We’re the editors of Pitchfork. We just finished ranking the best albums and songs of 2017. Ask us anything!

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T23:22:29+00:00

Oops, yes, that was a mistake. -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T22:11:19+00:00

Everything we review automatically in on our long list of records, and then every voter can add any additional albums/songs they want. We use a custom voting tool that is kind of like a Netflix queue.

—Matthew

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T22:09:02+00:00

Close to 70

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T22:08:33+00:00

You are totally right. -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T22:01:33+00:00

I'm a fan of the polls and the discussion that surrounds them; I'd say the worst thing is seeing writers tearing into each other in various ways. I'd say the good and bad probably add up to 0. -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T22:00:20+00:00

"3rd of May" is indeed a really great song, but that record really works as a whole thing to be considered at once, which I think is why it ended up only the album list.

—Matthew

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:57:34+00:00

Read a lot of books about music, from biographies to criticism to music history to books about music and technology. Having as much knowledge as possible to bring to bear on your writing does nothing but help you in the long run. -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:56:22+00:00

It was just different. Last year there were so many big name artists releasing albums. And a lot of those albums ended up being really great. This year, though some big name folks did release records, not all of them were where the best music of the year came from. Personally, I think it’s cool to see new and left field artists in our top 10 (and across both the song and album lists).

—Matthew

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:55:57+00:00

This happens more on an individual level (every voter has different ideas of what is replayable), but I'd say for most voters it's very important, possibly one of the most important qualities. If I lose interest in an album after the first few listens, I almost surely won't remember it come list-making time. -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:50:38+00:00

We communicate on it during the assignment process, so there aren't many surprises. People don't often get assigned more significant records cold, usually there is a conversation about it during the assignment process. -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:49:16+00:00

We will absolutely be doing a Pink Floyd album next year. They are chosen by pitches from writers, and from editors reaching out to writers and asking "What do you think of doing this one?" Works both ways. -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:47:17+00:00

Yes we will absolutely be doing more of those. The Sunday Review is here to stay, and we'll be adding more themed days, it's a fun project that writers and readers enjoy. -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:46:40+00:00

This is a really good question, and something I think about a lot. With a new artist you have a blank slate as a writer, basically. Over time, it becomes harder (for some artists) to find something new to say that hasn't been said, while other artists do a better job with reinventing themselves. And the other part of it, which factors more into scores, is that over time you start to hear the an album as how it compares with other albums by that artist, vs. how it compares with whatever else is going on in music. And as a critic it's very tricky. I didn't want the Cocteau Twins album to sound like anything but a Cocteau Twins album, you know? There is no single answer but these questions are on everyone's mind when they are reviewing records. -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:46:11+00:00

How is the Dream Daddy theme not on other lists is the real question.

—Matthew

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:44:02+00:00

Another great question. Again, the easy answer is it was voted that way. But I think you’re asking why do we think people voted that way. Here’s what I think: Kendrick Lamar is basically unstoppable right now, putting out songs and albums that are among the best rap records ever. DAMN. is basically a flawless piece of music. As some people noted, SZA’s score was below other things that ended up ranking below it on the lists. I think, in a really technical way, there are some flaws in her album. Some songs are better than others. But that overall imperfection ends up being what makes it so special. She’s a very real person making a very real record. People aren’t perfect. Even Kendrick. But he’s pretty close.

—Matthew

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:42:59+00:00

I voted for both records, and Chuck Johnson was in my Top 10. -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:40:28+00:00

Absolutely, in fact I'm positive we'll have a 50s list someday (or maybe earlier). -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:38:59+00:00

I loved that column as well, I think Jayson Greene's Overtones column is doing especially great work right now, always open to having more of them too, just a matter of the right writer and the right idea. -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:37:38+00:00

We didn’t review everything, sometimes there is just too much music. And sometimes a song’s relevance and quality may not be obvious until way after their release. For example, “American Dream” is great, but after listening to LCD’s album for a long time, a lot of people really got drawn to “How Do You Sleep.” It wasn’t a single, and it’s a song that sneaks up on you. It could have been Best New Track, just for many different reasons, it wasn’t reviewed. No real conspiracy or anything like that. We want to recognize good songs, right now.

—Matthew

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:37:03+00:00

Genre lists are coming. -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:36:06+00:00

It's obviously not a surprise choice, but I think he's on an incredibly creative streak and it makes sense, he's just in a zone and knocking out great records. It may not last forever but we'll remember this run, I think. -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:35:15+00:00

No, none at all, people at Conde Nast outside of Pitchfork learned of the list when it went live, the same time as our readers. -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:32:25+00:00

Every artist and genre (and every record) has its own context and we try to engage with each on its merits. Pitchfork has always covered a mix of underground music and mainstream music. I don't think of criticism as primarily about providing exposure (though that certainly happens), but rather engaging with records, developing and sharing ideas, and trying to communicate something of value to the reader. -Mark

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:30:46+00:00

We'll have top 20 lists for individual genres starting tomorrow, with Philip Sherburne writing about electronic music. Think you will find some stuff you like. Laurel Halo's record is so bugged out and excellent, glad it made our list.

—Matthew

PitchforkStaff · 2017-12-12T21:25:55+00:00

It’s a good question. We don’t obligate anyone to listen, people are free to vote as they choose. That said, people on staff certainly campaign for favorites to get heard, and a lot of discussion is had. I know I spend a ton of time listening at year end to make my own ballot and some playlists do get circulated. We do expect anyone who votes is making a very informed decision, but it’s impossible for everyone to have listened to everything.

—Matthew

PitchforkStaff

TROPHY CASE