the-goon-saxs-louis-forster-tells-us-about-his-favorite-music-of-2018

The Goon Sax at Knitting Factory
The Goon Sax @ Knitting Factory, 2018 (more by Em Grey)

Australia’s The Goon Sax released their second album, We’re Not Talking, which found them a little older, a little wiser, but still struggling with relationships. It’s also got swooning string arrangements that play well with the heartfelt lyrics and winning melodies. We’re Not Talking is a terrific album — it made MOJO’s end-of-year list — and if you haven’t listened, you can stream the whole thing below.

Louis Forster, who sings and plays guitar (and sometimes bass and drums) and is the son of The Go-Betweens’ Robert Forster, was kind enough to send us his list of favorite records of the year, complete with commentary and a song pick from each. His list includes fellow Australian bands (Blank Realm, Wonderfuls), some names that have popped up in other lists (U.S. Girls, Jenny Hval, The 1975), and a few left-field picks too. Check out that list below.

LOUIS FORSTER OF THE GOON SAX – FAVOURITE ALBUMS OF 2018 (IN NO ORDER)

Wonderfuls – Voices Like Rain
New record just out by one of Brisbane’s best ever. I haven’t had a chance to give this too many listens yet but it definitely seems to be up there in that strange place with everything else Wonderfuls have done.

Conrad Kraft – Arctica (reissued from an initial run of 50 tapes in 1987)
I bought this record on tour in Glasgow from Monorail. Plug plug plug! Hadn’t heard of him before but it was recommended by people I trust. I’ve been playing all the time now since I got back, its wicked!

Hank Wood and the Hammerheads – S/T
Probably the album I listened to most around the beginning of the year. Also saw them twice when they came to Australia in August. Their show in Ipswich with Kitchens Floor was definitely one of my favourite this year.


The Native Cats – John Sharp Toro
Another step up for Native Cats. Chloe’s lyrics on here are definitely her best ever. I think think they’ve got a new EP out actually which I haven’t even listened to yet. Probably also got to mention Julian’s bass playing which consistently thumps here!


Haram – When You Have Won, You Have Lost
Wicked record. Unfortunately missed them on tour this year because I was away. Ugh!


Ana Da Silva and Phew – Island
We listened to this in the car quite a bit on our last tour. Ana always has been and continues to be one of my heroes. Obviously Phew is amazing as well!


Drew McDowall – The Third Helix
Very cool record and also probably the best show I saw this year. Really intense and beautiful!


Jenny Hval – The Long Sleep
I love Jenny! This is an EP but I’m sliding it in here any way because I love it so much

U.S Girls – In a Poem Unlimited
Hit after hit after hit!

Blank Realm – Last Seen
Mint Slice! Every Blank Realm record has changed my life and this one’s no different!


Yves Tumor – Safe in the Hands of Love

Cindy Lee – Model Express
This album’s great, I really love it. Don’t have a lot to say about it, good good rekkid.

Pious Faults – Old Thread
Really good, from some friends in Brisbane!


Gas – Ebb of Image


The 1975 – A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships

I got really obsessed with all the singles coming out off this record and then every song on the album was just as good, couldn’t believe it. Every song is totally different, so its kind of like listening to the best song off 15 albums or something.

Little Ugly Girls – S/T
Powerful listen!

The Rebel – Bootleg Bodyline Boglad Beehive

This tape is a pretty perfect collection. It’s got some of my favourite Ben Wallers lyrics ever. A Mum and Her Stranger, Cubic Hair, Chasseur John! Don’t really know where you can find a copy of this one, there’s none on discogs or anything, I don’t have one either but a friend of mine does. if you do find one though…