Above Image Via Facebook: Alt Nation

By Josh McCann

In this special edition of the Alt Monthly, I’ll be listing my favorite Alt Nation songs of 2024. I wrote about my own memories with each song. Also, the Alt Nation top 36 countdown is out! It’s on the Sirius XM app now!

New Songs I like:

Ava Maybee “Call It What You Want”

Sunday (1994) “Tired Boy”

The Kites “Comeback Kid”

Wisp “I Remember How Your Hands Felt On Mine”

Favorite Alt Nation Songs of 2024:

Alice Merton “Run Away Girl”

This one reminds me of winter. The song was hitting its peak in the cold months. I couldn’t help but turn up the chorus, driving down the highway, the fields covered in snow, heat blasting in my car. It was a welcome return for the “No Roots” singer.

Beabadoobee “Beaches”

This is actually track 11?! Should have been the lead single. It doesn’t matter anyway. Great song. I listened to it on my back patio, the sun hitting the fresh cut green grass. It was August. I was going through a painful breakup. I remember playing this on my phone and feeling some relief for a few minutes.

Fontaines D.C. “Starburster”

What can I say? This alt rock track was number one on the Alt-18 so many times. I introduced it as number one on the countdown back in July. It was so exciting! My girlfriend bought me a “your number one” balloon. Best summer ever.

The Killers “Bright Lights”

We got a surprise when The Killers released this song for their Vegas residency. The buildup and choir at the end is pure Killers. Let’s hope for a new record next year.

Black Keys “Beautiful People”

What a fun jam. This was the lead single. What a crazy year they had with cancelling their tour. I remember driving to the grocery on a February morning. I heard my song intro on the Alt-18! My parents called and said they’d heard it. It made a cold and dreary winter afternoon so much better.

The Beaches “Edge of the Earth”

Back in September I got to see them live. It was one of those shows that surpassed my expectations. This track was a highlight of the album. It’s even better live. The lights flashed as the guitar solo pierced the air while Jordan Miller sang her heart out.

Noah Kahone “Homesick”

I had the privilege to cover this show for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Noah played an excellent set. At one point he went in the sold out crowd. I had just started dating my girlfriend. I couldn’t wait to write the review, for her to read it, for the summer to begin. It was the beginning of an amazing time.

U2 “Picture of You”

I was pleasantly surprised to hear this unreleased track. It’s off of their new box set for the 20th anniversary of “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.” Even better that it was being played on Alt Nation. They are one of my favorite bands ever. This one has a cool guitar riff and catchy beat.

Cage the Elephant “Neon Pill”

I’d drive home from teaching my college English class–this would always be on. It’s a great song. The guitars would blast as I’d make my hour long drive home, the signs from fast food chains lighting up the afternoon, the sky was clear with orange streaks. This song was always nice to have.

Suki Waterhouse “Supersad”

During the Fall I played her new album almost everyday. Such a good surprise. I covered her show for the Cleveland Scene. In concert she was mesmerizing–striking poses, rocking out, joking with the crowd in her British accent. It was a fantastic way to end the year. Like the lyrics say, “there’s no point in being supersad”. So many good things ahead!