Happy New Year’s Eve, amazing friends, loyal followers and lovers of fine tunes in my world! Very hard to believe that another year has passed us by, but with large excitement, tonight we close the chapter on another spin around the sun and thankfully welcome in 2020 – a blank page offering a terrific chance at new opportunities, unbridled life experiences and everything you can possibly desire and dream for.
While 2019 has certainly been an interesting trip through the calendar, both good and bad, I certainly hope this finds each of you doing well, in great health and celebrating in the midst of a wonderfully enjoyable holiday season surrounded by loved ones and enjoying every minute of this amazing time of year with friends and family.
Better late than never, with just a few hours remaining in ol’ 2019, I’ve taken the time to review the “year in music” and have compiled my audio faves over the last 12 months like I’ve done in the past. As with years prior, I’ve done my best to steer away from the “most popular, mainstream, consensus” picks in the world of music and have created a “ranking” that’s truly my own.
I’ve found that by diggin’ a lil’ deeper, seeking a lil’ harder and opening my mind and ears, I’ve discovered another stellar collections of albums throughout this year. In my list, you’ll find excellent efforts performed by musicians of varying backgrounds, ages and styles, a couple of true surprises, continued brilliance from industry legends and wonderful consistency from a few of my all-time favorites.
Truly, yet another fantastic year of music and honest appreciation of the incredible talent that we are so privileged to witness, enjoy and appreciate. Once again, I encourage you to check out and give a listen to my selections and, in doing so, hope you might uncover a few audio stalwarts, yourself.
From here in the Lone Star State, I’m sending a message of peace to each and every one of you, and your families, and wishing you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR and a 2020 that’s one incredibly successful adventure through the calendar – chock full of great health, much happiness, infinite love and laughter! LIVE A GREAT STORY!
Cheers from The “Unofficial Mayor of Austin!”
Randall Metting
Top 10 Albums of 2019
1) The Highwomen – “The Highwomen”
2) Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real – “Turn Off The News (Build A Garden)
3) Jack Ingram – “Ridin’ High…again”
4) Tanya Tucker – “While I’m Livin'”
5) Ryan Bingham – “American Love Song”
6) Sturgill Simpson – “Sound and Fury”
7) The Lumineers – “III”
8) The Avett Brothers – “Closer Than Together”
9) Vampire Weekend – “Father of the Bride”
10) Josh Ritter – “Fever Breaks”
Honorable Mentions: Tyler Childers – “Country Squire,” Todd Snider – “Cash Cabin Sessions, Volume 3,” Mike and the Moonpies – “Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold,” Miranda Lambert – “Wildcard,” Coldplay – “Everyday Life,” Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra – “From Out Of Nowhere”
Randall Metting 
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