner is… Nostalgia For The Great American Monoculture by Gatekeepers. It’s a title that taps into the bittersweet yearning for a shared past that feels impossibly distant—and it delivers a poignant commentary wrapped in a brilliant musical package.

14 - Least Relatable Album Title of 2024
Roger Knott’s Pull The Plough That Furrows Deepest takes the prize for its unapologetically Olde English flair. While it may not resonate with modern sensibilities, there’s a timeless charm in its pastoral poetry—and the music within is as rich and evocative as the title suggests. Sure, it might make you reach for a dictionary, but who said great art has to be easy?

15 - Most Anticipated Album for 2024 (That Still Isn’t Released)
The Poppermost’s Fabracadabra holds the crown for the most hotly anticipated album of the year—despite not actually arriving in 2024. It’s been at least two years in the making, already assigned a catalog number, only to be withdrawn at the last minute by the artist. This stop-and-start approach has only added to the mystique, creating a buzz that rivals any official release. Here’s hoping 2025 finally sees the debut of Fabracadabra. In the meantime, anticipation is the best PR, right?